2004 SPORT ATV BUYER'S GUIDE
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

Author: Rob Reaser
Photos: Manufacturers

Alright. We’ve spent plenty of editorial real estate in these pages bringing you the low-down on the latest and greatest 4x4 ATVs. That’s because these awesome machines are right in line with our off-highway passions. But 4x4 quads aren’t the only game in town. If you really want to let your hair fly and zip through the outdoors like a madman, sport ATVs are the happening thing. These two wheel-drive beasties are meant for one thing — flat-out gittin’ down the trail and over the dunes. Here’s the pick of the 2004 model year litter...

Honda Sportrax 300 EX
If you’re looking for a basic sport ride without dropping a lot of cash, the Honda Sportrax 300EX is positioned for business. It’s powered by a manageable 282 cc SOHC four-stroke engine designed to deliver power over a broad rpm range, and uses a gear-driven counterbalancer to minimize vibration and provide for smooth operation. The transmission is a five-speed with reverse, and actuates an O-ring sealed drive chain. The suspension is also fairly basic. Up front is a double-wishbone independent with five-position preload adjustable hydraulic shocks capable of a modest 6.7 inches of travel. The rear shock tacked to the swingarm is also adjustable, and offers 7.9 inches of travel. Dual hydraulic disc front brakes and a single hydraulic disc rear do the number on forward motion.

Yamaha Banshee
“A little ball of dynamite” may be the best way to describe Yamaha’s wild little Banshee. The combination of light weight (386 lbs.) and high output, credited to its torquey 347 cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine, gives this beast mini-rocket status. There’s even a dual exhaust system on one end and twin 26mm carbs on the other. Its high-revving, quick accelerating nature is ideal for open country runs and dune splashing. All that power is channeled through a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, with a sealed O-ring chain spinning the rear axle. The Banshee’s terrain-zapping capability is also enhanced with its independent double-wishbone front suspension and single-shock swingarm rear-offering 9.0 inches of front travel and 8.7 inches in back. All this is tacked to a lightweight frame, giving the Banshee an optimal power-to-weight ratio. To bring it all to a stop, the Banshee uses dual front hydraulic disc brakes and a single rear disc setup.

Suzuki QuadSport 160
Beginners take note. Suzuki’s QuadSport 160 is designed for you. This spry machine is powered by a 158 cc four-stroke engine that has plenty of muscle to get around the trails, but not so much as to be intimidating to the novice. The transmission is a manual five-speed with an automatic clutch and reverse gear that’s simple to operate. The unit is also light with its scant 341-pound dry weight. There’s an independent single A-arm front suspension with a swingarm rear featuring a coilover shock with 5-way preload adjustment. Brakes are basic fare, with dual drums up front and a single drum in back. Other features include a keyed ignition switch, reverse and neutral indicator light, trailer hitch, electric starter, two-stage choke, and a 2.24 gallon fuel tank.

Honda TRX 450R
The big dog in the Honda camp is the TRX 450R. Power and durability is what this machine is all about. The engine is a 450 cc four-valve four-stroke unit that’s liquid-cooled and based on the CRF 450R motocross powerplant. It is built on a compact and lightweight design that utilizes a Unicam valvetrain. A high-strength camshaft with carburized main journals ensure durability at sustained high-rpm operation, and a throttle position sensor is used to maintain a more linear throttle response throughout the rpm range. A round-tube steel frame with a removable aluminum subframe serves as the foundation, with an independent double-wishbone front suspension and Pro-Link setup in back. All shocks are adjustable. Throughout this ATV aluminum is used to reduce overall weight and unsprung weight. Finally, the TRX 450R features a five-speed tranny with an O-ring sealed chain drive. Dry weight is an easy-to-manage 350 pounds.

Arctic Cat DVX400
The DVX400 is Arctic Cat’s first foray into the world of sport ATVs. It’s built on a mid-size sport chassis, to which is secured a long-travel double A-arm front suspension good for 8.5 inches of articulation. The shocks are preload adjustable to suit the terrain and your driving style. In back is a lightweight aluminum swingarm rear featuring a link-type suspension that offers 9.1 inches of travel. This is also dampened with a fully-adjustable shock. A large 6.9-inch front disc brake and single 8.6-inch disc unit — both use single-piston floating hydraulic calipers. For power, the chassis hosts a 398 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder tuned for optimal power over a wide rpm range. This is fed by a 36mm carb and cooled with a high-capacity radiator and thermostatically-controlled fan. The five-speed tranny uses a cable-operated clutch. Reverse is activated with a fender-mounted knob. This unit also comes with electric start and a start-in-gear feature.

Kawasaki KFX 700
Easier to ride fast for longer periods of time. That’s the claim to fame of Kawasaki’s newest sport model, the KFX 700. Why? Two good reasons. First, the fast quotient. Spinning off of the company’s twin-cylinder 650 is the 700 (697 cc) V-twin engine. Here is big horsepower and big torque which comes on strong from start to top end. It’s actually the first sport ATV to feature a V-twin design. The long ride factor is attributed wholly to the incorporation of Kawasaki’s Automatic Power Drive transmission. Without having to manually shift gears, riders can better stay on the throttle and not suffer as much fatigue as is often the case with manual shifting. The KFX 700 is built on a race-inspired chassis with cross-country-style lower front frame tube. Dual A-arms with coil-over shocks deliver the front suspension’s 9.25-inch travel, while a linkless swingarm with an upside-down gas-charged shock and dual-rate spring is good for 7.9 inches of travel.

Polaris Trail Boss 330
Billed as a value-oriented sport ATV, the Polaris Trail Boss strikes a fine balance between feature content and cost. The Trail Boss is powered by a 399 cc four-stroke engine that’s air-cooled with a fan-assisted oil cooler. For rider convenience, the Polaris automatic continuously variable transmission provides torque and horsepower delivery to the rear via a concentric chain final drive. Supporting the Boss is a MacPherson strut front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel and a long-travel progressive-rate rear swingarm in back good for 10.5 inches of articulation. The turning radius is tight at 75 inches. One of the neat features of this machine is its single-lever brake system, which utilizes all-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, so one lever gives all-wheel braking. Unlike many sport-oriented ATVs, the Boss also offers some semblance of cargo capacity, with the front and rear racks capable of supporting 75 and 125 pounds of gear, respectively. Full-length floorboards are another welcome convenience.

Kawasaki KFX 250 Mojave
Although it’s classified primarily as a sport bike, the Kawasaki KFX 250 Mojave doesn’t fit the typical sport ATV mold. Sure, it’s got a slick and menacing body treatment and no cargo racks, but large tires and the compact design hints that this machine is as comfortable on a gnarly woodland trail as it is going across the dunes. With its diminutive 44.3-inch wheelbase and 42.9-inch overall width, the Mojave can whip tight trail turns on demand. Suspension is a double A-Arm front and swingarm rear, with dual disc front and a single disc rear rounding out the brake package. Powering the ATV is a liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke engine boasting 249 cc displacement. Nothing fancy here, or with the kick-start ignition. The transmission is a five-speed with reverse, and the drive chain is shielded for woodland protection. The center-of-chassis ground clearance is decent at 8.5 inches, and suspension travel isn’t bad either, with 6.9 inches of travel up front and 8.5 inches in back.

Polaris Predator 500
If the Polaris Predator looks like a serious boulder dasher and trail tamer to you, that’s because it is. The suspension alone is worthy of high praise. The double A-arm front anti-dive setup is designed to reduce dive and inside rear wheel lift under corner braking, allowing you to stay on the throttle even in tight turns. Travel is 10 inches, and the system incorporates rebuildable and revalvable FOX gas shocks. In back the non-link swingarm is anti-squat engineered to reduce front wheel lift under acceleration. The FOX shocks have twin cylinders, giving the rider eight compression adjustments and 36 rebound positions. Additional handling attributes include the Polaris Rider Optimized (PRO) Steering System, which positions the steering arms’ pivot point so bump steer is practically eliminated. Power comes from a 499 cc DOHC four-stroke engine boasting a massive 42mm throttlebody. This feeds horsepower and torque through a 5-speed manual tranny that’s been revised for easier shifting effort.

Suzuki QuadSport Z400
Light weight and strong output are the hallmarks of Suzuki’s Quadsport Z400. This machine begins with a light, high tensile steel alloy frame featuring a removable steel subframe and detachable grab bar. Supporting the chassis is a long-travel independent double A-arm front suspension with preload-adjustable shock absorbers good for 8.5 inches of wheel travel. Bringing up the rear is an aluminum link-type swingarm that’s also damped by an adjustable shock, but there’s a tad more articulation at 9.1 inches. Dual front and single rear hydraulic disc brakes are part of the package. Sitting upstream of the five-speed manual tranny (with cable-operated clutch and reverse gear system) is a 398 cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine. Its dry-sump lubrication system makes for a compact crankcase and low engine height. Additional features include a heavy-duty front bumper, skid plate, and start-in-gear ignition. Cooling comes from a high-capacity radiator and thermostatically-controlled cooling fan, and the fender design also aids in directing airflow to the radiator.

Yamaha 660R Raptor
Considered by many to be the top-of-the-line production sport ATV, the Yamaha 660R Raptor can bask in its well-deserved reputation. It combines much of the handling componentry typically found on 400 cc class sport bikes with the gonzo power of the 660 cc four-stroke SOHC engine. The 5-valve powerplant is fed by dual 33mm Mikuni carbs. Backing the 660 is a five-speed manual transmission with reverse, and a sealed O-ring chain drive transmits the grunt to the rear axles. In spite of its class rating, the Raptor is a lightweight at 398 lbs. (dry). This is due to the many aluminum components built in, such as knuckle joints, levers, swingarm rear, oil tank, brake calipers, upper A-arm and fluid reservoirs. The front suspension is an independent double wishbone featuring 9.1 inches of travel and 5-way preload adjustment. The aluminum swingarm rear provides 8.7 inches of vertical travel, and can be adjusted for rebound, compression and preload. Dual hydraulic front and a single hydraulic rear disc brake provides the stopping power.

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

Honda AquaTrax F-12 and F-12X
New 2004 features and benefits include the upper splash line in hull raised and shape changed to improve splash protection. The addition of a seat strap that makes re-boarding easier. New paper air filter improves water filtration and reduces maintenance. New PGM-FI setting results in 10 percent less fuel consumption for increased cruising range. Redesigned engine compartment airflow passages improve flow and efficiency resulting in a power increase in the lower and middle ranges. And the bilge strainer has been relocated for easier maintenance.

The F-12X turbocharger produces a maximum boost of 13 psi to generate 32 percent more power than a normally aspirated engine. The marine-duty 1235cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline four-cylinder four-stroke engine delivers power across a broad rpm range. The low-emissions four-stroke design consumes less fuel than a comparable two-stroke engine and meets both the 2004 CARB and the 2006 EPA emissions standards. Engine power and pump characteristics move the AquaTrax F-12 and F-12X to planing speed more rapidly and is ideal for one-, two- or three-person cruising, sport riding, skiing and wake-boarding.

Also available is a transferable one-year, limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan. And as of January ‘04, ownership includes a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider’s Club of America™. Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance, etc. For details, call 800-847-HRCA. For more info check out www.honda.com.

Polaris MSX 150
Is equipped with a 150-horsepower Polaris Liberty Marine High Output Turbo four-stroke engine, making it one of the fastest four-strokes available. It also delivers outstanding torque for superior acceleration and towing performance. It is one of the cleanest, quietest boats on the water, meeting California Very Low Emissions standards and beating EPA 2006 Emission Standards by more than 60 percent. Available in Turbo Silver with a Matrix Silver Alloy top-deck and a Black hull.

The Polaris Modified-V Progressive Dihedral Stepped hull delivers a more buoyant, stable ride with the ability to support three adults while keeping water out of the footwells. The stepped hull and lifting strakes aid in rapid acceleration and top speed while delivering precise turns and cornering agility. The dual-integrated splash strakes deliver the driest ride available. The design provides superior comfort for both aggressive riding and laid-back cruising. Fixed convex mirrors offer a rear view without the need for adjustment by riders of varying heights. A patented child grab handle on the steering module provides a secure hold for children seated up front. With a combined storage space of 33 gallons, it has plenty of watertight storage with specially integrated features, including a cargo net for cell phones and sunglasses and a beverage holder. For more info check out www.polarisindustries.com.

Yamaha FX High Output
The all-new Yamaha FX High Output, three-person WaveRunner is designed for enthusiasts who are looking for performance in a full-featured, four-stroke powered watercraft. Equipped with a new high output MR-1 four-stroke marine engine, a newly designed high-pressure pump and an ultra-lightweight hull and deck, it delivers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class and great handling.

The FX has features like adjustable tilt steering, adjustable trim control, self-draining beverage holders and multifunction instrumentation.

All new with this model is the industry’s first remote transmitter that can activate and deactivate the FX’s security system from up to 30 feet away.

The transmitter also controls Yamaha’s all-new Low RPM Mode system that, when activated, reduces the top speed of the FX by nearly 30 percent.

Expanding Yamaha’s line of low noise, low emission four-stroke watercraft, the FX High Output engine exceeds federal EPA 2006 emission requirements and comes with a California two-star rating for very low emissions. For 2004, the Yamaha WaveRunner FX High Output is available in Racing Blue Metallic. For more info check out www.yamaha-motor.com.

Polaris MSX 140HO
The MSX 140 features a 140-horsepower High Output Polaris Liberty Marine Direct Injection two-stroke engine that delivers the fastest speed in its class with smooth, responsive power delivery that’s perfect for towing. The new engine is also more fuel-efficient than all competitive four-strokes and boasts 76 percent lower emissions and reduced oil consumption, meeting EPA 2006 emissions standards and CARB low emission standards. Polaris is the only manufacturer with a five-year history of producing reliable, high-performance direct injection engines. With the MSX 140HO, consumers can have their pick of two colors — Catalina Blue Metallic or Solar Red Metallic, both with a Matrix Silver Alloy top-deck and a black hull. For more info check out www.polarisindustries.com.

Sea-Doo GTX 4-TEC
The GTX 4-TEC was the winner of the prestigious “Watercraft of the Year”* award for 2002. From its Rotax 155-horse engine, to its fuel efficiency and low emissions, to its largest-in-class 52.6 gallons of storage; Sea-Doo rounds out the package with innovative features such as a 16-function information center, Sea-Doo Learning Key, and Off-Power Assisted Steering. *As awarded by Watercraft World magazine. For more info check out www.recreation.bombardier.com.

Kawasaki Jet Ski® STX-15F Watercraft
Powered by a new 1,498cc four-stroke engine, the three-passenger STX-15F is Kawasaki’s highest-performing four-stroke personal watercraft and offers precise handling and great acceleration. The NINJA® ZX-12R motorcycle engine provided the starting point and its long stroke design delivers a flat torque curve for a smooth spread of power across the entire rpm range to create 160 horsepower. It has earned a three-star ultra-low emissions rating, meeting EPA and CARB standards for 2008. The open rear deck of the STX-15F features abundant space for getting into water skis or a wakeboard, and reboarding in deep water is simplified with the automatically retracting boarding step located at the rear of the hull. The rear deck can also accommodate a cooler or other items needed for a day on the water. Other features include a water-resistant storage space, an easily accessible glove box and additional storage space located under the seat. For extended rides, fuel capacity is16.4 gallons. For more info check out www.kawasaki.com.

Kawasaki Jet Ski® 800 SX-R
Kawasaki, launched the personal watercraft craze more than 30 years ago now offers the JET SKI® 800 SX-R. It comes equipped with a new feature of an easy-to-use fresh water flush fitting, that is adaptable to a standard garden hose and helps to rinse out the motor’s cooling lines more easily than before. Plus, it allows the hood to remain on the craft for less noise while flushing.

The 800 SX-R is powered by a twin-cylinder, 782cc two-stroke engine producing the most horsepower available in a production stand-up jet ski watercraft.

The hull is designed for stability and turning capability. The increased stability enhances rough-water handling and makes it easier for beginners to master stand-up riding more quickly. The design provides more footwell area to give a rider more room to maneuver, vary foot placement or shift body weight. The handlepole placement gives optimum control and comfort. The hull is made out of fiberglass reinforced plastic helping to make it as light as possible while retaining maximum strength. Extra fiberglass has also been placed in key areas to further improve hull durability and the sponsons are placed just under the hull/top deck bond line to enhance turning. For more info check out www.kawasaki.com.

Yamaha Superjet
For those who prefer stand-up riding, the Yamaha SuperJet is the one. It has the best power-to-weight ratio in its class and gives hard-core riders more leverage and control for riding in less than glassy conditions.

A high-performance Yamaha marine engine, race-proven hull, a spring-assisted handlepole, and a finger throttle lever are just a few of the characteristics that add to the SuperJet’s reputation for high-performance, durability and reliability. For 2004, the SuperJet is available in Jet Black. For more info check out www.yamaha-motor.com.

Honda AquaTrax R-12
For 2004, Honda adds the R-12 to its offering of two-passenger four-stroke personal watercraft. It also features a race-inspired quick trim system for quick holeshots and cornering ability while the hull is tuned for overall stability, top speed and precise handling characteristics. The R-12 engine shares the same features as the “F” models. Some of the other features include:
• Dry-sump design allows the engine to be mounted low in the hull, for a very low center of gravity that contributes to handling performance.
• Sponson design contributes to the AquaTrax’s low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability, giving the two-passenger R-12 an even more aggressive cornering character than the three-passenger models.
• The hull is designed to be a stable platform for mounting from deep water and easily uprighted in accidental overturns.
• Storage is available in two sealed compartments, with a 5.2-gallon front storage box located under the front hood and a 0.6-gallon compartment located in front of the rider.
For more info check out www.honda.com.