ATV - Polaris/Honda/Yamaha

kenmac · Mar 19, 2008

What type of major complaints have you heard/ seen about polaris ?? We haven't had any type of major problems & we ride in some deep real deep mud.I'am talking about mud & water that covers the entire ATV in some cases. Only problem we've had ( & I don't call it major ) is, CV boot replacment. The mud takes it's toll on the CV boots. Like vecicles , tractors, etc, to each his/her own. but, I wouldn't ride anything but polaris

rutwad · Mar 19, 2008

They may not be major problems, but maybe Polaris has the most number of problems. I am not bashing or stating facts about Polaris, but it's just what I have heard.
I have seen a picture of a Polaris on a trail ride that was completely burned. My friend had a very nice looking, almost new Polaris 500 that would not quit pulling. The belt stayed engaged. Last year a very new Polaris Ranger had to be pulled home on a creek ride (no, he did not drown it). The owner had it in the shop 3 times and sold it. Friend had a Ranger 700 that did nothing but skip, even after 5 or more trips to the shop. Every time it was "fixed", it always seemed to mess up the first day out of the shop. Extremely Aggrevating!! Friends new Polaris Crew already has the flashing wrench, so it's time for it to go to the shop.

Some people would not have anything but a Polaris, and some people would rather own a bicycle than a Polaris. To each his own, but I would put my money elsewhere.

kenmac · Mar 20, 2008

rutwad said:
They may not be major problems, but maybe Polaris has the most number of problems. I am not bashing or stating facts about Polaris, but it's just what I have heard.
I have seen a picture of a Polaris on a trail ride that was completely burned. My friend had a very nice looking, almost new Polaris 500 that would not quit pulling. The belt stayed engaged. Last year a very new Polaris Ranger had to be pulled home on a creek ride (no, he did not drown it). The owner had it in the shop 3 times and sold it. Friend had a Ranger 700 that did nothing but skip, even after 5 or more trips to the shop. Every time it was "fixed", it always seemed to mess up the first day out of the shop. Extremely Aggrevating!! Friends new Polaris Crew already has the flashing wrench, so it's time for it to go to the shop.

Some people would not have anything but a Polaris, and some people would rather own a bicycle than a Polaris. To each his own, but I would put my money elsewhere.

Not to argue with u . But my friend's dad has a 07 honda that has been in the shop 3 x this year & is still not fixed. How many hrs on the new polaris ? most cases, The flashing wrench means it's due for routine maint. oil change,lube, etc, My wrench flashes everytime on start up cause I'am too lazy to reset it........The best thing to do is to reasearch the brand u are going to purchase and test ride the brands you are considering.

jimgerken · Mar 20, 2008

As stated, you won't go wrong with the Honda Rancher 4x4. Its EFI, electric shift ( a little odd, but you will grow to like it) , selectable 2 or 4 wheel drive. Its also small, tight turning, and comfortable. For a utility model, it is the sportiest riding of any of them. You might as well have fun while you are working! The racks are steel (durable). Service is nice on this thing, and it has a nice indicator instument. I think the Honda Rancher 420 is pretty reasonable priced at under 4500. BTW, I don't own a Honda (my friend and my Dad each own one though), I have Polaris , KTM and Can Am machines, and have owned Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda in the past, something like 25 machines since 1984. One last thing: don't buy an arctic cat before examining the rear suspension. Its sprung for hauling cement and will not budge at all on bumps with one person on board. Arctic cat has some nice features, but ride quality is the worst of any I have ever used (pretty much everything made).
PS : dont waste your money on a winch. you wont use it.

Skyco · Mar 20, 2008

jimgerken said:
PS : dont waste your money on a winch. you wont use it.

Really?

I've used the winches on mine many times. I suppose the owner needs to decide if he will use a winch. Me- I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Besides winches are pretty inexpensive nowadays...

kenmac · Mar 20, 2008

no more than they cost on e-bay .You can't go wrong. We use ours all the time.

rutwad · Mar 21, 2008

kenmac said:
Not to argue with u . But my friend's dad has a 07 honda that has been in the shop 3 x this year & is still not fixed. How many hrs on the new polaris ? most cases, The flashing wrench means it's due for routine maint. oil change,lube, etc, My wrench flashes everytime on start up cause I'am too lazy to reset it........The best thing to do is to reasearch the brand u are going to purchase and test ride the brands you are considering.

What is wrong with the Honda? What size? Is it tranny problems?

I don't know about the Polaris "wrench", but my friend was commenting about it. He said it is not on all the time. It may be for maintenance, but I can see why he thought "shop" after his last Ranger experience.

Around here dealers won't allow you to test drive an ATV, so you really can't get a feel for what you are buying until you have already bought. You could jump over to highlifter.com forums which should have alot more info on ATV's.
Highlifter Forums

The only negative response I have heard about ES models is that it requires both hands to operate. The throttle is on the right and the gear selection is on the left. With an automatic or manual shift your left hand is free to pick up the mail, grab that cold drink, hold a _______ (anything).

GOOD LUCK!

Dargo · Mar 21, 2008

jimgerken said:
As stated, you won't go wrong with the Honda Rancher 4x4. Its EFI, electric shift ( a little odd, but you will grow to like it) , selectable 2 or 4 wheel drive. Its also small, tight turning, and comfortable. For a utility model, it is the sportiest riding of any of them.

I'm pretty well a Honda nut. I'm not going to tell how many Honda items I own.

However, what sold me on the Suzuki King Quad 700 I ended up buying was the fact that (now, this is in my opinion) it is far sportier than the comparable Honda utility units. Maybe it's just due to the fact that the King Quad has a far larger engine and is fuel injected? I use it as a utility quad but if I want to play, the 8" of suspension travel on each corner and the ability to spin the rear tires at will make it pretty darn sporty to me. I think I may take out the electronic module that removes the speed limiter (which was set at 72 mph!) and also removes the built in de-tune off the line. I have no desire to ride my quad at speeds anywhere near 70 mph and if you just nail it from a stop it can easily flip over backwards if you don't back off the throttle in a hurry.

kenmac · Mar 21, 2008

What is wrong with the Honda? What size? Is it tranny problems?

He says engine problems. I don't know . He is suppose to brimg it over and look me look at it.He has payed several shops to work on it. He says it runs for a while & just stops. Says when it he does get it running it pops & skips.
I think he said 300 rancher