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Posted by: RaptorRidr660R
I have owned machines from all the big makers and I would say they are all good, never had to much bad luck with any of them, suzuki believe it or not being the most reliable, Yamaha was up there too till the tranny in my 02 raptor exploded. Out of those you have listed I would take the Vinson first followed very closely by the Kodiak. Polaris makes a nice bike too, but they are kinda heavy compared to the jap makers, and a little slower. But I doubt you would have any problems with any you have listed here if you take care of it.
Posted by: kawasaskirules
yea get the 450 kodiak
Posted by: Outrage
I would get the Kodiak or Vinson. The choice comes down to whether you want an IRS or SRA machine.
I have no idea why you would say you don't trust Suzuki because the Vinson has won every 500cc shootout since its creation. In fact it is one of the most reliable quads you can buy. Once you choose I'm sure you'll find that any of these will do whatever you ask of it. One thing I would add to your mods is a winch. Never leave home with one. Good luck and happy trails.
Posted by: WyoBullRydr
Just get the grizz.
Posted by: PolarisTheOnlyWayOut
or buy a Sportsman 500 H.O....has bigger engine than the yamaha 450...more clearance than honda...liquid cooled unlike the honda...its a proven machine unlike the suzuki...but if its not wat u want i understand...thought i would give u another option...
Posted by: PolarisTheOnlyWayOut
jwaoroedd...well watever u pick make sure you test them all or you will never be sure you picked the right one...good luck...
Posted by: PolarisTheOnlyWayOut
Alky...IRS is not enough reason to buy a quad...there are several quads with IRS...
Posted by: PrairiePilot
You really can't go wrong buying either a Kawasaki, Yamaha,Suzuki, or Honda. I like the Prairie 650 and 700's because (I own one) and Kawasawki has put it altogether in one well built, proven machine. Example, Prairie 650 and 700 have extremely powerful V twin engine, realiable and easy to maintain belt driven automatic, front and rear disc brakes,(rear brakes bathed in oil),locking diff.,push button 4x4,rev. overide button, digital display, unbelieveable engine braking, and I could go on and on.Did I mention the V TWIN ENGINE with POWER to burn. Until you have ridden this ATV you won't believe its smooth engine and "get up and go" excelleration and power. Do alot of research before you buy one ,and Good Luck!
Posted by: SPORTSMAN70003
If I was look at something around 500cc I would definatly look at the Sportsman 500HO they are a proven atv. I would test ride all the ones that you are interested in and pick the best one for you.
Posted by: SPORTSMAN70003
Have you test drove any to see if you like them?
Posted by: Gopher500
by now the vinson has been proven. i recommend the kodiak 450, theyre extremely agile and maneuverable for there size, and still have plenty of power. the sportsman may have a larger motor, but it weighs over 100lbs more than the kodiak.
Posted by: WindmillAtWork
My Kodiak has plenty of power for only being a 420CC. I can go upt o 51MPH if I want. Fly off the line. Love the Engine Braking. Climb hills that look impossible. Don't see a need for a bigger engine for having fun and trail riding. Oh it can also make it through some impossible looking Mud Holes.
Posted by: brutebadger
I would look long and hard at the Kawasaki Brute Force 650. I am not saying that just because I have one. It is in the price range of the quads you are looking at and will blow all of them out of the water, mud, sand, and snow. MSRP $6599, but going in many places for $5800 US dollars. Take a look at ATV ACTION MAGAZINE's shootout of the best 4x4 for under $7000. They compare it to the Vinson and the Forman and it walks all over them for the same price.
Posted by: Slimegreencat
Read my reply to this thread http://forums.atvconnection.com/messageview.cfm/catid/26/threadid/445969.cfm (4th one down) Arctic cats always get over looked and they are more capable than any other brand and just as reliable as any.
Posted by: MXF
How about a Honda Rubicon - Honda Relaibility and Resale Value, liquid cooled 499cc engine, 10 inches of ground clearance, 4 wheel drive ('05 models come with Traxloc 2x4 to 4x4 selector switch, or Warn aftermarket can be installed for about $300), and best of all, the Hondamatic transmission which gives you the choice of Full Auto shift or electronic manual thumb shifting, High and Low Range, and arguably the best engine braking in the business! I use mine ('03 model) to launch and retrieve a 3500 pound 19 foot ski boat and pull it up and down a 15% grade hill on gravel (see my detailed review under "Towing 19 foot ski boat" or "Heaviest items towed by ATV").
Posted by: duramaximizer
They are selling the 450 kodiak in michigan for 55-5600 OTD no tax. can't go wrong with the kodiak in my opinion. the only thing it lacks is a little power and speed to the 500HO polaris, but it is a lot lighter, more agile, and I think it has a better 4x4 system, and braking system. If you are going to go up to the polaris in that price range you might as well get the griz. I like the lighter quads to go around trails on. The 450 kodiak rides just like a polaris too (man they ride nice).
Posted by: Alky
ahhh get the kodiak ... independent rear suspension ... you cant go wrong
Posted by: jwaoroedd
my father and i are looking for a 4x4 to get us across our land we just purchased. 100 acres of woods with trials creekes and all the works in it. we dont need anything too elaborate (like a 650-800). but in my short research i have narrowed is down to a yamaha kodiak 450, a suzuki vinson 500, and a fourtrax fourman 500. an exhaust, jet kit, filter, lift kit, and mudders will be added. i want the yamaha, but i wish the motor were bigger, the suzuki i wouldnt trust and the honda has no ground clearance. i like the ohc liquid cooled yamaha and suzuki, and dont like the ohv air-cooled honda. i just wish the kodiak was a 500, is there any place that sells a big bore kit?
