ATV's

[Bigshow]

We are currently looking for a utility ATV to replace our 2001 Honda Rubicon. Ours has 11000 kms and has served us well. The Hondas seem to be falling a bit behind - only independent suspension on the Rincon, no low range on the Rincon, and they seem expensive. I might consider a Grizzly for the power steering option. I like the looks of the Polaris Stealth models (wouldnt go over 500 cc here because the twins are even heavier than the too heavy 500!). The Kawasaki twins seem to make big power and yet stay light. The new Canams have big performance. I am not sure about Suzuki - how many of the quads are made by Kawasaki?? I dont know anyone who has an Arctic Cat.
Anyone care to share their thoughts on what would work / not work on an ATV that has to work every day on our farm, yet play the odd time. The 'play' part is where our Rubicon fell a bit short with the solid axle.

[CDX825]

Polaris makes a hell of a ATV in my opinon! Some of the things I have seen them hold up to still amazes me.

[eagleeye]

Power steering option not withstanding, my vote would be for the Grizzly. Across the board, I have heard fewer complaints about them. I like the size, I am a big guy and comfort is important to me; not to mention, I can ride my 8 and 5 year old on it as well (I mean if that were legal and safe). The Grizzlies also seem to hold their value extremely well and I am one to always factor in resell when I make a purchase. Just my thoughts.

[big_blue]

I had the Canam 800 HO for a while and loved it. I never worked mine, though...just hauled with it!

The only downfall was I knew how I was going to die after I got it, so I sold it after enjoying it a while with no accidents. I have to compensate for having very little self control.

[LMJD]

I know guys that own most all the different brands and they all appear to be really good and reliable nowdays. My son-in-law has dedicated his life to doing his best to destroy various Yamahas and they hold up well even with him at the controls. Four of us bought 500 Polaris Sportsmans all at the same time in 2005 and we've all had no problems with them at all. Same with my son's Honda Foreman. Guys on the ATV forums also have nothing but good to say about the Suzukis and Can Ams too. One reason I like the Polaris is the soft Cadillac ride due to it's suspension. Honda has independent rear suspension now too, but a few guys who test drove both said the Polaris was still smoother over the rough stuff.

[Bigshow]

Originally Posted by big_blue

The only downfall was I knew how I was going to die after I got it, so I sold it after enjoying it a while with no accidents. I have to compensate for having very little self control.

Honesty is good!! How do the 500 and 650 CanAms fare? i heard someone tell me that the 650 CanAm was in the same performance level as all the bigger units?
If the Rubicon has independant suspension and power steering it would be perfect for what we need.

[07HEMI4ME]

We have been happy with our Suzuki Eiger 400. 4x4, High and Low, it has been great so far, for both Fun and work.

[Outrider]

Originally Posted by Bigshow

We are currently looking for a utility ATV to replace our 2001 Honda Rubicon. Ours has 11000 kms and has served us well. The Hondas seem to be falling a bit behind - only independent suspension on the Rincon, no low range on the Rincon, and they seem expensive. I might consider a Grizzly for the power steering option. I like the looks of the Polaris Stealth models (wouldnt go over 500 cc here because the twins are even heavier than the too heavy 500!). The Kawasaki twins seem to make big power and yet stay light. The new Canams have big performance. I am not sure about Suzuki - how many of the quads are made by Kawasaki?? I dont know anyone who has an Arctic Cat.
Anyone care to share their thoughts on what would work / not work on an ATV that has to work every day on our farm, yet play the odd time. The 'play' part is where our Rubicon fell a bit short with the solid axle.

Hi -

I train dogs for sheepdog trials and keep my sheep at a friend's ranch in the Cleveland National Forest/San Mateo Wilderness area of southern California. Between us, we have several quads for ranch work (though not much time to play!), even a few old Honda 250cc 3-wheelers. Current work quads include:

2002 Yamaha Grizzly 660cc, 12,000+ miles on it. Electrical system has been an occasional problem -- bulbs for the headlights are $12 EACh, and it has gone through several batteries. Pulls like a draft horse, 4-wheel independent suspension, and liquid-cooled (our bikes run a lot more hours for feeding than miles).

2006 Honda Rubicon which is easy to drive BUT has no engine braking. About 2,500 miles on this one. Can be dicey hauling a hay trailer with 4-5 bales of alfalfa down a steep hill on d.g. surface. Better mpg than the Grizzly but a wuss as far as hauling the same load -- have to put it in 4WD to get anywhere.

2006 Yamaha Kodiak 450. Smaller than the Grizzly but nearly all the same features -- liquid cooling, 4-wheel independent suspension. As I recall, steel wheel instead of aluminum and the smaller engine (and smaller price tag) were the big differences. But rated towing capability is only ~150 pounds less than the bigger bike.

Had a friend who went out a few months ago and test-drove the new Grizzly with power steering (we're all getting older and a bit arthritic pitching hay over fences to horses, cattle, sheep, and goats) and said it was >really< nice to maneuver around.

I looked at Arctic Cat and Bombardier, and Suzuki, too, but went with the Yamaha. Like Honda, lots of dealers, good parts network, etc.

Good luck in deciding.

Terry Folsom