Nobody likes a bumpy ride and unfortunately Motorsports vehicles are pretty notorious for that. Luckily ATVs are a bit of an exception. These massive machines are designed for power and comfort. So which ATVs are the smoothest? Can I get one without selling an arm and a leg? Lets answer all these questions so next time you’re looking to buy an ATV, you know which one will give you the smoothest ride.
In general, most people would say the smoothest is the Polaris Sportsman 570. It has a beautiful suspension and shocks system and comfort is a real priority in its design. Realistically though it does come down to personal opinion and where you are riding.
It really is a debatable answer and many people would disagree with mine. The reality is it’s based on so many factors including, shocks, the seat, suspension, transmission and more. The Sportsman does have some strong competition out there which we will talk about later in the article.
Why So Many People Will Say Sportsman
The Polaris Sportsman 570 is definitely a smooth ride and not only that but it has some serious power capable of towing 1500 pounds on a cable. The Sportsman is iconic for its incredible suspension and 11.5″ ground clearance which are both leading factors in the smoothness of the ride. Bumps can feel like nothing when riding a Sportsman because of its incredible shocks which definitely help to make it in the front of the pack for the smoothest. It is also well known for having a reasonable cost and an outstanding fuel economy at around 27 mpg which wont relate to the smooth ride but still a characteristic that wont hurt its reputation.
The Competition
Honda Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon
The Foreman has a unique back tire suspension which they call Independent Rear Suspension and it certainly contributes to a smooth ride. This new suspension technology ensures tire contact with the ground which is a game changer in its traction and control which are a part of a smooth ride. The suspension also provides great shocks to absorb large impacts and create what feels like a less bumpier ride. Now, does this compare to the quality the Sportsman has? Most people would say no but again it really is up to opinion.
Yamaha Grizzly 700
The Yamaha Grizzly is yet another contender for this battle to be the smoothest ride. The Grizzly is known for being a reliable beast when it’s in action, but that is not what we are judging. Why is this in the running for the smoothest ride? It has a special Ultramatic CVT belt in the engine which provides a jerk-less smooth ride. This belt has made riders think of it as a go to for smooth rides. Again though the question comes back, is it better than the Sportsman? Same answer, to some people it is but it really is opinion at this point.
What Makes a Smooth Ride
A smooth ride is determined by many factors including suspension, shocks, transmission and even the seat itself. Suspension is how high off the ground the ATV is, obviously the tires are touching but how high the footing area on the ATV is from the ground is a good way to look at it. More suspension leaves more room for the shocks which are spring-like parts that absorb the shock of hitting the ground. If you ever go off a jump the shocks will be crucial to you not getting a concussion. This means if your suspension is higher off the ground than the shocks have more room to work and more room to absorb the shock. It is important to remember that suspension and shock are closely related and rely on each other. If you are riding an ATV with a manual transmission then the smoothness of your ride is much harder to control. Switching gears will require you to let off the gas which for an inexperienced rider will cause lots of jerking and discomfort. There are definitely advantages of a manual transmission but when it comes to a smooth ride an automatic transmission will usually prevail. There are many other factors that contribute to a smooth ride but these are the staples that are important to know.
