Honda VS Yamaha ATV – Which Brand Is Better for You?

You might be wondering who makes the best ATVs. Is it Honda or Yamaha?

There is no definitive answer to this, as both companies make great products. Each of their models has a unique advantage over another, and each has its own flaw.

This may be a tough choice considering the reputation that Honda and Yamaha have built over the years through their amazing vehicles. However, there are some things you have to consider when making a decision of buying an ATV from one of them.

Honda vs Yamaha atv (1)

Here, we will help you decide which is the right brand of ATV for you by reviewing these specific aspects:

  • Brand History
  • Years in the ATV Business
  • ATV with the Best Features
  • Cheapest ATV

These aim to show you the highlights of each brand when it comes to these categories. In the end, we hope that the information provided here will help you decide where to get your ATV for your work or recreational needs.

Brand History

Honda Motor Company is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. Honda manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, engines, and power equipment. It was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda, who established the company as a maker of piston rings for automobile engines. Honda began producing motorcycles in 1955 and automobiles in 1963. Today, Honda is the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and the second-largest manufacturer of automobiles.

Yamaha Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation and conglomerate with a wide range of businesses, including different electronics, musical instruments, motorbikes, and other types of equipment. The company was founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha as a Nippon Gakki Company Ltd., a manufacturer of reed organs. In 1955, the company began producing motorcycles and has since become one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers globally.

Based on the history of the two giant companies, Yamaha is the older brand, having been established 135 years ago, which is just a year after the invention of the first automobile by Karl Benz. However, it wasn't until the post-World War II era that it expanded into the motorcycle business. Honda may be younger by more than half a century than Yamaha, but it entered the motorcycle business in the same year as its rival did.

Years in the ATV Business

The parallelism between Honda and Yamaha can also be established when they introduced their first ATV products. The first true ATV from Honda came out in 1986, which stemmed from its popular ATC (All-Terrain Cycle). It was called the FourTrax 350 4x4 with a powerful 350cc engine and four-wheel drivetrain. At the same time, Yamaha also released its first 60cc four-wheel ATV called the 4-Zinger. Both models garnered a strong following from auto enthusiasts because of their variety of applications at work and recreation.

ATV with the Best Features

Even when it comes to their ATV offerings, Honda and Yamaha are always at par with each other. So far, the best ATVs in their lineup for both work and recreation are the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon for Honda and the Grizzly for Yamaha.

Here's a quick comparison of their key features:

  • Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon

Honda's 2022 FourTrax Foreman Rubicon is a workhorse ATV that's built to tackle the toughest terrain. It's powered by a 518cc OHV longitudinally-mounted, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with serious power delivery.

The transmission is a five-speed manual with reverse, and the drivetrain is a selectable four-wheel-drive system. The suspension is handled by front and rear independent double-wishbone setups, and the brakes are hydraulic discs. The Rubicon has a top speed of approximately 85 km/h.

Reliability is one of the Rubicon's strong points. It's built to withstand heavy use in tough conditions. The ATV also features Honda's exclusive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, which makes steering effortless. The EPS system also reduces rider fatigue on long rides.

The FourTrax Foreman Rubicon is a great choice for riders who need an ATV that can handle the toughest terrain. It's got plenty of power and torque, and it's built to last. The selectable four-wheel-drive system ensures that you'll never get stuck, and the Independent Suspension provides a smooth ride. If you're looking for an ATV that can do it all, the Rubicon is worth a look.

The new Fourtrax is available in various exterior finishes with prices starting at $9,999.

  • Yamaha Grizzly

As its name says, the 2022 Yamaha Grizzly is a tough and capable ATV that can handle just about anything you throw at it. It's powered by a 686cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke engine that produces plenty of horsepower and torque for tackling tough terrain. The transmission is a reliable and durable Ultramatic V-belt unit that can handle all sorts of abuse, and the drivetrain is able to send all that power to the ground effectively. Suspension is handled by independent front and rear setups, which offer a comfortable ride even when the going gets rough. Reliability is also top-notch, thanks to Yamaha's proven engineering and build quality. And if you need to go fast, the Grizzly can reach speeds of up to 75 mph. All in all, the Yamaha Grizzly is a great all-around ATV that should be on your shortlist if you're in the market for a new one.

With all its amazing features, this no-nonsense ATV will cost you $10,499.

Cheapest ATV

Now, we go to the most affordable ATVs for adults of the two brands, and let's see how they compare against each other.

  • 2022 Honda TRX250X

For prices starting at $5,199, the 2022 Honda TRX250X is a reliable and powerful all-terrain vehicle that is perfect for anyone looking for a tough and capable off-roader. It is powered by a 229cc air-cooled, OHV, longitudinally-mounted, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that produces plenty of power and torque, making it able to tackle any terrain.

The transmission is a five-speed manual that offers smooth shifting and good control, while the drivetrain is a chain-drive system that is both durable and low maintenance. The suspension is independent front and rear, which gives the TRX250X great stability and comfort even on the roughest terrain.

The reliability and top speed are both excellent, making the TRX250X a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable and fast all-terrain vehicle.

  • 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700

For prices starting at $8,799, the 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700 is a powerful and performance-oriented ATV that is built to tackle the most challenging terrain. It is powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 686cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke engine that delivers excellent power and torque.

The transmission is a five-speed manual with reverse, and the drivetrain is a selectable 2WD/4WD system. The suspension consists of independent double-wishbone front and rear setups with adjustable preload shocks. The ATV has a top speed of approximately 85 mph.

The Raptor 700 is a reliable and tough ATV that can handle rough terrain and extreme conditions. It is well-suited for both novice and experienced riders alike.

Overall, the Raptor 700 is an excellent all-around ATV that is sure to provide hours of fun and excitement.

Conclusion

When choosing between Honda and Yamaha ATVs, it is important to consider your needs and how you will be using the vehicle. If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading, then you might want to choose a Honda. If you are looking for a vehicle that is more versatile and can be used for both on- and off-road riding, then Yamaha might be the better choice.

Both Honda and Yamaha ATVs offer a variety of models to choose from. Honda offers Sport, Utility, and Four-Wheeler ATVs, while Yamaha offers Sport, Recreation, and Utility ATVs. There are also many different styles of each type of vehicle, so you should be able to find one that suits your preferences.

No matter which brand you choose, you can be confident that you are getting a quality product. Both Honda and Yamaha ATVs are built to last and will provide you with years of enjoyment. Their history and products speak for themselves as a brand.

Both Honda and Yamaha hold serious bragging rights when it comes to their business, especially in their involvement with ATVs and other vehicles. Honda has been in the business of manufacturing ATVs for over 30 years. During that time, it has gained a reputation for making high-quality, reliable vehicles. Yamaha has also been manufacturing ATVs for the same duration and has earned a reputation for making durable, dependable vehicles.

As seen in the comparison of their best ATV, they are almost parallel when it comes to performance, reliability, and quality. That's why whenever you search online for the top ATVs in the world today, Honda and Yamaha are always at the forefront of the results. Even industry experts couldn't agree more with this.

By looking at their most affordable ATVs today, Honda and Yamaha don't appear to be skimping on their features, too. That means you are certainly going to get the most out of your purchase whether you are getting the most affordable ATV units in their catalog or their high-performance models. It's definitely hard to go wrong with Honda and Yamaha.

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CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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