Need a new ATV. Help me decide!

[clemsonfor]

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.

Unless the 10 was way cheaper i would have taken the stuff and put it up on CL. But i guess you like the dash better on the 10 so you went with that.

 

[clemsonfor]

I too started on 50cc Honda minibikes, then trikes, then ATVs. I currently have a Traxter that does not see much use since I bought a four wheel drive tractor I do still use it on fishing trips where if it breaks ,it is a long walk home
The two brands I have always been told by fellow ATVers and mechanics to stay away from are Polaris and Suzuki. Honda, Can Am and Yamaha have all been recommended , probably in that order. The suspension and power steering on new ones make for a pretty spectacular to ride. -- JMHO

At work we had (untill someone stole it, outside job) a polaris sportsman ??? maybe a 500 or 600? Been here since i started in 06 so has to be older than that. The think is fast as lightning. I hate the Auto side shifter that grinds all the time. The other main problem is we use it lighting fires for burning. The thing cant pull out plot master or ride really slowly with out over heating. Been to the dealer in warrenty i think and back several times and they just said its a flaw in design/ radiator size. Unless they have changed the cooling system i would not buy one. Granted i know most of you dont ride a mile or more at a crawl and stop and go as fast as walking or slower, but if a machine cant cool itself when the outside temps are in the 50's to me it aint desinged right.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Maybe it is a regional thing, but it seems like most farmers around here prefer Polaris.

 

[WilliamBos]

Maybe it is a regional thing, but it seems like most farmers around here prefer Polaris.

That seems true here too. A ton of tractor dealers are Popo dealers too. Wonder if that means something??

 

[450EXC]

I just shopped around and bought a Arctic Cat 550 H1, a leftover 2010. My uses were work around the property, no trail riding. After reasearching it seemed all the brands would be plenty good for my needs. It came down to dealer, price and features. I found the leftover A C, a special edition model with winch, grill, rims, etc. It was at a good dealer and the price was fair.

I only have 150 miles on it but so far it seems great, I love it.