Honda is your best bet. I think by direct drive you mean no belt??
Honda brother is the one you want!!!!!!!
I have kawasaki and honda and the honda is FAR less trouble than the kawasaki!!!
I have rode all and have been around them all and if i were buying another atv i would buy honda!

I am presently looking into a side by side and honda has none. I am considering the rhino and even had a thought of a ranger. but since honda doesnt make one yet i may just wait!
But the rhino is leading if i do!
The mule would if they were not such a joke in the power and braking area!!!!!!