Best 4 Wheeler

[Machias]

So I am seriously kicking around the idea of getting a 4 wheeler and tracks.  I have already decided on the Tatou tracks and every thing I have read says I need at least a 600cc or bigger.  I went to Canada on a couple of bears hunts in the past and my outfitter said compared to the Yamaha Grizzly's everything else was junk.  So I have been jaded towards the Yamahas.  But this was several years ago.  So which machine is the toughest and would work the best for being tracked up.  Thanks for your thoughts and inputs!

[Boss .300 winmag]

Snow Cat

[Machias]

Great, no help at all!!   

[CAMPMEAT]

I swear you'll like the Can-ams better after you ride one. I've had a 2002 660 Grizzly and now I have a 2008 Can-am 650 XT. What a HUGE difference in ride plus horsepower. My Grizzly had 40 hp stock and my Can-am has 57 hp stock. I had high mountain clutch kits put in both. Hands down the Can-am is the best. My wife has a 2009 400 XT Can-am, not as much power but still a nice machine. I know a dealer in Okanogan. I have nothing to do with him for sales or any other thing. That's where I bought mine. I also sent our Game Warden there for his personal ATV and got a good deal too. Plus, he gets ATVs all the time as local trades for snowmachines in the winter. Look up www.xtremepowersports.net If you do, talk to Darren (only) and tell him Crazy Steve sent you.

[Machias]

Thanks Steve!!!

[rasbo]

cant answer about the tracks,I had the polaris and its the best ride of all the quads,mine was the 700 efi..test ride the polaris after trying some others....they are spendy but as we age you will love the ride and the performance

[CAMPMEAT]

Your welcome Machias.They are all very good ATVs. It's like a girlfreind, if it rides well, you know what I mean......

[alanger]

I swear you'll like the Can-ams better after you ride one. I've had a 2002 660 Grizzly and now I have a 2008 Can-am 650 XT. What a HUGE difference in ride plus horsepower. My Grizzly had 40 hp stock and my Can-am has 57 hp stock. I had high mountain clutch kits put in both. Hands down the Can-am is the best. My wife has a 2009 400 XT Can-am, not as much power but still a nice machine. I know a dealer in Okanogan. I have nothing to do with him for sales or any other thing. That's where I bought mine. I also sent our Game Warden there for his personal ATV and got a good deal too. Plus, he gets ATVs all the time as local trades for snowmachines in the winter. Look up www.xtremepowersports.net If you do, talk to Darren (only) and tell him Crazy Steve sent you.

its no comparison comparing an 02 to an 08  


i have 2007 yamaha grizzlys and it is the ultimate machine, wouldnt go any other way, they ride good, go fast and have amazing 4WD and differential lock. they say the 2011 is even better yet with the new EPS as well!!! id go yamaha grizz

[CAMPMEAT]

I swear you'll like the Can-ams better after you ride one. I've had a 2002 660 Grizzly and now I have a 2008 Can-am 650 XT. What a HUGE difference in ride plus horsepower. My Grizzly had 40 hp stock and my Can-am has 57 hp stock. I had high mountain clutch kits put in both. Hands down the Can-am is the best. My wife has a 2009 400 XT Can-am, not as much power but still a nice machine. I know a dealer in Okanogan. I have nothing to do with him for sales or any other thing. That's where I bought mine. I also sent our Game Warden there for his personal ATV and got a good deal too. Plus, he gets ATVs all the time as local trades for snowmachines in the winter. Look up www.xtremepowersports.net If you do, talk to Darren (only) and tell him Crazy Steve sent you.

its no comparison comparing an 02 to an 08  

Can't compare an 07 to a supreme Can-am 08 then.


i have 2007 yamaha grizzlys and it is the ultimate machine, wouldnt go any other way, they ride good, go fast and have amazing 4WD and differential lock. they say the 2011 is even better yet with the new EPS as well!!! id go yamaha grizz

[gasman]

I'm partial to Yamaha Grizz, but others that are partial to the Can-am.

[Jason]

I really like my Sportsmans, Have a buddy with a Grizzly, he said it's an ok 4x4.
There must be a reason Polaris 4x4's outsell everyone else combined .

[CAMPMEAT]

I like both of them. It just so happens the Yamaha dealer in Colville would only give me $1200 trade in on a new 09 Grizzly. Xtremepowersports in Okanogan gave me $3500 trade in on my wifes Can-am. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm !!! Fell in love guys.

[alanger]

I like both of them. It just so happens the Yamaha dealer in Colville would only give me $1200 trade in on a new 09 Grizzly. Xtremepowersports in Okanogan gave me $3500 trade in on my wifes Can-am. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm !!! Fell in love guys.

NO dealer is going to give you full book on a trade  Doesnt really evaluate the true value of the quad

[ashersdad]

I have a 2009 suzuki king quad 750 and it out does every other 4 wheeler I have ridden with in every aspect......and I have ridden with every name brand except the can am 

[Machias]

Again this was several years ago but the outfitter said his lively hood relied on his 4 wheelers.  They had lots of bogs and such and were really tough on the machines up there.  He said the only reason a Suzuki would last a year is because they would be in the shop for 6 months.  He said the Honda's could not handle more then four or five months before they needed serious repairs.  He said the Grizzly's would usually get 12 to 16 months of hard use before they had to go in for repairs.  This was back in the late 90s though.  I'm not trashing anyone's favorite manufacturer, just relaying someone's opinion that used the heck out of them.  I'm not sure I would ever be as hard on mine in 5 years of use as he was in one bear and moose season.  This all took place in the Peace River area of Northern Alberta.

[cohoho]

Fred-  I ran nothing but Polaris, had four before moving here, mine was an 800, and a 500 that the oldest kid drove, my wife had a 400 (that I also had set up to plow snow) and the youngest drove the 325.  My 800 had balls to the wall, but my buddy had the Can-Am 800 and would literally smoke me in power.    His is the two up machine also, useful for when you want to take the wife or a kid along...  Friend had a his Grizzly, we killed it on his second outing....  Well the hill killed it, it rolled no less than 15 times and we still got it running to make it back 37 miles to the truck in AK....  A couple guys had the Rubicon and absolutely loved them?  My Polaris machines had little to no maintenance problems in the years we had them.  The problem with the Polaris 800 no pull start if the electronics goes, your screwed...  My other one was 500 that I had new since 00, it would do circles around most machines, I used it when we would go on long adventures versus the 800 due to the pull start and it was a very maneuverable machine for sure...

[cohoho]

The second part to this is rider ability and probably most important, I have ridden since the three wheeler (Big Red) came out was an instructor for numerous years for the ATV Safety Institute and it is user preference for machines for sure, but it drivers ability to get places. 

[whacker1]

I was always impressed with the Grizzly's but honestly never had a chance to try the newest can ams. 

[Machias]

Thanks cohoho, GREAT photos!!!  Thanks!  I took a week long atv combat course many moons ago.  After a week I could hardly move since the "seat" was not for your butt.  We spent the whole week on our legs balancing.  My thighs was so fricken sore after that week, but I could take a atv places I never would have dreamed before the course.  It was quite a while back, so I would need alot of practice, but I know what your saying on driver ability.

[7mag.]

I wouldn't own one that wasn't Polaris. They are by far the most well made and durable. Very trouble free. I ride my Sportsman 500 H.O. a lot, and we have a big group of guys that we go with. Almost all of them ride Polaris. The other guys that ride other brands, are constantly broke down. The Can-Am's have more power, but don't last that well, the Yamaha Grizzly is a nice machine, but breaks pretty easy. Just look at the difference in the frame's and the axles. The Polaris also has true 4 wheel drive without making modifications. No gears to shift either. I am extremely impressed with Polaris ATV"s.

[Mike450r]

I voted other,  I would go with arctic cat if I was putting on tracks.   

[CastleRocker]

I have several quads right now.  The tracks are on the Bombardier.  Just a quick word of advice though... bring a LOT of extra gas with you.  Mine is a 650, and I've never actually clocked it, but it seems to burn way over twice as much gas when I have the tracks on it.  In fact it burns way more gas than any of our sleds do. 

Of course, it's quieter, has more floatation, and is better for getting to where we want to strap the snowshoes on and start hunting than a sled.  Our clothes don't smell like two-stroke smoke either when we get there.  Then again...sleds are WAY more fun!

I have the Tatou 4s tracks on mine.  They work very well.  Pulled our diesel Excursion out of the ditch, and up our (steep) driveway last year in low range.  Pretty impressive.

[high country]

I can tell you this, If you get anything other then honda or yamaha, get one that is pretty new. mid 90's early 2k's were the problem years for most brands. truth is that they all build good rigs now, all do someting better and something worse then the next guy. I know that can-am makes wicked power and that is sweet untill you have the wheels cranked and juice it scattering a joint.  I am still riding a 99' grizzly that has a bazillion miles on it and am still on the original belt. call the dealers and ask how many belts they sell.....not many, now ask about the others.

[GoldTip]

I've personally owned Honda's and Yamaha's and have ridden with all other brands.  We ride a lot and use them plenty hard.  Personally wouldn't own a Polaris even if it was given to me, I'd trade it off.  Can-am, they are a great machine very fast and lots of Power for sure, but very expensive.  The guy I have do my yearly tune ups owns a 800 Can am and he's selling it, wants to get a Yamaha Grizzly.  His motto is loyal to none he just makes them all run.  So that says something about the Grizzly as well.  The Polaris weighs about 120lbs more than any other 4wheeler in the same class.  Kawasaki's I've seen broken down quite a bit.  Suzuki's seem "ok".  My personal bike is an 06 Yamaha Grizzly and I love it.  Really don't know much about the Arctic Cat.

[BLKBEARKLR]

I have owned my Grizzly and my kodiak since 2001, never had any maintenance done on them, you walk out they fire up and you go. I have put some hard mileage on them carrying out moose, elk, caribou etc....

One thing I will say though is if I had to do it all over again I would have two kodiaks, I can remember plenty of times my 600 pound grizzly was stuck in the bog/mud hole and shawn with her 385 pound kodiak would go right around me and float on top of it and pull me out.


Joe

[high country]

another thing to consider is your dealer support. it is good for machias as he has a huge multi line dealer close by. I run cat and yamaha sleds and I can get yamaha parts at a number of dealers close by, but for my cat I either have to order from a scabby dealer in spokane who will stock nothing more then sparkplugs or drve to hayden where the dealer will have what  I want.  keep parts in mind.......remember mule hunters hunt this year!

[SnakeEyes]

I like my Polaris 700 EFI. I would think most brands are EFI now but if not, it would definitely be something I would want. Re-jetting a carburetor for high altitudes gets old.

The other thing I would want if I bought a new ATV would be power steering. Once you get loaded up with gear, winch, etc the steering gets pretty stiff. I think power steering or power assist is becoming more popular. I have not checked to see if this is an option with Polaris.

[whacker1]

I have several quads right now.  The tracks are on the Bombardier.  Just a quick word of advice though... bring a LOT of extra gas with you.  Mine is a 650, and I've never actually clocked it, but it seems to burn way over twice as much gas when I have the tracks on it.  In fact it burns way more gas than any of our sleds do. 

Of course, it's quieter, has more floatation, and is better for getting to where we want to strap the snowshoes on and start hunting than a sled.  Our clothes don't smell like two-stroke smoke either when we get there.  Then again...sleds are WAY more fun!

I have the Tatou 4s tracks on mine.  They work very well.  Pulled our diesel Excursion out of the ditch, and up our (steep) driveway last year in low range.  Pretty impressive.

Does the Bombardier have power steering assist?  Just curious if it is need for the tracks more so than when running tires? 

[high country]

oddly, I would never opt efi over carbs. if you are gaining enough atitude to bog a carbed 4 stroke, you must be WAY too fat at your low elevation/temp.  I routinely go from 2500-6500 ft and there is not enough difference for any non tuner to be able to notice. power steering wold be nice with the tracks......course, a rod end is about all you can break on good ol' manual stering that worked for the last 20 years.

[SnakeEyes]

My experience in Idaho is that you must re-jet your carburetor. It would depend on the elevation but with the EFI my experience has been great. Turn key at any elevation. Idaho I am camped at 7000 feet in elevation.

[C-Money]

Honda has some great motors out with fuel injection these days. I bought the Rancher with the 420 cc EFI and it has been plenty quad for me. I am 6'3'' and 280lbs and it takes me all over the place, never feeling under powered. I went with the 420 cause I can put on 100+ miles/full day in the mountains and not run out of gas! I am sure you will want something bigger than a 420 with the tracks, but I know Honda makes good products in the big quads as well. Keep us posted on what you get!

[Machias]

Some great information and advice, thanks guys!!  I appreciate it!

[nontypical176]

Not exactly for sure which is best with trax. but.....We used arctic cats at work and a grizzly , good machines, artic cat seemed a little sportier but the grizzly was a work horse.  My cousin owns a polaris 800? but it seems clunky and is not even close to being one of my favorites.  My buddys own the nice hondas a 500 and 600 I believe, and to me these are the most comfortable, stable, smooth easy going machines, a real pleasure if your not out tearing it up.  My dad has the Suzuki King Quad, and its very nice, no issues for several years, smooth to ride and has great four wheel drive.  I have the Can Am 650, lots of power, it feels big and rides big, not the best trail machine, the suspension feels good and I've only had it a couple months so theres not too much more I can say about it other than it packed out a bull elk and 3 guys and I think it could have packed out another elk at the same time.

My favorite to just put around trails and good for at the house is the Hondas.  So smoooooth, a pleasure to ride.
Funnest in the mud and tearing it up.....probably have to say the Artic Cat, they have a good power curve, don't feel as tippy as others that are as tall, and make you want to go fast.

[bearhunter99]

Everything comes down to personal preference, my opinion would be to test ride as many as you can personally before making your decision.  I think any of the bigger machines would be able to handle the tracks no problem.  I rode a few prior to buying my Grizzly and it just felt more comfortable to me and my riding style.  When I bought my '06 660 it had the best ground clearance in its class and was also lighter than the Polaris.  The one thing I have to say about the big bore EFI is that they don't have the pull start, which I have used a few times and it saved my butt.  The newer machines with power steering would be a huge benefit with tracks as steering is always an issue with tracks.  Ride a few and see what fits you personally.

[MtnMuley]

Is there a reason why you aren't looking into a UTV with tracks Machias?  Just curious, that's all.  Price is a bit higher, but you're still going to invest some big bucks.  I've really been researching them hard lately, and definately think I'm going with the UTV.  I really like Can Ams new Commander line, but there are no hard tops available yet.  One thing that really impressed me with the UTV over the 4wheeler is that it's under 6ft. wide and still can get around on most quad trails -- not to mention the ability to have two people side by side.  The Can Am UTV offers a darn good storage area in the back....I assume you'd benefit from this.  As for keeping the topic on hand, I own 3 Honda Rancher 350s.  Best wheeler out there for what I use them for.  If I were looking to track up a wheeler, I'd have a hard time not going with a Can-Am, with the local dealer providing excellent service here.  I'd stay as far away from a Polaris ATV as I could.  I can't figure out why they can build great sleds, but can't figure out a reliable ATV???

[boonerboy]

I have a Can-Am 650 with a winch and love it. The only upgrade I would consider is the can-am 800 but I can't think of a time when I NEEDED the extra power...but it would be fun. 

[tlbradford]

I don't know anything about anything to do with this subject, but my lineman buddy in Kellogg said Avista uses Arctic Cats and they have had real good success with them.

[throttlejocky20]

I dont own one but I borrowed my bosses last year for our oregon hunt. He has a new grizzly 700, what a nice ride. If I ever had to put training wheels on and get off a bike this is the quad I get.

[high country]

here ya go machias

http://spokane.craigslist.org/rvs/2140696294.html

[norsepeak]

between me, my wife, and my neighbor and his wife, we've put over 60,000 miles on 8 different can-ams in the last 5 years with very minimal issues.  They are very well made, have the most power hands down are a blast to ride.  I'm on my 3rd one in 5years, because I put around 5k a year on them, my wife is on her second one in 5 years, great machines.  I have a lot of experience with all the brands and each has it's pluses and minuses, but I think overall the can-am is the best atv out there.  You won't find a better dealer and better service than Darren at Extreme powersports in Okanagan either.

[Machias]

here ya go machias

http://spokane.craigslist.org/rvs/2140696294.html

That thing is the CAT's MEOW! 

[Machias]

between me, my wife, and my neighbor and his wife, we've put over 60,000 miles on 8 different can-ams in the last 5 years with very minimal issues.  They are very well made, have the most power hands down are a blast to ride.  I'm on my 3rd one in 5years, because I put around 5k a year on them, my wife is on her second one in 5 years, great machines.  I have a lot of experience with all the brands and each has it's pluses and minuses, but I think overall the can-am is the best atv out there.  You won't find a better dealer and better service than Darren at Extreme powersports in Okanagan either.

Thanks!!!