Back by popular demand is our annual guide to ATVs, dirtbikes, mountain bikes, and personal watercraft-or what we like to call nontruck fun. We've culled some of the newest offerings and as well as favorites to help you do comparison shopping-or to plant a seed for partaking in other types of off-pavement fun (yes, a PWC is very much is an off-road vehicle!). We've also included a handful of key specs and pricing info. Whether it's utility, adventure, or getaway you've got planned, you'll find a machine here.
Honda TRX300EX
Quickie: It has long-travel suspension, and a specially designed carb with accelerator pump for an eye toward fuel economy.
Engine: 282cc single-cylinder four-stroke
Suspension, f/r: Independent double-wishbone/Swing-arm
Dimensions: 67.7 inches long, 41.8 inches tall, 43.5 inches wide
Weight: 390 pounds (ready to ride)
Towing Capacity: N/A
MSRP: $4,999
More Info: www.powersports.honda.com
Thundercat 1000 H2 EFI
Quickie: An Arctic Cat-built engine, improved shifting, and other exterior updates are new for 2008.
Engine: V-Twin 950cc H2 four-stroke-H2 equals hemi
Suspension: Fully independent
Dimensions: 84.8 inches long, 49.3 inches tall, 47.5 inches wide
Weight: 716 pounds (dry)
Towing Capacity: 1,050 pounds
MSRP: $10,499
More Info: www.arcticcat.com
Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i
Quickie: Improvements for 2008 include digital fuel injection and revised suspension settings.
Engine: 749cc V-twin four-stroke
Suspension, f/r: Double A-arm/Independent, double A-arm
Dimensions: 86.4 inches long, 48.5 inches tall, 45.9 inches wide
Weight: 605.3 pounds (dry)
Towing Capacity: 1,250 pounds
MSRP: Starts at $7,799
More Info: www.kawasaki.com
Polaris Outlaw 450 MXR
Quickie: It's a limited-edition sport ATV for MX enthusiasts. It has a straight-axle and advanced suspension.
Engine: 449cc four-stroke
Suspension: Double A-arm
Dimensions: 71.5 inches long, 45 inches tall, and 47 inches wide
Weight: 365 pounds (dry)
Towing Capacity: N/A
MSRP: $7,199
More Info: www.polarisindustries.com
Suzuki KingQuad 750 AXi 4x4
Quickie: It has the biggest engine Suzuki has made, a beefy drivetrain, 7.1 inches of wheel travel, and Sure-Track differential.
Engine: 722cc single-cylinder four-stroke
Suspension: Independent double-wishbone
Dimensions: 83.3 inches long, 49 inches tall, 49.2 inches wide
Weight: 601 pounds (dry)
Towing Capacity: 400 pounds uneven surface; 992 on straight road, low speed
MSRP: $7,599
More Info: www.suzukicycles.com
Kawasaki KLX 450R
Quickie: Purpose-built version of motocross-winner KX 450F-therefore, it likes hillclimbs, mud holes, and other gnarly terrain.
Engine: 449cc four-stroke
Suspension, f/r: 48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork/Uni-Trak single shock
Seat height: 37 inches
Weight: 253.5 pounds (dry)
MSRP: $7,299
More Info: www.kawasaki.com
Yamaha Grizzly 660 Automatic 4x4
Quickie: On-Command has three positions: two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive with limited-slip, and four-by with locking diff.
Engine: 660cc single-cylinder four-stroke
Suspension: Independent double-wishbone
Dimensions: 82.1 inches long, 47.6 inches tall, 45.3 inches wide
Weight: 600 pounds (dry)
Towing Capacity: 1,212 pounds
MSRP: Starts at $7,199
More Info: www.yamaha-motor.com