Educate me on ATV's, quads

[Angus]

I've owned/ridden numerous dirt and dual sport bikes since I was a kid, from a KDX 200 (all time favorite) KX 250, XT 250, XR350 and currently a KLX300. At 58 I've decided it may be time to move on to 4 wheels which I think I'll get more use out of especially since its more practical to hunt from than a bike, my problem is, I've never owned one and I've only ridden friends quads a couple times so I really know nothing about them or what to look for or stay away from while shopping for one.
Besides hunting, I just want it to putt around on, ride logging roads or ATV trails with, maybe use it for an occasional overnight summer camping trip, you know, stuff 58 year old guys do, not what 20 year old guys do.
I'm thinking 300cc or more, 4 wheel drive, racks, lights and a winch would be nice, and a major manufacturer, browsing CL I see some brands I've never heard of, not interested in those.
I plan on selling my KLX and with cash from that and a little I have stashed away I've got about a 5K budget, Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Magnum_Willys]

There is a reason everyone I know has sold their quad and got a side-by-side.
You can from a get 50” wide on up to a 6 passenger with A/C, power windows, wipers, and dump box for a hunting rig that rides better, goes better, gets better mileage and hauls more people than a jeep. 

[Angus]

I only need it to haul me, and I don't have the mechanical ability to own a $5000 SXS, but thanks!

[jeffitz]

Souds like youre already a Kawasaki guy so id highly recommend the Brute Force Quads- ive had 3 and are all great machines.love the smooth running v-twins.

[C-Money]

A new one may be closer to $6-7000, but a Honda Rancher sounds like a great fit for you. They come with a fuel injected 420cc engine that has a flawless reputation. Mine starts easy in 0deg or 100deg. 4x4 works great, easy maintenance, shaft drive. You can get one thats pretty plain, or loaded with options. Mine is pretty plain, foot shift, and 4x4 being its only options. Looking back, having one with a odometer/speedometer would have been really nice. Hope you find the quad that you are looking for!

[zwickeyman]

Souds like youre already a Kawasaki guy so id highly recommend the Brute Force Quads- ive had 3 and are all great machines.love the smooth running v-twins.

   I bought a Brute Force 750 this winter and love it. Ive only ridden Susuki King Quads before and they were very good also, my buddy has 3. 2 over 15K miles and 1 over 10K miles. They have been really good to him

[Angus]

Though I am a fan of Kawasaki dirt bikes, I'm open to all the big name brands especially Honda. Also not looking for new, there seems to be quite a few used machines with low miles/hours in my price range that would serve my purpose.

[bustedoldman]

If you plan on using it ALOT make sure it has power steering.

[Encore 280]

And hydrostatic tranny. I have a Yamaha Grizzly 760 and love it. It also has power steering, winch and heated grips. I have no complaints so far. Yamaha also makes the 450 Kodiak I believe.

[huntnnw]

Wouldn’t even consider a quad after buying a sxs. No comparison on the trail and uses they offer of a quad

[Angus]

Show me a nice SxS for 5K and I’ll gladly go take a look. I don’t even want to think of what my wife would say if I asked her if I could spend 10-15-20K on one. Actually I know what she would say, sell your boat and get whatever you want, and that ain’t happening.

[The scout]

You can find a Honda pioneer 500 for not much more than 5k, buddy sold his for $7,500 and it had all kinds of extras. Stock width can still fit in the back of a truck as well.

[rtspring]

I had a can am 1000, bought a polaris 850 last year and love it.  These new ones haul ass and ride like a dream

[millerwheeler]

You could always meet in the middle and buy a Polaris ace

[jrebel]

I own both....SxS and two quads.  Based on your criteria....I would be looking for one of the following:

1.  2004 or newer Honda 500 foreman / rubicon or similar....420 rancher would work too.  I have the rubicon 500 (think it's an 04....maybe 06) and it is bomb proof.  The only cons:  It has a lot of low end grunt, but your not gonna win any races with it and....the suspension is not that great.  Solid rear axle is a pro and a con (strong and durable, but rough riding. 

2.  Yamaha Grizzly or Kodiak:  Owned a grizzly 660 years ago and it was great. 

Ones I would personally stay away from....and I own one that thus far has been a good machine, but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy another:

1.  Polaris....not a fan, to many friends have them and they are less than reliable. 

2.  Can am....I thiink they make better snowmobiles.  So far mine has been reliable, it creeks and squeeks all over the place. 


Here is a honda that won't last long.....Super low miles for the vintage and price is decent.  I bought the similar machine for 3500 dollars 8 years ago, but the prices have gone up substantially on used machines. 

Good luck finding the right machine and have fun once you do.  I love my quads as much as I love my SxS.  They serve different purposes for me and are equally loved.  My SxX is a Honda pioneer 1000-5.  I wouild love to have a Pioneer 520.....that would be the sweet spot between the quad and SxS in my opinion. 

[Ridgeratt]

Here's a 520 in Ellensburg.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/snd/d/kittitas-new-honda-pioneer-520-side-by/7780375479.html

[300rum]

I have a 420 Rancher, same as below.  I use it every single day, feeding, moving wheel lines, K-Line, moving cows, it saves me so much.  It's a 2016, never had a problem with it.  I change the oil and diff fluid once a year, have a Warn plow mounted on it for winter.  Fits in a Short bed pickup that has a tool box when the tailgate is down.  It does everything I need and nothing I don't need. 

A new one may be closer to $6-7000, but a Honda Rancher sounds like a great fit for you. They come with a fuel injected 420cc engine that has a flawless reputation. Mine starts easy in 0deg or 100deg. 4x4 works great, easy maintenance, shaft drive. You can get one thats pretty plain, or loaded with options. Mine is pretty plain, foot shift, and 4x4 being its only options. Looking back, having one with a odometer/speedometer would have been really nice. Hope you find the quad that you are looking for!

[baldopepper]

We have two yamaha big bear 400"s. Both over 20 years old and still work great.  We really only use for game retrieval and running from the house down to the lake. Used them in all kinds of weather and both have been rolled, tipped back over and drove em away (minus a rotator cuff on 1 roll over)  ss  are nice I guess, but just to much money for another toy for me.  Lot of the orv trails in Utah are now gated so you  can get a narrow quad thru but not a ss.

[outdooraddict]

We have two yamaha big bear 400"s. Both over 20 years old and still work great.  We really only use for game retrieval and running from the house down to the lake. Used them in all kinds of weather and both have been rolled, tipped back over and drove em away (minus a rotator cuff on 1 roll over)  ss  are nice I guess, but just to much money for another toy for me.  Lot of the orv trails in Utah are now gated so you  can get a narrow quad thru but not a ss.

i agree with the older big bear. i have a 350 big bear and i feel they are bomb proof. the criteria i would add if your getting a quad, would be a pull start in addition to a electric start. you dont want a dead battery in the woods and now backup option. i think the 95 big bear is electric start only. for what your criteria is, you easily can find a quality machine. i just sold a 2005 rhino sxs for 5k, not the prettiest but they are out there. i would def check out the honda rancher or Forman's, i had a 2002 suzuki vinson 500, was a great machine, should never have sold it. your criteria was similar to mine, front and back racks, 4 wheel drive, backup pull start, and a light.  pretty basic and simple. one thing to watch for on the honda is the fuel filter. when that thing clogs, your not moving.

[Angus]

I'd like to thank everyone for the great info so far, also, what are your thoughts on Bombardier? seem to be a few around that meet my criteria, I've heard of the brand but don't have any experience with them or know anyone who has.

[timberhunter]

I’ve got a 420 rancher and really like it. The biggest reason I went with a Honda was they were the only machine I was aware of that was a manual, which I wanted. I had an older 660 grizzly and was not a fan of the transmission. The Honda doesn’t have the miles the Yamaha had on it yet but so far I feel like it’s a lot better machine.

[Gentrys]

It really depends on the year of production with all manufacturers.  Back when I bought 2 Polaris 500s in 2004, they had a great reputation.  I still have both of them.  Replaced belts, brakes and general maintenance.  No major issues with either.  Would definitely buy again if I had it to do all over again.  Enough room to ride double when needed.  Super-reliable and big enough to haul an elk back to camp when needed.

[Happy Gilmore]

Sxs 700 cc absolute minimum. Old 250 Honda ranchers are awesome.

Or my built canam desert go fast. Rides better at 70mph than any small thing at 25mph

[WapitiTalk1]

Stay away from the Polaris RZRs unless u like sucking in dust.

[Mudman]

Based on your description, Honda 420 perfect for you and budget.  But I will add you are likely to want to step up in future to a SXS.  Power steering is desirable but not required on a lighter 420.  Bigger heavier atv PS is NEEDED imop.