Best 500cc and up ATV???

(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Pages: 1

Posted by: JohnO

Had a Cat 500i since 2002. It has been bulletproof reliable, worst problem I've had to date is a fouled spark plug. Five years of farm use, hauled a lot of firewood over some pretty rough trails. It's getting replaced with a 650 TRV soon, only because I want to bring the spouse with me.

Really, they're all good. Any IRS quad has a smooth ride. The Cat is built more for rough ground, plenty of GC. My farm is pretty rough, so that was a priority for me. OTOH, I've been on a Brute Force, and just loved that power.

Since they're priced mainly on displacement, I'd suggest you figure out how much you can spend, and then go out and see which dealer makes you the best deal. Right now is a good time - lots of 2007 models on sale as next year's models come out. And if you're not focused on one brand, and the seller knows this, you can get an even better deal.

Posted by: reconranger

The Rincon doesn't have engine braking at low speeds. To some folks this is no big deal, but I couldn't imagine descending a sketchy technical hill (on a loaded quad) without it. Several posts in the Honda forum right now, of folks who are getting rid of their Rincons for just this reason........

In the Honda lineup, I would opt for the Rubicon instead if you must have an automatic.

Posted by: v2rider

Arctic Cat would not be a disappointment. It has everything an outdoorsman needs (speed racks, unlimited accessories for Speedrack, ground clearance, 2" receiver..........)

2nd choice for me would be the Grizzly

Posted by: Roody25

The Grizzly 700 EFI would be my pick. I would own one if it weren't out of my price range.

700cc's of power, handles great with the power steering, VERY reliable, and extremely smooth.

Posted by: Roody25

Anything will last a loooooooong time if it's maintained properly. If you beat the crap out of any bike and don't take care of it, don't expect it to work for a while.

Most quads are nearly bulletproof. Polaris ATVs and Can-Ams seem a little soft to me though.

Posted by: Roody25

If you plan to do a lot of night-riding, buy a set of aftermarket lights. They'll be worth it.

Out of the King Quad, Rincon, and Polaris, it's a toss up between the King Quad and Rincon. The Polaris may be a good quad, but it's just so darn heavy and clunky. The King Quad has been proven to be a great quad all around. Power (for a single cylinder engine), steering, suspension...all top notch. The Rincon costs more, but handles much better and has a perfect transmission. However, it has a little less pwower and 3WD...you can't lock the front wheels, so it's not a true 4WD machine. If you don't do a lot of mudding or rock-climbing/crawling, it shouldn't make a difference, but for the really rough stuff, true 4WD is the only way to go.

Posted by: MIwolvy

Is yamaha out of the question for you? The new grizzly 700 is a badass machine, my buddy has one and I have never been on a more comfortable quad. The power steering works like a dream, it has plenty of power, and its really comfortable.

Posted by: RickCJ7

Originally posted by: polarosoman

Hey all, I am looking to buying a new atv. I am coming off a 2002 Polaris sportsman 500 HO and want something similar. I like the Honda Rincon, Suzuki King Quad, Polaris brands, Arctic cat and Canam look nice too. I need some good opinions from people who have ridden any of these brands and recommend me a good fourwheeler. Power, Handling, Reliability and SMOOTH ride are my top priorities.

Should be an easy decision! Get the 500 EFI or for more hp a 700 or 800. Polaris are very good machines

Posted by: RickCJ7

Should be an easy decision! Get the 500 EFI or for more hp a 700 or 800. Polaris are very good machines

the 500efi (728lbs) also weighs more than 100lbs more than the Grizzly 700fi (600lbs) and most other bikes out there with a lot less power to push that weight. I own a Polaris Sportsman 500 HO. That is the bike the wife "had to have". It is a lumbering pig in the mud and on the trails. There are many other bikes I would choose before I got a Polaris again. Polaris has not impressed me yet with the exception of the RZR. I have yet to see one of those up close so I am not sold on it yet either.

Yes and a Caddy weighs more than a Yugo! So whats your point? Lots of heavy steel and skids weigh more. I thought pigs like mud?
Get out and ride all the machines available like I did. Can Ams are the fastest but not very heavy duty. I put all the Jap atvs together, basically the same thing with a differant name, except the Honda automatics.
The new Polaris has many features the others don't high winch mount, AWD and now ADC, lots of storage, bulletproof engine with power equal to the Jap atvs. I can go on and on, I think the Polaris even look better!

Posted by: HONDA CRUSHER 93

you can go to www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor, and order the grizzly dvd, or i think you can watch it on the website. it has a lot of info on the grizz. and all the other big bores. it's what i'm getting(when i can get the money)

Posted by: AKMuddy

Everyone that test rides my 2007 Grizzly 700fi SE starts shopping for a replacement for their quad. It is one bad ATV. I have had Yamaha for years and love their reliability and they have the best "all around" machines in my opinion. There are faster machines, more powerful machines, but the Grizzly 700fi with power steering is the complete package. Before you ask...the power steering does make that much of a difference. The 4x4 system that Yamaha has is second to none. Good luck...too many choices out these days!

Posted by: AKMuddy

Originally posted by: RickCJ7

Should be an easy decision! Get the 500 EFI or for more hp a 700 or 800. Polaris are very good machines

the 500efi (728lbs) also weighs more than 100lbs more than the Grizzly 700fi (600lbs) and most other bikes out there with a lot less power to push that weight. I own a Polaris Sportsman 500 HO. That is the bike the wife "had to have". It is a lumbering pig in the mud and on the trails. There are many other bikes I would choose before I got a Polaris again. Polaris has not impressed me yet with the exception of the RZR. I have yet to see one of those up close so I am not sold on it yet either.

Posted by: Sunset Ed

I just bought a Polaris 800 X2 and it is heavy, but I really like it so far. It has an ultra smooth ride, that has saved my rear a couple of times already. I was going too fast for not knowing the terrain. I like the Auto Decent control too, it has been good for steep embankments so far. I also like the turf mode so I do not tear up the sod when I cross my yard. I can't knock any of the other machines, as this is only the second I've ridden.

Posted by: polarosoman

Hey all, I am looking to buying a new atv. I am coming off a 2002 Polaris sportsman 500 HO and want something similar. I like the Honda Rincon, Suzuki King Quad, Polaris brands, Arctic cat and Canam look nice too. I need some good opinions from people who have ridden any of these brands and recommend me a good fourwheeler. Power, Handling, Reliability and SMOOTH ride are my top priorities.

Posted by: polarosoman

I've been wondering about the grizzly too. Just forgot to mention it. Sounds like its a nice fourwheeler. I just wish their were more opinions on this forum on different types of quads etc. I want to get the best!

Posted by: polarosoman

Wow, these are some nice suggestions. Thankyou. I am surprised at how many people like the grizzly. I was always liking the Rincon and the King Quad and Polaris. Now I have to admit that the grizzly has snuck its way up to the top of my list now. With suzuki being really good with EFI and all I thought the king quad would be a good one. Nobody seems to like it as much. I honestly can say that I am still thinking and have not made up my mind yet. Any more interesting facts and or advice??? Keep it coming!!!

Posted by: polarosoman

I really like polaris but there is one thing that I dont like about my 2002 sportsman 500 HO. Its really hard to work on. You can tell its american because of the craftsmanship. Its not like a Honda. Other then that I really have no complaints about it. Do the new sportsmans have better craftmanship? The Yamaha's seem to be like that too. Up until last year (at least on motocross bikes) Yamaha bolts never were the quality of Honda bolts. They strip easier. I am not saying that I WANT a HONDA, no. I do however want something that is going to last long time, lots of hours and lots of abuse.

Posted by: polarosoman

Well I went to all the dealers on Saturday and checked out all the ATV's. I looked at the grizzly like the features but I don't like the look and feel. I know its a nice quad but if the ones I liked are just as good then I think I will go the other route. The ones I liked the best in order are: The Kingquad 700 FI, then the Rincon and any of the sportsman's. The thing I really like about the Kingquad and Sportsman is the 3 lights and the Kingquad will light all three and the same time. I ride at night a lot. I am just iffy about it because I didn't get hardly any good feedback on the kingquad. If it looks and feels good but its a bad quad then I don't want it. So far I am not convinced to buy the KingQuad. I just don't know why but the grizzly just looks ugly! The fenders are too big compared to the tire width and it looks like the wheel base needs to be longer/wider. I dont know! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Posted by: polarosoman

Do king quads have a bad history? Good History? Average?

Posted by: s10ryan

ive had stellar performance out of my polaris...they are amazing machines, even if they do weigh a little more though.
if i got another ATV i'd be getting another polaris.
my second choice if i didnt find the polaris i want is an arctic cat.
but check out the new polaris's before you count them out.

Posted by: s10ryan

i have never had my sportsman fail me.....weight does not affect it at all...probably even helps it.
Polaris has true 4WD too!
you can also buy a kit for the sportsman that gives you all 3 lights lit up!

Posted by: Ibrokeit

my cat is bullet proof, almost! drown it at least 10 times, found a small crack on air intake hose to engine, but other than that has been rock solid. just bought a king quad 700, and it was a good decision i think. may not be as fast as the grizz or brute stock, but add a tfi, and pipe and hang on........ i ride with tons of friends, and all makes of quads. i talked to them, and kept my eyes open on tough rides to see who was breaking down more often..... polaris more often, but more rode them. brutes next, honda's were always left behind. suzuki and grizz were more reliable it seemed, and the cats were just punished beyond the limits, but took it for the most part. if $$$$$$$ is the issue, suzuki and cats are lower priced for the cc's. or just spend 10 grand and be the biggest with the thunder cat, its only $1500 more than most 800's