Looking for the fastest ATVs on the market? With so many manufacturers and modifications on the market, how do you know which models are the quickest? While most manufacturers don’t list the top speed on their websites, they do exhibit the ATV’s horsepower, unfortunately, that doesn’t relate to top speed.
Some of the fastest ATVs on the market, without modification, will hit speeds from 70 mph (112 kph) mph to 100 mph (161 kph). Most of these have factory-installed limiters in order to keep people from going too fast and hurting themselves. These speeds are achieved on flat, paved terrain, not offroading.
Here we have compiled a list of the 10 fastest ATVs straight from the factory. We are looking at pure speed, with no modifications, and no aftermarket parts added. Strap on your helmet and keep reading to find out what the fastest ATVs are and how fast they will take you.
When looking for fast and thrilling rides, ATVs charge at full speed and hit both marks with the force of a bull. Here is a list of the 10 fastest makes and models available. More specs are included including price points and horsepower.
| Model | Top Speed | Price |
| Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S | 85 mph | $17,799 |
| Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R | 80 mph | $15,499 |
| Yamaha Raptor 700R | 75 mph | $9,999 |
| Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 | 78 mph | $15,899 |
Table of Contents
The Fastest ATVs on the Market
1. Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S
The Polaris Scrambler is a wide ATV that packs power and speed. It can tear across trails and send mud and sand flying in a rooster tail when pushing the 89-horsepower engine to the max.
This ATV can send you blistering down the track between 80 mph/129 kph to 90 mph/145 kph straight from the factory. With the 952 cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC twin-cylinder engine, this little rocket could easily surpass those numbers, but it’s been dialed back at the factory with a speed dampener.
It’s still a blast to drive with its superb suspension and quick throttle, though it’s a little wider than most of the competition meaning in tight trails you might have trouble where slimmer models will squeak past you. 2023 base models start around $17,799. Now let’s check the next one.
2. Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R
The Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R has contained the largest number of horses in its engine than any other ATV on our list. With 91 horsepower contained in this little package, it’s rippling with power and muscle. Straight out of the factory this speedy beast hits at least 80 mph/129 kph on the open road.
It boasts a 976 cc Rotax V-twin engine with fuel injection and water-cooled four-stroke power. Coupled with an automatic CVT transmission with high and low range, the Can-Am Renegade is ready to tackle any terrain.
Not only does it carry a ton of power and speed, but it just plain looks fierce. It certainly has a lot of similar characteristics to the sporty-looking Can-Am cycles, which just screams speed. This is one speedy and brawny 4-wheeler that isn’t meant for novices.
It has a slim 48” width that’s able to sneak through the tightest of spaces and makes it more aerodynamic. Other features that come with the Can-Am Renegade include selectable 2WD or 4WD and intelligent engine braking.
The Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R has a starting price of $15,499 and comes with Can-Am’s six-month BRP limited warranty.
Our next contender is a legend, but unfortunately no longer in production.
3. Yamaha Raptor 700R
The Yamaha Raptor 700 series is the only big-bore pure sport ATV on the market today. The Raptor model was born in 2001 and continues to speed through the sands and dunes today with top speeds around 75 mph/120 km/h. Though many owners have seen speeds in excess of 90 mph/145 km/h with just a few upgrades.
The Raptor boasts a streamlined 686 cc, liquid-cooled engine with a staggering 102mm bore to give it plenty of torque and speed to keep up with larger ATVs that have much beefier engines.
Another unique offering for the Yamaha Raptor is the exquisitely fun 5-speed transmission. Most other ATVs have a belt-driven CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that typically only has a high and low gear. Yamaha Raptor owners will be shifting gears and pounding on the clutch as they traverse the hills and plains.
Yamaha didn’t stop there with their Raptor, on the 700R and 700 SE models, they included fully adjustable shocks. Now you can adjust how soft or rigid you need the suspension depending on what kind of terrain you’ll be attempting.
A 2023 Yamaha Raptor 700R will set you back approximately $9,999. If you’re someone who doesn’t ride all the time or will only ride around the back half of your property, you can save about $600 by getting the Raptor 700 base model. These don’t have adjustable shocks, but everything else is the same.
Moving on to the next contender, we travel to the frigid arctic.
4. Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000
Can-Am hits the list again with their Outlander. It has the same 91 horsepower Rotax engine as the Renegade and reaches near the same top speed out of the factory at a blurring 78 mph/125 km/h. One of the few differences between the two models is that Outlander was built for power, but it still is quite fast.
It looks heftier and ready to take on the toughest of mountains and rocky trails. With Fox racing shocks and intelligent engine braking, the Outlander can easily handle any terrain you give it.
Though it features nearly 100 horsepower, with the other premium features such as intelligent throttle control, you won’t throw yourself off this bucking bull when you goose the gas.
If you’re looking for a muscular-looking ride that has the speed of a cheetah, look no further than the Can-Am Outlander 1000R. Prices start at $15,899. If you’re looking for something with a more sleek design, check out the Honda TRX.
5. Yamaha YFZ 450R
Yamaha still makes race-ready sport ATVs, and the menacing looking YFZ 450R delivers all the power, speed, and aggressive sounds you could wish for. Straight out of the “box” this beast will hit 75 mph/121 km/h with its 49 hp, single-cylinder, 5-valve, 4-stroke engine. The titanium valves are both lightweight and powerful.
The Yamaha YFZ 450R carries a 449 cc engine that delivers plenty of smooth power. Combined with a chain-driven, wet-clutch, 5-speed transmission, you can tear up the track wherever you go.
Looking to impress with this ATV? The base model will set you back at approximately $10,299, and the sportier YFZ 450R SE package that comes with a GYTR front grab bar starts at $10,699.
Are you looking for hp over mph? These ATVs have the most number of horses trapped in their engines.
Used ATVs & Their Top Speed
| Model | Top Speed | Price |
| Honda TRX 700XX | 86 mph | $4,500 |
| Suzuki LT500R Quadracer | 82 mph | $6,000 |
| Bombardier DS650 | 72 mph | $3,000 |
| KTM 525 XC | 75 mph | $5,000 |
| Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000 | 80 mph | $6,000 |
Honda TRX 700XX
Honda only manufactured the 700XX for one year, but in that short year, it really left a mark on owners and ATV aficionados alike. This little ATV was powered by a 686cc single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine that only produced 53 horses. It was exceptionally fast though!
Straight off the factory floor this blur could do 86 mph/138 km/h with nothing added or modified. After doing just a little tinkering, owners could get 90 to 95 mph/145 to 153 km/h out of this speedster.
The tiny engine had a large 102 mm bore and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. Coupled with a featherweight frame the TRX 700XX would fly.
Honda’s 700XX came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission and a left foot clutch system.
When these ATVs were selling from dealerships you could find them for about $7,899. Now you can only find used models primarily on Craigslist and auction sites. Now they are going for anywhere between $2,000 to $6,000 depending on if they are stock or if they have been modified for more speed and power.
The next legend was only manufactured for a few years, but it still holds up today.
Bombardier DS650
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) had a hit with their now discontinued DS650. It was manufactured for a few years in the early 2000s. After acquiring Can-Amin in 2007, BRP quit making ATVs to allow them to make recreational vehicles.
You could say that the Bombardier DS650 was the predecessor to the Can-Am Renegade and Outlander. It had a 652 cc, 4-stroke, Rotax engine that delivered 45 hp. The small, seemingly underpowered engine could still crank out max speeds between 70 to 75 mph/112 to 121 km/h.
This masterful creation came with a 5-speed, chain-driven transmission that helped deliver such asphalt melting speeds.
Not only was the DS650 fast, but owners attested to the sheer bulletproof durability of the ATV. Some owners even took theirs on brutal treks such as the Baja 1000 and the Paris DaKar.
If you’re looking for one of these beauties you can expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,000 to $4,000. In 2006 when they were last manufactured, the base price was $6,999.
Now on to the next one.
KTM 525 XC
With the surging popularity of Side by Sides, many ATV manufacturers have pulled the plug on their lagging quads, and KTM has become another statistic. When they were crafting the 525 XC, they had a speed champion on their hands.
They outfitted this speed king with a 510 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine that pumped out 61 hp, and topped out at 75 mph/121 km/h straight from the factory. Some owners claimed triple digits with a little bit of transmission and gear tinkering though.
The 525 XC came with a fully adjustable suspension, and a 5-speed, chain-driven transmission. When these ATVs rolled off the dealership in 2010 you could have one for $10,999. Now you can find used models ranging between $4,000 and $6,000.
On to the last, but certainly not the least appealing, model on our list.
Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000
The Arctic Cat Thundercat was named after the snowmobile that could melt the ice and snow with its scorching speed. When Arctic Cat created the Thundercat 1000 ATV they didn’t leave any speed or power out of this vehicle.
Straight from the factory, this ATV could hit the 80 mph/129 km/h mark on its single speed CVT transmission. Some owners claimed their Thundercats clocked even faster speeds.
The Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000 came standard with a 1000cc, V-twin engine delivering 188 lbs-ft of torque. The entire vehicle weighed just over 700 pounds, and when you punched the throttle it would rear up on its back tires like a fierce stallion. It could also be as docile as a kitten when you were easy on the accelerator.
The Thundercat ATVs were only manufactured for a few years before they were discontinued, but you can still find used models for sale at reasonable prices. Depending on where you live and how well the machine was taken care of, expect to pay between $5,000 and $8,000 for a Thundercat now.
Now let’s meet another Can-Am ATV, the Renegade’s more muscular brother.
Suzuki LT500R Quadracer
Affectionately nicknamed the “Quadzilla,” Suzuki’s LT500R was only manufactured for a few years, but nearly all ATV enthusiasts know the name and dream of driving one. This mini monster only packed in 51 horsepower in its 499 cc 2-stroke engine, but it boasted a top speed of 82 mph/132 kph.
How was something with so little horsepower so fast, and more importantly why did they stop making them? Most of what made the Quadzilla so fast was the extremely lightweight and the way the two-stroke engine allowed the RPMs to charge up to unprecedented ranges.
It ran like it had a turbocharger on it. And that is why this micro speed demon was discontinued after such a short run. Not everyone who had one of these machines rode safely, so Suzuki soon quit making them and focused on safer and less powerful models.
At the time of production, it was the fastest stock ATV made, and certainly had an influence on how they are manufactured today as well as the future of quad racing.
When the Suzuki LT500R was first introduced, you could find them for $3,299. While you may be able to find someone who is willing to part with theirs now, you’re going to have to shell out some money for a used vehicle. From Quadzilla to Raptor, these beasts continue to shred the trails.
What ATV Has the Most Horsepower?
Horsepower and speed go hand in hand, but more power doesn’t necessarily mean faster track times. The Yamaha sport ATVs don’t deliver a ton of horses, but they are some of the most nimble, and fastest straight out of the factory.
Power will help you get over big hills and aid in traversing tough trails, so if you’re searching for the ATV with the most power, check out this list here.
| Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R | 91 Horsepower |
| Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 | 91 Horsepower |
| Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S | 89 Horsepower |
| Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000 | 70 Horsepower |
| KTM 525 XC | 61 Horsepower |
| Suzuki LT500R Quadracer | 51 Horsepower |
| Honda TRX 700XX | 53 Horsepower |
| Yamaha YFZ 450R | 49 Horsepower |
| Yamaha Raptor 700R | 47 Horsepower |
| Bombardier DS650 | 45 Horsepower |
How to Shop for the Fastest ATVs
We know it’s not easy to shop for fast ATVs. Sporty, fast ATVs are rare, and sometimes difficult to find because UTVs/Side by Sides are becoming increasingly popular. It’s why we came up with this list of the fastest ATVs available.
There are a few manufacturers that still make speedy quads such as Can-Am, Polaris, and Yamaha, which is the only producer, at the moment, of sport ATVs. Checking out their websites might help you find a dealership in your area that sells quick ATVs.
You can also check out online marketplaces for used ATVs such as eBay motors, and craigslist. One of the best and most extensive collections of ATVs for sale would be ATV Trader. There you can search for a specific brand, model, year, and even how much you’re willing to pay.
There is one last thing you can do when looking for a fast, stock ATV.
Ask a Manufacturer or Professional
You can go to a dealership and ask the salespeople or find some professionals that work with ATVs. If there is an ATV repair shop in your area, that’s a great place to find professionals that can give you honest opinions about fast ATVs.
Just like going to a car mechanic to see what brands have the least amount of problems, if you can find an ATV mechanic, they can tell you what models might be best for your needs.
Conclusion
ATVs may be losing popularity to Side by Sides, but there are still plenty of 4-wheeler speedesters available. Yamaha still manufactures the Raptor and YFZ 450R which can reach speeds over 70 mph/112 km/h straight from the factory.
You also have high-speed options from Can-Am and Polaris ATVs which are heavier, more trail worthy machines, but will still tear up the race track.
If a brand new ATV isn’t in the budget, there are plenty of super-fast, pre-owned options available. Look for a Suzuki LTR500 Quadracer “Quadzilla,” KTM 525 XC, Bombardier DS650, or an Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000. These ATVs have some of the highest stock speeds available, so strap on a helmet and hang on tight.
I’m William Guzenski, ASE certified master automobile technician & automotive expert. I love to attend race events and car shows throughout the country. I also loves to travel 40-foot motorhome, exploring abandoned mines and ghost towns. I’m currently building another car for Bonneville Salt Flats and will be campaigning a drag car at several events.