Have you ever asked yourself where the bargains are in the mid-bore ATV category these days? It seems even the smaller ATV lines get more and more pricey and even in the bare bones versions. BRP is hoping that the Can-Am Outlander 500 is the perfect blend of middleweight performance and wallet-friendly price. Can-Am has always bled yellow but for this ATV BRP says your wallet will now survive the cut.

Starting with the bare bones of this new Outlander 500 lets dig into what makes it tick. Under the clothing of the mid-bore machine the Outlander 500 is build on the SST G2 chassis. This frame was redesigned to give the ATV better overall handling and stability on the trail. BRP boasts that the geometric contact control achieved by this new design aids in its precision handling. Utilizing Can-Am’s dual A-arm system with dive control geometry out front and the TTI (Torsional Trailing Arm Independent) in the rear, BRP thinks this is its best handling setup to date.

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In October ATV.com broke the news that Polaris was building a one-seat UTV. Polaris proved us correct by unveiling the new Sportsman ACE.

While the patent drawings we based our story off of looked a little more like a one-seat RZR, the Sportsman ACE looks very much like a lengthened Sportsman 570 ATV with a roll cage. A review of the official Polaris specifications for the ACE shows several dimensions that exactly match that ATV.

Discuss the Polaris Sportsman Ace at our Polaris Ace Forum

The Sportsman ACE is 48 inches wide with 10.25 inches of ground clearance – numbers shared by the Sportsman 570. The Sportsman ACE also boasts Macpherson Strut front suspension with 8.2 inches of travel and dual A-arm rear suspension with 9.5 inches of travel – the same numbers found on the Sportsman 570. Polaris says the rear suspension is outfitted with twin tube shocks featuring adjustable preload.

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ATV and Side-by-Side owners often spend thousands of dollars modifying their machines to make them perform better and look sharper. Instead of seeing all that money go to the aftermarket, Polaris likes to offer some Limited Edition models with a host of upgrades to entice buyers to get everything they want in a Polaris dealership.

For 2014 Polaris is offering nine Limited Edition models. Some just feature unique paint jobs, while others offer what should be impressive performance gains. All of these Limited Edition models will be available in Polaris dealerships in January.

2014 Polaris Sportsman XP 850 EPS – Blue Fire

While the Polaris Ranger family is best known as work-oriented, Polaris may be trying to change that view with its newest addition – the Ranger XP 900 Deluxe. With this Ranger, Polaris is hoping to appeal to consumers looking for a UTV that can work and play.

Looking to start your own militia? Then Polaris may have the vehicle for you. The Minnesota-based manufacturer has introduced what it calls a military-grade ATV for consumers – the Polaris Sportsman WV850 H.O. with non-pneumatic tires.

According to Polaris, this “true work vehicle” will be available in December in very limited quantities. It is highlighted by Polaris’ non-pneumatic tires (NPT), which we wrote about last year.

COMPARISON: 2013 Can-Am Outlander 1000 XT Review

“In early, 2013, Polaris announced we’d launch the NPT technology on an off-road vehicle built for consumers,” says David Longren, vice president of Polaris’ Off-Road Division. “We have seen great success with NPTs in military and disaster relief scenarios and are excited to bring this technology to the consumer market for extreme work applications.”

In the small hills just outside Columbus, Ohio sprawled over hundreds of acres is a R&D facility that has been working hard to refine several ATVs for the 2014 season. It is very rarely accessible to the prying eyes of the media, but for a brief day I had the honor to walk the halls and testing ground of Honda R&D.

Members of the off-road media were on hand for the launch of the 2014 Honda FourTrax Rancher. I wish I could share everything I spotted in the buildings, but we had all been sworn to secrecy just to gain entrance this one time. No tweets, no photos and it was a task just to be able to bring in our cell phones as many top engineers walked us through the top secret facility to keep a close watch on our every move. But what I can tell you is that there are great things in the works.

I spent three months and untold hours taking the 2013 Polaris Sportsman Touring 550 EPS anywhere and everywhere. It has earned a special place in my off-road-loving heart.

In my arsenal of riding gear, boots, helmets, gloves, socks, shirts and pants, I have a few favorites of each. But of my riding gear is a pair of boots that I am especially fond of; and this pair of boots is what I wear when I am not involved in some magazine photo shoot or editorial trip. Like you, when I slip these boots I say “Ahh, that’s nice.” They are comfortable. That is how I feel about Polaris’ Sportsman Touring 550 EPS… comfortable.

As an ATV.com journo, I pay attention to what toys mountain backcountry riders place on their trailer or pickup box. After receiving our test unit, I began seeing Blue Fire Polaris Sportsman Touring 550 ATVs with their signature passenger seats and back rests on many trailers and in many pickups.

The 2013 Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 EPS is a two-up trail and dirt touring cruiser that we found to be a pleasant critter to ride.

Polaris builds its Sportsman line to be all business with very little fluff. Yet, the Sportsman Touring 850 EPS $10,999) delivers smooth riding and effortless steering.

Before getting into our report from three months of evaluation, let’s give some mechanical specifics.

It has been a solid 15 years since the first Yamaha Grizzly ATV made its way into garages all over America. For the 2014 model year Yamaha decided to make some significant changes to the Grizzly 700 keep the reliable 4×4 looking fresh.

We recently had a chance to take the new Grizzly 700 for a spin at a press ride through the mountainous region of Big Bear, Calif.

The Yamaha Grizzly 700 has been on the market now since 2007, replacing the Grizzly 600 first introduced in 1998. With the bigger 700-class engine came fuel injection and electronic power steering. While the Grizzly 700 has seen modest updates since then, it’s the 2014 updates that really stand out.

Just days after Polaris punted its popular Sportsman 500 for the new Sportsman 570, Arctic Cat seems to have filled the hole left behind with its 2014 Arctic Cat 500 – now the lowest priced 500-class ATV in the industry at $6,199.

Also new for 2014 are the two-up TRV 500, three 500-class Prowler UTVs (500 HDX, 500 HDX XT and 500 HDX Limited) and two new Wildcat models (Wildcat 4 X and Wildcat 4 Limited).

Arctic Cat 500

The heart of the Arctic Cat 500 ATV is Cat’s liquid-cooled 443cc 4-stroke engine featuring Electronic Fuel Injection and a Duramatic Automatic transmission with High/Low/Neutral/Reverse and Park.

While the new 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000 may get all the headlines, the most important new model in the Polaris lineup may be the 2014 Sportsman 570.

What makes this machine so significant is that it replaces the Sportsman 500 in the Polaris ATV lineup. That model has been part of the Polaris family since its introduction in 1996 and a huge volume seller – Polaris calls it the best selling 4×4 ATV of all time. In our 2011 review, we called it maybe the best value in the industry. That value is retained for 2014. In fact, it may be an even a bigger bargain than it has ever been.

After years of very little change in its ATV and UTV segments, Honda has been very aggressive for the 2014 model year. We had a chance to test out Honda’s new Pioneer 700 UTVs just a couple of weeks ago and now Honda has announced significant updates to its FourTrax Rancher and Foreman ATV lines.

FourTrax Rancher Series

VIEW: Read our 2009 Honda FourTrax Rancher AT Review

While the Rancher will retain Honda’s liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 420cc engine, just about everything else is new for 2014. Highlighting the changes is a new chassis with a redesigned frame. As well, suspension travel has been increased, though Honda has not released any specific details (the 2013 Rancher offered 6.3 inches of front and rear travel). New fuel injection settings were also added to improve fuel economy and emissions.

Yamaha has given its flagship ATV – the Grizzly 700 FI EPS, some updates for 2014 to improve comfort, durability and fuel economy.

The 2014 Grizzly 700 gets a wider tread width – 60mm wider overall – and new longer suspension stroke on both the front and rear shocks. According to Yamaha, this delivers a more comfortable low speed ride while maintaining the Grizzly’s overall handling characteristics. As well, new EPS settings are designed to improve the balance between providing light steering and reducing negative feedback all while still maintaining optimum positive feedback.

VIEW: Read our review of the 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE Tactical Black

Never let it be said that Polaris isn’t willing to every niche available. The Minnesota-based manufacturer has just released a special edition version of its Sportsman 400 built just for the southern customer – the Polaris Sportsman 400 H.O. South Edition.

Available in limited quantities within an 11-state region, the Sportsman 400 H.O. Southern Edition features durable steel/LOCK&RIDE front and rear racks with multiple tie-down locations and is highlighted by a new 31.5” seat height and a tighter turning radius than the standard Sportsman 400 H.O. The standard Sportsman 400 H.O., which we reviewed here, has a 33.8″ seat height.

Perhaps the most recognizable name in the history of Utility ATVs, the Yamaha Grizzly line has long been an industry leader. It’s easy to understand why the Grizzly name is so popular – its reputation for reliability and brutal toughness is well earned. For 2013 Yamaha decided to create a special edition version of its flagship model – the Grizzly 700. We had a chance to spend a few days riding it in the hills of Prescott, Ariz.

Driving up the gravel road to a Gunsite, a well known firearms training facility just outside Prescott, we spotted the 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE, which is now assembled in Yamaha’s Newnan, Ga. facility. This super stealth looking “Tactical Black” Grizzly looks as if it is ready to fight its way through any competition.

American Honda, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has issued a recall of 2012 Honda FourTrax Rancher models.

According to the recall notice, a weld on the ATV’s front right and left upper suspension arms can separate, which can cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle. About 19,500 units are involved in the recall. Honda is aware of 10 incidents of suspension arm weld failures, including one in which a rider suffered a sprained wrist.

After building it up with thousands of dollars in parts and accessories from GYTR and others and taking it out for a final test ride, it was finally time to pick a winner of ATV.com’s Yamaha Raptor 700 Project ATV. We reached our hand into a very large figurative hat and the lucky winner was chosen – Dewayne Hughes of Ware Shoals, South Carolina.

We called up a very surprised Dewayne and told him he won the contest. Though we weren’t entirely sure he believed us, we finally convinced him when we pulled up in our truck loaded with his awesome new ride.

As a way to thank our loyal readers, ATV.com is building up and giving away a 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700. We’ve teamed up with Yamaha and some of the biggest names in the industry for this project and one of our lucky readers will take home the finished product.

When we set out to give one lucky reader a 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700, we didn’t realize just how lucky the winner would really be. Not only are we giving away a great ride, but the winner will also be treated to some really trick GYTR components, as well as great OMF Performance wheels, Maxxis Tires, and Pro Taper bars and grips. To top it all off, we are also including a complete set of Fly Racing Kinetic Inversion riding gear!

Josh Frederick, Jeremie Warnia, Collins Webster, and Jarrod McClure rode their Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 to victory in the grueling Baja 1000.

After a 27-hour battle with the most brutal racing terrain the Baja Peninsula of Mexico has to offer, the DS 450 team crossed the finish line ahead of 297 other starters and 1121 miles away from the start line of the Baja 1000 in Ensenada, Mexico.

“This team was prepared to deliver BRP its first Pro ATV-class victory in over a decade and the first for the DS 450 ATV,” says Jimmie O’Dell, Can-Am off-road race manager. “The dedication by the entire Motoworks team was evident from pre-running to the finish; I am proud that they are an important partner with BRP.”

As a way to thank our loyal readers, ATV.com is building up and giving away a 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700. We’ve teamed up with Yamaha and some of the biggest names in the industry for this project and one of our lucky readers will take home the finished product.

The last time we had a great deal of action on what we would have considered as a powerful sport quad was almost two years ago. The market has become quiet and getting to push the thumb throttle on a Yamaha Raptor 700 brings back memories of our racing days. The 2013 Raptor 700 has a belly full of rage and getting the power out of the motor is really easy. The only problem we found with that much power is making it contact the earth beneath it and motivating the entire ATV forward without exploding the tires.

A quick look at the modern ATV landscape reveals quite a different picture than just a few short years ago. Before the economic crisis took a strong hold, seven manufacturers offered ‘race-ready’ 450cc Sport ATVs – most of which were new or recently updated. Since the 2009 model year only two manufacturers have even offered an updated model and several others have seemingly abandoned the class entirely.

While it may appear that the very future of this class is on shaky ground, we’re not quite that pessimistic. But before we look at what the future may hold, it makes sense to look at the recent history of Sport ATVs to see what we can learn.

In The Beginning

Lone Star Racing, one of the ATV industry’s biggest aftermarket manufacturers, is getting into the exhaust business.

“In an effort to continue to grow our product line, we are pleased to announce the new Lone Star Racing Exhaust Systems,” Lone Star Racing says in a release. “We teamed up with top engine builders Moto-Xperts and designed a full exhaust system that not only provides top performance through extensive dyno testing, but also great sounding exhaust and stylish accents to keep your quad looking great at the same time.”

Consumers can pre-order exhaust systems for the Honda TRX450 and Yamaha YFZ450R now. Lone Star Racing says the exhaust systems will be ready to ship in early December.

As a way to thank our loyal readers, ATV.com is building up and giving away a 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700. We’ve teamed up with Yamaha and some of the biggest names in the industry for this project and one of our lucky readers will take home the finished product.

While the 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700 is piles of fun right out of the box – you can read our review of the stock machine here – you can always make something better. In our experience, the most logical place to look for ways to improve or enhance Yamaha ATVs is through GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing).

While ATVs and UTVs are our favorite toys for outdoor fun, they can be incredible work vehicles if you’ve got the right implements and attachments. And we’re not talking about lightweight jobs here. In fact, some of these implements can take over a lot of the work a small tractor would normally handle.

After axing the Outlander 800R X mr for model year 2013, the Outlander 1000 X mr looked be the only mud-specific machine in the 2013 Can-Am lineup. It turns out BRP was just making some room for the brand new Outlander 650 X mr.

“The all-new Can-Am Outlander 650 X mr is the newest hero ATV for mud-riding enthusiasts, fusing proven design elements from the Outlander 650, the award-winning 1000 X mr and some specialty components of its own,” BRP says in a release.

BRP has not yet released pricing for the 650 X mr, but we’d guess it will end up in the neighborhood of $12,500.

We were first introduced to BRP’s sport-performance 4×4, the Can-Am Renegade, in the woods of northern Georgia in 2007. While the big brothers in the Renegade family saw a major refresh for model year 2012, the Renegade 500 was left untouched…until now. We had a chance to test out the redesigned Renegade 500 earlier this summer in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada’s western most province.

What’s New?

While the heart of the Renegade 500 remains the same (the 500cc Rotax V-Twin), BRP saw fit to update the chassis. The new SST G2 chassis supports better rider comfort and gives a better handling package to keep the wheels in touch with the ground. As well, the welded steel frame offers improved strength and durability while also shaving off excess pounds. Being lighter, along with a lower center of gravity, makes for a better mannered ride. BRP engineers call this their Geometric Contact Control frame design – or GCC for short. This chassis uses what visually looks like a split twin rail design and we didn’t ask why right away as we were eager to find out exactly how it would feel on the trail.

It may not seem like it at times, but ATVs and UTVs have long been closely associated with farmers and landowners, and for good reason. While modern high-powered, sport-specific machines seem to dominate the headlines of most off-road publications, this industry can thank much of its growth to four wheelers that help get the work done.

Sure, it’s cool to see the Moore Brothers flinging their sport quads 30 feet into the air or a sport-tuned UTV tearing up the dunes, but to ignore the utility of these machines is to miss half the picture.

Few ATVs have a longer lineage than the Polaris Scrambler. Starting out life as a three-wheeler in the 1980s, the Scrambler name has seen it all. For 2013 the Polaris brainiacs have unleashed the Scrambler XP 850, a machine that takes on the sporty side of the utility ATV market with a powerful punch to the mouth.

Starting with the most common connections – the engine, transmission and chassis – this new Scrambler is almost identical to the Sportsman 850 XP. The electronically fuel injected, four-stroke, Single overhead cam, 850cc, twin cylinder engine is liquid cooled and takes a deep breath of air while dual balance shafts keep everything running smooth. Included on this model is the sport tuned exhaust that gives incredible tones while keeping the decibels within legal limits. All told, the powerplant offers up 77 trail-taming horsepower.

Already the cream of the mud riding crop, BRP gave its Outlander X mr some major upgrades for 2013, including a big boost in the power department and a new chassis. The result is the impressive 2013 Can-Am Outlander 1000 X mr.

This very well received mud riding (and racing) ATV was first introduced in the original G1 chassis and with an 800-class engine. For the 2013 model year BRP built the X mr around the newer G2 chassis and the awesome 976cc, fuel injected, V-Twin Rotax engine to make statement that can’t be ignored.

Starting with the sheer power bolted in between your legs, the 1000-class mill produces an amazing 82 horsepower for shredding mud. The power of this machine is incredible and some even say it could be overboard for an ATV. Looking from an open class mud racer’s perspective, we’d say it’s got the makings of an awesome race vehicle. Taking a deep breath through the redesigned air box and down the 46mm throttle body there are twin Siemens VDO injectors spraying go juice into the combustion chamber. This engine barely spins over once before it fires to life.

Keeping the V-Twin cool is very important when the mud gets thick so Can-Am added a larger radiator for 2013 to help combat the heat. Relocating the radiator to the front rack also keeps it up and out of the shallower mud. This allows for easier cleaning of the radiator as well.

Few things are certain in this world, but death, taxes and Polaris unveiling new models every year are pretty much guaranteed.

For 2013 Polaris has built a brand new Scrambler XP 850, made a midsize Ranger 800 EFI, and put the awesome ProStar 900 engine into the Ranger XP line, creating the Ranger XP 900 and Ranger XP 900 EPS.

Of course, Polaris may not be done yet. We wouldn’t be surprised if Polaris had another machine or two hidden up its sleeve for 2013 (not counting its many Limited Edition models), but for now this is what’s new.

While we welcome the opportunity to test out the new machines, it should be noted that the Ranger HD 800 and the longstanding Scrambler 500 4×4 are not in the 2013 Polaris lineup. However, you should still be able to find 2012 and prior models in dealerships across the country if you’ve been saving your pennies.

Ranger XP 900

Polaris has just unveiled 18 2013 Limited Edition ATVs and UTVs. While that would account for several years worth of offerings from most manufacturers, Polaris says it is only a partial list of its 2013 Limited Edition models.

We don’t see anything radically new in this list, but we don’t imagine a brand new model would appear first in limited edition trim. Though Polaris hasn’t told us if anything brand new is in the works for 2013, history tells us that Polaris most certainly has something new and exciting up its sleeve.

2013 Polaris Sportsman XP 850 H.O. EPS Stealth Black LE ($10,599)

Riding along the trail on a single-seat ATV is always fun, but sometimes you want to bring somebody along to share the experience. Since it’s never a good idea to just have somebody hop on the back of a regular ATV (it’s unsafe and uncomfortable), you’ll want to look into a two-up machine with a passenger seat built in. A number of manufacturers offer ATVs to fit the bill, but BRP has taken things to the next level for the 2013 model year by building the most powerful two-up ATV in the industry – the Can-Am Outlander MAX 1000.

BRP engineers made many changes to the Outlander MAX line for model year 2013. The engine gets massive power updates and the seating for the passenger gets a few more. The Can-Am G2 chassis (released for the 2012 model year) now resides under the beautifully sculpted plastics, which means the handling manners of the machine are also improved. Available in a number of iterations, we had the opportunity to ride the top dog – the Outlander MAX 1000 Limited.

With the explosive growth of the UTV market in recent years and the still painful position of the Sport ATV segment, it has become increasingly difficult for manufacturers to continue producing these units, let alone improve upon existing models. We’ve seen manufacturers drop not just models, but complete lines of ATVs as much of the Sport ATV market has dried up or moved toward UTVs in recent years.

While everyone is experiencing the strain, Yamaha is one manufacturer that is fighting the trend and working tirelessly to maintain its position as the #1 brand of sport ATVs. Already boasting the largest line of sport ATVs on the market, Yamaha isn’t just sitting back and basking in its success.

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We saw significant changes back in 2009 with the release of the YFZ450R by way of a new frame, fuel injection and a host of other upgrades, only to then improve upon the original YFZ450 in 2012 to offer a low cost, high performance option to the consumer.

If you can count on anything on the world of ATVs and UTVs it’s that the minds at BRP are never at rest. The Can-Am family of off-road vehicles is a dynamic one as BRP continues to make advancements in innovation and design. The 2013 model year is no different.

When the off-road press traveled to Vancouver Island on Canada’s west coast many of us expected to find a brand new Commander UTV with four seats, but the pause button had been pressed to get this segment of the Can-Am line dialed in. Nevertheless the 2013 model year offered many big changes and great improvements

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To get the week started Can-Am put more than 40 journalists on a tour bus and then off into the belly of a Ferry to cross the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. After a two-hour ride we headed into the port at Duke Point just outside of Nanaimo, BC. There is nothing like the experience of driving out of a ferry in a huge bus. Heading north past Nanoose Bay and Dolphin Beach we found our home base in the town of Parksville at the Tigh-Na-Mara seaside Spa resort. Our actual ride location would be the Nanaimo Motocross Association Wastelands MX Park where we could explore the lush green woods of the island.

Thirty years after introducing the industry’s first four-wheeled ATV, Suzuki has unveiled its 2013 KingQuad ATV lineup. The only thing that differentiates the 2013 lineup from the 2009 through 2012 lineups is a new True Timber XD3 Camo option and new commemorative 30th Anniversary badges and Metallic Matte Royal Red bodywork on two special edition KingQuad models.

“We are proud to be a true innovator in developing the modern ATV,” says American Suzuki Senior Communications Manager Steve Bortolamedi. “Suzuki redefined off-roading in 1983, becoming ‘First on 4-Wheels’ and we want to celebrate three decades of class-leading Suzuki ATVs with these limited edition 30th Anniversary KingQuad models.”

The two machines getting the 30th anniversary special edition treatment are the KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering and KingQuad 500AXi Power Steering. These models join Suzuki’s full lineup of 2013 KingQuad ATVs. The KingQuad 750AXi and KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering are Suzuki’s flagship utility ATV models. Each features fully independent A-arm front suspension and I-beam rear suspension, adjustable shocks, locking front differential, high/low-selectable subtransmission and a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled powerplant with Suzuki fuel injection.

At a time when many companies are either downsizing or halting any new product developments in an effort to reduce costs, Yamaha Motor Corp has been busy making sure that it continues to offer its consumers a wide variety of products that encompass all skill levels when it comes to its sport quad lineup. As a matter of fact, nobody in the industry has a Sport ATV lineup as deep as Yamaha’s. This market dominance is obvious in places like Glamis, Calif. – where sport quads are the name of the game when it comes to dune ruding.

When the beginning of each new year rolls around, journalists from a wide variety of ATV outlets eagerly check and recheck their email inboxes in anticipation of Yamaha’s annual Special Edition ATV rollout that has taken place in Glamis for the past 10 years. What began as a unique way to get the media excited about its new editions has turned into quite the tradition, and 2012 is no exception to the history books.

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Having been the lucky recipient of just such an e-mail, I found myself once again heading west from Phoenix to my all-time favorite sand playground a mere three hours away. The best part was that it was Tuesday morning, and while everyone else was heading into their offices for work, I was headed off to a different kind of office. One that was much sandier… and much more fun!

Though 2012 is just days old, Polaris has jumped out of the gate running. We’ve already seen the new Ranger RZR XP 4 900 (expect a review and video in the coming days) and now Polaris has introduced a new batch of 2012 limited edition ATVs and UTVs.

In August Polaris unveiled a whopping 24 limited edition models, so we logically thought we wouldn’t see anything else until the 2013 LE vehicles rolled off the assembly line. Of course, Polaris always likes to surprise us and this was no exception. With 17 additional LE models, Polaris is now offering more than 40 variations to its already vast ATV and UTV lineup.

All the new units will be available in dealerships in February, so you won’t have long to wait if you see something you like.

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Blue Fire automotive-style paint with Blue Fire painted front fang

After months of prep work and thousands of entrants, Robert Gallagher of Zanesville, Ohio was announced as the lucky winner of ATV.com’s 2011 Yamaha Raptor 125 Project.

To enter the contest, Gallagher simply filled out a questionnaire and got signed up for the ATV.com newsletter. It was absolutely free to enter.

Gallagher takes home a Raptor 125 decked out with aluminum accessories from Yamaha’s GYTR line, DRD Exhaust, Tusk Handlebar Risers, Tag Handlebars, and Spider Grips.

Already an owner of a YFZ450, Gallagher was excited about adding another machine to his garage.

On the heels of the re-release of the bargain-priced YFZ450, Yamaha has given the price-conscious Utility ATV enthusiast something to cheer about with the introduction of the brand new 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 300 2WD, which retails for $4,099.

According to Yamaha, this new light Utility ATV has a smooth and powerful engine and is the only model in its class with a fully automatic dual range transmission.

The Grizzly 300 is powered by a 287cc single overhead cam four stroke engine. Yamaha says its liquid cooling is engineered to provide precise temperature control and long engine life even in extreme environments. At the center of its lightweight and durable chassis is a powerplant with a 32mm carburetor that is designed to deliver smooth power.

So your child is beasting the yard up on the mini quad and looks like a giant ogre riding a praying mantis every time he shifts his weight gently to the rear. We’d say it’s at that time you would need to consider a new larger scale, rider friendly ATV. Honda’s 2011 TRX250X has plenty of room for the growing sprout in your family. As long as he is 16 or older, according to Honda, this is a great step up in riding growth.

Since the sporty yet less race-inspired 250cc world came to life many changes have been engineered into the machines that make them friendly to younger and less experienced riders. The Honda TRX250X is no different. These machines serve to get a rider, who has confidence enough to move up in ATV size, a good platform to continue to inspire them to ride more. And even if some inexperienced adults in the family feel the need to start riding they too can use the Honda TRX250X to get a new life outdoors on a roll.

Polaris always seems to be pretty busy this time of year. It was just a short time ago that the Minnesota-based manufacturer released its 2012 ATV and Ranger Lineup. We attended the 2012 model introduction in Northern Ontario, Canada and had an opportunity to inspect the latest and greatest Polaris models.

Two brand new vehicles have already been released for 2012 – the Ranger Diesel Crew and Ranger RZR 570 – and many of the remaining machines saw performance or storage updates as well. It seems that Polaris is always trying to improve its product.

Of course, some consumers want to take things to next level with unique ATV accessories and parts and Polaris is a willing partner as its 2012 Limited Edition ATVs and Rangers attest. The 2012 Limited Edition Lineup includes a whopping 24 machines – six ATV models, nine Ranger models and nine RZR models.

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

* Photo-realistic Polaris Pursuit Camo

Only Polaris could unveil an off-road lineup with one new machine and 19 updated models and leave you thinking it was a fairly quiet year, but that’s exactly what happened with its 2012 ATV and Ranger lineup.

Polaris has been so active in recent years building completely new machines and giving others almost total overhauls that its 2012 lineup seems to lack the punch we’ve come to expect. But if you sit back and think about it, that’s pretty much the definition of being spoiled. It’s like Polaris is our parents and we’re a bunch of whiny kids unhappy that all we got for our birthday was a brand new bike when last year we got a pony, an X-box and a trip to the Super Bowl. Quick, somebody call the authorities and report this appalling case of neglect!

Editor’s Note: Mere moments after publishing this article, Polaris threw us a curveball by unveiled yet another new machine – the trail-capable Ranger RZR 570. You can read all about it here.

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Ranger Crew Diesel

For 2012 the only completely new machine is the Ranger Crew Diesel – the second diesel model and third multi-passenger model in the Polaris family.