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Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
This guy did not mention any Polaris quads in his opening post,therefore I think he wont concider one.But I agree with you,I'd want the Sportsman HO model,
Bill
Posted by: dazed&confused
I am looking at buying a new Quad. I have looked at all of the new ones and narrowed it down to the Honda Rubicon, Bombardia Traxter, Yamaha Kodiak, or the Grizzly. Most of my ridding is done in the early morning going hunting or late evening coming out of the woods. The light on the handle bars gets in the way so that is not a plus factor for the Hondas (I own one now). My real concern is up and down hills (small mountains) and in off camber postions. I hunt in the mountains and use logging roads that 4 wheel drive trucks cant go up, we are talking rocks, wash outs rutts all the bad stuff except deep mud. My dad has a traxter and loves it. It seems to to do pretty good. I am looking for advice on which one you guys think would be the best in this terrain.
Posted by: dazed&confused
I had ruled out the polaris due to the plastic racks. May seem silly but they just dont seem to be as usable as the metal ones. Most bolt ons seem to require a adaptor or special model. It, also like the Honda has the head light mounted on the handle bar, not my favorite place for the main source of light. Other people I hunt with have Polaris machines and like them, so it really is just a personal thing about the racks and light.
Posted by: dazed&confused
Does the AC do well in conditions where you might be sidways on a hill. We are talking angles 30 to 45 degrees and somtimes sharper if you happen to hit a rock you didnt see.
Posted by: dazed&confused
The Grizzly is one of the machines I was looking at. Our dealership here does not allow test drives on the new quad which is really dumb. But then they are the only dealer in town. But your nod of aproval seems to go to the Grizzly. How stable does it feel up and down hills and over junk in the way? Can you ease up to a good size log and then gracfuly crawl over it or is a little runing start need?
Posted by: dazed&confused
Well now I really have to make up my mind after my Honda commited sucid by breaking the ratchet strap(still have not figured that one out) and sliding of the trailer at 65 miles an hour. It made a horrible mess of the frame when it tried to run through the concrete wall. Only good thing about it, was that nobody was hurt (except the Honda). So now we are down to the Honda Rubicon or the Traxter, but them there was this big beast of a machine the Ranger. I was wondering what you guys know and have experienced about it?
Posted by: dazed&confused
Well I finally bought a new one. I drove my dads traxter great machine. I drove a rubicon also a great machine. But when it came right down to it, there was the avalability and cost factors to consider also. So I ended with a 2001 honda 450es.
I had to travel about 45 miles to get a green one but it seems to have been worthit so far. I have several contruction sites near my house and as you can imagine as soom as it was off the trailer I was off and ridding. I crawled over some dithches and dirt piles and ledges that would have fliped the 86 350. The real test comes this weekend, when I will be off to the woods. Another selling factor on the 450 was the dual shocks on the back. That set up seems to more stabile in the woods all though yamaha and some of the other manufactures seeem to disagree. But thanks for the help and input.
Posted by: Tim1
The Rubicon or traxter is good for that job but not the Kodiak because of it physical size.when we go fishing and there is no room for anything eles to be buggied on the racks or seat.You have to look out the side and to the front to see where your going because of the 3 foot pile on the front rack.The guy with the Kodiak just does not have the space and can,t load up like the full size quads can and still be stable enough for the goat trails that are ahead.
Posted by: Tim1
You went from a Sportsman 500 to a Rancher!Hmmmm.Like trading a Hummer for a Toyota Path finder.
Posted by: Tim1
Had that happen to me but the bike did not fall off the trailer. Now I have the large ratchet straps used for holding lumber lifts together.When you crank these straps you can easily squeeze all the suspension travel out of the bike and the straps are the wide kind found along the sides of transport trailers.
Posted by: Tim1
I when for a ride with two people wih a 2000 Kodiak(Blue nicest color I ever seen) and Rancher.When all three bike are parked beside each other the SP dwarfed the Kodiak and the Kodiak did the same to the Rancher.
Posted by: jscyoung
If you don't buy one right away, you may also want to check out the new Kawasaki Prairie 650. It looks like it will have a solid rear axle like the current one, but unlike the current one, it will have a lever to manually lock the front differential, 2 or 4 wheel drive, engine braking, and HUGE power with a top speed of about 65mph! Not that you are looking for a rocket, but it sure will make the long stretches of logging roads fun! Just another possibility.
All the ATV's mentioned in this post are good ones. None of them have everything. See how many you can try out before you buy one. One of them will suit you, and it may not be the one that sounds best in the specs. or books. If the dealers won't let you try them, see about riding someone else's. I've found that they all are very different from what you read and you will have definite preferences that others don't have--just like when buying a car. If you can't decide, buy the one with the best dealer support.
Posted by: Xplorer4x4
I was over at KC's Powersports last weekend and saw the Ranger sitting out in front. It Looks pretty nice(and expensive). I got in the drivers seat and it felt kind of weird. It seemed that there was not enough leg room and was cramped. I also saw a Silver '01 Sp 500H.O. and Magnum. The silver was pretty sharp and looked a whole lot better than that ARMY green or whatever shade of green that the Sp comes in. I don't know if KC's is making any deals on Rubicons or not. My #1 Choice would be the SP, followed by the Kodiak and Rubicon. Follow this link to see a Silver Kodiak being compared to a Rubicon. http://www.ridemotorcycles.com/vs_.htm
If you don't mind the drive, Lake Hill motors in Corinth, Ms. has excellent deals on Honda and Yamaha. http://www.yamahadiscountprices.com/ I hoped this helped you out a little.
Posted by: 01Grizzly
dazed&confused,
You really should consider the AC 500, from everything I've heard and read about it, it a very well built nice performing machine. I test drove a SP500 HO a few days ago, just out of curiosity mostly. I was very impressed with it, and I think it would do the best at going up those over grown, root infested, rocky, rutted out, muddy, off camber, hilly roads the best. I ride in excatly the same kind of terrain. However, the fact that it has engine braking to only the rear wheels, and you can't operate the front brakes independent of the rear to compensate for that would rule it out for me. I ride the Grizzly, and I have been very happy with it! Strong, powerful, and reliable! Everytime I ride my Griz, I like it even more.
YukonRon,
I used to really not like the belt drive autos either, but after having one for awhile now my opinion is changing. I would still give the nod to a manual shift, but with time I'm beginning to see the advantages to the auto. The only riders that I have heard complain about belt burning has been Polaris riders. Is that what you used to have? I ride my Griz all day in high range, and have not had any problems with belt burning/slipping. The engine braking on my Griz is very tight. I can crawl down hills at an idle without sliding around at all. The engine braking is very effective!
Good luck guys on your ATV hunting. What ever you decide on, its a kick in the ass!
Rick
Posted by: 01Grizzly
dazed&confused,
I guess I haven't really paid that much attention to going over logs. Although I have done that countless times. I don't go up till the front wheels make contact, stop and then punch it, so I can't really say what would happen. Nor do it hit them at high speed bouncing over them out of control, so I can't really say how it would handle that. I usually glide right over them without any problems. I have hit some larger ones going up hill that stopped me in my tracks. The front wheels peeled all the bark off before I backed up and had to take a little run at it, but then I made it up and over alright. My Grizzly is an outstanding hill climber. Its light and powerful for its size and runs right up most hills. Going down hills is a breeze, with the 4 wheel engine braking the Griz has, you can crawl down the steepest hills without using the brakes, or sliding around, and retain complete control.
It sucks that your local dealer won't let you test drive the machines your thinking about buying. It would make your decision much easier if you could ride the bikes you are interested in.
Rick
Posted by: 01Grizzly
If your going to be trail riding mostly, the 400ex would probably be a better choice. Its a 4-stroke, which in my experience, are supperior trail machines. Plus they are just easier to use all the way around.
Rick
Posted by: Farmr123
You might also check out the Polaris Xpedition 425. Manual shift and the HO cam fits in it if you need more gusto. Has the true 4wd and smooth ride Polaris machines are famous for. Don't get me wrong, the Cats are GREAT machines, just trying to give you another option.
Posted by: MrElussive
I'm sexy.
Posted by: Coley
Man, I can specifically remember during the 4x4 of the year shootout about a year ago, the testers (either 4-Wheel ATV Action or DirtWheels mag.) were testing a Polaris Sportsman 500 and a Grizzly. They decided to just try on this mountain-side and see which bike could get farther. Well, they said they could not believe how far the Grizzly went up the mountain, and then they tried the Sportsman and said it some how got all the way to the top! They said it has an unbelievable way of "getting the power to the ground". Probably that fully independant rear suspension helps. I am a big Yamaha fan however, and think a machine with a two-wheel drive option would be my choice. Just incase I get that wild hair.
Posted by: barfly
i to was concerned about the steep grades and crossing them sideways. iwas looking at at 450 foreman or the 400. i too the 400 due to the 450 setting igher and center of gravity higher as well. the 400 seems set your ody closer to the ground so i bought it. i watch the guys on the taller bikes due some seriuos leaning when we get in those situations where as i don't have to
Posted by: YukonRon
I'm also looking at buying a new quad and here's few of my thoughts:
After burning too many belts, I'll never buy another belt drive machine. Even though the new ones have engine braking to some extent, the word I'm hearing is that they just can't compare when it comes to slowing you down on a steep descent. Also, if the braking is only on the back wheels, and you have single lever brakes, you will lock the back end and swap ends.
The Rubicon sounds like a great machine, but here in Canada they will be asking over $10,000 CAN for it (when it becomes available)!! That's way too much! And do I really want all those techno-gadgets (sensors,solenoids,hydraulics, switches etc.) on a machine that will see heavy duty mud and water use?
I'm seriously looking at the AC 500 manual, but want to know more about the front diff. I don't want to own a 3-wheel drive ATV. So far it sounds promising.
Anyway, these are just my opions. Hope it helps.
Posted by: 2YellowSportsman
I recently looked at all the same ones you have, plus the Sportsman HO and AC 500 Auto. Based on what you said you want, the Semi-independent rear suspension on the AC might do the trick for you. I bought the Sportsman because it was a better trail machine in that it pulled harder, steered easier, and rode smoother. The AC was a brute, though and I could have bought it for about $800 less than the Sportsman... just couldn't give up the ridability. The Rubicon was a great machine... just didn't live up to all the hype. I rode the Kawasaki 400 Prairie and it just didn't seem to have any balls compared to the others. I had a problem with my Yamaha dealer... wouldn't let me test drive it... oh well. As far as the plastic racks on the Polaris... a non-issue, really, especially when you consider they make plastic (and glass for that matter) that is stronger than steel with today's technology, plus you will not have to worry about scrathes and rust. Anyway, with all that said and even though I bought the two Sportsman HO's, it sounds like the AC 500 (either manual or auto, depending on if you plan on doing a lot of towing or hauling) sounds like a great fit, plus you could save a ton of money over the Rubicon, Sportsman, or Traxter... Good luck!!!
Posted by: Warthog
Surprised you left out Arctic Cat. IMHO, anytime you consider the Grizzly you should also consider the Arctic Cat. Ride both and you'll see what I mean. AC has mean torque, excellent suspension, great hillclimbing and off-camber characteristics, and real racks (with possibly the highest load capacity of any manufacturer's racks).
Posted by: exmxer
I'll put my two cents in here. Hope it helps. The only experience I have to draw from is the Polaris SP500 EBS, Grizzly, Kodiak and Rubicon. I owned the Polaris. As far as climbing, going through the muck, and generally just hardly never getting stuck, I like the Sportsman a great deal. The problem I had with the Sportsman is reliability. Mine was a '98 model and had several problems in the two years I owned it. I also did not like the braking system. Individual control of front and rear brakes is a definate plus with the other brands. The SP500 was also a bit top heavy, as was the Grizzly when traversing hills. The Kodiak seemed this way too, but I think it was in part to the narrow width. The Rubicon is very stable going up and down, as well as sideways on a hill. The center of gravity is unbeleivably low with a wide stance. It also doesn't seem to give up much ground clearance in the rocks. I must admit the Polaris was a great climber but I was always scared to come back down what I just climbed because the back end would get very light and try to pass me up. I blame this on the braking system. If you do choose the Polaris, I recomend a split braking system be added to it. There is an aftermarket company that makes this I think for around 150-200 dollars. One other thing is the Polaris is extremely maintenance oriented. The Grizzly is very simple which I think is good. But I think all in all, you're not going to beat the Rubicon.
Rick
'01 Rancher 4x4 ES
Posted by: want2Bmuddy
This is my personal opinion, I have done alot of research on all the atv brands. My 2 choices are the polaris or the Arctic cat 500. I have test drove both machines and I favor the Arctic cat atv. The polaris is a smooth ride and a very confortable machine and faster than the AC, but the Ac has lots of power and the suspention is great. My choice is the AC, good luck on your choice.
Posted by: fryertuck75
Im a fist time quad buyer, and I was wondering what would be best for me, a 400ex or a banshee, It will mostly be used for trail riding. Ive been thinking about this for a long time, but I have not came to a conclusion.
