CHARACTERS: Rokon Trail-Breaker

Sorry, Harley, the Rokon Trail-Breaker embodies classic American character in a way that no other two-wheeler does.

Some might call its design simple. Others might call it crude. But there is virtually nothing out there that offers the basic unstoppability that the two-wheel-drive Trail-Breaker does.

This made-in-New Hampshire beast is fitted with a 208cc, 7-hp Kohler four-stroke single. Throw the choke on a carburetor that’s very reminiscent of the one on your lawn mower then hit the electric starter (or use the pull-start backup), and it lights up easily every time.

First lesson: The Rokon is not about speed. It’s about stability and ease of use in almost all conditions. It’s about going places a quad just won’t fit and leaving very little footprint behind, thanks to those giant tires. In the 1950s, when Rokon inventor Charlie Fehn rode the first prototype of what became the Trail-Breaker, it was referred to as a Mototractor. Repeat that again. Now you’re ready to ride.

The automatic clutch and CVT drive work with a three-range (shift-only-at-a-standstill) gearbox to allow a claimed 35-mph top speed. We took their word for it. Ground clearance is high (15.0 inches), and seat height is low for an off-roader (33.0 inches). These qualities and a 218-pound dry weight make the bike easy to ride and handle.

I learned quickly how the Trail-Breaker got its name. It really will go just about anywhere. The two-wheel drive comes in handy for side-hilling and does a fantastic job of pulling the bike over rocks and downed trees. Rokon claims the Trail-Breaker is capable of a 60-percent grade, but we took it up and down hills much, much steeper than that. We didn’t do it, but Rokon says if you leave the hollow wheels empty, the bike can be floated across a body of water. Try that with your KTM.

The “Auto-Grab” front suspension has 8 inches of travel while the rear is rigid. There is a shock under the rider’s seat, though. With the recommended 5 psi in the tires, ride is softened enough to keep you comfortable when bouncing over rocks and rain ruts.

Front and rear disc brakes are mounted up high (operating via the drive chains) and not extremely efficient during quick stops. But they offer fine control at low speeds, handy when traversing highly technical terrain.

Sure, you could buy a two-wheel drive Christini enduro bike for a couple grand more than our $7,625 “For Hunters” camo Trail-Breaker, but where will you strap on your freshly bagged game?