what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I'm looking at getting a new 4-wheeler for next season. I was wondering what kind you guys use. Could ya'll post some pics too and share your experiences. Thanks

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

1988 Ford F-250 4X4. ;)

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I use a Yamaha Grizzly. Sorry I don't have any pics to post.

My experience with it has been good. I bought it in '03, and have put about 5,500 miles on it. I like the liquid-cooled engine, the headlight configuration (keeps front rack usable after dark), the engine break, the selectable 4WD/differential locks, and the independent front and rear suspension. I've done a lot of spot spraying with it, and I have found all these features come in handy for that. The liquid-cooled engine stays cooler than an air-cooled engine when you are doing things that require you to go slow. With the engine break, I seldom use the wheel breaks. Being able to kick it out of 4WD allows me to turn sharper than a machine that can not, yet I still 4WD when I need it. Independent front and rear suspension helps take some of the bumps out of the ride, and with a spray tank on the back, it keeps me from accidentally bending or breaking an axle when I run over objects hidden in the grass.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

It really depends on what you are going to be doing with it and where you live.

I have a little air cooled 250cc 2 wheel drive Suzuki Ozark and am really happy with it. I live where there is rarely snow and I already have a 45hp Kubota tractor that I use for discing, planting, etc. so I don't really need a big work horse of an ATV.

I was also lucky to find a couple of barely used ATVs owned by an older individual and got a really good deal on them. I bought a 2004 and 2005 Suzuki 250cc that were both barely used(1 is a sport model and 1 is the Ozark) and a nice little trailer for $6,250 which is less than what one of the larger 4x4 models would go for.



The important thing is figuring out your budget andwhat you are going to use it for and buying the appropriate machine for you.

FWIW, Nathan

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I just (in November) got a new Yamaha Grizzly 700. It's a great machine and has the power assist steering. My guess is that the other manufacturers will come out with it also in the near future. I'd highly recommend the Grizzly. With that being said, the Hondas and Polaris are good too. I do highly recommend the fuel injected models. Field and Stream did a review of the new Yamaha. Check it out!

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

If your looking for a nice trail riding bike where it won't be going through alot of abuse then polaris are fine. But if your goin to work it hards and pound it through mud, brush and rude terrain you could not give me polaris to ride. Most of the guys here are riding honda and yamaha. My dad has an 98 big bear yammy that has been to hell and back at least twice and is still tickin. I bought a 06 kodiak last spring and have had the same to say about it as North Texan. We run hondas out in the oil patch and that is the only bike that will consistently get beat up everyday and fire up again the next morning in -30 weather. Not the nicest to ride but they are one tough bike. The do have a trail edition now which is to be considerably better for riding. I would stay away from honda automatics, heard nothing but problems with them. Been driving a bike since i was a little guy around the farm, hunting and trail riding so i know what to look for in a bike and my advice is tested and sound. Here are some pics of what we like to do.
There are a few 400 artic cats in the pic, sit nice and high, boys put on big tires but too much weight and too much rubber to turn. Once these guys were stuck their reverse would just sit and bog. Only bike that made it through unwinched was my yammy[8D]

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Kawasaki Prairie 650. It'll go nearly anywhere you want it to, and it's a blast to ride. Doesn't soak up the sagebrush and rocks like the machines that have IRS, but it's a lot more stable and it has a nice, low center of gravity (but still adequate clearance). Has good power too. I suppose the best way to describe it is a sporty utility quad. More fun to throw around than the true utility quads, a little rougher on trails, but fun as all get out and it'll still go anywhere the rider is capable of taking it.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I have a Honda Rancher and love it. Great workhorse around the farm and gets in places the big ones can't when hunting.Have used a polaris and artic cat,could not give me one. Stick with Honda or Yamaha.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

'05 Bombardier Outlander

I haven't had a complaint about this 4 wheeler. The bike is fast for a utility bike and can go through mud like no other. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

If I didn't have an Outlander I would have a Rincon or Grizzly.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Gut check, how do you find the susepension on your outlander? Reading the bike mags about them they seem to be an awesome unit and lead most categories but the only complaint was the front end was a bit too light. Have you found this as well or have they remodeled it? I read initially lots of guys were just changing the shocks on them and they were fine. What size of rims/tires did you put on, looks great. I have been contemplating selling my 06 kodiak once i get about 5000 km on it and going to an 800 bombi. Don't need a bike like that but oh man would it be sweet, only problem is when i am stuck i am stuck lol.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Honda always had this brand for quads, road and off-road bikes. Except for my off road Kawaski KDX 200 bike.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Ihad a 97 Polaris Sportsman 500. Sold it recently. I would never buy another Polaris.My wife has a 06 Honda Rancher ES.She loves it.Mine is a 06 Honda TRX 680 FA.It only has 200 miles on it. So farI'm impressedwith it.I'm sure if you stick with any of the major makes and models you'll find a good 4 wheeler.I've seen someMade inChina which I wouldn't have on a bet.I prefer Honda's from previous experiences with them years ago.Polaris are okay as long as you don't have to deal with their Customer Service.Polaris's parts are outrageous.Polaris also have a tendency of ending up in the shop more often.

Ruger Redhawk

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Bought a 97 Kodiak 400 4x4 in 2001.under 1k miles at time.use it go in and out of woods. terrainis low risk riding. also plow snow. really impressed with power. Never a lick of trouble. seems to go places I won't attempt. probably true w/most machines. my first work quad so can't compare with anything.very very pleased though. would buy yamaha again.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

HONDA!!!!!!!

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I have owned polaris, yamaha and honda. With the exception of the Polaris I'd recommend either yamaha or honda without reservation. Currently I have a 05 Yamaha Kodi 450 that hasbeen put through the paces and passed each one (used for normal trail riding, mud/muskeg and dragging moose and elk out of some nasty areas.)

Though I have never owned one theBombi's (Can Am's) would be one I'd add. Heard nothing but good things about them.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Just got it last night...2007 Suzuki Vinson 500 4x4 automatic camo edition

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I haven't been in a situation where the front end weight has presented a problem although I have only been trail/mud riding with it about 3 times. I have been in some pretty hairy situations and it performed like it should. I still have the OEM shocks and I am not aware of any changes that Bombardier may have made although I haven't really kept up on the latest technologies or other bikes since I purchased mine over a year and a half ago.

The tires are:
Front
26x10-12
Rear
26x12-12

I have a buddy that has the 800 and that bike is riduculous. And I mean that in a good way.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

My work 4X4 and Deer Hauleris a 03 Polaris Ranger.My Hunting(also deer hauler)and trail rider is a 01 Polaris Sportsman 500 4X4.My Track and errand runner is a05Polaris Trail Blazer 250.My wife rides a 00Sportsman 400 4X4 and my son has a 50cc Preditor.....

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I bought a new Suzuki 450 king Quad this year and use it almost every day ice fishing. It has electronic fuel injection, front and rear independent suspension, engine braking and is a nice machine for the money. No problems so far and it runs strong. I added a set of 2 link V bar chains on the rear to help with the deep snow.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

2003 Honda Rubicon. This is a great hunting bike you can shift the gears on the handle or put it in auto. It also holds itself back great coming down steep inclines.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Love my Honda Rancher,dependable,always there for you,have a 2005
am picking up a 2007 saturday at Union City,Tn.Wife gets the 2005!:D

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I drove a polaris ranger for a few months last winter while on seismic lines and i cursed every day i had to drive that thing. The most gutless wonder i have ever used. I was winching up hills alot, floor was completley busted out by the end of the job. Rude to handle in the bush as it doens't steer worth a dam. Gimme a quad any day. May be ok for puttsin around checkin farmland, driving in ditches, nice trail riding but for chit and abuse this thing was definatley not designed for.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Polaris sportsman #1

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

best thing i ever did was trade my 4-wheeler for a Jeep. my Jeep will go more places than 99.9% of 4-wheelers go PLUS when i hit the highway i just keep driving....no need to load it on the trailer.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Don't put all RUV's in the same mold. The Yamaha Rhino is narrow like a quad and is very easy to manuver. You can load a Rhino in the back of a full size truck.

I have a a Honda Rancher ES 4x4 and I absolutely love this bike. I have pulled trailors with over 1,000 pounds of roofing and building material in the big hills of North louisiana working on deer stands with no problems. I have put that bike through everything that has gotten in my way and the only complaint that I could ever come up with is the brakes. All hondas have sucky brakes so i knew that going in and expected it. I will be getting a Rhino next spring and will keep my Rancher. You cannot go wrong with a Rancher for trail riding, working around the farm or hunting club, and reliability. For the money it is one of the best bikes on the market.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I use two legs. I ain't scared of a little exercise, plus I don't hunt miles and miles and miles out so there's not much need for one.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

'05 yamaha 350 wolverine.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

2006 Rancher 4x4 manual shift, all i can say is its a no thrills workhorse who wont let ya down. go about anywhere you point it. however i have been deeply thinkin on a kawasaki brute force 650I in realtree. I LOVE them things, but its between that and the 07 Rancher 420. I usually ride against sport quads(450R, 450R, and 400EX) so the ol Rancher dont hang too good.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I have a 2004Honda Rancher and it does everything I want it to do. I used to have a 1987 Honda Fourtrax and went up to the Rancher, both machines have done good for me.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I have an 05 Foreman 500. 2 wheel drive manual shift. Brand new, out the door Nov 05 for $3700. It does everything I have asked it to do. If you are close to Chattanooga TN, this place has the best prices in the area. http://www.southernhonda.com/

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

i got an 06 honda rancher 350 and love it no problems at all, we got it for 3,300 brand new, it was a great deal

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

We have some pretty tough, very steep terrain at our camp. We work our ATV's very hard to say the least. We use them for foodplots and pulling logs for firewood. So it has been a good test to see how they stand up against each other. What I have observed is that the Honda, Yamaha, Can Am, and Kawi have all performed very good. If I was looking for the best all around , I would probably go with Honda (even though I own a Yamaha and Kawi). One thing is for sure, I would not buy a Polaris. In our experience they have not held up well at all !

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

you guys may laugh but i have a 2005 yamaha bruin 250 but i'll tell you what for a small 4 wheeler it goes almost anywhere, it is lightweight and easy to load in my truck also being small can get through some tight areas in the woods it does what i need it to do but everyones needs are different so i guess its all about what your going to do with it

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

i gues you could always go with something like this bad boy

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

After a Kawasaki,artic cat,Honda Rancher!Always in the woods,never
in the shop!!!:)

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Our family has a Honda Rubicon and it has stood up to alot of stuff that we put it through. They make a bullet-proof engine, probably the reason we bought a Honda in the first place. Our friends have a Suzuki Eiger and they haven't had any problems either.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

Another vote for honda here. I ride a 02 model Rancher with manual shift. I bought it 6 months old and it looked like it was sitting on the show room floor. Plus it had a 1500 lb superwinch on the front of it. I've put that bike through more crap and it just keeps on purring without any problems. All I have done to it is change the oil, wash the air filter, and adjust the brakes. I am considering getting after market tires. Not sure what to get though.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

honda ora yamaha i have a 03 foreman 450 es i cleared a 2 acre building lotusing it as a skidderand use it to plow w/ it is a great machine but i have been looking at the yamy 700 w/ the power stearing as i am going to go to tracks instead of a snowmobile next year.honda and the rest are allgreat untill they break or you are stuck

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

My 02 Suzuki Vinson 500 has served well. Never a problem. And it has towed by buddies Polaris out of the woods too. If I were looking for a new ATV today I would check out the King Quads from Suzuki and the Yamah Grizzlies too. The CanAm me be ok but I don't like having both front and rear brakes on one lever. Polaris rides nice but are heavy and hard to steer compared to my Zuki.

RE: what kind of 4 wheeler do you use?
 

I guess I'm the first one with this one......

2005 Suzuki Eiger.