First ATV
 

So I'm going to buy a 4wheeler when I move to NY. Just in some early browsing I can see it can be confusing. Help me shorten the search criteria. What do I need and why? What don't I need and why? I'm not a hot rod or looking for racing speed. I want a utility type with enough ump to haul out a deer and carry a few things. Maybe even pull a small trailer etc. Might decide to add a snow plow blade but not a requirement. I don't want to spend $11,000 for a Yamaha. Looking for something in the $5000-6000 range if it can be done. Tell me what makesNOT to buy or look at.

RE: First ATV
 

Don't look at Polaris.[8D]

A Honda Rubicon would probably be a good machine for you. It has plenty of power, it's a very smooth-running machine, it has an automatic transmission for when you're cruising and a manual transmission for when you're working, and it will last forever. If I were you, I'd look for a good used one with low hours and miles. You should be able to find a new 2006 model right now for about $6000 if you really want to spend that much. Dealers are starting to get rebates on 06 models.

Whatever machine you do buy, get a winch put on it. They're well worth the money.

RE: First ATV
 

Honda, Honda, Honda

Either the Rancher (400), Foreman(500), or Rubicon(500 auto/ESP). You cannot go wrong with any of these bikes. I have a Rancher and a Foreman, I have pulled trailors with generators, roofing equipment and trimming equipment (over 1,000 pounds) all over our lease with no trouble. These bikes may not have all of the bells and whistles i.e. front locker, power steering, fuel injection or IRS, but they are a raw bone highly dependable product. I ride mine hard in the mud and out and I have yet to have any mechanical trouble other than changing the brakes due to hard riding.

If you want to ride out, get a Honda, If you wanna walk, get something else.

RE: First ATV
 

I just recently bought a camo 2006 Yamaha Kodiak 450 4X4, and like it a lot. It's a midsize quad that is an automatic, push button four wheel drive, and a locking front differential making ALL wheels pull when needed. The 2007 models are called 450 Grizzlies but are the same as the '06 Kodiak. Here is a link to look 'em over. Best of luck to you. http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelfeatures/207/0/features.aspx

RE: First ATV
 

Honda, Yamaha, or Kawasaki, in that order. If you want to walk, Polaris!

RE: First ATV
 

I owned an 87 350 big bear until 2 years ago and replaced it with another identical one only because my buddy really really wanted it bad. The original 87 is still going strong and we work those things harder than you would imagine. I have dragged out moose ( whole ), deer, bear, skidded logs while making firewood and well ya just wouldn't believe what I have done to that bike. People automatically say Honda but in my experience the Yamahas don't give up anything to a Honda. A 400 class machine will more power than you will ever need unless you want to attach a plow to it for food plot making.

RE: First ATV
 

David, does it have to be a blue one? I mean to match your "riding suit".[X(]

How long is your driveway going to be at your new place? A snowplow will sure come in handy - I speak from experience.

IMO I strongly recommend you look at the Yamahas. The 450 Grizzly isin your price range and can do everything you listed - noproblem. Once you start getting 500cc and larger the machines start getting much larger. The large size makes for more steering effort, larger turning diameter and limits where they can go in the woods due to their size.

Back to the snowplow. As far as I know Yamaha is the only one offering a Warn snowplow for only $69 when you buy a new ATV. You can actually pick either a snowplow or a winch for the $69. Only little stickler is install is additional, but I just did my plow install myself because I likewrenching(when it doesn't involve cussing). I like to understand how/why things work and it was quite simple.

The plow comes standard w/ a manual lift but works awesome with a winch. I bought a 2000# winch w/mount new off ebay, delivered to my door for about $140 including delivery. Again install was simple. I've only used the winch for plowing. Haven't had to get myself unstuck with it yet (knock on wood) cause I'm not a mudder type really.

I have the Bruin 350 Camo and am more than pleased with it's abilities. I of course plow with it, putt around on it, climb some hills, splash thru some water here and there, do work around the farm on it, etc.

I have a 6' X 8' trailer to pull it on and can pull the trailer with the ATV. I have pulled 1500+ pounds on the trailer thru the woods and across streams doing food plots. I think the best enjoyment I ever got out of it was getting a bunch of us and our deer out of the woods one evening thru some S. IL crop fields. The mud there is basically like a whipped heavy clayish consistency. I drove while our little buddy "the troll" and my nephew rode the back rack and another guy rode the front. With 2 deer dragging off the trailer ball we all putted across some major fields at about 3 - 5 mph. Once back at camp we all tipped a cold one to the Bruin and the success of our harvests.

I have no reason to beleive that you wouldn't besatisfied with a Bruin also.

I don't understand why camo ATVs come with black racks and wheelsso I camo-painted my racks up myself and they came out wonderful. I'll find the pics I previously posted and add the link. I have to be very sure of where I park it in the woods to be sure I can find it later sometimes. I also want to put some flat disk "hubcaps" on it and camo those too to hide the black wheels.

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1046648&mpage=1&key=Bruin%2ccamo &#1046648

Never had a single type of problem with it and I think they are still available in Yamaha blue this year. ;)

RE: First ATV
 

Uncle Matt, that is one fantastic paint job you did there partner. Also a very good explanation of the cababilities of the Yamahas. Most seem to say Honda, but I really like the extra ground clearance of the Yamahas. I don't know why, but when I went to their websites it didn't show an option for the plow. Thanks a lot partner. ...and I was already to buy a Honda until you got carried away.[8D]

Dang, they certainly cost a lot more than the Hondas.

RE: First ATV
 

It reads like many favor the Honda, but Yamaha, Kawasaki, Arctic Cat and EVEN Polaris make good products. You could also buy a good quality used atv if you do some looking and careful to be selective.
You really should not need any bigger than a 500, as long as your not snowplowing a lot of snow real frequently. If you plan to work the ATV, then a 500 or larger would be preferred.
I would start by going to some dealers and sitting on some of them to see what fits you better and then go from there.
Good luck.

RE: First ATV
 

I would take a really good look at the Suzuki King Quads. If you really dont need a lot of power i would look at the new King Quad 450, but I personally have the 700 and i love it. I havent ridden a 4 wheeler yet that i liked more. Its got fuel injection, turn the key and go no choke or anything. Also, everything is digital which i really like. Put a Warn winch on the front and you will be all ready to drag out a monster