Who says you have to be rich to enjoy the great off-roads? Although not as common as utility ATVs, there are still plenty of affordable sport ATVs on the market, from brands such as Honda, Yamaha, Kymco, and others.
You’ll be able to find a fast, fun, trail-conquering ATV for less than $9,000. And you can find youth and transitional models from reputable brands for around $4,000 or less.
Sport ATVs are intended for use on your local trail system, or on racing tracks. They are generally smaller and lighter than their utility counterparts. And instead of carrying heavy loads, sport ATVs are designed for speed, maneuverability.
So if you are looking to start off-roading on a budget, which cheap sport ATVs should you consider? Keep reading to discover the best affordable sport ATVs on the market today.
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Features to Look for When Buying Buying a Sport ATV
It’s true, the demand for sport ATVs is decreasing while demand for utility ATVs is rising fast. Why is this?
Most riders want a dual-purpose vehicle. With a utility ATV, not only can you explore off-road trail systems, but you can also carry tons of gear and supplies with you. They can tow quite a bit of weight, and have a few other features that make them useful for handling chores around your property.
But riders that opt for utility ATVs are making a sacrifice. In order to get all of those functional extras, they are sacrificing speed and handling.
Utility ATVs are large and heavy. They can’t move nearly as fast as sport models. And you could never take a utility ATV off a jump.
So if you aren’t going hunting with your vehicle and don’t need storage racks, and just plan on using your ATV for fun, go with a sports model. Look for one with tons of suspension, as you need the extra travel distance to handle jumps and sharp turns.
You want an ATV that is small and light so that it can move fast and fit on narrow trails. That means no need for front or rear racks.
And of course, there’s the style. Modern sport ATVs are rapidly changing in appearance. But if you prefer the classic look of sport ATVs of the past, models from Honda and Yamaha are a good option.
Affordable Sport ATVs To Consider
Top-of-the-line sport ATVs can easily push past $10,000. If you are looking to get out on the trails without breaking the bank, here are some sport ATVs that are affordable.
1. Honda TRX250X
When searching for ATVs on a budget, you need to consider the most price-conscious option; the Honda TRX250X. This power-packed, classic ATV is priced around $5,000 for the base package.
The light handling and long suspension make this a great first ATV, as the ride is very forgiving. Easily conquer gnarly terrain with the 229cc air-cooled OHV longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke engine and the lightweight, aluminum wheels.
Its compact dimensions and low weight makes it easy to transport in the bed of a truck or on a trailer.
You’ll also get the joy of using a manual clutch, without stalling when coming to a stop. This makes it perfect for novice and intermediate riders. You’ll get a five-speed transmission, and can ride in reverse, as well.
Being one of the most affordable ATVs in the sports category, this ride packs a punch.
2. Kymco Mongoose 270
The Kymco Mongoose 270 is considered a transitional ATV. It’s bigger than most youth-sized ATVs but smaller than standard adult ATVs.
If you are purchasing an ATV for a teenager, or for a smaller adult, the Mongoose 270 is a solid, affordable option for around $4,000.
The 270cc SOHC 2-valve liquid-cooled engine supplies plenty of power, while the front and rear hydraulic disc brakes make the vehicle easy to control for newer riders. The Mongoose 270 features a fully automatic CVT transmission that also lets you drive in reverse.
And the lightweight, aluminum wheels along with 10.2″ of ground clearance make it easy to travel over rough terrain.
Kymco makes a number of other sport ATVs for youth, allowing kids of almost any age to start learning how to ride.
3. Kymco Maxxer 450i
Looking for a full-sized Kymco ATV? The Kymco Maxxer 450i is a popular choice, costing around $6,500.
This ATV sports a fuel-injected 443cc SOHC 4-stroke engine with a CVT automatic transmission. Easily move between low, high, neutral, and reverse gears and on-demand 2WD/4WD.
The 4-wheel independent suspension and preloaded adjustable shocks make it a breeze to ride in any weather or trail condition.
And while this is a sport ATV, it also comes with a 2” receiver and can tow up to 820 lb (372 kg). Plus, it has under-seat storage, which is convenient for long days on the trail.
4. Yamaha Raptor 700
The Yamaha Raptor 700 is touted as “big-bore performance on a budget.” And they aren’t wrong.
With this ATV, you get a 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke engine and a 5-speed transmission with reverse, powered by a wet multi-plate clutch. This ATV fires up quickly thanks to all the torque generated, creating an aggressive mid-range and top-end.
You’ll also get some serious suspension travel, with 9.1″ in the front and 10.1″ in the rear.
A hybrid-steel frame, with just the right amount of aluminum components, make the frame of this ATV super light, yet super strong, a balance that other ATVs struggle to find.
5. Can-Am Renegade
At the top end of the budget-friendly category is the Can-Am Renegade. One of the most popular off-road brands on the market today, Can-Am puts out some of the most reliable vehicles. But it comes at a price, as their most affordable sports model sits just shy of $9,000.
With powerful Rotax V-twin engines, 4WD, and other 9″ of suspension travel, this beast of an ATV can handle sand, snow, mud, and potholes like no other.
And while this ATV is plenty of fun in the backcountry, it also comes in handy at home or work. The small rear rack can hold up to 35 lbs (16 kg) and you can tow up to 1,300 lbs (590 kg). Not too shabby for a sport-focused model.
Finding a Cheap Sport ATV
As you can see, there are plenty of affordable sport ATVs to choose from. Of course, you can always scour your local listings for used ATVs, if you’d like to get started with off-roading even cheaper.
If you end up wanting something bigger, to either carry more passengers or more gear, while still maintaining sporty features, you can look into a UTV. You can compare the pros and cons of UTVs and ATVs here.
