ATV's provide a unique off road experience

Available in sport mode, or more traditional agricultural spec, these bikes offer a host of off road fun. Among the more aggressive ATVs is the Yamaha Grizzly 700 ESP. It features an industry exclusive electric power steering system that makes it not just the toughest Grizzly ever, but also the smoothest riding. Powering the Grizzly 700 EPS is Yamaha's revolutionary fuel injected 686cc, four-stroke forward inclined single cylinder and liquid cooled engine. This features a ceramic composite coated, all aluminium cylinder, a reverse facing air intake, electronic fuel injection, straight intake tracts and four valves per cylinder for grunt on tap.

It also features a high efficiency radiator mounted high in the chassis to protect against mud and debris. The Grizzly's power steering system is speed sensitive, so that the rider benefits from more assistance when needed at low speed and less when on the move. A low mounted 20 litre fuel cell centralises mass and ensures that handling characteristics are further optimised. To assist with braking, the engine features Yamaha's Engine Brake Control, which helps to slow the ATV when descending steep downhills. Like the Grizzly 660 4x4, the Grizzly 700 4x4 EPS transfers power from its engine to the wheels through Yamaha's Ultramatic V-Belt transmission featuring high and low range, reverse, plus parking brake. By pressing a button on the handlebar, the rider can also select two or four wheel drive operation.

In four wheel drive mode, the Grizzly 700 can use the differential lock to deliver the torque equally to all wheels for maximum traction. The straight layout design of the drive shafts reduces vibration and minimises torque fluctuations in the drive line.

YFM700R Raptor
Yamaha has introduced its first 2008 model sports ATV as the top of the range YFM700R Raptor makes its debut in Standard and Special Edition guises. With its blend of awesome power and absolute control, the Raptor is a head turning ATV that delivers a massive spread of liquid-cooled power and ultra sharp handling. Sporting a hybrid aluminium/steel sports chassis, fully adjustable suspension and large diameter front discs, the remarkable YFM 700R is built to dominate. And for race -winning performance to match its great handling chassis, this undisputed class leader is driven by a fuel injected high-torque 686cc four-stroke engine that kicks out huge levels of power and torque that leave the opposition breathing dust.

With a race-bred five speed gearbox and reverse gear, the versatile Raptor is suitable for a wide variety of uses from hard core racing to laidback trail riding and from tight woods terrain to wide open sand dunes. The standard version comes in Yamaha Blue and Red/Grey and retails for $12,799 while the Special Edition version features trick graphics and comes in Red/White priced $13,099.

Honda Sportrax 400
Perhaps not as aggressive as the Raptor, the Honda Sportrax 400 combines high performance and refinement.
It is powered by a 397cc four-stroke single cylinder RFVC?engine and sits on a rugged steel frame with removable sub frame for easy maintenance. It is equipped with radial tyres, reverse gear, maintenance free automatic cam-chain tensioner and stainless steel dual exhaust. It has independent double wishbone front suspension with 208mm of travel from twin Showa shock absorbers with five position adjustable spring preload for superb ride quality over harsh terrain.
www.honda.com.au