Picking a new ATV?

[greasemonkeyok]

The Polaris 550 "jump" when the drive train engages is a bit startling at first. Some say it saves the belt because there is no prolonged slippage in the engagement. You get used to it after a while and it is not a problem.

 

[whistlepig]

Still trying to make my mind up. Rode a new Polaris 550 and it seems like when the belt catches it was a harsh engagement. Engine has a different sound to it.

Rode a new Grizzly 550 and it was smoother as far as belt engagement felt. It steered a lot harder and was a tad harder to start.

For the money these things cost it has me considering a Ranger 500. Worried about losing the agility of the atv but would not have to swing my leg over the seat.

Would like to do something before the end of the year.

Any one done the atv to utv switcha nd regretted it?

If you are going to do daily farm chores a UTV is the way to go. My wife has a dump bed on her Rancher and uses that. I have considered a UTV but when I go out in the fields to work on fences or something I always take the tractor with the loader on it. Seems like every time I go out I need the loader for something. An ATV is for going places where nothing else can go. If you don't need that feature a UTV Would be a better choice in my opinion.

 

[tom4018]

I agree it would be nice to have both around. May keep the old one and put some money in it but wish it was 4wd.

The way it is raining though I might oughta buy a boat or put pontoons on mine now.

 

[bucktaker]

Havent heard anyone commenting on Hondas Rubicon. I have a 2007 that while currently sporting 800 miles has served me very well. Has the auto transmission for anyone can drive with selectable 4wd to Honda's Esp manual option if you desire. I have found I use ESP when hunting to keep rpms and noise to a min. Honda is the way to go for me. My 3rd one to date.
1986 2wd 200cc
1996 Foreman 400 full time 4wd
2007 Rubicon

 

[tom4018]

Havent heard anyone commenting on Hondas Rubicon. I have a 2007 that while currently sporting 800 miles has served me very well. Has the auto transmission for anyone can drive with selectable 4wd to Honda's Esp manual option if you desire. I have found I use ESP when hunting to keep rpms and noise to a min. Honda is the way to go for me. My 3rd one to date.
1986 2wd 200cc
1996 Foreman 400 full time 4wd
2007 Rubicon

Thought about considering the 2011 Rancher AT, I can get one of them for about $6300 with EPS.

 

[texasjohn]

check into the kubota RTV - I love mine, 4wd, seats 4 easily, pulls full 1000 gallon metal water tank, carries tools, supplies,has made all my ranch chores less effort. pricy, reliable, tough smooth hst transmission. recommended:thumbsup:

 

[cdaigle430]

Any problems with the fuel injected ones?
Is Honda electric shift troulble free/
Belts drives?

Anyone whos says the Honda electic shift is more troublesome than a belt drive is ignorant of the Honda ESP. I owned a 2000 Honda Foreman electic shift and now on a Honda RIncon electic shift collectivley put on 15,000 miles between the tow of them-"0" electric shift problems. I also plow every winter on my Honda Rincon. The Honda's are practically maintenance free-no grease fittings and no belt maintenance, just the typical oil, tire pressure, plugs and occasional valve adjustment. I also never had a problem with my Honda and as of today have not had any friends that had any problems with their Honda's that purchased them new. My Rincon has a three speed automatic car like transmission (with a torque converter) that I can use in fully automatic or I can take control and use electric shift if I want to. I have pulled trucks, trailers full of wood, mulch and dirt and also dragged an 1100 pound moose carcass out of the woods with it.
The Honda Rubicon also has full outo or manual electric but it does not use a torque converter.

The new Hondas have EFI and in my opinion EFI is better for starting in colder weather.

 

[cdaigle430]

I have a belt drive on a Kawasaki, never any trouble.

You will

 

[cdaigle430]

Honda is the only one who does not use Belt CVT, so what does that say?? They are far from Crap. Honda chose a different path.

IF you are looking for a puller, do not buy a small quad. Depending on how much you want to pull of course.

Dirt trax did a review of the electric/foot shift 420. Have a look.

Belt drive transmissions are the cheapest to manufacturer and it requires no innovation from the manufacturer to make them. Also-they get you when it's time to replace the belt-and you will have to replace the belt at some point.

This way Polaris and others can compete by simply who makes the biggest motor. Some people need the extra horse power but most people just do trail riding and some work around the house. There really isnt a need for a 1000cc ATV, it's all about want and mine is bigger than yours-kinda like ***** envy eh?

 

[cdaigle430]

Havent heard anyone commenting on Hondas Rubicon. I have a 2007 that while currently sporting 800 miles has served me very well. Has the auto transmission for anyone can drive with selectable 4wd to Honda's Esp manual option if you desire. I have found I use ESP when hunting to keep rpms and noise to a min. Honda is the way to go for me. My 3rd one to date.
1986 2wd 200cc
1996 Foreman 400 full time 4wd
2007 Rubicon

:thumbsup: The Rubicon is an awesome machine-I think in most categories it's better than my Rincon.