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Posted by: MNXPLORER
atvnewbe, it really depends on personal choice. I sold a 500 sportsman for a 400 xplorer. which is better ? I think its the xplorer, it doesn't have as much ground clearence but more than makes up for it in instant wheel speed. It is a much more spirited trail machine but, the ride isn't as plush.
As far as which brand is best opinions are like *ssholes everone has one. I can say Polaris requires more maintenance than the others. But thats the price you pay for those plush long travel suspensions, not many will argue with the fact they have the best ride. Hondas on the otherhand don't have the ride but are pretty much maintenance free.Yamahas and Kawisaki's and the rest all have there good and bad points. Polaris has true 4wd, Honda's Rancher and Rubicon have a new tourque sensing front diff. the rest are pretty much 3wds with a few exceptions.
The best advice I could give you is find some dealers that are willing to let you test drive the machines you think your interested in. Then make your own decisions.
Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
I too am also a avid mudder.After many years of riding ATVs [3and 4 wheelers] it is my opionion that the Polaris Xplorer 400cc is AT LEAST one of the best mudder's around,if not, the best.
Im a FIRM beleiver that a 4x4 should have the ability to spin ALL 4 wheels while 4x4 is activated.Currently,only Polaris and the underpowerd 280cc Suzuki King Quad have that capability.
Way back in 1986,I choose the 4x4 250cc Suzuki Quad Runner over the larger 350cc Honda Foreman 4x4,Why?Because you COULD lock up the front end of the smaller CC Suzuki and spin ALL 4 wheels with power,opposed to the limited [3 wheel spin] on the Honda Foreman.
I also had a 99 500cc Polaris Sportsman 4x4,very nice ATV,very plush ride,VERY HEAVY,weighing in at 697lbs.It was a fantastic mudder,but its weight did sometimes hamper it.
I wanted something lighter,more nimble/faster.I did my homework and gambled on the 2 stroke 400cc Xplorer.I say gambled,because I was unsure of the 2 stroke engine.
Today,after owning it for 1yr and about 1300 miles later,I love the beast.It is currently the fastest utility 4x4 on the market.
Why do I feel the Xplorer is one of the best mudder's?Its all about wheel speed,ground clearance,and a true 4x4 system.No other 4x4 ATV has the wheel speed this thing has.Wheel speed is a huge factor in mudding.
GROUND CLEARANCE?If one was to measure the ground clearance on the Sportsman[#1] as opposed to the Xplorer,they would see that except for the tiny rear chain sprocket,[which plays NO factor in mudding]ground clearances are about the same on both ATVs.
Factor in wheel speed,ground clearance, the ability to spin ALL 4 wheels as opposed to three,and my many yrs of ATVing and never having been beat out in the mud,Id say the Xplorer has to be one of the best mudders,maybe the best?
Bill
Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
The Traxter very well could be a great mudder as well,but like the Sportsman,is very heavy,in fact,the Traxter is indeed the heaviest built ATV on the market today.Lets talk HILLS for a second.
Weight has a distinct disadvantage when climbing steep,off camber,winding,and loose packed,hills.Momentum/traction and wheel speed help to conquer the worst of these type hills.There is no comparison in wheel speed between the Sportsman and the Xplorer,Xplorer wins this catagorie hands down.
There were TIGHT,and some technical situations I had gotten the Sportsman in before,and its weight of 697lbs really bothered it.In fact,I have been in some situations where I had to get off the Sportsman and actually try and pick up the rear end of it and swing it around a bit.Talk about hernia?I knew it was time to look for a lighter and faster ATV.
The Xplorer weighs in at 588lbs.And you talk about what a FEW engine mods do to this thing?I did a airbox mod,piped it,and added GoodYear Mudrunner Tires completely around it,man,what a beast.Since I piped it,when you mash the throttle,it is harder to control the handlebars now in 4x4,you had better not be a whimp or lightweight when trying this manover with a pipe mod,it'll rip the handlebars right away from your hands.The pipe really woke up this 2 stroker.
Kawisaki will soon have a 650cc twin cyclinder 4x4 on the market with a locker,I cant wait to see this thing in action,in fact,one guy in my riding group is talking about buying one,so I thought I'd better be ready for him,thats one of the reasons for the mods,
Bill
Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
Tim,
I to have wondered about shaft drive for the rear of the Xplorer?Polaris,WAKE UP!
On the good side though,Polaris did replace my chain/sprockets for FREE.
Bill
Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
Traxterick,
makes good sense to me!I have never road a Traxter,but your explanination of the weight makes good sense,seems like Bomb put the weight where it would benifit the Trax for hill climbing,but that extra weight does not help when you need to get off it and pick up the rear end for whatever reason.
And you are correct,NO stock Kawi yet has a true 4x4.The new 650 4x4 is suppose to,we will see?
Bill
Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
PaulC,
Im with you.I also like my Xplorer more than my Sportsman,the only thing I miss is the ride,and the only time you ever miss the ride is when you switch with someone else who owns a Sportsman,otherwise,the ride on the Xplorer is great to.
The power on the Xplorer is unmatched by any other 4x4 on the market,especailly with a pipe mod.Now if the chain on the Xplorer does well,im going to keep it for a long time,
Bill
Posted by: Bill.Ciliberti
yamahagye,
STOCK,is the key word in the guys opening question.Adding other tires does not constitute a STOCK form of ATVing,nor does adding a dully kit.
You also mentioned a 8x8 Argo,well,I have one better than that,A TANK?
Bill
Posted by: Max6x6
Max IV amphibious 6x6 with stock 26" tires and 725cc V-twin.
See you in the next mud hole.
Posted by: Tim1
Sportsman 500 6x6 because it has true 6wd.
Posted by: Tim1
I would like to see the Xplorer have shaft drive.I hit the top of the rocks on the trail as it is I just think I would smash up that low hanging rear chain sprocket off in no time.I know they want chain drive for less power lose but would shaft drive slow down the Xplorer that much to notice?
Posted by: PaulC
From my experience the 400 Xplorer is definitely at the top or close to it. I have owned both the Sportman 500 and the Xplorer 400. The Sportman is a bit heavier and slower and can be harder to manuever. Here's the problem, you can get a 4 wheeler for any variable like mud, sand, hills, rocks, dirt etc. and for any purpose say trail riding, hunting, racing, work. I have done all with my Xplorer. Its a wolf dressed in sheeps clothing. The Polaris 4 wheel drive system is in my opinion un-matched. When you get stuck all 4 wheels are pulling not 3 0r 2...one in front and one in back isnt nearly as good as all 4 tires pulling hard and fast like a 400 Xplorers. Also, the 400 explorer in my opinion is best all around for everything. Its fast, 4 wheel drive, rides comfortable on long rides, I've even catch air with it on every ride! :-) Anyway, I hope that helps.
Posted by: PaulC
The chain drive has is positives as well. The drive system on the 2000 Xplorer is concentric. The front of the Xplorer 4 wheel drive system is Axle driven! Which is neat! The maintenance on a 2 stroke is suppose to be higher but that hasnt been my experience. My 500 Sportsman 4 stroke was back in the shop a week after I bought it and I have had my Xplorer nearly a year now with just minimal maintenance. I had to tighten the chain up twice which was simple to do 15 minute job and I put in a couple spark plugs 5 minutes...thats what they are talking about when they say more maintenance. Its worth it to me because the ATV does it all.
Posted by: PaulC
Atvnewbie,
Another thing to think about when buying a mudder ATV is the tires. I would say that the Xplorer 400 with Vampire Super Swampers would be awesome!
I totally trust the true 4wd system. Ive seen others get stuck with 1 front tire in the air spinning and the other stuck in the mud doing nothing while I ride by them or pull them out.
Anyway, the tires make a huge difference in the mud.
Posted by: TheArcher
Everybody is tired of the old argument of which machine is the best. Even brand name marks will admit that every company has strong points and it always comes down to preference.
Posted by: brandon502
I'd like to believe my quad [quadmaster 500] is the best in the mud,but I'd put alot of money on an ac 500.
Posted by: cass192
BUll!!!!! they say kawasaki doesn't have true 4x4 i was in the mud over the wheels and they all were spinning like crazy
Posted by: cass192
to tell you the truth i don't think i woudl ever give up my prairie 400 4x4. I knjow you all think kawasaki sucks but i love them. I have never had any problems with them. except my dealer is a dick. I ahve had the prairie in some sticky situations that i thought i was a gonner,but she has pulled through. It has plenty of power for waht i do wiht it. I do alot of different riding. I even took it to silver lake cause i live in michigan. I have had it in the mud pits. I've been in open fields and love it
Posted by: atvnewbe
What is the best mudder of all the 4X4's? I'm itching to buy one, but have heard mixed "reviews" in mags. Don't really trust them and want some real oppinions. I love to ride rocky terain, but my favorite is aiming for the biggest mud-hole I can find. Need anyone's oppinion on best water/mudder to buy - any size or model or make. Thanks!!
Posted by: atvnewbe
Thanks for the advise. When you say polaris has true 4wd, does that mean the front diff locks both wheels at once when it engages?
Also, what about Arctic Cats? One of the feature articles on this site (AC 500 vs Bom 650) says only those two bikes ever made it through the mud pit they use to test.
Posted by: atvnewbe
What? Only 3 replies out of 82 views? I guess only mnxplorer has an oppinion worth hearing. (oh yea, and the 6X6 guys)
Seriously, who's machine (not 6X6's) leaves the others stuck in the mud??
Posted by: atvnewbe
I hear you. I really don't want to get into the brand wars, I just want to know from other's experience, which 4X4 goes through the slop the best. I am a fan of most of the brands so no-one slinging brand name propaganda will influence my decision. Thanks for the feedback.
Posted by: atvnewbe
Thanks for the replies. I'll seriously consider the explorer 400. The two main drawbacks I have with it were mentioned here; chain drive and a two stroke engine. Both of those things make me leary to but one. I'm one of those lazy guys who wants to ride without doing a lot of maintenance. I've heard from many that it is about the best you can get in front wheel speed and true 4-wheel drive.
Posted by: atvnewbe
Great info! Seems like I should consider a Polaris Explorer 400. I know whatever I end up with, I will be sorry if it isn't true 4-wheel drive.
Anyone ever go mudding with an Arctic Cat? I can't rule it out with a great price tag for a 500 auto with IRS + a free winch.
Posted by: BigBuck
cass192
I have witnessed the exact same thing. A Kawasaki 4x4 may have a limited slip diff. But it's got the best one out there...
Posted by: Traxterick
I recently traded my 2000 xplorer400 on a 2001 traxter. I think they are fairly equal in mud ability. My brother has a 2001 xplorer400 and we have both got stuck in the same mud holes and both made it thru the same mud holes. It is good to be open minded when looking to buy but i can tell you we ride with a suzuki quad master a yamaha wolverine and a honda rubicon. These are all nice machines but all have gotten stuck where the traxter and xplorer have made it thru. My suggestion is to buy something your comfortable riding and has true 4 wheel drive. Good luck.
Posted by: Traxterick
Bill,
You mentioned weight as being a disadvantage. In other machines that may be true but in the traxter the weight is very low in the frame making it the most stable atv i've ever ridden in hill climbs and especially off cambers. It is much more stable than my xplorer was. As for a shaft on the xplorer i don't agree. I believe polaris is keeping the chain for cost reasons. Also you would lose about 2 inches of travel with a shaft. The xplorer 400 in my opinion is the most capable 4wd you can buy for under $5500. Polaris doesn't want to price it up there with the magnum and xpedition. That would just be more competition between its own models.
Posted by: Traxterick
You may spin all 4 on the level but kawasaki uses a limited slip front diff. Try coming out of a mudhole with one front wheel off the ground. When the wheel in the air is the only front wheel spinning you'll see what they mean by true 4wd.
Posted by: yamahagye
I would have to say the best mudder would be the Argo 8X8. can't beat 8-wheel drive. or you could get the dualie kit for a quad. 4 tires on back and 4 tires on front. imagine that with 8 28inch vampires on it......or you could get a sportsman 6x6 with dualie kits on every corner and have a total of 12 wheel drive!!!! that with vampires would the BADDEST mudder or all time!!!! if you think differently then you are full of it. ANY QUESTIONS??
