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Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
Thats a great price on the Expedition,and your getting a REAL 4x4 system!
Bill
Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
TEXASCAT,
I to am very tired of talking about how an AWD system works.I could write a 300 pg book on it.I'll say this,NO quad,whether it be a limited slip,AP diff,or WHATEVER type front differantial,has ever out done me in the serious mud.I've had some ATVs do JUST AS WELL,but I've never been outdone.If you guys like your quads,thats what counts the most.I'll ride with anyone of you's and we'll have a great time too,
Bill
Posted by: dazed&confused
I split the difernce and just purchased a Honda 450es. My dad on the other hand purchased a traxter last year. As far as hill climbing and off camber bolth of these machines seem to do about the same. But I saved about $800 over the traxter. There are now 2 guys driving rubicons out on our hunting lease (which has hills like heart attack and butt clincher, very properly named hills) they report no problems with hill climbing or stability. Me not a big polaris fan after ridding and looking at them. Friends that I have that have the polaris have never had problems with them they just stick to the regular mantinance program. Lastly the first machine I bought was used I never had any problems but for the money I should applied the money on a new one and financed the differnce.
Posted by: bowtiepu
other than the rubicon having a few more c.c.`s what makes it so much better than the expedition ? thats a very interesting comment..id take disc brakes and real 4 wheel drive anyday
Posted by: bowtiepu
good luck with your rubi
Posted by: lovinhonda
Sence I got a Honda Rubicon I would haft to say the RUBICON. It's an awsume atv, it gets you where you want to go where others wouldn't dare with a stock atv and I think it's the most sporty utility ATV out there today. Honda really did good on this one.
Posted by: lovinhonda
01Grizzly- Well sence we don't have any yamaha shops around us except way south of us, I can not test between the two. So thats why I think the RUBICON is the most sportest atv out there but you probibly right, the Grizz might just be the most sportest utitly quad out there but I I might never know until i see one go.
IndyDave- It does sound like alote of fun. What about this spring when it warms up? I know a place not to far from where I live thats realy fun to ride. But you will haft to remind me this spring because i'll forget. Hey by then i'll have my lisence, cool.
Posted by: Tim1
You do know that the Rubicons claimed 10" of ground clearance is a bunch of advertising B.S. It really has only 8" from under the diff. skid plate.
Posted by: Tim1
You find your F350 power sides on gravel roads better in 2wd than if it is in 4wd?
Posted by: snowshark
If money is no object then go with the Rubicon. The Rubicon is better than the Xpedition by far.
If you are leaning toward a used Polaris check it throughly. Pay a mechanic to look at it. Often when something is to good to be true (such as the price of the Polaris) there is a reason!
Posted by: bayougrizz
if it was me....................rubicon
Posted by: OffRder15
Rubicon sportiest Utility......UMMMMMM NO!!! From what I heard and seen on the trails, the Rubicon is the least sport oriented big bore quad out there. Havent you ever heard of the Xplorer 400? Grizzly? Sportsman H.O.? All three of these have selectable 4 wheel drive! You want sporty, put one of thede bad boys in 2WD.
Polaris reliability? The Xpedition is probably the most reliable machine they make. Don't listen to the "Polaris is trash" BS. I love the 4WD on my Polaris.
On the other hand, if you have the money, go for the ruby. You have full time 4WD a claimed 10 inch ground clearance. Ride em both.
Posted by: OffRder15
I flippd my scrambler down a hill, chased it, got on, and rode home. It started right up, and since then, no prblems.
Posted by: MagnumMudMan
shumdit
You have obvisiouly done your homework. I will not comment on the Traxter as I know nothing about them.
On the 425 Xpedition. This has been a very good machine for Polaris. The only problems that I know of is the stock brakes wear out fast and the lower steering stem bushing gets a lot of play in it pretty fast. A new set of severe duty brakes will run you less than $100 all the way around and the steering problem can be fixed permanently for $35 with an aftermarket bushing. The 425 engine has been around for years and is a great performer. The Polaris 4wheel drive system is great. On my 425 magnum, the 4wd is there when I need it. Most owners of the Expedition really like the shifter system, though I have never rode one, so I have no personal experience. The price you quoted sounded very good. As for not being the biggest dog on the block, You will find that the 425 engine puts out plenty of power for almost all riding situations.
On the Rubicon, I have never rode one, so this is only what I have read. The transmission is supposed to be the best thing out there for an automatic and the 500 engine is supposed to have great power. The only thing I truely don't like on the Rubicon is the price.
If I was you, I would get the Xpedition for almost $3000 less. The Rubicon is a great machine, but $3,000 will buy a lot of accessories. Just my opinion. Ride both and decide for yourself.
Posted by: IndyDave
lovinhonda,
I've got a stock machine, that WILL dare to go ANYWHERE the Ruby will. I'm just a few miles north of you. Lets meet up somewhere one of these days, and give 'em a try. We can post the results back here. Might be fun.
Dave
Posted by: 01Grizzly
lovinhonda,
Try riding a Grizzly sometime, and then a Rubicon. Then tell me which one is the "sportier" of the two.
Rick
Posted by: Farmr123
If it is solid mechanically, I would go with the Xpedition. They are a well built machine. Don't worry about the 4wd system. If you change the hub fluid twice a year (takes 15 minutes and about 1/4 cup of fluid) you should have no problems. 90% of the hub problems I hear about, the owner couldn't remember if, let alone when the fluid was last changed. Better brakes and improved steering bushing can be done for under $200 by anyone with average mechanical ability, and aftermarket ones will really last.
If money was no object, I guess I would go Rubicon (of the 2 choices) beacuse when you go new you don't have to worry about a previous owner leaving you with a 'surprise'.
Then again, if I was going new, and money was not the concern, I would go with the SP500HO and get the KING of utility ATVs.
The Rubicon is the sportiest utility ATV HONDA has made, but there is a pretty good list of more sporty ones out there...Sportsman...Grizzly...Xplorer...Scrambler (some call them 'utility' because of the 4wd).
Posted by: RubiconBob
Whether or not the 4-wheel drive system is selectable does not determine a machine's "sportability"! To me it's more of how aggressive you can ride the bike, not whether you can switch the 4-wheel drive system on or off. Handling is part of sportability, but so is throttle-response, and ergonomics. And there's a lot of suspension issues that can overrule the 4-wheel drive system, when it comes to evaluating a machine's sportability.
Posted by: lilgirlblue
Go with the Xpedition, you can't beat the price and with everything I have read they are a good, dependable quad. Also, search the net for all the articles on the different quads, then you can get a feel for all of the qualities of every one of them.
2000 400ex
2001 300ex (buying it Saturday)
Posted by: K2
So have you bought one yet? I posted a similar question in here on the Rubicon vs, Traxter XT a few weeks back and am happy to report that I just put over 70 trouble-free miles on my shiny new Rubicon this past wknd. I'm comfortable with my choice for a variety of reasons:
1. Traxter XT was $500-1000 more
2. Honda's proven and well known reputation
3. Traxter's lack of reputation (new) and uncertain reliability
4. Honda resale value is excellent
5. Traxter currently has soft resale market
6. Concerns about the Traxter weight
7. Honda auto tranny was appealing
I do, however, really like many of the features on the Traxter, it is a great looking machine and I also think Bombardier makes a great product (I have one of their Sea-Doos). I admit that I never rode a Traxter and hope I don't cause I may like it. So far though, the Honda has been all I had expected. We rode in some DEEP snow in western NY with a Honda 450S and two Kawi Prairies. Yep, we all got stuck at some point and it didn't matter what 4WD system you had in snow that deep. The tranny was SMOOOOOOTH. Everyone commented on it and liked the power that was instantly available if needed. I almost ran over the 450 when he had to downshift going up a hill and he had more problems downshifting in the deeper snow since he would lose momentum and sink in when trying to plow through. I also got comments on the nice looks of the bike, especially the polished aluminum rims. The steering was easy and predictable, engine braking almost makes the actual brakes just an extra feature. Suspension was a bit stiffer than the 450, but he has 2 years on it and I assume the Ruby will lossen up some.
The choice is really yours. I spent many hours researching my choice and reading alot of posts so I now I can give my reasons and opinions - hope it helped.
Posted by: slickrock
I am sick of this 3 wheel drive crap. My ruby has a front dif that is so far advanced compared to other atvs it is a non issue. Just spinning all fours is not always the best thing in tricky climbing. It can throw you off a steep trail. I can see where it would be better in mud, but we aint got much mud in the high desert. The front end grabs at the best foot hold always. The Ruby's brakes? Yea sealed three times while the discs are drenched on other bikes. Hey I got two Polaris bikes. 500 scrambler, 300 Express, They are a bunch of fun, But come on 36 zerks? Ruby 0. I was riding it today and back chain fell off. I think it was the dealer's fault just came out of the shop. Hey I like Polaris, and I am thinking real hard about getting another scrambler or a Kaw 650, but don't bad mouth the Ruby. It is an awesome machine. Price? all of the big bikes are so close in price I do not see it as an issue. One trip to the shop can even the price out in a N.Y. MIN. This is an expensive sport anyway, and a Quality machine is important. Experience, I have not buried the Ruby in mud. Everything else it has done perfectly. The thing is to pretty to bury in mud. Forgot, brakes--with engine braking on the Ruby you almost don't need brakes. If the brakes go on my scrambler you are going to be in deep S--t. In summary, buy what you like. A Ruby is not a Raptor. If you need to go 80 mph, a Raptor is your best option.
Posted by: shumdit
I am trying to consider which quad to buy. I have 3 options with advantages/disadvantages. Please give me an honest answer. They are:
1. USED 2000 Polaris Xpedition 425. $3600
ADVANTAGES:
Cost
Already has a winch
Already scuffed a bit so no tears after the first scratch on a new machine
TRUE 4wd so i've been told
Won't depreciate as much as a new machine will
DISADVANTAGES:
Polaris' questionable reliability
Not sure of the 4wd system
Not the big dog machine
#2 New 2001 Honda Rubicon
ADVANTAGES
Auto Trans good for mudding?
Reliability
Ground clearance
Smooth power delivery
DISADVANTAGES
Not Sporty
Price (I can get one for $6300)
Limited slip not as good as other 2 machines 4WD systems i am told
Extra cost of winch and larger tires for mudding
#3 Bombardier Traxter XT
ADVANTAGES
Good 4WD system
Winch and larger tires alrady installed
Cool Yellow color and styling
Storage box
Not going to see a hundred on the trail every time I go out.
Width may help stability on hills
DISADVANTAGES
Width may hurt in woods
Unproven reliability
Shifter seems clunky and loud
Price ($7600 quoted locally, But I have seen $6900 advertised nationally)
Resale value on 99-00 regular traxters not very high
looks sporty, but does weight of the machine hurt?
I am basically looking to ride woods, some mountain/hills and some mud. I am torn because I used to have a 300ex and it was a good machine, but I do need 4WD and don't want to work on the machine constantly or get stranded. I also don't want to pay out the butt to have a machine sit in the garage 29 days of the month. Please give me honest answers especially if you own/know someone who owns/have ridden these machines
Posted by: shumdit
Yes, I did finally make a decision and like you I chose the Rubicon. My reasons were very similar to yours:
1. Price was not a huge factor because I planned to install a winch ($350) and larger tires ($300-$400) with the Rubicon that would have come on the Traxter, in effect negating the price difference.
2. Hondas are known for quality and although I have never had problems with my Sea-doo's, I think that the Traxter is still too new of a vehicle to know what the long term reliability will be.
3. The Traxter outweighs the Rubicon by almost 160 lbs. and I found the weight of the Rubicon hard enough to get used to coming off a 300ex.
4. The resale value of a Honda is among the best in the market and i agree the market for Traxters is very soft where i live. They are discounting new units over $1200 in some cases and still not moving them. I had to check with 5 dealers in my area to find a Red Rubicon in stock (4 of the five did have at least 1 Green though).
5. I ride on OHV trails that are mostly wooded and the Traxter simply will not fit in between some of the trees that are on parts of these trails. Can you imagine the laughter of your riding buddies when you have to stop and find another way because you are getting stuck trying to fit 50.5 inches of ATV through a 48 inch trail?
6. Both of the Traxters I looked at and test drove had two problems. The first was a backfire when shutting off. I have seen this complaint in the bombardier forum and supposedly a fix is avail from the factory, but I didn't want to have the dealer tearing the carb open on a brand new machine. The second problem was much more important to me: The shifter button would not shift down quickly, as would be needed when you panic stopped and then tried to take off. I had to hit the downshift probably eight times to get the quad from 4th or 5th to 1st. It shifts fine if done slowly, but when you are in a hurry you may be frustrated by this.
The Traxter seems to be a very good machine and offers many useful features, i.e. large fuel tank, storage bin, visco-lock differential, but there are too many things abouth the Rubicon that I just liked better. The only negative about the Rubicon is that everyone will have one after test driving it ( except those masochistic polaris owners who find it necessary to constantly enter this forum ). Thanks to all of you who posted your opinions, I read them all and appreciate your help (even the Polaris owners!)
Shumdit
Posted by: shumdit
Thanks- By the way the reason I excluded the Polaris was that the guy who was selling it had bought it as a repossesion and did not have paperwork to title it to me. Otherwise I probably would have bought it because even if I hated it I wouldn't have lost much money when I sold it.
Posted by: TEXASCAT
bill,
correct me if i'm wrong, the polaris 4wd system only engages the front diff when the rear tires spin 20% faster than the front tires; therefore, when in awd and on dry, level ground the front diff isn't actually pulling-its merely waiting for the rear tires to slip. when my arctic cat's manual lever is fully forward i have four wheel drive (while all four have ground contact) and not THREE like diehard polaris fans claim. the polaris system is somewhat similar to a limited slip diff because it allows for easier and tighter turns. if it did have true, full-time 4wd (while the switch is in the awd position), it would take an act of congress to turn on dry, level ground. please do not take this as criticism on the polaris for i have nothing against polaris. it is just like arctic cat, a predominantly american made atv competing with a host of foreign named atvs for superiority. my second choice in atv's was a polaris then a kawasaki, yamaha, honda, and suzuki.
Posted by: vernl
I Know that Honda quads are truly the most reliable and durable. I have flipped my hondas many times and put them through hell. THey are all tough. i have never tried Honda's automatic tranny. but i have heard that it is very pricey if the tranny drops. but it is very strong so .....the polaris is pretty good..but if you do alot of water crossings and mud playing than you will find that after about six months the belt will start slipping. it gets worse as you continue to go through these things......
As for the Traxter.. ... i have rode one and it was nice... truly the best mudder and pretty sporty for its size... the only issue i have with this quad is the price tag... pretty expersive. but if you have the dough that this it the best... thanks...
Posted by: kodiakkid
ON WORD--- "KODIAK"
