Honda vs. Yamaha
 

First let me say that I know this is probably going to stir up a hornet nest, but..... In the next month or so, I am going to purchase a new four wheeler. The two options I am considering are a Honda Rancher 4X4 or a Yamaha Big Bear 4X4. Both are priced similarly and with the current promotions both are running are pretty affordable. I have never owned a four wheeler before, so your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

i would say buy the one that offers the best deal. they are both very well built machines. we run suzuki now just because that was the best deal at the time i was buying. no problems at all with it and it has 4000 miles now. but i still have a honda and have owned yamahas. with no major problems. only machine i reqret buying was a polaris. to much up keep. hate to say it but the machines from japan win hands down.:)

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Both of the quads that you mention are very reliable quads.I do prefer honda but you can't go wrong with either of your choices.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

I'll go along with everyone else. I bought a Yamaha because it offered me more of what I wanted than the Honda did. Both are great machines. It came down to the little things for me including the salesperson. So, either way, you'll be fine.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Thanks for the advice guys. The Yamaha deal is $39 for 2 years and the Honda deal is $69 for 2 years. Either way, I should be able to pick up enough money doing tax returns over the next two years to pay it off during that period. Thanks again.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Two of my buddies bought Honda Ranchers at the exact same time I bought my Yamaha Kodiak. They have had no problems and neither have I. We put about 100 miles per week on all of the machines. I think either way you go, you'll be happy. Just pick the one YOU like best, don't let anyone choose for you!

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

I believe the Yamaha offers a winch or plow for an additional $69. I don't know if Honda has a similar offering. But some dealers of Yamaha may not be eligible for this deal (especially if they are selling multiple brand names-to qualify the dealerships have to meet a certain minimum sales amount).

I got the Realtree Hardwoods Bruin 4X4 with the plow deal and made alot of money plowing this past winter which all went towards payoff.

Haven't had any problem at all with it.

Uncle Matt (in IL)

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Buy a good quarter horse.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

We don't own a Honda but I can tell you that our 1988 Big Bear 350 4x4 is a tank. We have put that bike through **** and back and it still runs great, however it is looking a little ruff. We have used that bike for hauling deer, dirt, trees, tools, and ran it up and down the trails. It is an extreamly ruggid machine. We have also had two other Yamaha quads and two Yamaha snowmobiles and they have all been very good machines.

Not a single one of our Yamahas have had a single major problem and have had very few minor problems which is a lot more than I can say for our polaris snowmobile.

Good luck and enjoy your new quad.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Nice poem spike!

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Thanks for all of the insite. It really helps.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Either one would serve you well. I own a Yamaha (personal preference), but the dealer sold both. The dealership also sold Polaris and Kawasaki. I went to the back and visited with a few of the mechanics before I made up my mind. The mechanics agreed hands down that both Honda and Yamaha were exceptional machines, and they rarely saw them again for anything but oil changes. Of the dozen or so machines they were working on in their shop, the only ones being taken apart were Polaris. The rest were just in for an oil change.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Got me a Yamaha Kodiak and love it. Cycle World in Romney is one of the cheapest places you can find to sell you one.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

It's hard to fault either brand. sit on em both and see what feels best for you.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

We have had two Hondas for the last 19 years and they have performed real well. The poor things get very little maintenance attention and are seldom bathed. No running water!

John

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

No one else makes an ATV other than Honda, the rest are copies!

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

I have a Honda Rancher. My brother in law has a Yamaha Big Bear. Both are terrific machines. I don't think you can go wrong w/ either.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

I have done nemerous tests, yamaha out does honda. The reilability is nearly the same, the only way hondas get the edge is because they lack technology and good upgrades. I love my 05 kodiak! But I would like an atv with the features of the 450 just in a 350 size and weight. I could manage woods alot better!

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Either is great. Ive owned a honda and own a yamaha. Personally if you need the extra power go with a yamaha. Ive pulled against hondas with my yamaha and easily out pulled them. But flat out they are both excellent bikes and you wont go wrong with either.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Those promotions they speak of like 39$ or 69$ a month are BULL$*** unless you have beyond a perfect credit rating.

RE: Honda vs. Yamaha
 

Yeah, I was turned down for Yamaha financing and my credit rating is over 700. Had to get
it financed at a local bank. No biggy.