Smoky Mountain Showdown

You've probably read a ton of comparison tests that make apologies for ATVs based on the job site work they're capable of doing or towing capacity or other wimpy reasons like that. Well, for the record, this is a real sport-utility test. Take some of the harshest, most unforgiving terrain on the planet in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains, throw some big-bore machines at it and winner, no, survivor take all.

It's not that we don't care about the more sedate uses for ATVs, it's just that we've already done that test. Coming in the October '03 issue, just in time for hunting season, will be our Hunter's Choice test, with many of these same models making a return appearance. For now, fasten your seat belts 'cause it's a real roller-coaster ride.

A pair of 500-class machines from Suzuki and Arctic Cat (both actually share similar powerplants) make an appearance in this test. We initially wanted to exclude them from the festivities, but their manufacturers insisted they were appropriate contenders, so they were included with the big boys.

Individual ATV Tests
[#1 Honda Fourtrax Rincon	[#2 Kawasaki Prairie 650 4x4
[#3 Suzuki Vinson 500 4x4	[#4 Yamaha Grizzly 660
[#5 Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin	[#6 Bombardier Quest 650
[#7 Arctic Cat 500 4x4

Location
Our original intent was to explore a number of Smoky Mountain locations, from the rocky wilds of Tellico (page 87) to the big mountain trails contained in this test to perhaps some more sedate farmland. Mother Nature had other ideas.

One of the biggest snowstorms of the season hit on our first scheduled day of testing, so a contingency plan was in order. Luckily, Kawasaki had introduced us to the Big Buck facility in South Carolina just days earlier. With the course on which Kawasaki's V Force sport quad (April '03) made its debut already in place, we were able to piggyback our way to an epic test facility just over the border from our original locale. The Big Buck is a red-clay course with lots of trees, roots and rocks, plus a couple of good hills and ravines thrown in for good measure. Very tight, very technical, but also very safe at low speed--a good way to get to know our contestants before our mountain adventure.

Our next two days of testing involved a blend of public and private lands near Burnsville, North Carolina. With a day off to allow the snow to melt a bit, conditions were perfect: no dust and made even trickier than normal, with snowdrifts and ice to spice things up and truly show the all-terrain capabilities of each contender.

The trails in this area are simply breathtaking. However, if you don't like climbing hills, this is not the place for you. Miles of steep, wide-open-throttle climbs on loose, rocky soil. Occasional meadows and fire roads, spots of technical woodsmanship, West Coast-style rock crawling and a gravel pit all culminate with a tough climb up to a peak known locally as Lil' Yella.

In all this undulating terrain, we still weren't able to do our standing-start 10th-mile test. However, we got a good feel for the units' relative thrust while climbing steep inclines and pushing through snowdrifts. We asked for challenging terrain and got it in spades.

Many thanks to Hank Turner for the use of the Big Buck property in South Carolina, and special thanks to Pete Jarrett for guiding us around some of the most happening private trails in the United States.

Flats
Of all the ATV trips we've been on, we've witnessed only one area remotely as tough on the rubber as these Smoky Mountains. Honda's Rincon introduction at the Grand Canyon had us regularly fixing flats.

Luckily, the flats didn't phase the locals much; they're used to it! It seemed as if every other person had a tire repair kit in their tool kit, and when our air compressor went out, another was produced from a backpack.

In all, we experienced six flats in two days of hard testing over 150 miles. The Rincon had three, the Quest two and the Grizzly one.

Manual Quads?
The two 500s of this test--Suzuki's Vinson and Arctic Cat's 500--were unique for more than just their smaller engine size; they also had semi-automatic transmissions, while all the others had some form of full automatic. Both companies decided to send their "shifter" models; we thought this was a good idea, as every ounce of power would be necessary to overcome the large displacement disadvantage.

However, the whole experiment backfired when the testers did nothing but complain about the units lacking the auto trannies, especially the unique heel-toe system on the Arctic Cat. Not to worry: Both models--for a small premium of about $200-$300--come with automatic transmissions.

Opinions

Loyal readers will notice that, in our shootouts, we always try to include a variety of testers of different ages, backgrounds and experience levels. The trails we rode in North Carolina, however, were so challenging that we doubt a true rookie (or even a rider of moderate skill) would have come through unscathed. Our guide and elder statesman was Pete Jarrett, who's been riding these North Carolina trails since the early '70s. Our other local is recent transplant and ATV convert (and ATVR contributing editor) Len Nelson. ATVR editor and California boy Billy Bartels likes riding the 4x4 trails more than you might imagine. From neighboring state Tennessee, ATVR contributing editor David Wilmot and Scott Voorheis consider themselves experienced casual riders. Paul Bremer uses his ATVs for a mix of work and play in the wilds of Michigan. Lastly (filling the role of rookie), Matt Gambill is an experienced 4x4 truck driver and off-road motorcyclist, but new to sitting on top of a four-wheel-drive machine.

Billy Bartels
This comparison comes down to $1200. That's the price difference between the sublime Honda and the quad that came out of nowhere for a number of the testers: Suzuki's Vinson. The Vinson's been a favorite of mine since it was introduced a couple of years ago. I know how capable and complete this quad is. Power to get up any obstacle, well-tuned suspension, good tires and good handling. If I could add a manual diff-lock, more power and even better suspension, look out!

The Honda is the best there is, but you shell out a large premium to get the well-designed suspension, innovative transmission and lightweight package. However, for such a high price I expected a bit punchier power.

Down a step for me were the Grizzly and the Sportsman 700. I was down on the Grizzly at first as unspectacular in this accomplished group, but after riding it in some of the toughest sections of trail, I came away newly impressed by its poise.

The Sportsman is a fine machine in its own right but suffers in this venue. Unless the machine can handle all terrains, it's not all-terrain.

The Bombardier is worth a look if you're a very laid-back rider, as its stability and surefootedness are second to none. The Prairie: big motor, subpar high-speed handling. And the Arctic Cat: I've now tried it in a number of venues, and while it has its high points (like center of gravity), it's just not my thing.

Paul Bremer
Unbelievable power, easy handling, good suspension, a smooth transmission and easy-to-use controls make the Kawasaki Prairie 650 the best overall machine for me.

With by far the best suspension and ride of any machine, the Honda Rincon makes difficult trails seem easy but lacks on-demand power.

With its good ride and top-end power, the Yamaha Grizzly 660 is a comfortable and effective quad for anywhere. Not as easy to ride as the Honda and lacking grunt compared to the Kawasaki.

The Suzuki Vinson offers a quad with good power, comfort and good handling whether it's at low or high speed--a great buy for the money.

The Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin was a little tricky going downhill and around fast corners, but overall it was an easy machine to ride.

Bombardier Quest 650 has great usable power. The Quest makes climbing steep and difficult hills easy. It offers great storage compartments, racks and easy-to-use features.

The Arctic Cat seemed sluggish on the trails when going up steep inclines. It was also difficult to ride on off-camber corners and big uphills and seems wide.

Matt Gambill
I definitely felt the most comfortable on the extremely predictable and plush Honda Rincon. Given the slippery, muddy, rocky, frozen and sometimes dry environment, the tires and suspension performed with incredible prowess. The only thing the Honda needs is more power.

My number two choice is Yamaha's Grizzly. The suspension felt nice; not quite as comfy as the Honda, but active enough to inspire confidence when moving quickly through tight woods.

The Prairie is a drag racer's dream come true, by far the most powerful of the bunch. I had the most fun riding this rig.

The Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin's independent rear suspension was super-plush and tracked nicely on off-camber sections. It loves to conquer downed trees and boulders.

Best quad for the buck is Suzuki's Vinson. Good power, but I'm not a big fan of its suspension. The Vinson felt rigid and I found myself getting tired quicker on it.

Pete Jarrett
My number one choice, the Prairie, is extremely powerful with impressive ability in high range. Handles well, intuitive controls, very agile in tight woods--almost a perfect trail rider. I only wish it were a little smaller like the Honda.

The Rincon rides smooth, is very light on its feet and easy to maneuver. Somewhat underpowered and not as good at climbing as the Kawasaki. The radial tires it wears belong on every ATV.

The Suzuki Vinson is nimble and a very good value, despite being a little underpowered. Very sporty appearance. Comfortable seat.

Polaris 700 would be my top pick for farm or work use. Unfit for the trails in the Appalachians. It is too wide, underpowered and overweight.

The Yamaha fit me very well. But suspension is poor; bad bump and torque steer felt by the rider.

The Arctic Cat has very good ground clearance. Would be a good machine with a little refinement. Fenders don't cover tires and spray rider with mud.

Last is the Bombardier Quest. Storage on this machine is fantastic. Far too underpowered for my tastes.

Len Nelson
Everything about the Rincon is smooth. It's fast without being brutish, agile without sacrificing straight-line stability and easy to operate. The machine is sleek and seems to dance through the woods.

At the first opportunity I took a good stab at the Prairie's throttle and held it wide open--not only was I accelerating hard but I couldn't stop smiling. I would opt for some suspension mods before touching anything else.

The Yamaha has a strong motor but lives in the shadow of the Kawasaki. The suspension worked well but occasionally caught me off-guard--not in a good way. The Suzuki Vinson is the deal of the century. It will go just about anywhere, is comfortable to ride and can keep up with the best of them.

The Quest is actually pretty good. Cavernous dry storage space, good racks and tires and one of the best four-wheel-drive systems make it a formidable contender.

The Polaris was as heavy feeling as the Bombardier--until you got it rolling. The transmission bulges out on the left side so much that it spread my legs apart and caused my knees to ache. The 700 Twin can be a blast to ride but could use some refinement.

Everyone felt for the "lucky" tester who happened to be in the rotation to ride the Arctic Cat through the GNCC course. I would have gone to the gym if I had wanted to work my arms and chest into such a burn.

Scott Voorheis
The Honda is my choice for the top spot. The Rincon did not transmit bumps or jolts through the handlebar, which is a big pet peeve.

Power is the first thing that comes to mind with the Prairie. The engine on this beast pumps out gobs of knobby-tearing torque. It does need a little refining in the suspension, however.

The Polaris is an easy, fun ride. A big machine with big suspension.

Compared with the rest of the price tags, the Vinson has everything you need for the right price.

The mountain goat Bombardier is the workhorse of this stable. Suspension? Yes, it needs some. But who needs boingers if you are climbing straight up sheer cliffs?

The Yamaha has very trail-friendly suspension. Handlebar feedback was not as precise as the other machines.

I think the Arctic Cat would be at home on a farm.

David Wilmot
In the sport-utility category, the Prairie powers its way to the top.

Suzuki came close, but loses by a (plastic) nose. With the money you save on this quad, the first thing you need to buy is a "real" front bumper.

The Grizzly claws it way to the number three spot. The Griz offers a great motor with plenty of torque, decent suspension and lots of "fun factor."

Honda cruises it way to fourth. The Rincon does everything well, is predictable and offers as much excitement as a merry-go-round.

The Polaris surprised me on how well it handled. The 700 Twin provides plenty of usable power with brisk acceleration.

The Bombardier is very stable at low speeds. It has the best off-camber handling and climbs hills like a mountain goat.

The Cat couldn't keep its paws on the trail. The front end would unexpectedly leap and head toward points unknown. In times of push-button 4WD, the Cat's lean-over-and-push/pull lever on the fender seems antiquated.