What are you riding??

Verticaltrx · Jul 26, 2011

I had a '99 Honda 300 for several years then traded up to a 2005 Honda Rancher 350 (4x4 foot shift.)

For around the farm my number one concern is reliability and longevity, which is why I stick with Honda. I don't pull large loads and only haul minimal tools (chainsaw, fence tools), mostly use it for riding around checking things and moving cattle. When I get out on the trail (which I rarely get to any more), I like something that I can really ride. I tend to head for the really rough technical trails so I like an ATV that is small and light enough I can really maneuver and manhandle. On the same token, I used to have it fully equipped with front locker, warn 424 select, 25" Maxxis Mud Bugs, skid plates, 2500lb winch, etc etc. Since then I've returned everything to stock except the winch and skid plates, and amazingly I have as much or more fun riding it than before.

I like my ATV's light weight, simple, manual shift, with very little electronics. Guess I won't ever be getting a new one again, lol. :confused2:

foreman Etexas · Jul 26, 2011

I have a 650 "KITTY"

and a 08 Brute Force 650i 4x4 2in.lift,on 28"mudlites

Artic Cat running on 15in"buckshots"and 29x8.50-15 superswampers

WilliamBos · Jul 26, 2011

Verticaltrx said:
I had a '99 Honda 300 for several years then traded up to a 2005 Honda Rancher 350 (4x4 foot shift.)

For around the farm my number one concern is reliability and longevity, which is why I stick with Honda. I don't pull large loads and only haul minimal tools (chainsaw, fence tools), mostly use it for riding around checking things and moving cattle. When I get out on the trail (which I rarely get to any more), I like something that I can really ride. I tend to head for the really rough technical trails so I like an ATV that is small and light enough I can really maneuver and manhandle. On the same token, I used to have it fully equipped with front locker, warn 424 select, 25" Maxxis Mud Bugs, skid plates, 2500lb winch, etc etc. Since then I've returned everything to stock except the winch and skid plates, and amazingly I have as much or more fun riding it than before.

I like my ATV's light weight, simple, manual shift, with very little electronics. Guess I won't ever be getting a new one again, lol. :confused2:

Sure you will. They are not stupid, and know the know who buys their quads. Honda still offers the Electric shift(Foot shift in the tool kit.) if the solonoid lets you down. I looked at those two, but I want IRS, and full auto, since I will not be the only one driving it.

If Honda had a belt drive CVT (not a fan of the Hondamatic) I would own one.

foreman Etexas · Jul 26, 2011

Maybe something like the CanAM (outlander)500 OR . I really like the power of my bruteforce 650 but its a heavy machine. My father has the rincon 650 and it has a very nice ride but the brute smokes it performance wise.

dfkrug · Jul 26, 2011

WilliamBos said:
So, my list is...

Outlander 400, or 500 base.
Grizzly/Kodiak 450 EPS
Sportsman 400/500.

The Arctic Cat 366 seems to have the features of the bigger units,
but in a mid-size. It seems that the Polaris Hawkeye was a smaller
Sportsman 400, but it does not seem to have low range. Too bad.
Both are lighter than the Kodiak.

Anyway, I have never been on a Polaris or AC, and would love to try the
CVT. Since I am a motorcycle guy from way back, sporty riding is
a 2-wheel activity for me. Utility is quads all the way.

WilliamBos · Jul 27, 2011

dfkrug said:
The Arctic Cat 366 seems to have the features of the bigger units,
but in a mid-size. It seems that the Polaris Hawkeye was a smaller
Sportsman 400, but it does not seem to have low range. Too bad.
Both are lighter than the Kodiak.

Anyway, I have never been on a Polaris or AC, and would love to try the
CVT. Since I am a motorcycle guy from way back, sporty riding is
a 2-wheel activity for me. Utility is quads all the way.

The Hawkeye chassis is no more, and the 400 is back in the full size chassis again, as of 2011 model year. And with the rebates Polaris has on, real hard to beat.

Old Coot · Jul 27, 2011

1987 Yamaha Big Bear. Bought it new and still love it. Never a problem.

foreman Etexas · Jul 27, 2011

WilliamBos said:
The Hawkeye chassis is no more, and the 400 is back in the full size chassis again, as of 2011 model year. And with the rebates Polaris has on, real hard to beat.

Have you watched the outdoors channel on mondays they test drive alot of 4wheelers on there.On my sat.its channel 396 they have some good shows on there.

vanb · Jul 27, 2011

I posted earlier I have a 2001 Polaris sportsman 400. At the time everything was the same as the 500 (except engine braking) but cost $900 more.
It also had 450cc compared to 500.(if I remember right)
I've always been a fan of yamaha though, if at the time they would have had an automatic with IRS, I would be riding a Yamaha. My brother and dad have a 93' big bear and an 84 moto 4 that have been bullet proof! The only thing they have ever had to do is put new tires on once the old ones wore out.

Bill 55 · Jul 28, 2011

I always wanted a 4 wheeler but never could bring myself to spend the money until a couple of springs ago. I came across a 2001 Polaris Ranger that only had 350 miles on it. I don't know why I waited so long. Every mile I put on on the farm is a mile I didn't have to walk. It has saved on the beating my truck was taking in the woods cutting firewood and cutting grape vines. I have not had the truck up on the hill in the woods for two years. I guess mine its the 500 HO. Would not be without one now. Put a snowplow on it and keep the drive and paths to the shed open all winter. Best $3100 I ever spent.