What are you riding??

[WilliamBos]

Looking to buy an ATV (eventually) and wondered what every one is riding??

I love the all new design of the Outlander (800R/1000) but do not need anything that big. Going to wait till early summer next year, as the rest of the Outty line up should get the new design.

Choices are ... Grizzly(Kodiak) 450 EPS, Outty 400 or 500 base model, or Sportsman 400. May even look for a used Outty 500, My requirements for used are Rear IRS, CVT/PVT, and liquid cooled.

All opinions welcome, regardless of brand.

If you want, post mileage and things you like, dislike, and custom add Ons.

 

[MoKelly]

I have a Suzuki Vinson 500 automatic. I use it mostly for work and the liquid cooling was a big factor. Loads of pulling power. Easy maintenace and so far has been reliable. I have around 270 hours.

Suzuki replaced the Vinson with the King Quad recently.

MoKelly

 

[9973720wb19]

Kubota RTV900 with bout 165 hrs. great work horse - not a "fun" machine.

 

[dfkrug]

My requirements for used are Rear IRS, CVT/PVT, and liquid cooled.

I just got a third one, a 2003 Yamaha Bear Tracker 250. That makes
three, with my old work horse, a 85 Honda 250 FourTrax, and my
finished project, a 96 Honda TRX300FW full-time 4x4.

I would really like a mid-sized unit with CVT, 4x4, and low range, but not
one of those 700+ pound beasts. Maybe Arctic Cat (Kymco) is my only
choice. I am utility-only, and don't care for the side-by-sides. IRS is nice,
but EFI? Power steering? I don't see paying for those options.

 

[WilliamBos]

I just got a third one, a 2003 Yamaha Bear Tracker 250. That makes
three, with my old work horse, a 85 Honda 250 FourTrax, and my
finished project, a 96 Honda TRX300FW full-time 4x4.

I would really like a mid-sized unit with CVT, 4x4, and low range, but not
one of those 700+ pound beasts. Maybe Arctic Cat (Kymco) is my only
choice. I am utility-only, and don't care for the side-by-sides. IRS is nice,
but EFI? Power steering? I don't see paying for those options.

A Grizzly/Kodiak 450 would fit the bill nicely for you, as they are a true mid sized machine. They still use a carb, and EPS is an option, but in USA only.

500cc is the Max for me. I would not have an issue with EFI, as I love the Outty's.

 

[vanb]

2001 Polaris Sportsman 400. I have 2500 miles on it. front and rear bumpers, 2500lb viper winch and new 26" carlisle mudwolf tires. I also plow snow in the winter with a 66" cycle country poly plow (it's 21" tall) I've never wanted more power. I run out of traction before you run out of power.

 

[IronHog]

1994 Honda 300 4X4


I'll probably still be riding it when whatever you buy dies..........

 

[dfkrug]

A Grizzly/Kodiak 450 would fit the bill nicely for you, as they are a true mid sized machine.

You are correct, Will, these units are right at 600# and have AT, low
range, lockable diff, IRS. I will add it to my (short) list. I have nothing
against EFI, but it (and big engines) do not seem necessary.

 

[nobull1]

1994 Honda 300 4X4


I'll probably still be riding it when whatever you buy dies..........

I have my 93 that I have had for 16 years and don't see it going away anytime soon. Haul two wood splitters daily, chain harrow fields as well as general farm work. Although my father in-law just bought a Kubota rtv 1100 to use at the farm

 

[WilliamBos]

You are correct, Will, these units are right at 600# and have AT, low
range, lockable diff, IRS. I will add it to my (short) list. I have nothing
against EFI, but it (and big engines) do not seem necessary.

I agree. That is why I am not going above 500cc. Plus, once you go that big, you use more fuel, and also tend to run hotter. No need for that.

So, my list is...

Outlander 400, or 500 base.
Grizzly/Kodiak 450 EPS
Sportsman 400/500.

 

[Verticaltrx]

I had a '99 Honda 300 for several years then traded up to a 2005 Honda Rancher 350 (4x4 foot shift.)

For around the farm my number one concern is reliability and longevity, which is why I stick with Honda. I don't pull large loads and only haul minimal tools (chainsaw, fence tools), mostly use it for riding around checking things and moving cattle. When I get out on the trail (which I rarely get to any more), I like something that I can really ride. I tend to head for the really rough technical trails so I like an ATV that is small and light enough I can really maneuver and manhandle. On the same token, I used to have it fully equipped with front locker, warn 424 select, 25" Maxxis Mud Bugs, skid plates, 2500lb winch, etc etc. Since then I've returned everything to stock except the winch and skid plates, and amazingly I have as much or more fun riding it than before.

I like my ATV's light weight, simple, manual shift, with very little electronics. Guess I won't ever be getting a new one again, lol. :confused2:

 

[foreman Etexas]

I have a 650 "KITTY" and a 08 Brute Force 650i 4x4 2in.lift,on 28"mudlites



Artic Cat running on 15in"buckshots"and 29x8.50-15 superswampers

 

[WilliamBos]

I had a '99 Honda 300 for several years then traded up to a 2005 Honda Rancher 350 (4x4 foot shift.)

For around the farm my number one concern is reliability and longevity, which is why I stick with Honda. I don't pull large loads and only haul minimal tools (chainsaw, fence tools), mostly use it for riding around checking things and moving cattle. When I get out on the trail (which I rarely get to any more), I like something that I can really ride. I tend to head for the really rough technical trails so I like an ATV that is small and light enough I can really maneuver and manhandle. On the same token, I used to have it fully equipped with front locker, warn 424 select, 25" Maxxis Mud Bugs, skid plates, 2500lb winch, etc etc. Since then I've returned everything to stock except the winch and skid plates, and amazingly I have as much or more fun riding it than before.

I like my ATV's light weight, simple, manual shift, with very little electronics. Guess I won't ever be getting a new one again, lol. :confused2:

Sure you will. They are not stupid, and know the know who buys their quads. Honda still offers the Electric shift(Foot shift in the tool kit.) if the solonoid lets you down. I looked at those two, but I want IRS, and full auto, since I will not be the only one driving it.

If Honda had a belt drive CVT (not a fan of the Hondamatic) I would own one.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Maybe something like the CanAM (outlander)500 OR . I really like the power of my bruteforce 650 but its a heavy machine. My father has the rincon 650 and it has a very nice ride but the brute smokes it performance wise.

 

[dfkrug]

So, my list is...

Outlander 400, or 500 base.
Grizzly/Kodiak 450 EPS
Sportsman 400/500.

The Arctic Cat 366 seems to have the features of the bigger units,
but in a mid-size. It seems that the Polaris Hawkeye was a smaller
Sportsman 400, but it does not seem to have low range. Too bad.
Both are lighter than the Kodiak.

Anyway, I have never been on a Polaris or AC, and would love to try the
CVT. Since I am a motorcycle guy from way back, sporty riding is
a 2-wheel activity for me. Utility is quads all the way.

 

[WilliamBos]

The Arctic Cat 366 seems to have the features of the bigger units,
but in a mid-size. It seems that the Polaris Hawkeye was a smaller
Sportsman 400, but it does not seem to have low range. Too bad.
Both are lighter than the Kodiak.

Anyway, I have never been on a Polaris or AC, and would love to try the
CVT. Since I am a motorcycle guy from way back, sporty riding is
a 2-wheel activity for me. Utility is quads all the way.

The Hawkeye chassis is no more, and the 400 is back in the full size chassis again, as of 2011 model year. And with the rebates Polaris has on, real hard to beat.

 

[Old Coot]

1987 Yamaha Big Bear. Bought it new and still love it. Never a problem.

 

[foreman Etexas]

The Hawkeye chassis is no more, and the 400 is back in the full size chassis again, as of 2011 model year. And with the rebates Polaris has on, real hard to beat.

Have you watched the outdoors channel on mondays they test drive alot of 4wheelers on there.On my sat.its channel 396 they have some good shows on there.

 

[vanb]

I posted earlier I have a 2001 Polaris sportsman 400. At the time everything was the same as the 500 (except engine braking) but cost $900 more.
It also had 450cc compared to 500.(if I remember right)
I've always been a fan of yamaha though, if at the time they would have had an automatic with IRS, I would be riding a Yamaha. My brother and dad have a 93' big bear and an 84 moto 4 that have been bullet proof! The only thing they have ever had to do is put new tires on once the old ones wore out.

 

[Bill 55]

I always wanted a 4 wheeler but never could bring myself to spend the money until a couple of springs ago. I came across a 2001 Polaris Ranger that only had 350 miles on it. I don't know why I waited so long. Every mile I put on on the farm is a mile I didn't have to walk. It has saved on the beating my truck was taking in the woods cutting firewood and cutting grape vines. I have not had the truck up on the hill in the woods for two years. I guess mine its the 500 HO. Would not be without one now. Put a snowplow on it and keep the drive and paths to the shed open all winter. Best $3100 I ever spent.