This two-up ATV offers both raw power and handsome good looks; a result of the painted finishes which Polaris claims are also 900% tougher than standard plastics. Thanks to the plush passenger seat, ergonomic grips, rolled IRS, adjustable footrests and extended wheelbase this machine is capable of delivering the most comfortable trip two people could share on one ATV. The Touring model is packed with the same great features that you have come to expect on the Polaris Sportsman models with the addition of a Turf mode
which allows for single wheel drive, minimizing damage to sensitive terrain. Test scores demonstrate this machine to be a crowd favourite amongst the OOD riders. Rider Steve Hughes comments, “Every one wanted to test this machine over and over and for good reason. When something looks that good and performs as well, it’s a joy to ride.” Mark Zebedee agrees, “This was my absolute favourite bike we tested. Hopefully my next!” Stephanie Trombley commented that the ride was a little too stiff for her liking; however, the suspension is fully adjustable and can be set to accommodate every rider.

Versatility and ease of use have been combined to produce this ATV. Whether you are a hunter, angler, farmer or casual trail rider this machine will fit the bill. A single brake lever that senses the brakes all around the machine will avoid new rider confusion when having to apply the brakes quickly. Automatic four-wheel drive is another convenient feature for ease of use. The machine automatically engages all wheels when it senses the terrain warrants it and
reverts to two-wheel drive for ease of handling when not needed. Electronic fuel injection and a convenient sealed front storage rack remain unchanged this year. A new addition for 2008 is an Active Descent Control system. This feature works with the built in engine brake to give the rider optimum control when going down steep inclines. “This bike fit me well. I felt comfortable taking it out on the jumps. The power and handling was great,” says Nicole Bruneau. Nicole’s husband Kevin agrees, “This ATV is smaller and easier to
handle than the 800cc Sportsman but it still has plenty of power for all of my outdoor needs. This one I would buy.”

ATV market surveys have shown the mid-size 400cc ATVs to be one of the largest selling segments despite the advertising push for bigger and more powerful bikes. Replacing the award-winning Eiger is the all-new 2008 Kingquad 400. This was the smallest of the ATV’s tested this year but this mid-size machine combines enough comfort and practical features into a sporty looking bike to receive big nods from most of the riders. Despite its small size (4 inches shorter than the
Eiger) the dependable air/oil cooled, single cylinder, 4-valve, 4-stroke engine has been tuned for high torque output and quick acceleration and Suzuki has increased its ground clearance by half an inch to 9.8 inches. Its advanced engine brake system minimizes freewheeling and unnecessary wear on brake pads on the large front disc brakes and water resistant rear drum brake. “The Suzuki could handle all of the challenges of the test drive and went wherever the larger machines went,” states test driver Kevin Bruneau. Mark Zebedee was impressed with this bike, “the Kingquad has user friendly controls and shifter including high and low gear. The 2 inch receiver for the trailer hitch provides the adaptability of truck to ATV exchanges, which is great. It also handled really well in the tight turn obstacle course.”

If you want an ATV that works hard and will put a smile on your face when it is time to have fun on the trail, look no further than the Foreman. This machine has as much low-end torque as it has top-end performance. To keep the weight down, centre of gravity low and to reduce the number of moving parts, Honda has positioned the engine longitudinally in the chassis. The crankshaft points to the front and rear axles, eliminating the need for horsepower-robbing bevel gears. Last year, the Foreman 4x4 ES introduced its revolutionary Electric Power Steering. There is no doubt that this ATV is versatile enough to handle just about any task the rider or the trail can throw its way but aboard the Foreman, with its power steering, it feels a lot less like work. The Foreman features an electric-shifting (ES), five-speed transmission with automatic clutch. Steve Hughes shares, “this is the bike I have been riding for a while. It has ipressive power and reliability, it’s quiet and easy to ride with the ES.” Jason Bastedo said “this ATV has enough power for trailriding and handles very well.”

Can-Am claims to have one of the strongest 500cc engines on the ATV market today. Their Outlander Max 2-up with 500cc twin-cylinder engine did not disappoint at this year’s ATV Test Ride. In fact, many riders claimed that this may be, not one of, but the, strongest machine in its class. The passenger seat is comfortable and slightly elevated to give the passenger a clear view of the trail ahead. Ergonomic handgrips and raised floorboards add to the passenger’s comfort and safety. Can-Am’s innovative Trailing Torsional independent rear suspension eliminates scrub and camber changes by eliminating the rear arc pattern of most independent rear suspensions. This results in a smoother ride and better handling even in the roughest of terrain. The bike also boasts a security system, inboard brakes to protect the pads from debris, continuous construction steel frame and a dash display that the test riders raved about. “There were certain features that I loved about this bike including the small grips, stability, it was easy to read the speedometer and the colour made it look real sporty,” writes Aaron Robbins. Jason Bastedo echoes these comments, “For a 2-up machine it handles very well. I would buy one of these ATV’s. Well done.”

Test rider, Steve Hughes, sums up the Rhino well, “I am so impressed
with the power of this machine and it is very comfortable. There is
enough storage for equipment and tools in the back, under the seat, in the glove box and between the riders to make this buggy the envy of any hunter or ice fisherman.” The Rhino has been completely updated for 2008 with a new engine, fuel injection, 4-wheel disc brakes and much more. Tough, blow-molded doors keep the elements on the trail where they belong. These doors combined with the safety belt and body-hugging seats give the rider a real sense of security regardless of terrain. A big concern amongst serious riders is the possibility of ripping a CV boot while miles from home. Yamaha has addressed this concern with a newly designed boot that is stronger, resists tearing and damage from impact and offers better durability against fatigue, wear, and weather. A single automotive-style brake pedal activates the dual front and rear disc brakes. All four discs are tucked out of the way to prevent damage from rocks or stumps. There is also a mechanical, console-mounted parking break with an automotive style lever which features a dash-mounted warning light to avoid operating the unit with the parking brake engaged. Also conveniently located on the dash is a push-button “On-Command”” system that will allow you to switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD - all with the simple push of a button. Many of the riders, like Mark Zebedee, suggested a larger steering wheel, “I love the camo, the suspension and the handling on rough terrain but I did find the steering wheel to be a little too small.” Many riders also hoped for the inclusion of Yamaha’s power steering in next years Rhino.

It is getting dark and you have to get yourself and two hunting buddies, with gear, and a moose out of the bush and back to camp in as few trips as possible; the Ranger is the machine for this task. The Ranger has a cargo box capacity of 1000lb./454kg, a towing capacity of 1500lb/681kg and seating for three with safety belts for each rider. There is additional storage under the seat for gear and the Polaris exclusive Lock & Ride cargo system allows you to add a gas can and a chainsaw or switch out to a single or dual gun scabbard or cargo box. Lock & Ride accessories give you instant on and off versatility, with no tools needed and no parts to lose. The Ranger also has an on demand all wheel drive system that automatically senses when the rear wheels slip to engage both front wheels for true four wheel drive. You will also appreciate the unlocking rear differential to minimize damage on grass or sensitive terrain. The Ranger is available in the XP models (700cc) but the 500cc, with electronic fuel injection, has plenty of power for this job, great handling and a surprisingly smooth ride thanks to the independent rear suspension. Test rider Aaron Robins likes the Ranger and believes it is great for everyday use, “this machine will pull enough weight for hunters and farmers and it is easy enough to use for enthusiasts. Lots of power and a good sized steering wheel.” After hearing repeated requests from the test riders for larger steering wheels rider Steve Hughes was also happy with the
oversized steering wheel found on the Ranger, “ the feature that stood out to me right away was the large steering wheel. It was a dramatic difference in the ease of steering.”

These machines are big and they are powerful. Both the gasoline and the diesel Bobcats tested offer industrial strength power; rugged good looks and both are loaded with great features. These utility vehicles from Bobcat are made with a durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum chassis for longer performance life. The all-aluminum, tubular frame also makes the Bobcat 2200 lightweight yet strong. These machines come standard with a front brush guard and electric bed lift for the cargo box. “The Bobcats have user friendly controlsand lots of low end torque and mid range power. They have a great roomy cab and spacious headroom. The power dump box is a great feature and would make these machines a great addition to any worksite, hunt camp or farm,” says rider Mark Zebedee. A dash mounted headlight switch conveniently allows the user to turn the lights on and off regardless of key position. Just be sure to switch it off when you are done or risk draining the batteries. Tilt steering was also a welcome feature as was the adjustable seat. Although the gasoline engine allowed for a little more speed most of the riders preferred the diesel for its added torque. Bobcat has utilized an IntelliTrak automatic differential lock so there is no need to manually shift into four-wheel drive. This drive system provides steady power to all four wheels and prevents them from slipping. It automatically
locks the differential for the terrain at hand providing outstanding traction and easy shifting. With the IntelliTrak, 6.4 inches of ground clearance, double A-arm front suspension and swing-arm rear design the Bobcat 2200s are also impressive in off-road situations.