Just bought a rhino clone

[John White]

A couple of years ago I was in the same situation. Do I buy a Ding Dong for $6500 new, with supposedly a warranty or buy a used major brand used for the same amount. It was very tempting to buy the China clone, new, and hopefully dependable. I think I even posted here then. Instead I run on to a used 2007 Artic cat Prowler, 2800 miles. It was on E Bay which made it even more scarey, sight unseen, just taking their word for it. I think I gave around $6500 for it also, as that was my budget. The transaction went smooth, I now have over 4000 miles on it. Been to W.Va to ride on the trails and to New Mex. twice. My wife and I ride it alot on the back country roads. The thing I like about the Prowler is that top speed is over 60, which would be foolish to ride it that fast but we cruse the back roads at 35-40 and feel safe and not over loading the engine. I recently ran on to a utv called a Kandi. (a steal of a price) It had only 5 miles on it and had the sweetest 3 cyl. engine you ever heard. Nice and smooth but I think the fellow said top speed was only 35, which would be fine on a farm. I guess the Prowler would be considered more of a lesiure or play utv rather than a working one like a Kubota, or Int cub. I think there are some pretty good China UTV's made. There is a rather lengthy article with several people who own them on a forum called "Mud Bog" I guess time will tell. I guess one thing that scares me is that if you wanted to sell it you would take a big loss. (Probably any brand)

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

people talk about rhino clones being built in china but every part i ever bought for my rhino had made in china on it?????

 

[psj12]

I just looked at ARTRAC's site and I don't think he is selling the Chinese clones anymore. All he has listed is the Cub Cadet brand.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

I just looked at ARTRAC's site and I don't think he is selling the Chinese clones anymore. All he has listed is the Cub Cadet brand.

All of the Chinese clones are fly by night, no matter whether its shoes, clothes, appliances, or vehicles. They do this to avoid lawsuits and other problems. The factories run 24/7 and change product before the lawyers can ever get their ducks in a row for a patent or trademark lawsuit. Next week they'll probably be selling us a Polaris or Can-Am clone.

 

[Alien]

It seems to be a typical response to knock 'chinese' imports or korean built machines. Maybe it is because they don't like having more competition in the market? At least they are a realistic price and I have no problem with most of them. Just look carefully at the build etc and compare before you buy. We bought a chinese hammerhead twister buggy years ago and apart from a broken reverse cable it still performs well. Only thing we had to replace was the battery. Now we have a Kymco UXV and with 1000 klms on it so far we feel we made a great choice. In fact, if we hadn't had the thing we would have been stuck for days during the floods. We had to go through 3/4 meter of flowing water in several places to get food and the Kymco handled it with ease. We also rescued the neighbours wife who was stuck in no-mans land and couldn't get home. I would happily recommend one. Yes I do have mechanical knowledge. I am an A Grade mechanic.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

Oh I wasn't "knocking" chinese imports. I own plenty of chinese made goods. I was simply stating a fact about the chinese made clones of UTVs. They are kinda where the chinese built clone tractors were 10-20 years ago. Anyone remember how many different "brands" that the DFAM/Dong Feng tractors were sold under? Anyone remember Lenar?

Where your Kymco is different from these other chinese UTVs, is that Kymco is a legally registered and established brand that has been around the block a time or two already. These other "companies" are just names all being run from the same factory and they will disappear before any lawsuits have time to materialize.

 

[Alien]

Poorplowboy I remember the Lenars. In fact I drove one to try it out and then found the 'dealer' didn't give any warranty on it!! I also heard that they were prone to breaking in half. True or not, I don't know. I know where you are coming from re companies dissappearing. I think most Aussies are wise to this and don't just buy a pretty toy anymore. Most do research and websearch and talk to the neighbour nowadays and it is getting harder for the fly by night fellows to get any foothold. I rather expected Mahindra to fade away but they really got their act together and have produced a pretty good product now. What was acceptable in India in those days wasn't acceptable on the world market and they realized this and pulled out all stops. There are a number of chinese brands in this area upsetting the established brand dealers.
If it is good, it is here to stay.

Cheers

 

[thomascw]

PSJ12, I think you are right about Artrac not selling the clones any longer. I moved my son up to Fayetteville a couple of weeks ago, and noticed only Cub Cadets in Chip's lot. Disappointing to say the least. On the other hand, the Massimo has not had any further problems. My warranty is up in Feb. Hopefully I can find parts if needed.My mileage/hours are still low(like 20 hours). I don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon. Just sold my 2000 arctic cat to my partner today(under 700 miles). Havent really used it since buying the clone.I definitely have not abused the clone in the mud/water like I did my 4 wheeler. Doubt if I will on purpose. As far as road/trail I've had it around 40 mph for short runs, no prob.
Poorplowboy, you're so right. they have been selling a rzr clone with a canam clone engine. I read they would do 80 mph(not with me in it)

 

[rcrcomputing]

thomascw,

Please don't abandon this thread. Keep us apprised of how's your clone is doing.
I did notice it seems to have street legal additions. Like horn? blinkers?

I've not seen another "sporty" utv in ANY of the established brands offer this.

Tell us about it..

 

[John White]

Thosascw: I think you will be pretty happy with your clone. There seems to be alot of discussion about them on various sites. As I said in a eailer post. I had about $6500 to spend. Do I buy a new clone, or wait and look for a used one made by the big 4. When you buy a new one there is supposed to be a warranty, for what it is worth, which usually depends on the dealer who sold it to you. When you buy a used one, its yours and any problems. I found a 2007 Artic Cat 650. (this was 2 years ago) on E-Bay. The deal went fine, it had almost 3000 miles on it. Broke in good but in very good shape. Checked my bill of sale the other day. I thought I paid $6500 for it, but after looking it up I paid $6000. We have taken it to West Va. and rode the trails, been to New Mex twice and rode. Plus rilding it alot around here. My only complaint was it was not EFFI. Took alot of cracking when it sat over a week and above 10,000 ft in elevation started to loose power and hard starting. Of course where we lived in Oh. it was fine. I decided that if the right deal come along I would sell it and get one with EFFI. HiSun or some make has come out with a 2 cylinder 800cc for around $7000. I looked at one and the bug began to bite me. When I was thinking about the China clone, I ran on to a 2010 Artic Cat 700 for $7500. The same amount the clone would have cost me. What do I do?? The answer came very clear when I advertised my 2007 650 for $6200. ($200 more than I paid for it, plus 2 years of using it) The first person to look at it took it. This was the thing that made me go with a used Artic Cat again. Got the 700. Love it, EFFI make all the differance. But still buying a clone can be the right choice for many people. I was at a UTV store the other day. They had 3 can am's, 4 Artic cat prowlers, 3 Rhinos, 2 mules, and a Kaymco sitting in the corner. I looked the Kaynco over pretty good and they have coome a long way since they first started importing them. About $3400 cheaper than a Rhino. I think they are made in Tiwan, not China. Enjoy your ride and keep us posted.