Yamaha vs Honda ATV Guide | Hunt or Shred

Don't let the decision between Yamaha and Honda ATVs stress you out. Our guide makes it easy to compare and choose the right one.

Yamaha is known for its powerful engines, speed, and sporty designs, while Honda is more focused on durability and reliability. However, the choice between the two brands comes down to personal preference and intended use.

My expertise in Yamaha vs. Honda ATVs is grounded in years of first-hand experience riding, reviewing, and comparing both brands. I’ve closely examined every aspect of both brands, from engine power to transmission to aftermarket support, and have thoroughly analyzed their strengths and weaknesses. As such, you can use this information to compare these ATVs and make the right decision.

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Yamaha vs. Honda ATV Guide

Feature Yamaha ATV Honda ATV
Engine Power Powerful engines Focus on durability and reliability
Transmission Advanced and high performance Smooth and efficient
Suspension Excellent shock absorption and stability Comfortable and reliable
Weight Lightweight and easy to handle Heavy-duty and durable
Fuel Efficiency Good fuel efficiency Good fuel efficiency
Brakes Powerful and responsive Effective and reliable
Tires High-quality and durable High-quality and durable
Price Generally higher Generally lower
Size Wide range of sizes Wide range of sizes
Aftermarket Support Large and diverse Large and diverse
Safety Features Advanced safety features Advanced safety features
Speed High speed and acceleration Good speed and acceleration
Drive System Advanced and high performance Smooth and efficient

Engine Performance

Yamaha ATVs are known for their powerful engines that deliver excellent acceleration and top speed. They offer a range of engines with varying horsepower ratings, including the 686cc and 708cc engines.

Besides, Yamaha's engines are also known for their durability and reliability, making them a popular choice for riders who demand high performance and dependability.

On the other hand, Honda ATVs are known for their advanced engine technology that delivers excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. These engines are also known for their smooth and quiet operation, making them ideal for riders who want a comfortable and quiet ride.

Also, Honda offers various engines with varying horsepower ratings, including the 420cc engine.

Transmission

Yamaha ATVs also offer a range of transmission options, including automatic, semi-automatic, and manual transmissions. Their automatic transmissions are known for smooth and reliable performance, making them ideal for riders who want a comfortable and easy ride.

Their semi-automatic transmissions provide the best of both worlds, allowing riders to shift gears manually while still enjoying the convenience of an automatic transmission. Also, their manual transmissions are designed for riders who demand maximum control and performance.

On the other hand, Honda ATVs are known for their advanced automatic transmission technology. The automatic transmissions are smooth and reliable, making them ideal for riders who want a comfortable and easy ride.

In addition, these transmissions are also known for their fuel efficiency, which is an excellent advantage for riders who plan to use their ATVs for long distances.

Suspension

Usually, Yamaha ATVs offer a range of suspension options, including independent suspension systems and solid axle suspension systems. This independent suspension systems provide excellent shock absorption and stability, making them ideal for riders who want a comfortable and smooth ride.

Their solid axle suspension systems are designed for riders who demand maximum control and performance, providing excellent traction and stability on rough terrain.

Contrary, Honda ATVs are known for their advanced suspension technology. They feature independent suspension systems that provide excellent shock absorption and stability, making them ideal for riders who want a comfortable and smooth ride.

Additionally, Honda's suspension systems are known for their durability and reliability, making them a popular choice for riders who demand high performance and dependability.

Weight

Yamaha ATVs also offer a range of lightweight and heavy-duty options. These lightweight ATVs are designed for riders who want an agile and maneuverable ATV with excellent handling and fuel efficiency.

Yamaha's heavy-duty ATVs, on the other hand, are designed for riders who demand maximum power and performance, with excellent towing and hauling capabilities.

On the contrary, Honda ATVs are known for their lightweight and compact design, making them ideal for riders who want an agile and maneuverable ATV. These ATVs are also known for their excellent handling and fuel efficiency, making them a popular choice for riders who plan to use their ATVs for long distances.

Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to fuel efficiency, Yamaha ATVs also offer excellent fuel economy, thanks to their advanced engine technology and efficient transmission systems.

Their engines are designed to deliver maximum power and performance while minimizing fuel consumption, making them ideal for riders who want a fuel-efficient ATV.

In addition, Yamaha's semi-automatic transmissions also contribute to their fuel efficiency, as they allow riders to shift gears manually while still enjoying the convenience of an automatic transmission.

On the other hand, Honda ATVs are known for their advanced engine technology that delivers excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Their engines are designed to provide maximum power and performance while minimizing fuel consumption, making them popular for riders who want a fuel-efficient ATV.

In addition, Honda's automatic transmissions contribute to their fuel efficiency, as they are designed to optimize gear ratios for maximum fuel economy.

Braking System

Notably, Yamaha ATVs also offer a range of braking systems, including hydraulic disc brakes and drum brakes. Their hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and control, making them ideal for riders who demand maximum performance and safety.

On the other hand, their drum brakes are designed for riders who want a simple and reliable braking system that is easy to maintain.

In contrast, Honda ATVs are known for their advanced braking technology that delivers excellent stopping power and control. They feature hydraulic disc brakes that provide superior stopping power and are easy to maintain.

Additionally, their braking systems are known for their durability and reliability, making them popular for riders who demand high performance and dependability.

However, the brand and braking system choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Tires

Generally, Yamaha ATVs offer a range of tire options, including high-quality tires that provide excellent traction and durability. Their tires are designed to provide maximum grip on various terrains, from mud and rocks to sand and snow.

In addition, Yamaha's tires are also known for their durability and resistance to punctures, making them a popular choice for riders who demand high performance and dependability.

On the other hand, Honda ATVs are known for their advanced tire technology that delivers superb traction on rugged terrains. They feature high-quality tires that provide excellent grip on a variety of terrains.

Like Yamaha tires, Honda's tires are also known for their durability and resistance to punctures, making them an excellent choice for riders who demand high performance and dependability.

Price and Affordability

When it comes to price and affordability, Honda and Yamaha are both great brands. Both brands offer a range of affordable and high-end ATVs to suit different rider preferences and needs.

Notably, Yamaha ATVs offer a range of affordable and high-end options, with prices ranging from around $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the model and features.

These affordable ATVs are designed for riders who want a reliable and durable ATV without breaking the bank. In contrast, their high-end ATVs provide maximum power and performance for riders who demand them.

On the other hand, Honda ATVs are known for their affordability, with prices ranging from around $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the model and features. They have more high-end ATVs popular among riders who demand immense power and performance, with prices ranging from around $10,000 to $15,000.

Size

Yamaha ATVs also come in various sizes, ranging from youth to adult-sized ATVs. These youth ATVs are designed for riders aged 6 to 16 years old, with engine sizes ranging from 100cc to 125cc, while the adult-sized ATVs are designed for riders aged 16 years and older, with engine sizes ranging from 250cc to 700cc.

In contrast, the size of Honda ATVs can also vary based on the specific model and intended use. Some models are designed for sport and recreation, while others are designed for utility and work purposes.

Like Yamaha ATVs, their sizes range from youth to adult-sized ATVs. However, Honda's youth ATVs are designed for riders aged 6 to 12, with engine sizes ranging from 50cc to 125cc.

Also, Honda's adult-sized ATVs are manufactured for riders aged 16 years and older, with engine sizes ranging from 250cc to 700cc.

Aftermarket Support

Yamaha ATVs also offer a range of aftermarket support options, with a wide range of accessories and parts from third-party manufacturers. However, Yamaha's ATVs have a slightly narrower range of third-party accessories and parts available compared to Honda's ATVs.

On the other hand, Honda ATVs are known for their excellent aftermarket support, with several accessories and parts from third-party manufacturers.

These aftermarket parts and accessories include performance upgrades, suspension enhancements, cosmetic modifications, and utility-focused add-ons.

Additionally, these ATVs are known to have a broader range of third-party accessories and parts available, making it easier for riders to customize their ATV to their specific needs and preferences.

Durability

Yamaha ATVs are renowned for their excellent build quality, which can be attributed to the brand's strict manufacturing standards and attention to detail. This brand employs premium materials and components, ensuring that their ATVs are built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding.

This brand's commitment to quality is evident across its entire range, from entry-level models to high-performance units.

In addition, it uses high-quality materials, such as high-strength steel and aluminum components, to construct its ATVs. These materials provide a robust, lightweight framework, ensuring the vehicles are resilient and agile.

Also, it uses advanced plastic compounds for the bodywork, which offer excellent resistance to impact and wear.

On the other hand, Honda ATVs boast exceptional build quality, resulting from the company's extensive experience and expertise in the automotive and power sports industries.

Usually, Honda is known for its meticulous engineering processes and dedication to producing reliable and long-lasting vehicles. This focus on quality extends to their ATVs, which are designed to withstand harsh conditions and deliver consistent performance.

Additionally, Honda employs premium materials in their ATVs, including high-tensile steel and aluminum. This choice of materials ensures that the vehicles are robust, durable, and lightweight.

Also, Honda's bodywork utilizes specially-designed plastic composites, which are resistant to impact and wear, contributing to the ATVs' longevity.

Safety Features

Yamaha ATVs have various safety features, including advanced suspension systems, electronic power steering, and disc brakes. Their ATVs also have a range of safety features designed to protect the rider, such as a reinforced frame, a protective skid plate, and a rollover protection system (ROPS).

Additionally, these ATVs come with a range of safety features designed to protect the engine and transmission, such as a high-capacity radiator and a sealed air intake system.

On the other hand, Many Honda ATVs come with LED headlights, which offer better visibility and can help to prevent accidents when riding in low-light conditions.

In addition, they come with reverse gear, which allows you to easily maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces or when backing up. This can help to prevent accidents and improve overall safety.

Speed

Yamaha ATVs also offer a range of speed options, with a range of models that can reach top speeds of up to 75 mph. These ATVs are designed to provide high-speed performance, with advanced engine technology and aerodynamic designs that enhance speed and acceleration.

On the contrary, Honda ATVs are known for their excellent speed capabilities, with several models that can reach top speeds of up to 70 mph.

Additionally, these ATVs are designed to provide high-speed performance, with advanced engine technology that helps to improve speed and acceleration.

Drive System

Yamaha ATVs are generally equipped with the On-Command 4WD system. This system allows riders to switch between 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD with a differential lock, providing optimal traction and control for various terrains and conditions.

Additionally, this system is designed to be simple and reliable, ensuring a hassle-free riding experience.

On the contrary, Honda ATVs often feature their TraxLok 4WD system, which enables riders to select between 2WD and 4WD modes. This system also includes a selectable locking front differential, which provides increased traction and stability on rough or slippery terrain.

Besides, Honda's drivetrain technology is well-regarded for its effectiveness and durability.

Key Takeaways

  • Yamaha and Honda offer comparable ATVs with similar engine power and transmissions.
  • Yamaha has a slight edge in top speed, while Honda offers better fuel efficiency.
  • Both Yamaha and Honda offer strong aftermarket support and various accessories.

About THE AUTHOR

Kellie

Kellie

23 years old. I work at a motocross store where we specialize in gear, parts, and apparel for ATV and UTV riders.

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