There are so many ATVs and UTVs out there today that it’s hard to know which is the right brand to choose.
And with all the different manufacturers and countries entering the ATV scene, there’s plenty to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at Japanese made ATVs, and see how they stack up.
The truth is, Japanese brands have a great deal to offer. Japanese car brands continue to dominate Consumer Reports rankings, and Japanese UTVs are extremely popular. So it’s no wonder that Japanese ATV manufacturers are some of the best in the world.
So let’s examine some of the top Japanese ATV brands.
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1. Honda
Honda is a household name, and it’s number one on our list of Japanese made ATVs.
Honda also happens to be the second-largest manufacturer in the world for both ATVs and motorcycles, and it makes some of the most affordable and reliable farm UTVs. Honda’s ATVs have a reputation for being affordable as well as rugged and reliable. Plus, their ATVs are suited to riders at all skill and experience levels.
FourTrax Rincon
The Honda FourTrax Rincon is without question one of Honda’s most popular ATVs. First, it boasts a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that is the largest in any of Honda’s ATVs. It also comes standard with a world-class suspension, a fully automatic transmission, and Honda’s signature TraxLok 4WD system.
FourTrax Recon
For those looking for a more affordable ATV for sale, Honda’s FourTrax Recon model is a perfect choice. Its price point is just right, and it’s the right model for versatile off-road ATV riding. It’s lightweight and maneuverable, and features an engine that delivers all the necessary power.
TRX250X
Honda’s TRX250X falls within the brand’s excellent line of sport ATVs. It’s designed for easy handling by riders of all experience levels, which makes it the right choice for having some serious fun. Plus, the TRX250X comes with stylish color and graphics schemes, so you can look cool while ATVing.
Foreman Rubicon 4×4
The FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 combines the best of Japanese made ATVs with some serious engineering know-how. The Foreman Rubicon is designed to maintain comfort while off-roading and exploring everything that an ATV has to offer. It features an independent rear suspension for a smooth, comfortable ride.
But it sacrifices nothing in power and performance. Every Rubicon has a single-cylinder, 518-cc engine, and you can choose between an automatic or manual transmission. Add to that some extra ATV parts, like utility boxes and front and rear racks, and you’ve got the ATV of your dreams.
TRX90X
Honda’s TRX90X ATV is tailor-made for smaller children. It’s small and affordable, designed for use by children 10 and up. The TRX90X is optimized for first-time enjoyment and safety, and features an easy-to-use, no-clutch transmission.
2. Yamaha
Yamaha is another fantastic manufacturer of Japanese made ATVs, and it consistently ranks among the top UTV brands.
Founded in 1955, Yamaha Motors (an offshoot of Yamaha Corporation) is renowned for manufacturing numerous motor products. In addition to ATVs, Yamaha Motors also makes excellent motorcycles, e-bikes, and other vehicles.
Kodiak 700 EPS SE
Yamaha’s Kodiak 700 is a rugged, durable machine that has all the features you need to tackle the outdoors.
It comes with a four-stroke, 686-cc engine, a push-button 4WD system, and high-performance tires to maximize traction. Plus, the Kodiak’s compact ergonomics will keep you feeling comfortable the whole time.
Raptor 700R SE
It doesn’t get any better than the Raptor 700R, Yamaha’s sport ATV offering.
The first thing you’ll notice about this ATV is that it looks tough and it means it. It features aggressive styling and unique graphics—but it has the power and features to back it up.
3. Kawasaki
There’s no question that Kawasaki produces some of the best Japanese made ATVs on the market.
The company’s motto says it all: “Quality, Power, Performance, and Lifelong Service.” ATV dealers know that Kawasaki machines are always a big hit, so let’s look at a few of their top performers.
Brute Force 300
The Brute Force 300 is a powerful, versatile ATV. It features a mid-size 271-cc engine, and comes equipped with a CTV transmission. It’s also rated for a towing capacity of 500 pounds (230 kilograms).
KFX 50
The KFX 50 is a perfect ATV for smaller children aged six and up. It comes with an automatic transmission, and a 49.5-cc four-stroke engine. Best of all, it features controls, such as a speed limiter, so parents are always in control.
4. Suzuki
Suzuki maintains the distinction of being among the top Japanese made ATV brands. It produces some of the best ATVs in Japan, and a big part of this is the fact that Suzuki uses some powerful engines in their ATVs.
That makes Suzuki ATVs a great fit for tackling the roughest terrain. If you’re a true ATV off-roader, then you need to check out Suzuki ATVs at the nearest ATV trader.
KingQuad 750AXi
Suzuki’s incredible KingQuad sports utility ATV is in a league of its own. It delivers impressive power with a 722-cc, four-stroke engine. As far as its transmission is concerned, the KingQuad boasts easy push-button selection between 2WD, 4WD, and differential-lock 4WD.
QuadSport Z90
Finally, if you’re looking for a good introductory ATV for the kids, Suzuki’s QuadSport Z90 is a good place to start. It’s a good choice for kids aged 12 and up, and includes a throttle limiter to let you adjust the power level to something more appropriate.
Find the Best Japanese Made ATVs
When it comes to all-terrain vehicles, there’s just no question that Japanese made ATVs are hard to beat.
They’re well made, affordably priced, and they are extremely robust and durable. That’s a combination that makes for the most sought-after ATVs on the market.
So if you’re looking for a new ATV, it’ll be worth your while to check out the best Japanese brands when beginning your search. And to learn more about ATVs and UTVs, go ahead and peruse our blog for more great articles.