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Posted by: garyc660R
300 4X4 and 4X2 Honda.....easily the best UTE ever.
Posted by: fruitjacket
Polaris' are junk.
Posted by: scrambler123
polaris xplorer 400 4x4
Posted by: kevint
Without a doubt, the suzuki king quad 300. It set the rules for a VERY rugged work quad, that was also fun to ride at moderate speeds. 3 speed sub transmission, 5 speed main tranny, front diff lock, independent suspension at all corners, and a very good low to moderate speed ride. As bulletproof and strong as anything ever made. Bumpers and strength that could be used to advantage to pull heavy loads and to plow over stuff. Only weak points, VERY heavy and sorta low in horsepower, weak higher speed handling. Would have been the greatest quad of all time if only they would have updated the engine to something in the 500CC range, and tweaked the handling some.
Posted by: maddog56
Quote
Originally posted by: garyc660R
300 4X4 and 4X2 Honda.....easily the best UTE ever.
Without a doubt. Absolutely bulletproof and excellent sellers.
Posted by: Lightman
Prairie 700
Posted by: Dragginbutt
The Hondas have sold a lot of ranchers... but I think if you are talking about all time 4x4, I think the Grizzley re-invented the big bore with Balls utility craze.... I don't know if we would be seeing all these 700 class machines now days unless it had came out all those years ago. It was pretty much ahead of it's time when it was introduced.
Now talking of sport models, the Warrior is STILL the number one seller of all time. Even if they now call it the raptor 350... there for a while, Yamaha was the only game in town... when the others were scared away for a while... But with everyone jumping in these days, the sport has become much better with all the competition...
Posted by: Dragginbutt
hmm... traxter eh? Well, I'd like to add that Honda is pretty much unique in it's hydraulic Automatic Transmission... (We don't need no stinking belts)... although on the Rubicon, they forgot to give us the ability to switch between 4 and 2 wheel drive... still one stout machine... besides the step through design always conjures up images of riding side saddle.... OK for the wife, but I like to sling my leg over the seat like the manly men do.... <insert smiley faces, lots of them>
Posted by: Dragginbutt
Does anyone really think that that another brand or model OTHER than the one resting in their garage would be superior to the one they paid hard earned cash for? Would you admit that you made a decision to buy something less than the ultimate? Human nature at work here...
I for one do not claim to own the best, fastest, or even the prettiest. I bought my Rubicon Ute based solely on the dealer having a deal I couldn't pass up at the time I went shopping. I had done all the research, and had settled on getting a new Kodiak. But when I got to the dealers, and saw that the prices had been dropped 1200 under retail on the Rubicon... it was only a question of color at that point. (YELLOW). There went all my research data right out the window.
I still walk past the Kodiak and Grizzly and think how nice it would be to have one... but in reality, the Rubicon is just fine for me. And I like the auto tranny so much that I bought a rancher for the little lady. I figure I had better buy her one of her own, so she don't howl when I drive up with that new Rhino on the trailer someday. Of course I still have to finish that new garage to put htem in.. I recon I will need to put in a roll-a-way bed too, since I'll probably have to spend a few nights sleeping out there with my ATV's after that.... and my dog....
Posted by: Dragginbutt
Well... my grandpa had an old mule that could carry a lot of stuff way back in the good old days... and she worked for carrots.. with an apple thown in once in a while when she got stubborn.... Now where in the world was that old stump...... Ooops wrong story....
this whole deal is meaningless.... get off this computer and in the saddle and go for a ride.
Posted by: Dragginbutt
I'll agree with you on the big wheel... unfortunately, I was already grown when it came on the market... My persoanl favorite would be the Deuce and a half that we had around the time Viet Nam was going strong... Nothing, and I mean nothing stood in that baby's way.
Of course I do have a sentamental favorite too... my dad brought home a jeep with a small howitzer mounted through the windshield once when we were having a dispute with our neighbors.. and he parked it with the barrel pointing at their bedroom window.... didn't have to say a word... they saw the light and gave in.... Not sure of the caliber, but it was about 3 to 4 inches... Ya gotta love a dad with access to toys like that... and he usually won his arguements.. one way or another...
Posted by: Dragginbutt
Hmm, my research on the Honda's automatic has shown different results. The black goop you refer to is puzzling. If I am not mistaken, you change the tranny oil every time you change the motor oil, as they both use the same reservoir. It would appear on the surface that the machine in question may not have been maintained to a very high standard in that case.... Is this personal knowledge? Or rumor?
My friends at the dealer indicated that their experience has been that the tranny has been bulletproof. I believe you would hear a lot of howling on forums like this and frankly, I just haven't heard anything that matches your description. If the first year Raptor 660 tranny is any example, I think the troops would be sounding off bigtime by now.
Time will tell on mine for sure, as I haven't had a lot of experience with having to get things fixed. In the 18 months since I bought it, I have had zero problems.
What I have heard, from many on these lists, are complaints about certain belt drive systems breaking belts, needing frequent adjustments, slippage when wet etc.... but again, I have no personal knowledge of this.. but judging by the sheer numbers of complaints, I'd have to say that it may be something worth noting. Would it all affect a purchase decision? Probably not. I think both are proven systems that provide decent performance if maintained according to factory specifications.
My only comment on the hydraulic version is that in Honda's case, it is unique, and something that nobody else has got. I will say one thing though, judging by experience with cars, a hydraulic transmission that uses a true fluid driven torque converter to transfer power will NOT show wear under extreme loads like a belt will.... and they will not crack or "age" due to heat, nor do they stretch and require adjustments etc. If the fluid is maintained, I do not foresee major problems with it, and Honda has addressed this with their common oil reservoir design.
Your milage with this may vary, but it just has not been my experience
Posted by: Dragginbutt
I have to admit that the hydraulic automatic was secondary to my purchase decision originally. I had actually gone down to buy a new Kodiak with a belt drive, but when the dealer told me the price deal on the Rubicon, I couldn't pass up that kind of savings... Almost bought 2.. Wish now that I had. What started out to be a purchase that my wife could occasionally use has turned into my personal sled. I do wish they had included the ability to shift between 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive, but beggars can't be choosy. I fixed that with a WARN 2x4 unit. Made a world of difference. Besides, the rancher AT fits her better anyway, and has the same tranny in a smaller package.. so that is the way we are going to go now.
I can't say that there is any advantage between the two, but I know I hear a lot of complaints on the belt based systems. You can't always believe what you hear, and knowing most ATV riders, they only perform maintenence when something breaks...so a lot has to do with how well they follow the manufacturers suggestions. Then you get the guys who like to jump in on a conversation and talk about what they heard a friend of their second cousin say.. they don't really know for sure, but it has to be true right?
I guess the bottom line is that both types are proven designs capable of providing acceptable service when properly maintained.
Posted by: polaris5610
Quote
Originally posted by: fruitjacket
Polaris' are junk.
How? I've got a 700EFI with more than 2000miles that has never seen a shop, or ever had any down time. I just don't understand how it is "junk".
Posted by: polaris5610
As for the best, I like the first big bore the Sportsman 500. It made the big bores what they are today.
Posted by: Vinson581
kq, and the vinson set the stander for the sport/ute revolution, i remeber when it came out beating ever quad in its class, and some larger.
Posted by: Vinson581
talking of the hydrolic honda tranny, well it cant be fixed if it breaks its sealed so that sucks, and tell me do you like to drain 5qts of black goop everytime you do a oil change, and btw the vinny did re set the standard of sport-ute(forgive me for saying this in the ute topic) but it flat out killed the sp500 in everyway in shoot out after shoot out, and also btw i should know i got a rubi, vinny, and sp500 h.o so im not all uptight about brands.
Posted by: SukiZ400rdr
The King Quad 300, no argument. Way ahead of its time.
One of those would pull a barn down without breaking
a sweat. And, they werent THAT bad on the trail either.
It will be hard for a machine to be as good as that was
when it came out.
Posted by: SukiZ400rdr
The Prairie 700 is probably the best sport utility ever made,
but as far as utility only, King Quad 300.
Suzuki really had something there, but people wanted
bigger engines, push button 4wd, bigger tires, liquid cooling, etc....
While all these things are great, utilities today still dont have
the tranny that the old King Quad had. THAT is where
it shined.
Posted by: Glenlivet
Ditto, the King Quad 300. Original design so advanced for its time that it was built for a dozen years.
Posted by: Glenlivet
Posted by: Terrapro
Yamaha Terrapro, This is one good atv it even has a pto on it.
Posted by: LittleBoy
I also say Prairie 700
Posted by: natron1
Sportsman really????? As of today there are three seperate recalls on the 7oo twin. The least of it an engin that leaks gas all over the place. My neighbors twin starter bendix keeps going out and no pull start. Polaris has had some nice models. But with all the recalls the twin might be powerful, but its a powerful dog.
Posted by: 700vtwinman
Quote
Originally posted by: SukiZ400rdr
The King Quad 300, no argument. Way ahead of its time.
One of those would pull a barn down without breaking
a sweat. And, they werent THAT bad on the trail either.
It will be hard for a machine to be as good as that was
when it came out.
You could be real close, but I think the BIG WHEEL was the best three wheeler ever made. I remember when I was a kid how I put that thing through h3ll and back and it kept up.......
Posted by: 700vtwinman
Quote
Originally posted by: Dragginbutt
I'll agree with you on the big wheel... unfortunately, I was already grown when it came on the market... My persoanl favorite would be the Deuce and a half that we had around the time Viet Nam was going strong... Nothing, and I mean nothing stood in that baby's way.
Of course I do have a sentamental favorite too... my dad brought home a jeep with a small howitzer mounted through the windshield once when we were having a dispute with our neighbors.. and he parked it with the barrel pointing at their bedroom window.... didn't have to say a word... they saw the light and gave in.... Not sure of the caliber, but it was about 3 to 4 inches... Ya gotta love a dad with access to toys like that... and he usually won his arguements.. one way or another...
That is awsome
Posted by: 700vtwinman
Quote
Originally posted by: 4wheelerfred
full uti the KING rules. the trans is greate sept on myn cuz it only workes in supper low and if i put it in low or high give it gas it jams and stalls on one know y?
oh and as for the big bore revolution the SPORTSMAN is and will allways be the best. nothing can compeet with a polaris bigbore! need the 800EFI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes the sportsman's are very good, but remember......that is your opinion as far as being the best. They have great IRS and tranny, but when it comes to pure motor, I have to say the 650, 700, 750 vtwins are the best motors. They produce the best HP and torque over all of the RPM's. But also, the best utility is not totally all about the motor.
Posted by: 4wheelerfred
full uti the KING rules. the trans is greate sept on myn cuz it only workes in supper low and if i put it in low or high give it gas it jams and stalls on one know y?
oh and as for the big bore revolution the SPORTSMAN is and will allways be the best. nothing can compeet with a polaris bigbore! need the 800EFI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but i aint got the cash
Posted by: 4wheelerfred
whos with me type " SPORTSMAN SPORTSMAN SPORTSMAN SPORTSMAN!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: elraptor02
i say the bayou 220
Posted by: elraptor02
i know the bayou is small.. but for a 220 the thing is a powerhouse. i grew up on one and it went through anything i threw at it... i live in the lowlands too. i think alot has to do with its weight and rider.
Posted by: elraptor02
my friends 220... that thing didnt have much technology on it.. but man i dont know how it got through some of the stuff it did..
Posted by: quadduck
While I don't personaly care for the handling charecterics of the A/C, polaris, and Bombardier, I have come to the conclusion that they are all now at the top of the utility scene. As for the polaris they rate it as the highest for towing capacity. As for the A/C they have A multiy rack system and a longer wheel based dump model is made by all three. If you like the older king Quads then you would probably like the A/C 250 and 300 theystill use the same engine and trans, diffrence being a little more room on the newer A/C's. This is only true if tou are totally into pure utility and by no means if you want to ride a sport ute, then go with the zuki or kawi.
Posted by: quadduck
Not all of us but some of us need to re read the original post. UTILITY not sport utility.
Posted by: quadduck
Check the thread title it said utility not sport utility. The old king quads are the best utility.
Posted by: WVatvRider
Based on what people keep buying and buying....Honda Foreman and Rancher.
Posted by: FormulaLT1
for their times, either the honda fourtrax 300 or polaris sportsman 500 when it first came out.
Posted by: FormulaLT1
Quote
Originally posted by: Dragginbutt
The Hondas have sold a lot of ranchers... but I think if you are talking about all time 4x4, I think the Grizzley re-invented the big bore with Balls utility craze.... I don't know if we would be seeing all these 700 class machines now days unless it had came out all those years ago. It was pretty much ahead of it's time when it was introduced.
Now talking of sport models, the Warrior is STILL the number one seller of all time. Even if they now call it the raptor 350... there for a while, Yamaha was the only game in town... when the others were scared away for a while... But with everyone jumping in these days, the sport has become much better with all the competition...
the grizzly was a response to the polaris sportsman 500, and the 500 is what revolutionized the big bore marked with it's power, true 4x4 and IRS.
as far as sport models, none have matched the Honda 250R for it's time and probably won't.
Posted by: FormulaLT1
Quote
Originally posted by: Vinson581
kq, and the vinson set the stander for the sport/ute revolution, i remeber when it came out beating ever quad in its class, and some larger.
vinson? you've got to be kidding. the vinson also followed in the footsteps of the sp500. now the original KQ, that's another story. really it was a machine way ahead of it's time. it had the features the big bores have today, but it didn't have the power. i could see where one could make a good argument here for the KQ, but the vinson, c'mon, give me a break!
Posted by: FormulaLT1
Quote
Originally posted by: Stumppuller1
Sure the old KQ's and Honda 300 4*4's are probably of all time, but right now it would be the Bombardier Traxter XT, it is the king of utility and that is what this post is about. Why well,
Locking front end
heavy
Liquid cooled
rad is in the back so it can't get damaged.
Geared tranny
HI/LOW gearing
Very stable
Step through for getting on and off a lot.
500 CC, with tones of torque
Motor is bullet proof to say the least.
Will pull the most weight of any ATV without wearing or breaking as it was made to WORK first and Play second.
No BS about it boys.
You're dreaming.
Posted by: FormulaLT1
SPORTSMAN SPORTSMAN SPORTSMAN SPORTSMAN!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: FormulaLT1
Quote
Originally posted by: polaris5610
As for the best, I like the first big bore the Sportsman 500. It made the big bores what they are today.
i agree, the 96 sportsman 500 changed the way manufacturers think. look at what all the flagship models are now, big bore, IRS, front diff lock machines.
Posted by: Stumppuller1
Sure the old KQ's and Honda 300 4*4's are probably of all time, but right now it would be the Bombardier Traxter XT, it is the king of utility and that is what this post is about. Why well,
Locking front end
heavy
Liquid cooled
rad is in the back so it can't get damaged.
Geared tranny
HI/LOW gearing
Very stable
Step through for getting on and off a lot.
500 CC, with tones of torque
Motor is bullet proof to say the least.
Will pull the most weight of any ATV without wearing or breaking as it was made to WORK first and Play second.
No BS about it boys.
Posted by: 700kawvtwin
honda 300 4x4 gets my vote had one and drove it for years I sold it for more than what I paid for it and I drove it for 6 years! other than oil and brake pads and tires I put nothing into that quad and I beat the thing into the ground and it kept coming back for more I drove it up trees over trees through mud snow rain hell I have had water well over the front racks it pulled all sorts of things including cars and trucks that were stuck in ditches if it had traction it would pull a hell of a lot I overreved it a lot say in second gear and tore around dumping the clutch and sliding the back around corners I rolled it at least 15 times both ways end over end and sideways I put one dent in the side of the gastank the bars never bent it could squeeze through some trails or bushwack better than most because it is narrow but it has excellent stability I jumped it many times the front end dove a lot but if was fun I must have had at least 12000 miles on it and im not exaggerating it may have been more it had no guages it was driven daily and driven hard It wasn't bulletproof it was bombproof when I think about it makes me want another honda!
Posted by: WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot
Admittedly, I do not have as much experience with ATVs as many of you but I can offer an opinion about hydostatic drives.
I liken a utility ATV to a piece of construction equipment although much smaller and, of course, more fun potential during off-duty hours. One version or another of hydrostatic drive is being used by just about every backhoe, hydraulic excavator, dozer, loader, pan, skidder, etcetera, etcetera. While most heavy equipment receives good to great maintainance, they are really ridden hard and put away wet on a regular basis. Heck, most of the time they are not even put away.
With that said, I would have to say that, from a design standpoint, that the Honda automatic drive in the Rubicon has to be ideally suited for utility applications.
My 2/100ths of a dollar.
Posted by: spikeland
id say the honda 450 foreman or trx 300 4x4 or even king quad 300
Posted by: miloscio22
the suzuki king quads went threw evrything. my cousins friend had 2 we took them out and were driving threw swamps that about 12 other utility quads were getting stuck in(i didnt see what kind they were). I had more fun on the king quad then any other quad except for my banshee. And just to think a little 10 yer old 300cc quad is going threw teh same stuff as these brand new hi tec 700cc thats impressive. I think the new kingquad will dominate evryhting.
Posted by: MNWolverine01
Over my 17 years of riding, I will have to say my personal favorite/best is the Yamaha Big Bear.
Ryan
Posted by: MNWolverine01
Quote
Originally posted by: FormulaLT1
Quote
Originally posted by: Vinson581
kq, and the vinson set the stander for the sport/ute revolution, i remeber when it came out beating ever quad in its class, and some larger.
vinson? you've got to be kidding. the vinson also followed in the footsteps of the sp500. now the original KQ, that's another story. really it was a machine way ahead of it's time. it had the features the big bores have today, but it didn't have the power. i could see where one could make a good argument here for the KQ, but the vinson, c'mon, give me a break!
What are you guys talking about. Those aren't sport utilities. Espically setting the standard for the sport/util revolution. Those are utility machines. The wolverine without a doubt set the standard for the sport/util quads and is still running strong.
Ryan
Posted by: Alucard
Even with all the quirks and reliablilty issues, the Polaris Sportsman 500 4 X 4 is my vote. I have one sitting next to my Brute Force, and there are more than a few things I appreciate about the Sportsman over the BF.
I think the 2000 model turned the corner for Polaris, especially with the belt problems that plagued the 1999 model. But if any of you design or marketing wienies from Polaris are reading this, please encourage your company to take a tip from the Japanese models and PERFECT the stinkin machine over a year or two and do not have these significant changes year after year.
As mentioned, Suzuki did it. Yamaha did it with the 350 Warrior. How bout Honda's Sportrax 250/Recon 250 powerplant?
POLARIS, YOU JUST NEED MORE RELIABILITY!!! Stop changing the quads so durn much year after year!
P.S. If I HAD to choose one quad, I would still be riding the Brute. Too much intoxicating power to give up, once it has been sampled. Truly dred, man. Truly dred.
Posted by: Snowwolfe
Polaris 400L Sportsman. This was the model with the 370 cc 2 stroke. Engine was also in the 6x6 till 1997 or 1998 before they went to 4 strokes. I had ( I think ) a 1996 Sportsman 400L and this thing would wheelie just by nailing the throttle. Power was absolutely awesome for such a small motor.
