Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I am thinking of getting either a Cat 650 or prairie 700. both have give and take features, but I think the IR suspension might be the trick.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

hope you have lots of time because this kind of topic usually gets a lot of replies and everyone likes their brand (Ford vs Chevy; Remington vs. Winchester; Matthews vs. BowTech etc.)

I personally have a Yamaha Kodiak and have no complaints. I know the Prairies are rated pretty high. I like the idea of IR suspension, but have heard it can cause some problems under certain driving conditions (higher speeds I beleive and it can decrease clearance?). A lot depends on what you will be using he machine for.

if you get the Outdoor Channel, I would suggest watching ATV Television. They have subjective reviews of most ATVs throughout the year. I think the reviews may be on their website also.

I would also search the Web for ATV message boards (I have found a few that are quite well reponded to)

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I will recommend a few things on ATV's but not an actual brand.

*I recommend one that you feel comfortable on. My Yamaha is more comfortable than my Polaris.
*I recommend IRS for the ground clearance. Both of my ATV's are SRA and they keep me high centered when playing in the rut's.
*I recommend one with Hi/Lo on it. Especially if it's belt drive. Both of mine are Manual
*I recommend metal vs. composite racks. My plastic on the Polaris has cracked.
*I recommend a winch.
*I recommend that lighter is better. I have a polaris 425 that is hard to move with muscle power.
*I recommend a 4x4.

I have a Polaris 425 4x4 and a Yamaha Big Bear 400 2x4. I prefer the Yamaha in all situations. Because it is light, easier to steer, more comfortable.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

Unless your hauling or doing heavy rancher/farmer work anything over 500cc's is not required in ATV. It adds weight and expense for the lack of real usage. Weight may not seem like a big issue but trust me bury her stick and berries deep in a mud bog and you'll be glad you have less to worry about.;) I also reccomend a 2000lbs winch for that very reason, make sure it free wheels so you can pull it out to hook up not have to run it out. Tires can be the big equalizer if your in wet terrain scrap the factory nubs for a set of good lugs and you'll find your smaller cc engine will do better than the bigboys. If you do require a big ccer put a 3000-3500lbs winch on it, as you must take in account the weight of being stuck, atv and rider..with lots of cable..hehe.

I own a polaris 400 sportsman it hasn't let me down. However in all honesty if I had to buy new it would be: Honda and Yamie in that order. I have owned Hondas (still have a 400 foreman) and they have been excellent. I know many who own yamie's as well and no real problems. For me a 4x4 atv is a must and wouldn't even consider a 2x4. I used bigreds, while they ran n' ran with only a oil change and gas they sure caused some headaches.
All ATV's will cost you money to own and operate so be prepared to dish out 15 bucks for a little air filter & so on[:@] but if you take care of them and do PM work they will take care of you.

I agree this is usually a heated debate[:o]

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

Agree w/ Skeeter above regarding the 500cc machines. They have their place, but I can't justify one for just hunting.

For what it's worth I went w/ Honda's Rancher 350 in 2WD. Does eveything I need it to do and has plently of motor for my needs. Very nimble in the woods with good trail riding manners. Also, mine is light enough that I can easily pick up the front or rear and move it around if need be (like parking it in a corner of the garage, etc.). Best thing about mine was that it didn't break the bank at less than $3500 out the door.

Regardless of what you choose, shop around for end of year deals. Anytime after say August & Sept some dealers will be offering incentives to move the current model year machines out to make room for the new ones coming in.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

anything but polaris , I pull one out with my honda at everytime me and my buddies ride

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I would go with a Yamaha 400. If I had to choose. You can;t see much but she's still going strong right through the river.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I have a Polaris Sportsman 500.It has more power then needed. It's big and heavy. A winch is a must on one this size. I have a Warn 2000 on it. It's paid for itself on a couple of occasions.The Polaris does ride nice and has been quite dependable.I do like my Polaris.I plan on keeping it for several more years. To me customer service means allot. I called Polaris on an issue I had. They have to be the worst customer service I've ever dealt with. The woman only knew how to say take it to your dealer. I like my Polaris like I said but Polaris has about as much chance as a snow ball in Hell of me ever buying another one. My next one will be a Honda or possibly a Kawi Mule.Incase anyone's wondering. Polaris came out with a plastic Belt Cover that's more heat resistant. Mine has warped from the heat and the belt slaps the cover. I just wanted information about these revised covers.I might have gotten more info from the wall then that useless woman.She sounded like a broken record . "Take it to your dealer"-arrrrrk -"Take to your dealer" This isn't my first experience with Polaris C.S. all the times about the same results.

Ruger Redhawk

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I'd agree most situations don't call for anything larger than a 500!
For dependability and value, HONDA!

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I'm going to stay out of the "which one is better" debate, but I can vouch for the Praire 650. I use it for hunting and also for sport riding and it does both very well. Plenty of power, locking front differential, excellent instrument panel, and as for the weight, it weighs only about 5lbs more than the 400 it replaced. Like others have said, get a winch!! Its handy for obvious reasons, plus a winch is a great way to hoist big game for field-dressing. I can't really say what the long-term "test" will be, its only got 1100 miles on it, but so far, so good. Preventive maintenance is the key to any machine lasting.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

There is only one that you will get your moneys worth and that is a HONDA!

yeah i have been in my share of polaris vs honda debates. but i'll warn you ahead of time don't buy a honda and buy a polaris and you will regret it . especially in your wallet as it breaks and breaks and..........

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I will not own a belt drive so that leaves only manual transmissions and hondas which have real automatic transmissions.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I have had a lot of different Honda bikes, the only on that has ever been worked on besides brakes and wear items was a 1980 model atc 110, which got stuck in gear. Have had several since then and never a problem at all. For reliability Ride a Honda. For speed, and maybe more comfort, and bragging rights get something else, but for reliability....Ride Red! Ride Honda. And probably the best 4 wheeler ever built was the trx 300 4x4, but it was replaced with the rancher.

Don't get me wrong, I like a lot of the other brands and people have had some really good results with them. But I bet you the Honda will still be running when the others are in the scrap yard. Kind of like the turtle and the hare race story. Honda is a lot of the time the slower, rougher riding, less styling, less powerful, but it will still be running and going when the fat lady sings.

Test this.... Go to every dealer..... Start some bikes....See what sounds good and starts best. Ride a few of your friends, and Buy what you like. Keep in mind, whatever you buy, take care of it, Service it, change the oil OFTEN, keep it out of the rain and sun.

Ride Red, Ride Honda.

Kirk

1999 Honda 450es
2001 Honda 400ex
1988 Honda 250R
1999 Honda 300fw
1996 Kawasaki 300 bayou 4x4
1992 Suzuki LT80
1999 Honda vf750
1986 Honda cr250
2003 Harley FXDWG

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

Knock on wood but no problems so far with my Yamaha Kodiak! :D

I'd go with Yamaha or Honda.

Polarises are good when they're running but my friends have them and they spend a lot of time in the shop.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I have a Yamaha 400 Big Bear - it's reliable, but hell on the rough trails and hard to shift at times. The Prairie 360 4x4 is nice, extremely comfortable and powerful - but I'd have to wait to see the verdict on the belt-drive sytems before I'd invest that amount of money in one. The next ATV I'd get is a HONDA. Simple, dependable, powerful, incomperable - nuff said:D.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I can honestly say I have a Yamaha Kodiak 400 and I love it! Give them a look. It has a great turning radius and fits through the woods and trees where others can't. Plenty of power I have a Moose county plow for mine we just had well over a foot of snow and it handled the snow with no problems at all. I am very pleased. Besides the push button 4x4 it plays as good as it works. Sit on them and see what feels the best for you! Good Luck! Its fun picking a machine out.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

If you can spare the $'s, the Yamaha Rhino is awesome! Otherwise, if you don't use it in a lot of snow, a light 2wd model works well. I have a Yamaha Bear Tracker 250 and have NEVER been left behind by any larger 4wd machine. Matter of fact, mine is actually better in most situations because if I get in a tight spot or stuck, I can lift it out myself.

It does not go uphill in snow over @ 6" though. It will carry 2 200lb+ riders a medium size deer and some gear in a pinch also.

Good value for the dough!

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

Be warned, I have strong feelings on this subject. I personally think the 500+cc machines are not warranted for most hunting machines. They are way heavy, and you can haul whole elk with the smaller machines. The big machines are so heavy that a winch is essential IMO. If you do lots of riding and exploring, fuel consumption will become an issue with the big machines. In addition, some of them--ie the grizzly are louder and have more vibration than you will want to deal with long term. In a hunting machine, I believe 4WD is essential. However--I enjoy trail riding far too much to have a full time 4WD system. I prefer a push button 2wd/4wd engagement. If you are set on a two wheel drive, travel with a friend or get a winch--the time is coming when you will get stuck. Polaris machines have the best ride IMO. I however can't accept their single brake system in steep country with a heavy load and it seems the Polaris owners I know spend more time making repairs than they should. Polaris machines also feel a little top heavy/tippy. I've owned Yamaha Kodiaks (automatics) since they were introduced. I've had zero problems. For the money, I think the Suzuki Eiger is a tremendous bargain. My in-laws have had no problems with theirs. I've owned Hondas--they are dead reliable, well engineered and slightly overpriced. For ride quality, the independant suspension are probably superior. However, IMO, they are more tiippy in off camber situations. I spend enough time in off camber areas that I prefer solid axel machines. (If I didn't live in the mountains, I would own independent suspended machines). Ive got several thousand miles on the Yamaha automatics (Grizzly and Kodiaks). I have never had a belt slip and my dealer tells me they don't even stock belts because they haven't had to replace one yet. After this experience, I can't imagine wanting to go back to a manual shifting machine. I've spent considerable time with Honda's automatic transmission. I am seriously impressed with it. However, up till recently, they were full time 4WD which I have been unwilling to accept (I enjoy the power slides too much). I love the ride of the kew Rincon but the "gearing seems inadequate for real heavy loads. If I won the lottery, or could come up with a rationalization for another big bore machine, I would absolutely choose the prairie.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

i have not read the post but i can say this. i think the best all around 4wheeler is the polaris sportsman 500 h.o. the thing will do about 55-60 mph topped out and is awesome 4 trail riding and pulling out deer. forget about going around 4 inch diameter trees. with the bumper they put on the front u can just go right over them. another reason polaris is the best is b/c u can use TRUE 4wheel drive at any speed with push of a button. next reason-this delivers so much power it is unbelievable. it has about 1 inch treads and this thing will tear through stuff. i mean it is a bad @ss 4wheeler. i was in a creek and there was water all the way back up to the rear racks. kicked it in 4 wheel drive and crawled rite out of it. another thing i like is engine breaking 4 hills. it limits ur speed going down hills if u arent pushing on the gas to assist in breaking. this is also a smoother ride than ANY OTHER 4 WHEELER I HAVE RIDDEN, including honda and yamaha. the IRS works so well over ruts, stumps, and bumps it is amazing i honestly would get this or if u want more power get the 600 or 700 twin sportsman. plus this 4wheeler is automatic transmission. no shifting at all!!!this thing is a dream no doubt about it and i really dont think u will ever need a winch for it. i havent yet and have gotten into sum pretty rough sh*t with it

i seriously would greatly consider this 4wheeler i can not tell u how happy u will be with it

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

i would stick with a 500 or better unless you like crawling up hills in first or second gear. it depends where you are going to use it and what time of the year. in pa. all we have is hills so anything less and you will not be happy. i ride a suziki 4 wheel drive. a 2 wheel drive in the snow is useless.:)

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

As someone else was saying, the outdoor channel rates all atv's and the kaw. 700 was rated the best all-around atv for 2004. I myself, have the prairie 360 and love it. For my needs I couldn't see spending the extra money for the 700.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I am a red Blooded American but damn it Honda does a heck of a job with almost everything.My Foreman is a real work horse.Plows the deepest snow,totes a full size trailer around the compound and does a real nice job anywhere I want to hunt.
Except for my Husky chainsaw all my mowers,pumps and generators are Honda.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

Well recommending which ATV has been pretty well covered already.

All i can say is get whatever you are most comfortable with and be sure to be careful.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

All the replies above really cover it , I have a Foreman 450S and really like it. Use it for plowing , pulling a 6X10 trailer full of ice fishing gear and 3 guys at 200lbs plus each on the lakes every year chasing pike and it'll do 45 with no mods. By myself at 225 it moves along at 54 across the fields when going hunting. And it works the food plots great in 1st or 2nd. Overall I think Honda puts out a good product, just as the others do but when it comes down to resale and dependability, I think Honda beats the rest.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I have to disagree. If you have one of the Big Boys you better have a winch.I've buried my 500 a couple times. Without the winch it probably would still be there.Once I was on a muddy firebreak when it just sunk.A friend came with a big tractor to pull it out.The tractor even grunted pulling my Sportsman out. The next week I had a Warn #2000 winch,which has paid for itself a few times.I guess you've been lucky. Trust me your day is coming when you'll have second thoughts about not needing a winch.

Ruger Redhawk

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I agree with Ruger.

I haven't had to use my winch many times (except for plowing), but the few times I have needed it, I glad it was there. Doesn't even need to be hairy situations. I was on my property in the middle of winter and couldn't get up a steep incline (bare, frozen ground - basically like ice) and had no other way to get where i was going. They also work well for moving downed trees or other obsticles.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I will purchase my first ATV next month and after spending numerous hours researching, reading reviews, and discussing different makes and models I have decided to buy a Suzuki Vinson automatic. I've ridden Honda and Polaris and honestly believe the Vinson is at the head of the pack. (It also was named best in class.) Go to www.atvtv.com and check out their reviews on the 500's. (It also includes the Kodiak 450.) Check out ATV Outdoors bulletin board. There you will find a lot of good information on all models.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

Ive driven and owned 2 atv's so far and i would recomend either a yamaha grizzly 660 or a polaris sportsmen 700 they both served me well

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

Arctic Cat..............you won't go wrong. I have the 400 4x 4 and love it. The ride is very comfortable. It is a 2004 and has push button 4wd (wasn't crazy about that at first) love it now. It's got the 2' receiver hitch which comes in handy and it very practical. Largest fuel tank in its class, most ground clearance/wheel travel. Has high/low range and a boat load of torque. I have a 2500# Warn that is a life saver for all types of jobs. I have used it once to get back up a hill that my buddy on a Honda wouldn't even attempt. And all this was out the door at a modest $5250.00 with the winch mounted and complete.:D Good deal? Same price every day.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I have a Polaris 325 magnum 4X4...auto.....if there's some where it can't go....then trust me...I don't need to be there...

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I am a die hard honda man, there is nothing that a honda machine cant do. To bad they still dont make the old 300's because they were the best bikes ever built. I am from Kentucky and we do some hardcore riding down here and if you aint got a honda you aint got anythang worth talking about.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

i love my honda rancher 350. the only thing that stops it is the 2 feet of powder we have. otherwise she goes anywhere. im always pullin out my buddies wheelers. my opinon, get what u like.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

i agree with ya wayne
ruger-u may b rite about the winch part. but so far i have ben in a crick so deep that there was water up 2 the back of the seat (broke through the ice). i just put it in 4 wheel drive and kept going forwards and backwards until i walked out of it. ( i also like the overdrive polaris has that is a big help)

let us know on wat u end up getting 14 mercs

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I have a yamaha kodiak 400. It's bullet proof. It's worth a look. One thing to keep in mind is that if you will be doing any work like hauling and towing IRS in the rear is not as good as a solid axle. It will squat to much. True work horse ATV's have a solid axle. I have friends that ride polaris, they are alright, but suck more gas, wiegh a ton more and usually have some quirks here and there. Take a look at a Polaris and notice that all the zerk fitting are visible. They are sealed on the yamaha's.

However, keep in mind, they are all good these days. (well, except for Arctic Cat, j/k) the new tech keeps getting better.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

I've seen alot of people commenting on how helpless 2wd models are. I've only ever owned one quad and it was Arctic Cat 300 2x4. It left me wondering why anyone ever spent the extra money on a 4x4. Mud, snow, or water if it isn't more than snorkel deep it will go right through. Better than many of the 4wd's I ride with. However, I did ride a friends polaris 250 and actually got stuck in a small rut--wasn't even muddy. 4x4' s are great for towing things or plowing but are just overkill for trailriding or hunting.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

If you don't think that you need a 4x4 quad you don't know what muskeg is and have never had to climb muddy or snowy slopes.You also won't drag a moose or elk in much mud or snow with a two wheel drive.

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

i hear ya stubble there is no way u can ride in the snow if it is 6 inch deep with a 2 wheel. i just treid it a month ago on a 400ex. and well it wasnt exactly fun driving around in 1st and 2nd gear. and leaning as far back as possible 2 get any traction there was. jmo though

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

You could call me just the ATV king!!! My user name is what I ride, a DS650.. My family has 5 quads, 3 utilites, 2 sport. All of my family and friends have mostly utility. I study quads and read magazines and reviews on them for a hobby. And I have intensely rode just about all of them..

My suggestions for a bigger bore utilty would have to be on the Honda or yamaha side. A little more money for one would totally be worth it! I like the feel of the Kodiak model as far as a smaller-size utility. of course a 650 is nice, but not always needed... My grandma has the new Grizzly 660 and I have rode it a lot. This quad was designed great! The best smoothest ride you will ever have! I have rode it in the sand dunes and mountains extensively.. With its 660 power you dont even 'need' the 4x4! The diff. lock is nice but if you are in a situation where you NEED the 660, 4x4, and diff. lock you Probably shouldnt be there!!

The Honda Rincon 650 is also a good competitor for this Yamaha. Just please dont go with the Polaris, of course it will be great for a lil' bit, but problems are to come...

RE: Thinking of buying an ATV recommend one!
 

i dont see why sum ppl arent liking polaris. my uncles has been completely under water twice (12 feet) and after letting the air filter dry it started right back up. a friend of mine drove right through a barb wire fence and just rolled it and nuthing ever happened except a hell of a time flipping it back over. go to their website and they compare yamaha and honda and suzuki in each type of 4wheeler. a 250 trailblazer had no problem pulling my friends 500 sportsman back when it ran out of gas. i have never seen ne problems occur with ne polaris i have seen