Need a new ATV. Help me decide!

[HCJtractor]

I had a 2008 Polaris 500 EFI X2 Limited Edition camo model until some lowrent stole it last week. Luckily, I have insurance and hopefully will not get beaten up too badly. I use it on the farm and hunting lease, not into speed. I liked the two seater option and the rear tilt down bed, but the excessive turning radius was the drawback. I sometimes ride a buddy to his stand, but mostly ride solo. So I may not get the X2 option this time, as the standard ATV seems to have a big enough seat for the occasional passenger. And it will fit into my truck better.

I am considering a Polaris Sportsman 550 EPS and the Can-Am 500 Outlander XT. I like the new power steering on both.

I like the comfort of the Polaris, but never have been too happy with the plastic front and rear platforms. When I have to haul something like a stand or deer, it is hard to find tiedown points to hook straps to. THe heavy steel tubular racks on the Can-Am seem much more beefy and strong.

THe Can-Am comes with a winch and nice grill guard, whereas I would have to add these to the polaris.

What do you guys think??

 

[WilliamBos]

The 2012 Can AM 1000/800R (All new design.) now has a plastic racking system. But the rest of the 2012 line up is still the same Can Am metal racks. The new models have a bigger cooling systems.

Have you looked at Yamaha Grizzly??

 

[HCJtractor]

no, don't know much about Yamahas, but I have driven both the Can-Am 500 and the Polaris 550. Both were very nice (at least driving around the parking lot of the dealership) I know the Grizzlies are well thought off.

 

[toddbailey]

honda! IMHO are the best ATV'S

 

[Storm56]

Hard to go wrong with any ATV mfgr today. It all boils down to dealer, features and price. The one with the best combination of that for you is the one to buy.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I have always had really good luck with Kawasaki. I am still using my '99 Prairie.

Their Brute Force is a great bike. It has metal tie down racks and lot's o storage. (They should pay me a commission!) I think one of the Teryx units would be fun.

2012 Brute Force® 750 4x4i EPS Sport Utility - Kawasaki.com

 

[RollingsFarms]

I'll NEVER buy another atv in my lifetime due to having two stolen in less then 2 years. enough was enough for me to know that it wasnt just coincidence. my insurance company gave me a decent price for both BUT i got taken to the woodshed with all the upgrades i had made to them(tires, back rack basket, winch, etc). I was out $1,500 when all was said and done. even when i submitted them a printout of the costs of the upgrades they refused to cover them. i think i'm gonna get a side by side next. if they steal that then ill just walk.

 

[Redbug]

I have a lot of atv's over the years. Remember the 3 wheelers?...I had an 185s, Big Red and 250sx way back when. Different brands of 4 wheelers, too.

My preference is Honda.

 

[George2615]

I have a 2010 Polaris 550 EFI w/o power steering. I looked at many brands and found Polaris to be the only one to have enough foot room (for my size 14 Lacrosse) when I'm wearing my hunting boots. The others were a very tight fit. Other than that all brands seem to be quality built. At the time I bought mine Polaris had a special where a new one (2011) came with a winch and a plow. I really didn't need them so I bought a 2010 leftover plus I thought the dash display was easier to read.

 

[WilliamBos]

I have a 2010 Polaris 550 EFI w/o power steering. I looked at many brands and found Polaris to be the only one to have enough foot room (for my size 14 Lacrosse) when I'm wearing my hunting boots. The others were a very tight fit. Other than that all brands seem to be quality built. At the time I bought mine Polaris had a special where a new one (2011) came with a winch and a plow. I really didn't need them so I bought a 2010 leftover plus I thought the dash display was easier to read.

Thanks. I wear a 13, so I will make sure I am comfy with the foot rests.