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Posted by: yam8
Remember that bigger doesn't always mean better. I would say that the 1999-2001 600 Grizzly is one of the best. It is a basic design with less to go wrong with then many other machines. The belt system is one of the most superior designs. It is oil cooled with fan back up, no worrying about hoses and rad problems, has 2wd option, the transmission case is metal, and the motor has tones of power, and it does NOT over heat, the first year they had problems but after that it was resolved. This machine is one tough cookie with minimal maitenance and less moving parts it is built to last.
I have a couple of friends with one and one works it like crazy and has 5000 miles on the same belt, has never even opened up the case. The other pulls out moose every year with his, last year he pulled out 900lbs of moose and the machine just worked and never quit. In the automatic department you can't go wrong with Yamaha and Arctic Cat as it has the same transmission system as yamaha came out with.
Hope this helps
2000 Grizz
3800 km's (Like a rock)
Posted by: BLH
read this...Polaris
Posted by: YZGUY
Rancher-This is the just enough, but not to much bike. It's light and agile! It's not a big bore, but it's not a pipsqueak either.
Posted by: Bigdcred
You need to check out the AC500,
it only cost about 5400 bucks and can not be stopped, it rides 2nd only to the sportsman. get the manual shift the rocker shifter only takes a min. to get use to. the best skid plate protection, has enough torque to lift the front end of the ground from a dead stop, I have 5500 mil. on mine and recommend to any one. my 10 year old can drive it and I am 6.1 220lb it fits me just right. check out my pic.
I ask how many mil. do any of you have? what problems have you had??
me I have replaced the brakes, tie rodends. and the cooling fan, not to bad for 5500 mil.
Posted by: 500DUSE
mitch
I just wanted to see where abouts in seabrook your at?
Used to live there myself many moons ago.
Also Clear Lake
Posted by: gspman
I'll have to agree on the AC 500. It has all of the power, ride, and low end grunt you will ever need from an ATV. As long as speed is not essential to your riding, the AC 500 is the best choice available.
Dan
Posted by: packrat
I beleive if I were looking for a big quad to work and play with manual shift I would get the 2002 AC 500i.The Honda 450 is a good solid quad but it doesnt ride good enough for long rough trail-riding.The Sportsman 700 has been detuned from factory because it had to much power so when warranty is out think of the potential for getting maximum power.
Posted by: scootdog
prairie 650. nuff said? badass power easy to handle, rides great.
Posted by: Topgunahs
Grizz 660, lots of power and IRS.
Posted by: mitchdb
What is the best all around utility quad? One that handles, performs and is easy to ride!
Thanks,
Mitch
Posted by: mitchdb
I'm with TrailRaker, I've been reading a lot of info about the big quads. I like the Prarie 650 and the Griz 660, they are both awesome. I haven't decided which one though. I'm thinking about trading the Raptor in on one, a 4X4 has a lot more uses where I live, it's always muddy!
Posted by: mitchdb
When I first wrote this post I was looking for a quad for my wife. Now it'll be me on it all the time. 4X4 is a must! The Raptor is fun but we've had so much rain lately that there are a lot of trails that only a 4X4 will make it through. I really like the Griz, Rincon and the Prairie but I'm not real crazy about automatics, I like to shift. I wish there was a big CC (600+) quad that had a manual trans. I realize the 450's have plenty of power but in my case, more is better!
SuperDutyJohn; Thanks!
Are you a member @ Ford Diesel and Diesel Central? I had to get a quad, I didn't want to go overboard on the truck. I've done that before on another truck and all it did was created problems!
Thanks for all the input everybody, it's a tough decision!
-Mitch
Posted by: mitchdb
That's cool, Ford Diesel got me hooked on the forums. I've learned a lot over there and it made me spend a lot of money HEHE!
I'll go check out the 450, I'm not too concerned about speed on a 4x4, I just want something with a lot of balls (pulling power, climbing power etc......)!
Later,
Mitch
Posted by: mitchdb
I don't know from experience but I heard the SP700 didn't have near the power of the Griz 660 or the Prairie 650. Is this true?
-Mitch
Posted by: mitchdb
I realize the automatics are nice but does anyone or will anyone make a manual trans big bore qaud? Call me weird but I just like to shift!
Posted by: mitchdb
I don't think there are any Arctic Cat dealers around here but I'll check!
Thanks,
Mitch
Posted by: mitchdb
SilverBear; The Grizzly 660 was my original choice and probably still is. I'd have to put a couple inches of lift and some 28" tires on it though! You have my exact choice too, the Silver is just AWESOME!
How does the Grizzly 660 compare to the Polaris 700 and the new Kawasaki Prairie (Power, Performance, etc, etc...........)? Are the Polaris' junk?
Thanks,
Mitch
Posted by: mitchdb
What about the Prairie? I've heard some pretty good things about them. I realize none of them will run with a Raptor but it would be fun to go muddin on a 4X4.
Posted by: mitchdb
Sure thing!
Thanks for the info,
Mitch
Posted by: mitchdb
Isn't it too cold to be riding up north this time of year?
Posted by: mitchdb
If it ever snowed down here, I'd never leave the house. I'm not much for cold weather, it got down in the 50's last night and that was too cold! All though riding in snow does sound like a lot of fun, if it just wasn't so dang cold!
-Mitch
Posted by: mitchdb
I have to admit the snow riding does sound fun, I'll have to try it out sometime but that'll have to be a road trip.
The humidity is pretty bad down here. My wife and I go to Arizona every Summer, they have beautiful weather out there. Phoenix has more days of sunshine than any other city in North America.
Posted by: mitchdb
SilverBear, I love the Grizzly. I met a guy this weekend on a 2002 Camo Griz and it was bad. He pulled my friend out of a creek (real creek with no paddle) Saturday. The 300 EX got stuck and the Griz just winched him on in, it was cool.
I have too much fun on my Raptor, I haven't had a problem going anywhere on it yet, besides just really deep water that I didn't want to go through because my air cleaner lid was off. When I first started this, I was looking for a quad for my wife and I figured a utility quad would be the safest for her. But come to find out she would rather have something stupid like bedroom furniture! I didn't mind spending the money on a very cool quad but bedroom furniture, I'll never figure her out!
-Mitch
Posted by: TrailRaker
It's my opinion that it all comes down to what you are looking to do, the conditions that you'll be using the vehicle in and the money that you are willing to spend.
Cost was not a big factor in my decision, I just wanted the best utility vehicle I could get for what I want/need it for. I researched my options for quite some time and narrowed the field down to 2, the 650 and the 660. These two machines are great and I don't think you really can go wrong purchasing either one.
I chose the 660 because of what I'll be using it for and the terrain I'll be on. I'm in NH and I will be using the machine on tight, rough trails. The IRS was a big factor to me. Also, because I will be using the machine in a lot of snow, I wanted to be able to lock the diff and keep it locked, I didn't want to have to hold in a lever the whole time (i.e. plowing).
I will say that if I rode on faster and smoother trails, I probably would have gone with the 650- more of a "sport" utility. Plus, I'm a Kawaski fan- I've had good lick with thier products.
I will also say that the Rubicon came in third on my list, it is a great machine, just fell short of features that I wanted. I considered the 700- but the weight and the unknown of a new engine turned me off. The other options were disqualifed early in my search.
Best of luck!
Posted by: deebee
Tought question, assuming your middle of the road with cash I'd have to agree with YZGUY. The Rancher is it..This bike exudes quality. The only prob is the drum brakes, maybe someday Honda will go disc. Other than that this bike handles, performs, is easy to steer and very reliable.
___________________
02 Foreman ES 4x4 W/Warn
02 Rancher ES 2x4 (wife)
95 Polaris 425 4x4
Posted by: brianidaho
Hey Silverbear, we're neighbors! I'm a little south of you on Mica Flats, but will be moving up by Jewel Lake on some property we have next year. I'm looking to buy a bike, would like to throw a few questions at you. I now know 3 people in the area that have 2002 Griz's. Who did you buy yours from, and would you recommend them? When I last stopped in Kootenai Saw and Cycle was promoting the Traxter, I don't believe they had a Griz in. The dealer at State Line was out as well. How much did you pay, if I can ask? The neighbor at the new property bought his at a dealer in Sandpoint, said he paid around $6800 with tax, winch, etc. Is this a good deal? I've been thinking about a AC500 as well, I'll be using it both for work (plowing a long driveway), skidding logs, as well as playing. The AC dealer in CDA has shut his doors, I'm not sure who is taking on the franchise. The guy in Pinehurst seemed OK to talk to, but I felt he was high on price.
Thanks.
Bri
Posted by: brianidaho
Silverbear,
<What a small world. I actually live about a mile south of the Silverwood Theme Park. Where is Jewel Lake?
It's a little Northwest of you-go up 95 past Cochalla and turn left on Dufort Road, the turnoff is down about 5 miles. Little lake, maybe 3/4 of a mile long. We stumbled on to the property and couldn't turn it down.
<< I'm looking to buy a bike, would like to throw a few questions at you. >>
<<<Not a problem. That's what I've been doing here in these forums since I found them. What a wealth of information that people have to offer here.>>>
Thanks, I've learned alot here already.
<< The neighbor at the new property bought his at a dealer in Sandpoint, said he paid around $6800 with tax, winch, etc. Is this a good deal? >>
<That sounds like a very good deal.>
Thats what I thought, based on what I've seen on this forum. A friend of his (from CA of course) said they were $1800 more down there-he bought his up here and is trailering it south.
<< I've been thinking about a AC500 as well, I'll be using it both for work (plowing a long driveway), skidding logs, as well as playing. The AC dealer in CDA has shut his doors, I'm not sure who is taking on the franchise. The guy in Pinehurst seemed OK to talk to, but I felt he was high on price. >>
<I wouldn't shy away from the AC500 either. The AC500I was my first choice. (I hadn't seen the new 660 Grizz yet) I bought my AC300 from the CDA dealer before he shut his doors, so then went to the Spokane dealer. He ticked me off to the point that I wouldn't buy anything from him, than it came down to me wanting a quad sooner than waiting for the AC500I, and I checked out the Grizz at KS&C and was sold. My family is full of Arctic Cats, and not one of them has ever had a problem with them, and they do work them hard. I would say that you should ride both of them, and depending on the type of riding you do, pick which one you feel will suit you the best. The Arctic Cat doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles like the Grizz, but on the flip side, there's not much that can go wrong with an AC electronicly. I would have to say if your looking to do a lot of work such as skidding logs and such, I would likely lean towards the AC500 with the ACT suspension....I think solid rear axled machines are better equipped for that over the independant rear suspensions. The AC500I is supposed to have a ton of suspension, however I have never rode it. The 660 Grizz....it'll do anything you want it to, with style, and lots of snappy power. I would say it's more a "sport utility" and the AC is more "utility" although both are bound to give you a lot of fun. >
Yeah, I'm kind of planning on the AC500 with ACT. From everything Cowboy has said it sounds like a great work and go-anywhere rig, just not the fastest thing out there. Sounds like it should be less expensive as well, and it's 60 lbs or so heavier than the Griz-that extra beef must be good for some strength. Of course there is no such thing as too much power-I'll have to get out and ride, and perhaps plow, with both this winter.
<Hope this helps you out....>
Thanks-it does. Still too many choices though
Bri
Posted by: Kodiak78
Correct me if I'm wrong but the Sp 700 rules the galaxy why buy anything else.
Posted by: SH380
Honda 300 4x4 . buy mine u will enjoy it plus it has enough low end torques never i mean never buy a belt atv besides a sportsman 700 4x4/2x4 they riule so there is ur best advice a honda 300 is the best atv ever made can't go wrong
Posted by: SH380
ha ha ha ha yall r so funny y buy a AC? my 300 is better then they r. i have a 380 yet AC 500's can only have 28x10x12 front and 28x12x12 rear hmmmmmmm i think the 300is better. PLUS! mine isn't belt drivn. so that means i have less to snorkel and i hve 2 less places for water to get in my motor on ur case where the AC have intake trans entrance and trans exit. so u chose buy a uused onda 300 and pay 650 for a big bore kit 1000 on tires and rimz 20 on snorkel 380 on high performance kit u do the math 5400 for a AC and then u have to spend 1000 on tires and rimz 380 for high performance kit and 60 for snorkel. buy a honda 300 and mod it out it has the most mods out on the market compaire to these newer models that don't have and mods on the market.
Posted by: 2002silvermagnum
Polaris Magnum
Posted by: 2002silvermagnum
What do ou want to spend?
Posted by: SuperDutyJohn
I agree on the Honda 300 4X4's, I had two of them and they were great but, for today's money go for the 450 Foreman ES. I'm on my 2nd one (first was stolen :mad: ) I like to keep the bells and whistles down to a minimum and have a proven trans. No Belts please.
Posted by: SuperDutyJohn
<< What is the best all around utility quad? One that handles, performs and is easy to ride!
Thanks,
Mitch >>
Mitch, after looking at you photo's, I think you think like me (nice PSD BTW, I'm about to lift my CC) and you need a Foreman.
You've got a Raptor and now you need the best Utility out there. The Rincon is not here yet and I think it has too many options. The 450 ES is perfect size. Big enough and not to big to not be able to hit the trails.
Posted by: SuperDutyJohn
Mitch,
I'm the Calendar Editor at Ford-Diesel.com and under the same name as here. I've only been here a few days and like this site.
As to the 450's, I'm 6'4" 275# and have no problem with power on a 450 Foreman. I pull a garden traler with 1" stone and have no problem pulling hill's with it.
When I want to zip around the trails by my house, it's no problem.
It's no Raptor but it still hauls!
SuperDutyJohn; Thanks!
Are you a member @ Ford Diesel and Diesel Central? I had to get a quad, I didn't want to go overboard on the truck. I've done that before on another truck and all it did was created problems!
Thanks for all the input everybody, it's a tough decision!
-Mitch >>
Posted by: SuperDutyJohn
Mitch, thats him, the 450 has tons of power.
Posted by: SuperDutyJohn
<< Correct me if I'm wrong but the Sp 700 rules the galaxy why buy anything else. >>
Maybe but, it's unproven.
Yes it's made in America and yes, it is the most power but, to paraphrase ATV Mag., is the most power the most needed? Can you tell me why the 450 is not enough to do all except do 65 mph?
Pound for pound and dollar to dollar, the Honda has most beat and I want a proven engine myself.
This guy has a racer already and wants simple utility. The Foreman has that all written over it.
Posted by: SuperDutyJohn
I think most here would agree that the Honda Auto is the proven best.
The Rincon will be nice but I still think the 450 Foreman has a leg up on all competion. I've been around many trails with a Foreman and it's right there with any, I've owned 300 4X4 Foretrax and it handles as nice at they did.
Posted by: SuperDutyJohn
<< I think most here would agree that the Honda Auto is the proven best.
The Rincon will be nice but I still think the 450 Foreman has a leg up on all competion. I've been around many trails with a Foreman and it's right there with any, I've owned 300 4X4 Foretrax and it handles as nice at they did. >>
I guess I ment "auto clutch" I have 5 gears on my Foreman.
Down hill braking is fantastic!
Posted by: SuperDutyJohn
After reading the ATV article I came to this, one Honda Foreman and the rider was in too high a gear with stock tires?
This was all dealers and a few locals. I guess the local Honda Dealer wasn't there.
I have read every dirt rag out there and from what I read, Polaris and AC both have long term weak points. Poor engine braking, high normal maintanence and.....belts.
Buy what you want but, check out the real details.
A large Polaris will beat a Honda, flat out in a race. These ATV's are for utility, not racing. Again, I will say my Honda Foreman will do 50 mph on the open road, do I do it all the time? No, I ride trails with friends and use it as a tractor on my small horse farm.
Posted by: 01KODIAK
Bigger is not always better, Kodiak. When it all comes down to it, it depends what your gonna do with your utility. I do most of my riding on the trails, trying to keep up with a Banshee, Blaster, and a CR250. On only a few occations have I have not been able to keep up, and that was more to my riding ability than the quad. One area that my Kodiak has never failed me, or my riding friends, is when they break down the "Tow Truck" always comes thru.
Good luck in your search.
Posted by: 660Griz
Ya know I am gonna say the 660 Griz. Best all around quad for the money.
IMHO
Posted by: dynamoD
You can't go wrong with an Arctic Cat 500 if your looking for big bore manual shift.Cats got more ground clearance,more towing capabilities,more rack hauling,will start in gear,disc brakes,heck, even the 02,s are stylish.Not to say that previous year models are not.
Posted by: dynamoD
HA HA We all know you want to sell the honda so you can get a cat,then you don't have to spend your hard earned $ for mods.
Posted by: SilverBear
Mitch,
I've rode the 700, and it's quite nice, but I've seen too many polaris's have too many problems. I wanted the Arctic Cat 500I, but who knows when it'll actually come out, and I wanted a new quad this fall, I checked out Yamaha's 660 Grizzly and fell in love with it, although I don't believe you can get them with a manuel tranny. My two cents.
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Mitch,
My brother in law is a Polaris Fan, and he ownes 3, including the new 700 Twin. I haven't seen the 700 in the shop yet, but his other two always seem to have something quit working, break, or prematurely wear out. Everyone can get a lemon bike now and then, but two in a row, I didn't want to stick my $8,000.00 on the 700 seeing these things. A comparison between the 660 & 700 from my point of view (we have traded bikes to see how each others machines compared). 700 has a tiny bit more top end than the 660, the grizz is snappier, will spank the 700 in a low end race, and be a hands width (6") behind the 700 in a high end race. I liked the way the 660 handles on the trail better, and it is lighter than the 700. I don't want to put the 700 down, but let me put it this way. When my brother in law and I trade our machines.....I'm the one who wants to trade back. BR>
Good Luck!
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Actually, Mitch, I've never rode a Prairie, so I can't really comment on Kawasaki's twin, I can tell you that I've never heard or read a single complaint on that quad, which means you probally ought to give it a good look, and ride, along with the Polaris & Grizz. If you do get a chance to ride the Prairie, let me know what you think in comparison to the other two. I'm curious.
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Mich660griz,
Sounds like you like your grizz too. <g> I have to say, they are an awesome quad to ride. I'm closing the office tommorrow at noon, and loading up all the quads for a thanksgiving ride fest.
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Mitchdb,
Too Cold? <BWSEG> Never! We have our cold weather gear, Hot grips, -100F Tundra Boots, and a hot thermos of hot buttered rums and coffee. Actually, ATV'ing in the winter is almost more fun than the summer. You are limited to where you can go in the winter, compared to summer, but you can still go plenty of places, and it's a kick in the pants. I can't wait to get these dunlops off the Grizz and put the Bi/Tri Claws on it. They ought to make great winter tires too. The forecast by Friday up here is Snow, snow, snow--can't wait! BR>
Have A Great Thanksgiving!
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Mitch,
I understand,
My father is from Texas, and my brother was stationed at Food Hood when he did his stint in the military. To hear them tell it, I don't know how you guys handle the heat and more importantly, the humidity. The winter ATVing isn't fun if you get cold, but as long as you stay bunddled up, it is a blast. That's actually what got me started on quads, a brother in law got a 4 wheel drive quad for Christmas one year, I took a ride on it and was sold.
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Just got back from the Thanksgiving ATV trip, and it was a blast. We went up Hoo Doo Mountain, and had about 8 inches of snow. Half way up ran into some of the biggest cougar tracks we've ever seen up here. I have to admit, the 660 Grizz keeps on impressing me. My first snow foray and I never put it in 4 wheel drive, while som others were. Mitchdb--have you decided on a quad yet?
Silverbear
Posted by: SilverBear
Mitch,
Yah...I looked real hard at the camo Grizz. I bow hunt, and everything I own, other than my Dodge Diesel Sport(lifted, 35" BFG's, Nitro Alum rims, Warn Transformer grill gaurd/12,000 lb winch) & my house is camo. What finally settled it for me was my wife pointed out that I always buy camo kits for my quads, so I may as well get the LE Silver, and use a camo kit when I want. So, on the advise of my wife, I forgoed the camo, and got silver...which I love. Now, about turn arounds...my wife wants a new quad, something with an automatic, she doesn't want a grizz because the power "scares" her <g>, but is leaning towards an AC375 and the 400 Kodiak..she's leaning towards the Kodiak in guess what color? CAMO. <BG> And fortunately, my wife is currently hooked on ATV's. She was pushing pretty hard for a new home on some other property we own...but now just wants to go 4 wheelin every weekend.....so far so good.
I must admit, that were I ever to go to a full sport quad, it would be the 660R Raptor. That machine is just absolutely killer. So, to kind of satisfy myself, I'm replacing my 7 year old son's blazer with a Raptor 80. At least I'll be able to admire the raptors good looks by virtue of my son. <G>
Happy Holidays
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Hey Brian~
<< Hey Silverbear, we're neighbors! I'm a little south of you on Mica Flats, but will be moving up by Jewel Lake on some property we have next year. >>
What a small world. I actually live about a mile south of the Silverwood Theme Park. Where is Jewel Lake?
<< I'm looking to buy a bike, would like to throw a few questions at you. >>
Not a problem. That's what I've been doing here in these forums since I found them. What a wealth of information that people have to offer here.
<< I now know 3 people in the area that have 2002 Griz's. Who did you buy yours from, and would you recommend them? >>
Kootenia Saw & Cycle. I called every dealer in north Idaho and Washington. I liked the guy in St Maries, but Kootenia Saw & Cycle are closer and the gal I dealt with, Eva, is awesome. She's a straight shooter, and she doesn't BS you. As with anything I buy new, the dealers always treat you like a king, but I always tell them...what will make me repeat my business is the way I'm treated after the sale. My experience with KS&C so far after the sale has been as good, if not even better then prior to the sale. Everytime I take the Grizz in for something (oil/diff change, winch installation, etc) I am told how many days to expect it to take, and =everytime= I receive a call the same day and am told to come get my Grizz 'cuz she's done. I can't say enough good about my experience with them. I will be buying a Raptor 80 for my son from them, and most likely a new Kodiak for the wife, if that's the quad she decides on...from Kootenia Saw & Cycle.
<< When I last stopped in Kootenai Saw and Cycle was promoting the Traxter, I don't believe they had a Griz in. The dealer at State Line was out as well. How much did you pay, if I can ask? >>
I paid $7,725.45 with tax, winch, etc for a Silver Limited Edition Grizz. The Silver LE & Camo Grizz are more money then the regular colors. KS&C does sell the traxter as well, but when I bought my Grizz..they had two in stock.
<< The neighbor at the new property bought his at a dealer in Sandpoint, said he paid around $6800 with tax, winch, etc. Is this a good deal? >>
That sounds like a very good deal.
<< I've been thinking about a AC500 as well, I'll be using it both for work (plowing a long driveway), skidding logs, as well as playing. The AC dealer in CDA has shut his doors, I'm not sure who is taking on the franchise. The guy in Pinehurst seemed OK to talk to, but I felt he was high on price. >>
I wouldn't shy away from the AC500 either. The AC500I was my first choice. (I hadn't seen the new 660 Grizz yet) I bought my AC300 from the CDA dealer before he shut his doors, so then went to the Spokane dealer. He ticked me off to the point that I wouldn't buy anything from him, than it came down to me wanting a quad sooner than waiting for the AC500I, and I checked out the Grizz at KS&C and was sold. My family is full of Arctic Cats, and not one of them has ever had a problem with them, and they do work them hard. I would say that you should ride both of them, and depending on the type of riding you do, pick which one you feel will suit you the best. The Arctic Cat doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles like the Grizz, but on the flip side, there's not much that can go wrong with an AC electronicly. I would have to say if your looking to do a lot of work such as skidding logs and such, I would likely lean towards the AC500 with the ACT suspension....I think solid rear axled machines are better equipped for that over the independant rear suspensions. The AC500I is supposed to have a ton of suspension, however I have never rode it. The 660 Grizz....it'll do anything you want it to, with style, and lots of snappy power. I would say it's more a "sport utility" and the AC is more "utility" although both are bound to give you a lot of fun.
Hope this helps you out....
Happy Holidays!
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Bri,
Keep me posted on what quad you get....perhaps we can get together someday and ride.
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Juke~
Congrats! I hope your new quad serves you well and gives you tons of enjoyment!
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
RidesforFun~
I read your review on the Arctic Cat forum, and quite honestly, it is nothing less than I expected from AC's new 500I. I had my heart set on that machine as soon as I seen the 2002 literature this summer, and planned on purchasing it. Alas, being impatient, not liking the AC dealer I'd have to buy it from, and looking at other quads, I decided to give Yamaha a try. I must say, even though I've been an Arctic Cat fan, and still am, I am really impressed with the 660 Grizz, so I ended up buying one of those.
I'm not sorry that I purchased the Grizz, now that I can actually see the 500I through your pics and your review, and would likely do it over again the same way. Still, I would not hesitate to get a 500I nor hesitate to recommend one. Acrtic Cat builds a very solid machine, and that suspension is simply awesome! I hope you enjoy your new ride, please keep us posted with your experiences with that incredible quad!
SilverBear
Posted by: SilverBear
Rides4Fun~
But if you can get around all that, it most likely is the Grizz 660. JUST JOKING! I couldn't agree with you more. And honestly, I think all the new quads out there are excellent machines, but as you said, get the one that fits you and your needs, and that will make you the best all around utility quad.
Happy New Year!
SilverBear
Posted by: johnpaul
660 GRIZZLY THATS WHY I BOUGHT ONE.
Posted by: mich660griz
well, this one is easy. Do you want the strongest, best riding, most suspencion, 4 wheel independant suspencion, and the coolest display on the market??? If so, then you want a 2002 grizzly!!! I would love to see the honda owners try to keep up with me in the deep ruts. The independant suspencion just loves to soak up the ruts. img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif"border=0>
Posted by: mich660griz
Cold??? Half the fun of a utility quad is the snow! The saying with me and my friends is, if it comes, we will go!I use mine for plowing in the winter, as well as racing aroung on the lakes in michigan, trying like all get out to keep up with the sleds, lol. Keep the cloths tight, the coffee hot, and the fires burning in the cabin, and you can have a ball. Come spring, i do look foward to the summer weather though. All the snow can get to ya after a while, lol.
Posted by: Rides4Fun
BR>After many months of looking and riding many quads, the one that ended being the best choice for me was the 2002 Arctic Cat 500i with IRS. With the 589 M/T's, I'm getting 13" of GC, 10" of Travel, and this quad has a very wide stance. See my website at www.mindspring.com/~chrisandlisa/AC500i and see my review in the Arctic Cat Forum (I honestly did an unbiased review).
It really comes down to the individual needs, and to classify the best all around utility quad is really not an easy task. I almost bought the 700, 660 or 650. But I made myself wait for the 500i's to come out, and make sure I wasn't just jumping the gun. After riding most others, I can honestly say, I thought the 500i rode the best, which was one of my most important needs. But that just my opinion and my needs, and others will disagree (even without having ridden the 500i).
But the best all around utility quad is the one that best suites YOUR needs, within YOUR budget, for what YOU plan on using it for.
Posted by: Rides4Fun
The best all around utility quad, is the one YOU ride, that best fits YOUR needs, and fit in YOUR budget. IMHO
Posted by: juke
Just bought a 2002 350 rancher 4x4 w/50" plow..........this bike is has enough power to do what ever you need done..and its still small enough to manage threw the tight trails.......i love it......5200 otd.....free set of chains also!
Posted by: 4x4mudslinger
I myself haven't ridden the AC500i, or the SP700, but as far as my knowledge goes, It would be the Grizzly 660 or Praire 650, they are both AWESOME 4x4s.
P.S.- I know a guy who has a SP700, and he says that the only reason he bought it was that it was the biggest, but i guess not the best becase once he rode my Grizz 660, he said he wanted one. he is planning to get the 660, but he will probably keep the 700.
Posted by: Davey28
Hello,
I am new around here, great site. Just thought I would add in here my vote,
I am very happy with my Griz, had it about a year and 3 months now with no problems. I ride with guys who have sp 500 and sp500 ho, me and the guy with the ho are pretty equal. I also like the big cat but I think it is slightly underpowered compared to the other big atvs.
