Post by: MDGrand on June 30, 2011, 03:27:57 PM
So.. this would be my first ATV and I could use some recommendations.
I have been looking new and used, a year or two old one would be just fine as long as its in good shape, etc. I could save a little money though. BUT, given what an ATV is used for, perhaps its best to just buy new.
So.. I have read a bunch about Polaris, Honda, Yamaha, etc..
What brand do you guys recommend?..
What must have options should I be looking for?
Any and all info appreciated :)
Post by: MtnMuley on June 30, 2011, 03:32:58 PM
Post by: Soldier5 on June 30, 2011, 03:51:06 PM
Post by: GoldTip on June 30, 2011, 03:54:06 PM
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on June 30, 2011, 03:55:51 PM
A friend has a RZR that the rear axle keeps popping out of it. Apparently they did not machine the groove for the snap ring deep enough and it keeps popping the ring out. The rings are on back order... tells you something...
Post by: kirkl on June 30, 2011, 04:16:32 PM
Look for a used Honda Rancher. They will go anywhere and haul anything out. I own 3 and have never had a thing go wrong with any. I'd shop around for a used one. Should be able to pick one up up in great shape for less than $3K. :twocents: Can-Am, Yamaha, and Suzuki are also good bets. I'd stay away from Arctic Cat and Polaris. They make some of the best sleds, but also make the most problemsome, tippy ATVs out there. :twocents:
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on June 30, 2011, 05:32:28 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 30, 2011, 05:38:47 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 30, 2011, 05:39:25 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 30, 2011, 05:40:32 PM
Post by: C-Money on June 30, 2011, 05:43:39 PM
Post by: sebek556 on June 30, 2011, 05:51:35 PM
Post by: Klyne3 on June 30, 2011, 05:56:20 PM
Post by: TheHunt on June 30, 2011, 06:05:18 PM
If I got another I would get a 450 honda or a 700 yamaha griz... I personally think you can not go wrong with either one of those.
Post by: MDGrand on June 30, 2011, 06:15:08 PM
I want something with good low end torque and utility.
So far I have heard Honda Honda Honda
... Noted :)
Post by: bobcat on June 30, 2011, 06:23:37 PM
Post by: Skywagon_185 on June 30, 2011, 06:36:15 PM
Mike
Post by: 3dvapor on June 30, 2011, 06:46:43 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on June 30, 2011, 06:52:49 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on June 30, 2011, 07:09:52 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on June 30, 2011, 07:22:57 PM
Post by: norsepeak on June 30, 2011, 07:55:26 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on June 30, 2011, 08:00:00 PM
Post by: gasman on June 30, 2011, 08:06:00 PM
I have had a Big Bear 400 for 11 years now and have had little to no problems, except when I let my brother borrow it :bash: and he wil never borrow it again :bdid:
Post by: royalbull on June 30, 2011, 08:08:35 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on June 30, 2011, 08:16:09 PM
Post by: marty on June 30, 2011, 08:36:47 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 30, 2011, 08:48:09 PM
Post by: 7mag. on June 30, 2011, 10:52:32 PM
Ya know, I never, ever see Honda's out trail riding, never. Might think about that. Low ground clearance I guess. Great for around the ranch, but trails, no.
I agree. I trail ride a lot, legally, of course. I very seldom see Honda's or Suzukie's, or Arctic Cat's. Mostly, I see Can Am's, Yamaha Grizzly's, and Polaris Sportsman's. Mostly Polaris. Every one in my group except one rides a Polaris. Out of the 12 of us, there has been one with problems, and it was bought used, and we think abused. We go way further and faster than an of the other groups we run into. I ride a 2001 Sportsman 500 HO, and I keep up with the Grizzly 660, no problem. The other brands have a hard time keeping up with hill climbs, and and even tougher time down hill, because Polaris has engine braking. I will never buy anything but Polaris. The Sportsman also has full lock up four wheel drive with the push of a button. Polaris has a centrifugal clutch, so no worrying about being in the right gear.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 30, 2011, 11:10:53 PM
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on July 01, 2011, 05:46:57 AM
Post by: 7mag. on July 01, 2011, 12:38:25 PM
I will never buy another Polaris because they will not stand behind their product that had a defect from the factory and will not fix it.
That is crap. I've never had to deal with thier customer service, I bought mine used. If you can't stand behind a product, then don't sell it.
Post by: bearhunter99 on July 01, 2011, 01:43:58 PM
If you are going to buy new, the last day of July is a really good time to buy the prior years model. At the end of July there are two crunches,
1. End of the month sales quota
2. End of the year sales. My understanding when I bought my quads is that the new models come out in the fall and the August 1st inventory at the dealership for prior year stock helps determine how many of the new model year they will be able to get.
Good luck and just like everything else, try to ride a couple before you buy to see which one "feels" right, ergonomics and how they fit your body style will make a big difference at the end of a long day of riding.
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on July 02, 2011, 03:36:49 PM
I will never buy another Polaris because they will not stand behind their product that had a defect from the factory and will not fix it.
That is crap. I've never had to deal with thier customer service, I bought mine used. If you can't stand behind a product, then don't sell it.
I had less than 2hrs run time between break downs. :bash: :bash:
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on July 02, 2011, 03:55:27 PM
And polaris is not the only brand that has engine braking. the suzuki king quads do as well and it works just as well or better. I have taken mine up things the Polaris, Yamaha and honda riders could not make it up. and when you put it in 4 low you can crawl down anything with very little if any brake use. seriously go ride one at a dealership and compare prices and you are getting may more for your money. I havent seen to many hondas or polaris' that will do 70 mph ; )
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on July 02, 2011, 04:03:13 PM
Post by: 7mag. on July 02, 2011, 10:55:27 PM
Post by: norsepeak on July 02, 2011, 11:11:00 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on July 03, 2011, 07:32:49 AM
you need to go ride a few different one and see what you like. I ride about 2000 mi. per year and I ride with a lot of folks on other brands/size etc, so I get the chance to compare mine and my wife's to others quite a bit. If you go can-am, you can get best power in class, fuel injected, power steering, very plush suspension, excellent engine braking, CVT transmission, so no shifting. Plus you can get a three year warranty too. In my opinion, they are the best machines out there....that being said some of the other brands are very good too.
The can am 450 will out perform most 750s or 700. They are ridiculous, I mean they shift into 4 wd when the tires slip! There are 4x4 trucks that don't have that feature!
Post by: cohoho on July 03, 2011, 01:12:30 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 04, 2011, 02:16:53 PM
Post by: MHWASH on July 06, 2011, 06:05:39 AM
For a first quad I would recommend something 500 or under. Those big machines are quite top heavy, and a new rider does not need all that power. I personally drive a Rancher 420, and it is all the machine I need. I've hauled elk out, double up with my wife, plow snow, and trial ride with it. For hunting and trail riding those big machines offer nothing other than speed.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 06, 2011, 07:17:10 AM
Post by: Gutpile on August 09, 2011, 05:41:27 AM
I suggest you visit the ATV forums and do a little research. If you get into riding you'll find that the huge machines cant go where the mid sized/ smaller ones can, they simply wont fit. We found this out ourselves while rididng at laird park a few weeks ago. The 600 barely made the ride as it was just too big. You'll also find that in certain areas of the country the Honda is king because of it's low center of gravity.
As far as size I'd really strongly recomend a 4-500. It'll do everything you want without the enormity of the 6,7,800's.
Post by: Gutpile on August 09, 2011, 05:46:47 AM
when you buy a polaris, you are paying for fancy storage compartments.
And polaris is not the only brand that has engine braking. the suzuki king quads do as well and it works just as well or better. I have taken mine up things the Polaris, Yamaha and honda riders could not make it up. and when you put it in 4 low you can crawl down anything with very little if any brake use. seriously go ride one at a dealership and compare prices and you are getting may more for your money. I havent seen to many hondas or polaris' that will do 70 mph ; )
Much better. And as far as speed, my vinsons outrun my buddies Polaris 500 Sportsmans HO.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 09, 2011, 07:19:29 AM
Post by: TheHunt on August 15, 2011, 08:47:12 PM
Post by: jmoyer2 on August 16, 2011, 06:06:24 PM
Lots of places to use them for hunting, bobcat. Lots. As for torque and power, you won't beat anyone in a race, but you can go anywhere they can. I hauled out a 315" bull a few years back in one trip up some steep country. Quarters, ribcage, and head. I'm not a quad hunter, but will sure use them to get game out. I also use mine as a plow in the winter, and use the biggest 60" plow they make. It works great.... unless there's 15" of wet snow.I guess I'm a little confused here. I though you were not allowed to retreive game with a quad, if it meant you had to leave the logging road? I have also watched deer and elk duck out of sight when people buzz by on them. SO I generally always thought that a quad would be useless to me for hunting. I have a toyota tacoma that goes about anywhere. However, if you are allowed to take a quad off a road to go get your animal, that would be friggin awesome, and I might actually be interested in one. Sorry to jack the thread but someone edumucate me please :hello:
Post by: gasman on August 16, 2011, 06:34:04 PM
Lots of places to use them for hunting, bobcat. Lots. As for torque and power, you won't beat anyone in a race, but you can go anywhere they can. I hauled out a 315" bull a few years back in one trip up some steep country. Quarters, ribcage, and head. I'm not a quad hunter, but will sure use them to get game out. I also use mine as a plow in the winter, and use the biggest 60" plow they make. It works great.... unless there's 15" of wet snow.I guess I'm a little confused here. I though you were not allowed to retreive game with a quad, if it meant you had to leave the logging road? I have also watched deer and elk duck out of sight when people buzz by on them. SO I generally always thought that a quad would be useless to me for hunting. I have a toyota tacoma that goes about anywhere. However, if you are allowed to take a quad off a road to go get your animal, that would be friggin awesome, and I might actually be interested in one. Sorry to jack the thread but someone edumucate me please :hello:
It is NOT ILLEGAL to go off road on NF land.
It IS Illegal to cause resource damage on NF land.
It IS Illegal to go off road on state/DNR land.
Post by: jmoyer2 on August 16, 2011, 07:08:50 PM
Lots of places to use them for hunting, bobcat. Lots. As for torque and power, you won't beat anyone in a race, but you can go anywhere they can. I hauled out a 315" bull a few years back in one trip up some steep country. Quarters, ribcage, and head. I'm not a quad hunter, but will sure use them to get game out. I also use mine as a plow in the winter, and use the biggest 60" plow they make. It works great.... unless there's 15" of wet snow.I guess I'm a little confused here. I though you were not allowed to retreive game with a quad, if it meant you had to leave the logging road? I have also watched deer and elk duck out of sight when people buzz by on them. SO I generally always thought that a quad would be useless to me for hunting. I have a toyota tacoma that goes about anywhere. However, if you are allowed to take a quad off a road to go get your animal, that would be friggin awesome, and I might actually be interested in one. Sorry to jack the thread but someone edumucate me please :hello:
It is NOT ILLEGAL to go off road on NF land.
It IS Illegal to cause resource damage on NF land.
It IS Illegal to go off road on state/DNR land.
I found this, I would take it to mean that ATV's have to stay on the roads? :dunno:
Title 36: Parks, Forests, and Public Property
CHAPTER II: FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
PART 261: PROHIBITIONS
Subpart A: General Prohibitions
261.13 - Motor vehicle use.
After National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and areas on National Forest System lands have been designated pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51 on an administrative unit or a Ranger District of the National Forest System, and these designations have been identified on a motor vehicle use map, it is prohibited to possess or operate a motor vehicle on National Forest System lands in that administrative unit or Ranger District other than in accordance with those designations, provided that the following vehicles and uses are exempted from this prohibition:
(a) Aircraft;
(b) Watercraft;
(c) Over-snow vehicles;
(d) Limited administrative use by the Forest Service;
(e) Use of any fire, military, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle for emergency purposes;
(f) Authorized use of any combat or combat support vehicle for national defense purposes;
(g) Law enforcement response to violations of law, including pursuit;
(h) Motor vehicle use that is specifically authorized under a written authorization issued under Federal law or regulations; and
(i) Use of a road or trail that is authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county, or other local public road authority.
[70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]
Post by: MtnMuley on August 16, 2011, 10:33:16 PM
Post by: Miles on August 17, 2011, 03:36:44 AM
Post by: GoldTip on August 17, 2011, 06:40:26 AM
Lowa makes some great boots.
Boy aint that the truth. My socks are never wet when I wear my Lowas when hunting/riding my four wheeler.
Post by: Miles on August 17, 2011, 06:45:48 AM
Lowa makes some great boots.
Boy aint that the truth. My socks are never wet when I wear my Lowas when hunting/riding my four wheeler.
:chuckle:
Post by: 7mag. on August 17, 2011, 11:08:57 PM
I love my quad. I've never used it for hunting, would be handy, but I prefer to walk. There is something about boning an animal out and packing it on your back. Seems to make the hunt a little more special.
Post by: MDGrand on August 29, 2011, 09:33:57 AM
2004, Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin - 141 miles on it! it is is PRISTINE condition.
After listening to everyone on this post, I decided to put my focus in on how well the ATV was taken care of and the maker.. in order: Honda Rancher, Polaris Sportsman, Canam/Yamaha... This was inquestionably the best used one I could find and I got it for a GREAT deal.. Now, I just have to pick up some new toys to add to it. If anyone has/had a similar or identical one and wants to offers some advice, lemme know.
Post by: C-Money on August 29, 2011, 05:13:19 PM
Post by: 7mag. on August 30, 2011, 12:34:33 PM
The reverse button delete kit, deletes that little yellow button on the left handlebar that you have to hold down for full power and four wheel drive, while in reverse. This is a very valuable upgrade, and only costs about $10.
The headlight brights kit allows both the low beams (the 2 lights below the front rack) and the high beam (the light on the handlebar pod) to be on at the same time, while in high beam mode. This is valuable as well when riding in the dark. It is also under $20, I believe. It also includes a resistor, so that you don't burn up your wiring harness with all three lights on at once.
Both kits come with detailed instructions, and are very easy to install.
There are a lot of neat upgrades for your bike, and some are very inexpensive. Congrats on your new toy, you won't be disappointed with it.
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on August 30, 2011, 04:01:59 PM
Post by: MDGrand on August 30, 2011, 05:21:31 PM
jeepaurusrex.. My ride is carb not EFI.. don't know if there is another computer instance you are referring too?
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on August 31, 2011, 05:46:54 AM
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08193.html (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08193.html)
My ECM has went out twice so far. Once was covered under the recall. The other I had to pay for (almost $500) because they would not stand behind their product. I only had 2hrs of run time on the new module when it failed again. :bash:
Other than that, its been a good quad.
Post by: Bshiftbc on September 09, 2011, 05:34:53 PM
And yes it was winter, and yes I made him dive down and attach the tow strap! Started right up!