|
|
Post by reloader on Dec 8, 2006 17:23:26 GMT -5
Im going to buy an ATV soon,I need sugestions on the make of one,all I know is I want 600-700 engine size and I was leaning toword a Polaris Sportsman or similar,I just dont want to make a mistake and be sorry later,so,any horror stories?
|
|
|
|
Post by swilk on Dec 8, 2006 18:42:36 GMT -5
It is like asking Ford or Chevy.
I think most all the new ones are good. Look at as many brands as you can before you decide.
Straight rear axle or IRS? Single or twin cylinder?
I have a 1996 Honda Foretrax 300 4x4 and a 2003 Arctic Cat 500i 4x4. Both have been reliable performers.
If I were buying a bike today..... I would choose a model with independent rear suspension. I would pick a model with selectable 2x4 or 4x4. I would choose a model with lockable front diff. I would choose a model with fuel injection.
My personal preference would lead me to the Arctic Cat 700FI.
|
|
|
|
Post by reloader on Dec 8, 2006 18:48:46 GMT -5
Thanks ,I do like the new Artic cats.A reason Im asking also is my 17yr old daughter will be on it some and I had heard some are easier to steer than otheres...ease of operation is on my mind,Im not going to be 'jumping' things ,but just deer retrieval[if I get one]putting around farm fields and crossing creeks,plowing snow.
|
|
|
|
Post by swilk on Dec 8, 2006 19:06:44 GMT -5
Fuel injection would be very high on my list.
Steering is easier on models that you can choose 2x4 or 4x4. There is one model, Polaris I think, that comes with power steering. Might be worth looking into. But in my experiance sometimes being the "first" isnt always a good thing.
Polaris also offers fuel injection.
Polaris reminds me of the New York Yankees. Love em or hate em. I think they are still trying to shed some of the reputation earned by yester-years models. They were the first with an auto transmission ...... and they had a reputation of the belt slipping. The were the first with independant suspensions .... and they had 50 grease zerks and tons of maintenance.
Todays Polaris is as good as anything on the market. I dont think you could go wrong with Honda, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Suziki or Polaris. Just look at the models until you find one with as many of the features you want and then go from there.
|
|
|
|
Post by DEERTRACKS on Dec 11, 2006 8:29:31 GMT -5
I have a Polaris Sportsman 425 cc. Price was good. No complaints. Plenty of power to push snow, drag / haul deer & tree stands etc... Front & rear independent suspension provides optimum traction on uneven terrain & obstacles along with auto transmission & auto 4 X 2 / 4 X 4 is great.
|
|
|
|
Post by chicobrownbear on Dec 12, 2006 12:05:20 GMT -5
We have a Polaris Sportsman 500 and have been pleased. The 500 is plenty powerful for me. I have ridden a kawasaki prairie 650 a lot and it is way too much engine for me, even at my size. Arctic cat has improved their fit and finish in the last 3 years or so. They are nice too.
|
|
Yogi
Full Member
Posts: 90
|
Post by Yogi on Dec 12, 2006 17:35:02 GMT -5
I had the Sportsman 500 and got the 700. I like both bikes but if I had it to do over I'd keep the 500. I don't need all the power.
|
|
|
|
Post by reloader on Dec 12, 2006 20:51:16 GMT -5
Thanks guys for your opinions,maybe I should think smaller engine like the 500,thats the kind of things I needed to hear.
|
|
|
|
Post by swilk on Dec 12, 2006 21:11:55 GMT -5
It is actually funny that a 500cc bike is considered smaller.
10 years ago 400 was the biggest, baddest thing available. Oh how times change.
My Arctic Cat is physically as big as I would ever want to go. Any bigger and it would be a disadvantage in the woods or narrow trails.
The Honda is perfect size wise. It has a much lower top speed because it is geared for low end grunt. It wont win any races but it will pull/haul/tow anything a sane person could ever want.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hoosier Hunter on Dec 21, 2006 16:30:30 GMT -5
I have 2 Polaris 4X4's and been pleased with both.
|
|
|
|
Post by bsutravis on Dec 25, 2006 4:19:45 GMT -5
I love my Polaris Xpedition 325! Swilk is probably right though....it's like the Ford v. Chevy debate. The thing that always tilts the scale to the Polaris IMO is that its MADE IN THE USA. They do have Fuji engines which are made in Japan, but the quads are built right here, and the profits stay right here in America. I THINK Artic Cats are the same.....they run Suzuki engines, but are made in Minn.
|
|
|
|
Post by kbacon on Dec 25, 2006 20:42:10 GMT -5
If you're kids will be riding it.. I'd keep it in the 400-500 range tops. Those 600-700 models are alot harder to control due to their size... not to mention they have ALOT of power. I weigh 220# and I almost flipped a 650 Artic Cat just hittin the gas.. and I've been on a 4 wheeler quite a bit.
I have one buddy that has an '04 Artic Cat 500 and another that just got an '06 Artic Cat 400.. both have independent rear suspension and fuel injection. I've ridden the 500 quite a bit. And in hunting situations it's just about perfect... more than enough power.. and not too big to hit some trails in the woods.
|
|
|
|
Post by cambygsp on Jan 3, 2007 3:51:12 GMT -5
I just bought a pair of Yahama Grizzly's.....a 660 and a 350 both are 4x4's and both are 2007 models.
Yahama is the most popular brand of ATV's, they have over 27% of the market share. We just bought them on Saturday (12-30-2006) and have been riding around the house and once on property in Brown County. We only got about 40 miles on them so far. Both of mine are IRS (independant rear suspension).
I looked for several weeks, what led me to purchase Yahama's were several things.
1. The Yahama dealership with service department is close to the house.
2. Yahama was offering special financing
3. Yahama was offering a full 2 year warranty (that special ended 12-31-2006) while other brands only came with a 6 month warranty....it would have costed over 3000.00 to extend the warranty on other brands
4. $69.00 winch.....they threw in a 400.00 winch for 69.00
5. Cost.......I spent right at $13000.00 (plus sales tax) all togather for both units, that was about a $3500.00 discount off of sticker.
So far we (my 13 y/o son and I) love them, my wife even enjoys riding on the back of mine (if it's not too cold).
I will be putting a snow plow on mine and possible a plow on my son's....maybe earn a little extra cash to help pay for them!
We are also looking for a hunting lease, so they will come in handy with that, food plots and general hunting chores!
|
|
