With the bewildering selection of all-terrain vehicles available today, it is understandable for a new or inexperienced rider to have many questions. In this article, we will be discussing the 200cc range of ATVs, which are heavily marketed towards experienced older youth and beginner adults. Though 200cc may sound underwhelming, it is guaranteed to be a perfect fit for youth or adults starting out in the ATV world.
If you are looking for a youth ATV or are a beginner yourself, this guide will help paint a clear picture of some of the best available models.
The Can-Am DS 250 is an excellent beginner ATV designed for riders aged 14 and up. The DS is powered by a 250cc liquid-cooled engine, and with a CVT transmission and a slightly larger chassis, it trains a new rider for an adult-sized ATV. The double A-arm suspension for the front and swingarm for the rear are both adjustable, providing you with a smooth and comfortable ride. Stopping power comes courtesy of dual disc brakes up front and a single disc brake on the rear. The electric start motor makes it an easy ATV just to get on and go, making the DS 250 one of the most popular vehicles in its class.
American manufacturer Polaris has long been in the ATV business. Their initial venture was into the world of snowmobiles in 1954, which was an immediate success. Following this, Polaris went on to produce hunting ATVs, sports ATVs, and others. Polaris’s entry in the 200cc category, the Phoenix 200, is designed for riders aged 14 and older.
Powered by a 196cc 2WD 4-stroke single-cylinder, it is a decent ATV for almost anyone. Transmission is a Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT), a CVT transmission with forward, neutral, and reverse gears. Suspension is a Dual A-arm on the front and a long-arm mono-shock swingarm at the rear. Polaris is generous enough to include a safety whip flag, one color-matched youth helmet, and a training DVD. A handy feature is a parent-adjustable speed limiter for extra safety.
Tao Motor is a well-known domestic and international manufacturer of ATVs and motorcycles. They have an extensive range of ATVs to fit any budget and requirement.
Another American ATV manufacturer is the Orion Powersports company. Based in Haltom City, Texas, this local manufacturer has over fifteen years of experience in the ATV business and has proven itself throughout the years.
The Commander 200cc ATV from Apollo ATVs is a solidly built ATV with excellent options and design. The Commander is powered by a 196cc air-cooled engine with electric start functionality. Equipped with an automatic CVT transmission, the Commander is a joy to ride with its user-friendly forward, neutral, and reverse gear shifting. The front brakes are dual-hydraulic disc brakes, while the rear features a single hydraulic disc brake, and the Commander can reach maximum speeds of 37 mph. This ATV also comes equipped with front and rear utility racks with a 330 lb. maximum load capacity.
One of the leading manufacturers of ATVs is Honda. Known for their reliability and, with proper maintenance, decades of use, Honda has the Honda TRX250X model as the sportier kind and the FourTrax Recon as the utility type.
We hope to have helped you refine your selection of ATVs that best fit your requirements. While this list is not exhaustive, we believe that the models and brands mentioned here will give you enough information to increase your awareness of the choices available to you. As always, ride safe and always wear the necessary safety equipment.