2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE

Over a hundred models to tease and tantalize riders By the staff of Dirt Wheels

 

*Two-wheel drive ATV aficionados have plenty of choices for 2021. Check out our  2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE below. 

ARCTIC CAT ALTERRA 300 

The Alterra 300 is a small-bore ATV with a big heart and desire for fun. The 270cc four-stroke engine is capable of towing up to 500 pounds, and the rack capacity is 50 pounds on the (Front) and 100 pounds on the (Rear). The (Front) suspension is a double-A-arm style, with a (Rear) swingarm and 5 inches of travel (Front) and (Rear).

Engine type:Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke, Displacement:270cc, Transmission:CVT w/ reverse, Final drive:Shaft, Fuel capacity:4.3 gal., Wheelbase:46.4”, Length/width/height: 73.6×41.4×44”, Ground clearance: 8.25”, Claimed dry weight: 477 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Dual A-arm/5”, (Rear) Swing Arm/5”, Tires: (f/r) 22×7-10/22×10-10, Retail price: $4,399.

2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE

HISUN FORGE 250

The smallest ATV in Hisun’s lineup is the chain-drive Forge 250. Available in 2WD, the ATV features a CVT and aluminum wheels. Also standard is a 2,500-pound winch, an almost unheard of feature on an ATV this small. The (Front) rack is capable of carrying 44 pounds, while the (Rear) rack can carry 77 pounds.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, OHC, 4-stroke, Displacement: 229cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 2.9 gal., Wheelbase: 51”, Length/width/height: 82.5x42x46”, Ground clearance: 8”, Claimed dry weight: 639 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Dual A-arm/N/A, (Rear) Swing Arm/N/A,Tires: (f/r) 25×8-12/25×10-12, Retail price: $3,699.

2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE

HONDA FOURTRAX RECON/RECON ES

When it comes to big things coming in small packages, Honda has a corner on the market with the FourTrax Recon. There are two versions of the Recon available: the base model and Recon ES, with the latter bringing Honda’s exclusive Electric Shift Program technology, which features push-button shifting on the handlebar.

Engine type: Air-cooled, OHV 4-stroke, Displacement: 229cc, Transmission: Push-button, 5-speed, auto-clutch w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 2.4 gal., Wheelbase: 44.5”, Length/width/height: 75×40.7×42.1”, Ground clearance: 6”, Claimed wet weight: 434 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front)Independent double wishbone/5.1”,  (Rear) Swingarm/4.9”, Tires: (f/r) 22×7-11/22×10-9, Retail price: $4,299; $4,549.

HONDA FOURTRAX RANCHER/RANCHER ES

Two more versions of Honda’s popular FourTrax Rancher: the base Rancher and Rancher ES. They are popular for a reason. They are economical to buy and operate. The 5-speed manual is easy to operate, and power output is very decent for the 420cc engine. Bump up to the ES model and you’ll get Honda’s Electric Shift Program.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, OHV, Displacement: 420cc, Transmission: 5-speed auto-clutch w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 3.9 gal., Wheelbase: 50”, Length/width/height: 82.8×47.4×46.2”, Ground clearance: 7.2”, Claimed wet weight: 580 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Independent double wishbone/6.69”, (Rear) Swingarm/6.79”, Tires: (f/r) 24×8-12/24×10-11, Retail price: $5,499; $5,799.

2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE

KAWASAKI BRUTE FORCE 300

The compact Brute Force 300 is the entry-level ATV in Kawasaki’s full-size lineup. It can tow up to 500 pounds with its 271cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. It can carry 44 pounds on its (Front) rack and 66 pounds on the (Rear) rack. Another great feature are the Maxxis tires on both the (Front) and (Rear).

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, Displacement: 271cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 3.2 gal., Wheelbase: 45.9”, Length/width/height: 75.4×42.5×46.1”, Ground clearance: 6.1”, Claimed wet weight: 535.8 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Independent double wishbone/5.2”, (Rear) Swingarm/5.6”, Tires: (f/r) Maxxis 22×7-10/22×10-10, Retail price: $4,399.

 

2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE

KAYO BULL 180

Designed for riders 16+, the Kayo Bull is a compact utility quad with a low seat height. We have tested it, and the engine performance is impressive for its size. We also found that the suspension was very good for a budget quad. It has electric start, a CVT and (unusual for a budget quad) three disc brakes. It has a one-year limited warranty.

Engine: Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke, single cylinder, Displacement: 177cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 1.4 gal, Wheelbase: 41.3”, Length/width/height: 67.3×38.4×40.5”, Ground clearance: 6.3”, Claimed wet weight: 353 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Double A-arm/NA, (Rear) Swingarm/NA, Tires: (f/r) 23×7-10/22×10-10, Retail price: $2,599.

KAYO BULL 200

Interestingly, the Kayo Bull 180 is 177cc, but the Bull 200 is 176cc! The Bull 200 engine is a modern liquid-cooled unit, though. Like the 180, it is loaded: disc brakes, lights, racks, a CVT with reverse and adjustable shocks. It is for riders 16-plus, and it uses the same-size tires as the 180, but is physically a bit larger in dimensions. It suits adults.

Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, single cylinder, Displacement: 176cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 2.4 gal, Wheelbase: 44”, Length/width/height: 70×37.5×41.3”, Ground clearance: 6.9”, Claimed wet weight: 397 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Double A-arm/NA, (Rear) Swingarm/NA, Tires: (f/r) 23×7-10/22×10-10, Price: $2,899.

2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE

KYMCO MXU 270

The Kymco MXU 270 is a transitional ATV for riders 14 years old and older. Electric start, a CVT with reverse and a sprightly 270cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine make it a great entry-level ATV. If work is what needs to get done, the MXU 270 can tow up to 500 pounds.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, Displacement: 270cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 3.3 gal., Wheelbase: 46.6”, Length/width/height: 71.2×41.3×43.7”, Ground clearance: 10.2”, Claimed dry weight: 478 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Dual A-arm/5”, (Rear) Swingarm/5”, Tires: (f/r) 22×7-10/22×10-10, Retail price: $3,899.

KYMCO MXU 150X

Kymco’s MXU 150X is a simple machine designed for riders 12 years and older. Its 149cc powerplant is mated to an automatic Transmission: with forward, neutral and reverse. The MXU 150X has a single-A-arm (Front) suspension with preload-adjustable shocks and a swingarm (Rear) suspension with adjustable shocks.

Engine type: Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke,Displacement: 149cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal., Wheelbase: 43.9”, Length/width/height: 70.0×37.4×40.9”, Ground clearance: 7.75”, Claimed dry weight: 349 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Single A-arm/3.5”,(Rear) Swing Arm/3.5”, Tires: (f/r) 21×7-8/22×10-8, Retail price: $3,099.

2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE

POLARIS PHOENIX 200

The Phoenix 200 is designed for youth riders 14 years and older but still offers parents the ability to keep the youngsters’ enthusiasm in check with an adjustable speed limiter. Polaris is also including one color-matched youth helmet with the purchase of a Phoenix 200.

Engine type: Air-cooled, OHV, 4-stroke, Displacement: 196cc, Transmission: PVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 2.5 gal., Wheelbase: 45”, Length/width/height: 65.0x42x42”, Ground clearance: 5.7”, Claimed dry weight: 420 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Dual A-arm/7”, (Rear) Swingarm/6.5”, Tires: (f/r) 21×7-10/20×10-9, Retail price: $4,199.

2021 ATV 2×4 BUYER’S GUIDE

TRACKER OFF-ROAD 300

The Tracker Off-Road 300 features a CVT with 2WD. Carrying the ATV are 22-inch Kenda Pathfinder tires on powder-coated steel wheels. The (Front) rack can carry 50 pounds, while the (Rear) rack can carry 100 pounds. The tow rating for the 300 is 500 pounds.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke, Displacement: 270cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 4.3 gal., Wheelbase: 46.4”, Length/width/height: 73.6×41.4×44”, Ground clearance: 8.25”, Claimed dry weight: 477 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: (Front) Dual A-arm/5”, (Rear) Swing Arm/5”, Tires: (f/r) Kenda Pathfinder 2×7-10/22×10-10, Retail price: $3,999.