4X2 ??? I don't get it. You mean its a two wheel drive atv? But its NOT a
sport quad?
Most utility quads only have 2WD. 4x4 is getting more popular, but it adds a lot to the cost, and
is not often needed. Although Suzuki came out with the first quads in about 1982 (2WD utility),
Honda was the first to deliver the first
4x4 utility quad, in 1986. And it was CRUDE, with a
solid front axle and full-time 4x4. I had one, and the ride made my later 4x4s seem almost like sport
quads. I think Honda is the first with switchable 4x4 (2002 Foreman), but I could be wrong. Quads
were full-time 4x4 until then.
Now, believe-it-or-not, there are 4x4 SPORT quads, such as the 4x4 Polaris 500 Scrambler. What
characterizes sport quads is big suspensions, no grannie gear, manual tranny, and no racks. Sometimes
sporty quads have no reverse gear and no parking brake, either. Utility quads have ultra-low
first gear (usually), a trailer hitch, and racks. To further muddy the distinction, there are now
sporty quads with CVT auto trannies, as well as the semi-autos (Honda TRX250EX) that are still the
most common tranny for utility ATVs.
I have also converted sporty quads for utility use: first, I make some racks. Then I change the
final drive ratio, if the ATV has chain drive. Usually a one-tooth-smaller drive sprocket is enough.
Then, I make a trailer hitch. Photo is of a cherry 89 Yamaha Warrior 350.
If you have used utility quads, and never driven a sporty quad, you should try it: the big suspensions
make the ride much nicer. Kinda like going from a Jeep to an Impala.