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Posted by: Sep1
Roody,
I have to agree with others and say the Polaris Sportsman is currently the best 500 class machine.
I just got a leftover 2005 500H.O. ATP for my wife. The ATP tilts the scale at about 730lbs, which is a good bit above the regular Sportsman. The motor is very strong and pulls the machine around very well. No problems with steep hills with 200lbs of gear and pulling a small utility trailer loaded with 2, 120 lb Labs. Also, the motor/drivtrain was around for a long time so it's been proven to be fairly reliable. I know the newer models offer EFI which will only improve the power and response.
good luck in making a decision
Posted by: CaptainQuint
Quote
Originally posted by: GamerAs a TOTAL package, the Honda is excellent and certainly no one can argue with the resale and durability. Where they fall down is their unwillingness to be the leader in the ATV market and are ALWAYS late to the party (like just now getting disk brakes). For the AVERAGE rider under most conditions, Honda's are a very good choice. If you are an extreme rider and push the limits of your quad's abilities you will find them lacking. It's also very disconcerning their dealers are, generally speaking, so unknowledgeable and arrogant. They sell Honda's and you, the customer, can take it or leave it. There are exceptions of course, but my dealings with Honda dealers has been less than satisfactory.
I'll say this in defense of a Honda dealer I'm acquainted with(he sells other brands too). He gets incredibly frustrated with Honda about some of these same things. He's been screaming to his reps for years that he loses sales of his Honda ATVs due to the fact that they do not offer locking differentials and low ranges and to a lesser extent that they don't offer a big bore offering on the top end of the market. The previous two he maintains really cost him on the Honda's with many customers. They'll either switch to the other brand he sells or head on down the road to another dealer. Yes, he sells a lot of Honda ATVs, tons of them, but he loses a huge number too because Honda simply will not listen to him and other dealers and add simple, requested features – locking front differentials and low range transmissions which are the two biggest in our area. He said he can't count the number of customers that like the ATV but are sitting on the thing getting the sales pitch and ask about lockers and low range and get the standard Honda BS cover excuses about why they don't need it and they listen politely and then say “no locker? no low range? oh well...” and then get off go to something else. He tells his reps this but they will not listen. They just spout marketing research crap at him and tell him people don't want that. They of course also point out he sells tons of Hondas without those things on them. Well, yeah, but he's losing lots of sales too but they don't want to hear that. It's not so bad with him though since he can get them to buy a Yamaha from him but if you're a straight Honda dealer that would really be a liability.
Come on Honda get with it. I haven't bought a new Honda since my 300 fourtrax 4x4. I want to but won't until you get your crap together. You almost have it now just bring it home the rest of the way. Locker and low range. Repeat after me. Locker and low range.
Posted by: Catterman
There is no replacement for displacement. A 500 class ATV may have as much HP as a 600 or 700, but when you load them up and chug up a hill the larger bore ATV will out do it every time. A good real world example is with snowmobiles. A Firecat F7 has 140 hp, and will out drag the 800cc competitors. However if you put some weight on that sucker and race up a mountain the 800's will take it.
Posted by: Hebs
dunno about the more speed=more fun on a ute... but eh... to each their own...
The power for me is for the mud... so I can turn the bigger tires... and pull quads out of it...
Posted by: raidermike67
How does the Vinson rank up?
And, for an all-around best, what order would you place the quads?
>>>>>>>>
The Outlander is a v-twin 500 EFI, all the Outlander's share the same platform. I mention this because you'll get considerably more power from this engine then a single cylinder 500.
Posted by: raidermike67
Sun August 13, 2006 3:37 PM (NEW!)
So if I'm 5'10" and 165 lbs, would the 500 have enough power for me?
>>>>>>>>
Yes it would, there is also a 650.
Posted by: TexasRoadlawyer
Roody-
I think you're making an excellent choice! I picked the Vinson for the following reasons, some of which might be yours as well
Biggest manual shift made (there are other 500 manual shifts but none bigger)
Disc brakes all the way around (Honda, you really let me down there...was a 30 year rider)
2wd/4wd select (yeah, not having locking 4wd is a disappointment)
Low range/high range
Solid rear axle (I like powerslides...IRS doesn't do well in that regard)
Comfortable seat and great ergonomics
Fixed AND turning headlights
Very nice stock wheels (polished aluminum and just begging for 26" Mudlites)
HUGE dealer network
What I don't like about the Polaris is their refusal to go with seperate controls for the front and rear brakes...other than that it's a good machine.
The honda seems asleep it is so low in power
No experience with the Arctic Cat. I hear it has IRS and front lockers, and is geared like a tank
Posted by: TexasRoadlawyer
Canadian Trail Edition?
What the heck? Does it have a built-in refrigerator to carry your back bacon?
Posted by: Steveo10
Jon http://forums.atvconnection.com/messageview.cfm/catid/6/threadid/498567.cfm
Posted by: propnut
the 05 and up Rubicon compares very well to the Vinson, worth a look as actual prices are very close
Posted by: PETE16
Quote
Originally posted by: Roody25
What is the best 500cc class 4WD utility quad? I've ridden a Suzuki Vinson Auto., but no other quads in this class, so I was wondering which is the best all-around for trails, mud, rocks, snow, and hillclimbs.
Thanks.
The key word here is "all-around" so ofcourse it is a Rubicon CTE! most of the people on these forums have never ridden one so they will not agree. Unfortunately, they are only available in Canada! I've ridden several 500 H.O's and Vinson's, but IMO the CTE nudges out the Vinson as the class leader. That tranny is amazing!
Posted by: PETE16
Quote
Originally posted by: TexasRoadlawyer
Roody-
I think you're making an excellent choice! I picked the Vinson for the following reasons, some of which might be yours as well
Biggest manual shift made (there are other 500 manual shifts but none bigger)
Disc brakes all the way around (Honda, you really let me down there...was a 30 year rider)
2wd/4wd select (yeah, not having locking 4wd is a disappointment)
Low range/high range
Solid rear axle (I like powerslides...IRS doesn't do well in that regard)
Comfortable seat and great ergonomics
Fixed AND turning headlights
Very nice stock wheels (polished aluminum and just begging for 26" Mudlites)
HUGE dealer network
What I don't like about the Polaris is their refusal to go with seperate controls for the front and rear brakes...other than that it's a good machine.
The honda seems asleep it is so low in power
No experience with the Arctic Cat. I hear it has IRS and front lockers, and is geared like a tank
"The honda seems asleep it is so low on power"
Sorry pal but you have not driven a newer Rubicon, either that or you are the one asleep!
Try this website!
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/cert/ofhrv/ofmcatv_comply/2006/2006.php
A Rubicon has 33.4hp and an auto Vinson has 32.4hp. Now a manual Vinson has 33.6, but I don't think too many people could notice .2 of a hp. I'm not trying to start an argument here but please don't say Ruby's have no power, cause that's just plain B.S. I've raced many a Vinson and we are neck and neck. I've beaten many a 500h.o's as well. As for work,chores, and pulling power.....I'd say a Rube has more torque down low than any other 500 I have ridden. I am just tired of people saying Honda's have now power!
My CTE has all of the features you listed above except disk brakes on the rear! (could care less about that)
Oh and I have a nicer suspension setup for an SRA and a far, far superior tranny.
Posted by: Toyeboy
I'd place them in this order with price taken into consideration.
1.Vinson 500----very good ATV, and the cheapest in price in it's class.
2. Can Am 500---the most powerful and probably the best 500 class, but it's priced toward the 700 class ATV's...so you may as well get a 700cc King or Grizz.
3. AC 500--- Great for mudding, has the Vinson's motor.
4. Sportsman 500----Plush ride, very heavy and expensive though.
Posted by: Toyeboy
Yes the Vinson is a fun ATV...go to your other topic..."I need some advise.." I told you why it's a better choice there.
Posted by: Toyeboy
Suzuki's CVT tranny's are some of the best in the business as well...very quite and strong. But like all belt driven ATV's if you get in to deep of mud or water the belt will start to slip due to water entering the belt housing, all you do is just drain the water out when that happens of course...but there are snorkels availible that will allow you to safely go up to the handlebars in water.
Posted by: Toyeboy
Roody 25 has already stated he's buying a BF 650 SRA for 6099 b/c it's cheaper than any of the 450 -500cc class ATV's and it's loads more powerful.
Oh yeah...How can someone say 500cc is plenty of power for a Utility when 700cc is barely enough for me.
Posted by: Toyeboy
Quote
Originally posted by: v2rider
Most people say a 400 cc is powerful enough for everything they do. I know a 500 is plenty. And if a 700 is barely enough for you, you must be pulling trucks for people or something
So then why do you have a 650 v-twin if a 500 is plenty? 500cc is not plenty for a ute to me. 500cc Ute's are slow IMO, that's why I want a bigger motor to go faster and accelerate faster. I can garantee this guy will have more fun on a BF 650V-twin over a 500cc Vinson...more power equals more speed and more speed = more fun.
Posted by: JDQuadRider
Quote
Originally posted by: Toyeboy
Roody 25 has already stated he's buying a BF 650 SRA for 6099 b/c it's cheaper than any of the 450 -500cc class ATV's and it's loads more powerful.
Oh yeah...How can someone say 500cc is plenty of power for a Utility when 700cc is barely enough for me.
I agree that the BF has a great engine but that's all you're really getting IMO. From what I understand, the BF quads are harder to steer than all the other offerings. I'd never get the girlfriend on one of those things if that's true.
I'm curious to know why you feel a 700cc engine is barely enough for you? They only come 1 size bigger.
Posted by: Gamer
Roody,
You don't indicate how you normally ride most of the time? That makes a big difference. All the machines noted have their strong points; two have not been noted; dealer and fuel economy.
A great dealer near by is well worth one machine over another, particularly if you don't favor one over the other for the kind of riding you normally do.
For day to day riding I do not like to carry extra gas. If you like to go on long rides, a bike with better fuel economy and a larger fuel tank is a real plus. For example ACs have a 6.5 gallon tank, the Polaris and Outty have 5.3 gallon tanks. My 800 EFI Bomb gets significantly better MPG than my older (now sold) AC 500 with a carb. My AC 650 V2 gets significantly better MPG than the 500. I always considered the 500 to be a gas hog but compaired to the Polaris 700 & 800 EFIs it's an econ-o-box. ...and I do not believe gas is going to be getting cheaper any time soon. My friend's Polaris 800 EFI gets ~10-12 MPG, my Outty 800 ~20-25 MPG.
The Polaris is a rugged and very comfortable machine. Handles well too, but if you ride steep hills you will find their manners down right scary on down hills. Their AWD system is excellent in mud, snow, and very sippery conditions, but not so good in rocky conditions. The front plastic box in the front is one of the better design features to come from any mfgr, but personally I'd fire the engineer that designed it. The irregular shape and size makes carrying anything but small items impossible. Good idea, poorly excuted.
AC doesn't ride as well, nor is it as comfortable. It's high CG makes it tippy. The optional sway bar make most of that go away so handling becomes almost first rate with it and certainly the equal of most other same-class bikes. I'd put it's 4x4 system against any on the market, clearly it's one of the best. AC is a workhorse. If you use your machine for work and towing, or rock crawling, hunting and carrying game, it's a great machine. The rack load limits and high CG are real advanages. I also believe it's far and away the best looking machine out there, but of course that's completely subjective.
I really like my Outty 800 max. As a friend says, "Ugly but effective" - like my golf game. It's not the work horse of my AC, but a two-up machine is a real plus for most people and when not carrying two, the extra storage box is handy. If you carry a pax from time to time, most of the mfgr's make a two up machine and I have not noticed the longer WB to be a hinderance in tight situtations. I place it between the Polaris in comfort and handling, and the AC. The Visco Lok is over rated as it presently exists and not nearly as good as the ACs. Works fine in slippery conditions, but not so good in the rocks. Certainly not as good as the ACs. Yes, the brand is expensive, but I shopped the internet and found it at about $1000 under MSRP and got the dealer to throw in some "stuff" like first service, extra key, winch mounting plate and so on. Bought a cheap winch on e-bay and it works fine.
There are other machines out there, but I don't have experience with those so can't comment. I own an AC and Can-Am, and have significant seat time on several Honda and Polaris models, including an 800 EFI.
Posted by: Gamer
I don't have experience with the Vinson, but the engine is the same as ACs 500. In reading other's posts on this forum, my sense is that it is an overall better handling machine than the AC, but that is just extrapolation from what others have said. I don't know anything about their 4x4 system.
You didn't say where you live or the altitude. You might want to consider fine tuning your carb for your driving style and altitude. That, plus engine break in for the Suzuki engine (they loosen up considerably after the first few hundred miles) will make for a very nice running machine. A good starting point is the Dyno-Jet carb kit. A little expensive but certainly easier than tweeking and fiddling with it yourself (unless you are "the man" with carbs).
I can't speak for Suzuki's auto transmisson, I do know AC's Duramatic on the same engine is almost unbreakable and will last forever.
Assuming you have a Suzuki dealer near-by, and he has a good rep, the Vinson could be a good choice for you. You are certainly doing the right thing by seeing what others have to say, weighing input and deciding for yourself the direction you want to go.
Posted by: Gamer
Although I own an AC 650 V2 and Outty 800 Max, two very close friends just bough new Honda's this summer. I've got seat time on both. One is a Foreman manual (475 actual ccs) and a Rubicon ES (500 actual ccs). Unless you own a Honda, the way they name their units is confusing - at least to me (killed too many brain cells in college). The Foreman manual is weak on power and feels like a 375. I was VERY disappointed. The Rubicon ES is impressive. Plenty of power and I REALLY like their auto transmission. If you are a smaller person (<6') the frame is perfect. It's a little small if you are larger (I'm 6'2").
As a TOTAL package, the Honda is excellent and certainly no one can argue with the resale and durability. Where they fall down is their unwillingness to be the leader in the ATV market and are ALWAYS late to the party (like just now getting disk brakes). For the AVERAGE rider under most conditions, Honda's are a very good choice. If you are an extreme rider and push the limits of your quad's abilities you will find them lacking. It's also very disconcerning their dealers are, generally speaking, so unknowledgeable and arrogant. They sell Honda's and you, the customer, can take it or leave it. There are exceptions of course, but my dealings with Honda dealers has been less than satisfactory.
Posted by: v2rider
Thats a wide range. There isnt a "best" 500 quad. It depends on what you like. The Polaris is a comfortable, caddy ride and soaks up rocks and bumps pretty good. The outtys are power houses. The Arctic Cats have the most ground clearance, and a manual diff lock for snow and mud advantages. Im sure you will get alot of responses and mabey a few good heated arguments. Of course, i would reccomend an Arctic Cat
Posted by: v2rider
Plenty
Posted by: v2rider
Quote
Originally posted by: Toyeboy
Suzuki's CVT tranny's are some of the best in the business as well...very quite and strong. But like all belt driven ATV's if you get in to deep of mud or water the belt will start to slip due to water entering the belt housing, all you do is just drain the water out when that happens of course...but there are snorkels availible that will allow you to safely go up to the handlebars in water.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Actually, the newer ones seem to be sealed up pretty well. Ive buried my quad several times, and havnt had my belt slip yet.
Posted by: v2rider
There is no best. It depends on what you want to do with it, and how you will use it. Every quad has its advantage over the other, there is no dominant one
Posted by: v2rider
The 360 Kawi got badly stuck in a mudhole (I winched him out) and the AC 650 ran circles around everyone else in the mud (fearless rider on board).
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by: v2rider
You shouldnt have to worry about the belts getting wet on the newer quads, and if they do its because of a bad seal. Ive never had a wet belt, and ive been in some deep water! They do a good job of sealing them up on the newer ones.
Posted by: v2rider
Most people say a 400 cc is powerful enough for everything they do. I know a 500 is plenty. And if a 700 is barely enough for you, you must be pulling trucks for people or something
Posted by: v2rider
The 500 would do everything my 650V2 will do, except keep up with it. The 500 would have been enough for anyone, but im the type who gets all he can out of the quad. I wanted the most powerful AC made at the time, so i got the V-Twin. Also, there are more mods for the V2
Posted by: mykool61679
i love hondas , but not having a locker sucks really bad!! or no disc brakes! hell i work on the brakes every couple months and it gets old. saving up to switch to disc brakes. honda needs a true 4x4.(with a locker)
Posted by: RancherATCrazy
Vinson hands down, or you could get a Rancher and make it a 500 or a 650 The truth is great quads are built not bought.
Posted by: mclach
G3et a yamaha kodiak 450. It has all thew power and toys u need.
Posted by: SafetySean
Roody my neighbour across the street has a Vinson thats a couple of years old. He has three boys that use the bike constantly. The Dad basically only uses it for plowing his driveway. Last time I looked there was 12,000km on the quad and with the exception of replacing tires & regular maintenance has had no trouble with the bike. I ride Polaris myself but with respect to what you want...there is what you need to know.
Posted by: SafetySean
Roody...I love my Polaris. But then again it suits what I want in a bike. And I guess the biggest thing with any purchase is to make sure that you are satisfied and get what you feel best suits your needs as a quad owner. But overall my Polaris is a great all round bike...sufficient power, good climber & mud runner plus the best ride in the industry. There are bikes out there with more power, bikes that can climb & run mud better but I think that the 500 Sportsman is one of the best all round rides out there.
A bunch of us from work went for a 70 mile ride yesterday over a variety of conditions...smooth trails, tight & rocky trails, mud, beach, some climbing & some deep water. There were 17 bikes in total and with the exception of 2 Hondas (650 Rubicon & older 300), 1 360 Kawasaki & 1 Arctic Cat 650 V-Twin, the rest were Polaris Sportsman. The 360 Kawi got badly stuck in a mudhole (I winched him out) and the AC 650 ran circles around everyone else in the mud (fearless rider on board).
Do your research & buy what you feel best fits your bill. I don't think that you will be disappointed with anything that you buy as all the manufacturers make good product.
Posted by: SafetySean
Yea...I'd have to agree that a 500 is powerful enough. But people want bigger, more powerful engines all the time. I don't suppose buddy who thinks a 700 is barely enough is trying to make up for shortcomings in other area???
Posted by: SafetySean
Its a great bike and you won't be disappointed. Whether or not its the best is still up in the air. Is it the best buy for the money - probably. But the purchase only has to suit your requirements. I was reading an ATV mag last night and it seemed from their test of the Can Am 500 that this is the best 500 ute available. But it is also the most expensive. Ultimately Roody your choice has to be whatever best suits you for your reasons - it should not really be based on what I or anybody else may say on this forum. For example if everyone had bashed the Vinson would you buy it? What if only 50% had had bashed it, or 25%, etc. Everybody here has their own idea on what is best and this is usually represented in what they ride. But for the most part the comments are very favourable, it is the cheapest 500 quad, its well equipped and you have access to a dealer - seems quite straightforward to me...buy that bad boy.
Posted by: SafetySean
Yup...it boils down to what makes you happy. Thats a good selection as well - very solid bike with good durability and quality.
Posted by: SafetySean
Texas Roadlawyer...don't forget the beer as well, eh
Posted by: balgonieman
Canadian Trail Edition -- don't know what the difference is.
Posted by: Roody25
What is the best 500cc class 4WD utility quad? I've ridden a Suzuki Vinson Auto., but no other quads in this class, so I was wondering which is the best all-around for trails, mud, rocks, snow, and hillclimbs.
Thanks.
Posted by: Roody25
How does the Vinson rank up?
And, for an all-around best, what order would you place the quads?
Thanks again!
Posted by: Roody25
So if I'm 5'10" and 165 lbs, would the 500 have enough power for me?
Posted by: Roody25
Gamer - Most of the time (99%), I'll be doing casual riding at average speed on woods trails (dirt/mud between trees). Along the trail, there are many steep hillclimbs, mud pits, rock pits, and throttle wide-open fire roads.
I went to my local Suzuki dealer today and sat on a Vinson 500. It felt really good, and is a good looking quad. Would it be a good choice?
Posted by: Roody25
Thanks Toyeboy!
Posted by: Roody25
Thanks again for the reply, Gamer. I'm 99.9% positive I'm getting a Vinson. The Suzuki dealer is 5 minutes away...can't beat that. The closest Arctic Cat dealer is 1.5 hours away. I guess the Vinson sells itself!
Posted by: Roody25
So, does everybody agree that because of the bang-for-the-buck factor, the Vinson 500 is an all-around great quad?
Posted by: Roody25
SafetySean...I see you have a Sportsman 500. How do you like it? While I was away, I went to a Polaris dealer and looked at one. It seemed nice...a little pricier than the Vinson, but all-around, nice. Had all the features I want...Shift-on-they-fly 4WD, IRS, good/clear speedometer. I have one question though. How does it handle? Is it heavy like the Brute Force's handling, or light like the Yamaha Kodiak's? Thanks.
Posted by: Roody25
I can get a Brute Force 650 (not with IRS) for $6,099. That's less than most 500's. Should I get the BF?
Posted by: Roody25
OK...agreed...500cc is enough power to do almost anything you need to do. Now, is the Vinson 500 the best buy of the 500-class group?
Posted by: Roody25
I couldn't get over the lack of a locker and IRS. I'm getting a Kodiak 450 instead. It feels more comfortable (by far), and I know it is very nimble from past riding experiences.
Posted by: rubicondude
I recently purchassed a 2007 Honda Rubicon 500 and I absolutely love it. It does every thing that I thought it would do and more. I love all of the tranney options that it gives you. You can be in fully auto and choose fron two differnt performance modes and than you can also manually shift (electonically) if you so desire. It has great power and looks and is very functional. I know that they have more powerful atvs out there, but you get the Honda satisfaction with its reliability.
I think you can't go wrong with this 500 class atv.
Posted by: rubicondude
I have a Rubicon, but what the heck is a Rubicon CTE. What is the difference between the two?
Posted by: rubicondude
Thank you, I couldn't figure that one out.
Posted by: J0NJON
The Vinson is a good performer in all areas and yes, you cant beat its price. But i would reccomend the Sportsman 500EFI. First of all, its not overpriced. Like almost all the other Polaris, its got the most storage, best ride, EFI, Powerful H.O. engine, comes with the best wheel/tire combo of the bunch, Lock'N'Ride system, AWD, Rear worklights, and tailights, and much more, i just cant think of anything else right now. Its also been around for 13 years now lol. And dont let the "heavy" stuff fool you. That H.O. Motor is the 2nd most powerful in its class and it will make you forget all about the weight. And the funny thing is that it'll blow by all the others with that extra weight 'cept the Can-Am. And Can-Am needs to focus on its pricing. Their quads cost wayyy too much.
Posted by: J0NJON
I see what you are saying. But in alot of aspects, it still dosent make sense. Are you trying to say that you would get an Outty 500 over a KQ700/Grizz700/SP700 etc... Anyone in their right mind would go for the bigger bore. Yes they have serious HP and they are comparable to the quads in the next class but Still, its just not worth it. The Can-Am's come with the worlds worst tire, IMO. The badlands. I had them on both of my Sportsmans and those things are horrible. They had so many arguements from their tires it was pathetic. And power itself is not worth that $1500 in price difference. I would take a KQ700, get a Winch, New ITP Tires and Rims, Some nice aftermarket improvements, etc.. and would be happier, than just getting the Outty800 reguardless of what it offers stock. But then again, its all opinion. I never keep my tires stock, so a tire and wheel combo is always going to be roughly 600-850$.. So i dont want to spend 8,500 for the basic Outty THEN start doing my upgrade. Im fine. And while power is the most important thing, im not blinded by it. My 700 has much more power than ill ever use, so i've come to the conclusion that a 700cc class atv is going to be just fine. Now of course ill be getting a new 800 when Polaris offers it b/c i love Polaris. But will i need the power? No. I kindof contradicted myself, but i think you get my point. lol
