Sport ATVs: what kind of work is involved?

[Sportsman500Rider]

i'm thinking i'd like to buy a sport atv this summer. i'm just wondering what the ups and downs are of them. how often do you change oil, adjust valves etc. also do you only need to change engine oil or is the transmission oil separate?

 

[mxzguy]

The up side fast light and handle great good in sand and hard pack. The down side low ground clearance and they are only fair in mud (momentum is everything).Not much use for towing or hauling anything. If you are trail riding look for one with a reverse such as a Yamaha Raptor 700, Kawasaki KFX 450, Suzuki LTZ 400 you could also look at the Honda 400 EX or Raptor/Warrior 350 although these are old school air cooled motors i.e. low on power. As far as I know the only one with separate oil for the trans and motor is the Honda 450. Oil changes should be done same as any quad.

 

[TheMuffinMan]

Yamaha's have the most solid engines without a doubt. If you plan for trails get the raptor, you will need that reverse. If dunes, gravel pits, and wide open stuff are your game, go for the YFZ (the old 5-valve carb motors are bomb proof). The motors need a little more TLC and you have to keep an eye on chain adjustment, but overall way easier to work on than a 4wd quad.