Going Off Grid: Advice on 2015 ATV Models
Most top manufacturers have new or upgraded models, which should provide off-roaders with plenty of choices for going off grid. We include only selected models here, with information gathered from several sources, including CycleSoup.com, ATV Magazine, Powersportsbusiness.com, Powersportsnetwork.com and various news outlets and manufacturers’ websites.
Polaris Sportsman XP 1000
ATV Magazine says this “beautiful ATV” is aimed at recreational trail riders who “crave the highest level of performance from their ATV.” This model does indeed offer plenty of juice, including 88 horsepower provided by the 952cc fuel-injected twin. “As the engine builds to mid-range, you can really start feeling its legs begin to stretch and once you’re at full jam, all 88 ponies are out of the stable and you’re really moving,” ATV Magazine gushed. The Sportsman XP 1000 also has an impressive list of features that are standard, including Polaris’ electronic power steering. Starting at around $12,000.
Honda Four Trax Foreman 4×4 ES EPS
The Foreman is “the boss of both ranch and trail…our go-to, do-it-all ATV,” Honda says of this ATV. This model combines plenty of power and fuel efficiency (fuel-injected 500-class engine is standard) “wrapped up in some tough, aggressively styled bodywork.” Starting at $7,099.
Suzuki KingQuad 500 AXi
For more than three decades, Suzuki has been a pioneer in the ATV industry. That kind of heritage and experience goes into the 2015 KingQuad 500AXi, which, Suzuki says, receives a few new changes that provide smoother acceleration with its 493cc fuel-injected engine, quicker throttle response and a stronger feel in the mid-high RPM range. Base MSRP: TBD.
Kawasaki Brute Force 300
On the smaller end of the ATV spectrum, Kawasaki’s Brute Force 300 comes in a small package but offers big fun. Kawasaki says this model, which is powered by a liquid-cooled, 271cc four-stroke engine, offers a practical price, proven dependability and “is also built tough enough to handle loads of fun on the trails and years of chores on the farm.” MSRP is $4,299.
To shop for and research your next ATV, or to sell your current machine, visit ATVSoup.com.
