WHAT ATV TO BUY

[Double Orange]

5 months ago I brouht the Polaris 500 Sportsman in camo. I only have 62 hrs but nothing but smiles!
I like you wanted 500cc
Auto
4X4
IRS
2 speed foward a low and a hi!

I'm 6' and 210# The Sportsman 500 is a full size quad. I drove 6 oher quads and the Sportsman fit me best. The ride is like a cadillac.

I took my time looking and at the end the Honda rancher and the Polaris Sportsman where tied.

The 500 Sportsman came with the 3 star PXT tires Which means I wouldn't have to pay $780 to upgrade my tires.

I use my quad to patrol my horse trails. Up/down hills thru creecks cross pastures.

I also ordered the 3 ton warn winch. This lets you really bury it! And the push of a button and your gone!

I also ordered the lock and ride cago box. I can throw my chain saw and any needed tools securly in the box and go.
I'm very happy with my decision.

 

[john_bud]

Why 500CC? I had an old honda 350 4x4 shaft drive and it would pull a 5x10 trailer with 2000# on it thru the woods, no problem. Well, the mud booger holes were a pain, but that was more the tires being short nubbies. If you are going to use it hunting, a smaller machine will get you into tighter places, generally be quieter and use less fuel etc.

My buddy has a 2 year old polaris 500cc. It's a LOT larger than the old 350 was. Louder too. But faster, more power, smooth ride, more gas used, etc. The old ones were weak and fragile, but the new ones are pretty nice, powerful and much less problems.

I would say Honda has the most reliable machine out there. For power, there are so many choices it boggles the brain. I would get fuel injected on any new machine. They start better and run smooooth.

 

[Ryan03]

Why 500CC? I had an old honda 350 4x4 shaft drive and it would pull a 5x10 trailer with 2000# on it thru the woods, no problem. Well, the mud booger holes were a pain, but that was more the tires being short nubbies. If you are going to use it hunting, a smaller machine will get you into tighter places, generally be quieter and use less fuel etc.

My buddy has a 2 year old polaris 500cc. It's a LOT larger than the old 350 was. Louder too. But faster, more power, smooth ride, more gas used, etc. The old ones were weak and fragile, but the new ones are pretty nice, powerful and much less problems.

I would say Honda has the most reliable machine out there. For power, there are so many choices it boggles the brain. I would get fuel injected on any new machine. They start better and run smooooth.

I just sold my Yamaha big bear 350 4x4 a week ago, and I am also in the market for a new 500cc+ 4x4 next spring [after the new baby is born, and the wife goes back to work]. Initialy, I could not imagine why anyone would need more than 350cc's, but adding 27 inch tires with 1-1/4 inch lugs, combined with my 216 lb body weight made it clear that I needed a bigger HP and torque increase than anything short of a super charger or nitrouse could provide me with. Hill climbing and accelerating it did fine, but once those big mudders got burried in 18 inches of wet clay and black pete, it was hard to get enough wheel speed in first gear to clean them out, The other guys riding with me running the same size and larger tires on 420 Ranchers and 500 Rubicons did not have these issues with running out of power. I am considering these models, Honda Rancher 420 4x4, Honda Rubicon 4x4, Honda Rincon 4x4, Can Am outlander 400, 500 , and 650, Artic cat 500, and 700 4x4. Although the honda's lack disc brakes on all but the Rincon, and do not have a locking front diff, They seem to hold their value real well, and from what I have personaly witnessed, [Hydrolocking time and time again with no engine damage, Rolling down mountains in Hatfield Mcoy WV.] they are as close to bullet proof as it gets. On the other hand, The Can Am is about as cutting edge as ATV's get, and has a better warranty with a 3 year term. The Artic Cat has more ground clearance and larger fenders to keep the rider cleaner. Whatever I buy, it will get a 2 inch lift and 27 or 28 inch tires along with a snorkel right off the bat. I am guessing it will be a Honda, but can't say for sure until I ride all the ones listed above and crunch some more numbers.

 

[Double Orange]

That last photo. was that where Obaoma is sticking his next Tax In Increase?

 

[Ryan03]

That last photo. was that where Obaoma is sticking his next Tax In Increase?

Actualy, that is John Mcain on the Rancher, and he is one wild 72 year old!!!!!!!! Just kidding.

 

[kenmac]

I have an 05 polaris sportsman 400 & ride in the mud just like ryan03. No problems. Love this machine. Wish I had the new 850 sportsman

 

[farmboy12]

You should look at the Polaris 6x6's. You can buy a used 500, or a new 800. They also have lock and ride bed's and seem great for offroad use.


We don't have experience with ATV's, but I've done my research.

 

[john_bud]

Ryan03,


You may be a bit more of a trail rider than the OP who wanted one for hunting and around the farm.

I also think you look like you were having a BLAST!

 

[Ryan03]

Ryan03,


You may be a bit more of a trail rider than the OP who wanted one for hunting and around the farm.

I also think you look like you were having a BLAST!

Yeah, your probably right. I just figured that if we couldn't kill these quads abusing them like we do, they would last a hunter or farmer forever with proper maintenence

 

[IllMarty1]

This is me on a Can Am Outlander MAX(2 person) Atv. Was the 4th time through and well... see for yourself.

MVI_0440.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Winch, Very Important!