What ATV absorbs pot holes,rocks,logs, the best

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

Pages: 1

Posted by: OhHell

A friend of mine has a Artic Cat and it is the smoothest riding quad I have ever been on. He says it is due to independant rear suspension with no sway bar.

Posted by: 2manytoys

By far the smoothest riding 4x4 would be a Polaris. You just cant beat the soft smooth ride of a Sportsman. I have a Rincon and a Sportsman. I love my rinny. It still rides smooth but has a sport feel to it rather than utility feel. I dont ride my Sportsman much anymore because the rincon handles awsome. If you want smooth ride over any obstical the sportsman is hard to beat. The grizz 700 is also a nice ride but they tend to feel tippy.

Smooth ride= Polaris
easy steering= grizz 700, Honda Rincon still very easy to steer
power= all of the above.

Posted by: 2manytoys

Whats wrong with the tranny of the rincon?

Posted by: kevint

I have a 300CC kind quad and USE the front diff lock MANY times....It is the only qaud to be able to pull logs in the woods using this feature.......others lose traction and one front wheel spins. It ISNT only when one wheel is in the air, its when the traction is weaker at one tire than the other also. If you guys have never driven an older king quad with the front diff locked you cant even begin to realize how much difference it makes, not only with one wheel in the air, but pulling heavy loads, on gravel, in mud, and going in reverse up hills with poor traction. With this quad locked it pulls like a little bulldozer, with it unlocked, it will spin both rear tires and ONE front wheel when it loses traction...YOU CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE..~~!!

Posted by: CaptainQuint

If you want both front tires to pull in the mud or when one is up in the air then you need a locking front differential. If you're happy with that happening none of the time or just occasionally then look for a machine without a locking front differential.

If you ride in the desert or in very mild terrain then I suppose it is pretty unnecessary. If you ride in mud or on wooded trails in situations where your wheels wont necessarily be in contact with with the ground at all times then a locker is vital. A machine without one is crippled in comparison to one equipped with a locker.

I have both. My honda simply can't go where I can take my locker equipped machines. For that reason I won't buy another Honda until they start putting lockers in them.

Posted by: Hebs

Dif-lock the most overrated feature?? The rest of your post is decent and informative... but to say diff-lock is the most overrated is like saying stock tires are just as good as aftermarket ones... It just doesn't make sense... Could you expand on that comment?

Posted by: Hebs

yes, I know it's off topic... and if you have any specific questions about the grizzly 660 or 700, I'll be happy to answer... But back to the diff-lock one more time...

I like to go out and look for the mud. I enjoy playing in it. Infact, of the places I go to ride, you pretty much can't go thru the loop once without getting muddy. This is where the diff-lock comes in. I intentionally go in most of these mud holes. A lot of them aren't the gooey slop type only... They're the kind that has the gooey slop on top and ruts underneath. This is where you need the diff-lock. My buddy had a honda w/ the exact same 589s that I have on mine and would have a much harder time getting thru the same holes because his tire in the air would be spinning but the one touching wouldn't be doing anything...

If you're going out to challenge your quad and yourself by riding in difficult terrain that requires more than just a 3x4... then yes, you need the locker...

If you're just going to be trail riding the whole time and will only occasionally need 4x4... then any of the non locker quads will do you just fine...

Just remember that you are buying this quad to fit your needs and not because it looks the best, or what everyone else thinks about it...

When it comes down to it... the differential lock is definitely not overrated... but if you never are going to be in a situation where you need it, then don't get it. Just like owning a jacked up 4x4 truck and living in downtown New York. My old man had a 4x4 truck since before I could remember. I could never get him to go 4x4'n with it. When I asked why he had it if he never used it... His response was always the same. "Because its there if I need it".
I'm a rather have and not need, than a need and not have kinda guy... I've been in that situation before... and helpless is not a feeling I enjoy having...

Posted by: Hebs

Good to hear you found the quad for you... My buddy and I went riding yesterday. (his 06 660 and me on my 07 700) Where we rode, about 90% of everyone there was riding a honda... I would say, 15 hondas, 1 BF, 1 AC, 2 rhino's, and our 2 grizzlies... (there must be a good honda dealer around there or something...) Anyways, where we were riding, there's a lot of rutted out mud holes... and what I like to call Peanut butter mud... The SRA's of course had problems because of the ground clearance... the Rincons had issues because they lacked diff-lock. There were a couple of holes that I barely made it thru, that the guy on the Rincon couldn't get thru because the tire on the ground that needed to grip never would move, while the one in the air was spinning like mad. We tried to get him to hold his front brake in a little, but it was too hard to try to rock and hold it in at the same time. Other holes that weren't even that bad he had difficulties with for some reason... my buddy and I would just crawl right thru them... Sadly, the one guy that was riding a Rincon said he shy'd away from the grizzly cause he had so many belt problems with his Polaris and he didn't want to go thru that again. All in all it was a good time... We made some new friends, we all got stuck and pulled each other out... and had fun doing it. If Honda ever goes to a diff-lock with that shaft drive and they get rid of that honda civic transmission... I might be switching... (course I haven't gotten a drop of water in my belt yet on this new grizz... and yesterday I went deep enough in water for it to go over the front rack...

Just thought I'd share...

Posted by: FormulaLT1

I have a 700 Grizz and my dad has a sp800. The 800 is like a cadillac and rides better than the grizz. The grizz is sportier. If you want the most comfortable ride, I'd recommend a sportsman. If you want the best handling, then the Grizzly with power steering is the way to go. I personally wouldn't buy a Rincon just cause of the tranny and no diff lock.

Posted by: FormulaLT1

Originally posted by: btremont

Thanks everyone for your reply, you have been very very helpful. This weekened I will be test driving a Polaris Sportsman, 2007 Honda Rincon and next week the all new 2007 700 Yamaha Grizzly. Most of you have said that the Polaris Sportsman has the smoothest ride, I will check it out and see. Alot of my friends have stated to stay away from Polaris there is always something breaking on them.

Maybe I should wait until next year. Do you think that Honda will come out with a new power steering Honda Rincon ????

Thanks for your help very much appreciated.

Most people who talk about Polaris always breaking down don't even own one. I still wouldn't have a Rincon. They don't have a diff lock and in my opinion, they have the wrong tranny. If they would put the continuously variable Hondamatic from the Rubicon in it, it would be much better machine because in my book, CVT > automotive style for an ATV.

Posted by: JeffinTD

I'd say ride a few and decide. My Rincon really seems like a caddy cruising over the rough stuff, and it also handles well and can be hussle down a tight and rough trail supprisingly fast.

To me it seemed smoother than the Polaris machines I've briefly ridden, but I don't recall what tires were on it and that can make a big difference. The Rincon is also pretty light steering, but can kickback when you start bombing over really rough stuff. I suspect soon Honda will announce a power steering Rincon. If you want another Honda but with a cushy ride, the Rincon is their only machine with independent rear suspension. You will notice it lean a bit more in sweeping corners, but not much. Also there isn't much for compression braking below about 10 mph, so you do have to use the brakes on the really super-steep and sketchy downhills. Compared to my Foreman, it really glides over rough stuff.

The Yam with power steering, EFI, and a good belt drive auto is also appealing. Haven't ridden one of the new ones. A riding buddy just snagged a 650 Artic Cat and so far is quite impressed with it's ride. I haven't had a chance to try it yet.

Posted by: JeffinTD

btremont

Regarding the Griz feeling tippy, don't think they are tippier than any other machine in their class, but I think coming from a SRA machine a IRS machine might feel like it.

With an IRS machine the chassis can lean somewhat in corners or off when off camber, where on a solid rear axle machine the rear axle is always parallel with the chassis. IRS rides smoother and offers more ground clearance, but at first it can feel tippy and feel like you can't sense feedback from the tires as well.

After riding one for a while, I suspect you will get used to it and realize it isn't as tippy as it feels at first, and you can also feel what the tires are doing, just differently.

As far as a dif lock, there aren't very many times where it would be an advantage over the limited slip, but I feel there are times where my machine will spin three tires up a loamy grade and by the time it has started to transfer power to the tire with traction the thing has already started to bog down and dig in and it's too late. A buddy has an Outlander, and it seems to suffer from the same problem. Applying a bit of front brake will help the limited slip machines apply power to both wheels.

As far as Polaris goes, it seems to me that people with them have either run thousands of trouble free miles, or they have belt problems all the time...

Regarding the Rincon's transmission, I really like mine, but they aren't for everybody. The 680 has improved shift points and more positive lock-up. I do wish it had a low range, though, so it would tractor crawl down steep grades w/o using the brakes like my Foreman will... On the other hand I do go faster on the Rincon, even down the steep technical stuff.

In the end you can read all sorts of reviews and opinions, but there is no substitute for test riding yourself... Good luck with whatever you choose.

Posted by: JeffinTD

I'd have to say that even in dry conditions there are loose, loamy cinder rock areas where I think a locker would be helpful. The times that it would actually make the difference between getting stuck and making it all the way through, though, I think are few and far between.

Still, I'd like to "educate" whoever at Honda decided that they don't need lockers on their quads. I'd also like to have a nice chat with whoever decided the Outlanders should have linked brakes...

Anyhow, for me a winch is more than just a useful thing to have, they get used regularly.

Posted by: JeffinTD

Are they talking metric money in Canada, or are both prices in US dollars?

Posted by: JeffinTD

I got to ride an outlander 400 xt max earlier this year. It does ride nice, and the extra wheelbase didn't hurt it's ability in tight conditions as much as you would think. It's also suprisingly snappy, and you might not realize it was only 400cc unless someone told you.

At one point he got the machine hung up on rocks in a steep section, and it wouldn't move or spin the wheels at full throttle in low or reverse, which I wasn't too impressed with but I guess that's what winches, tow straps and buddys are for. By "steep" I mean an area like where another rider in the group flipped his Rubicon...

Later he left the parking brake on briefly, and then it had no brakes (leaking fluid out of the rear caliper). Not bashing Outlander as that was an operator error... We found a dealership, but they didn't have any parts on hand, so we blocked off the brake line to the rear brake so he could continue to ride.

Posted by: JeffinTD

It has that linked brake system... The foot brake's master cyl went dry but the hand brake still kind of worked but leaked more fluid... Once he realized the brakes weren't working he just hung way back to avoid smacking into one of the other machines (again).

When I was looking at it, the little rubber cover over the bleeder just crumbled when I touched it. I don't know how long the parking brake got left on, but apparenlty it got hot enough to burn up the seal.

Posted by: JeffinTD

I want to say it was an 05, but I'm not sure...

Posted by: JeffinTD

I'm glad both of you guys got machines that you are stoked about.

That's all that matters.

Posted by: propnut

how come these threads always turn into a bash fest? I didn't see any questions about transmission, or people's opinion about which one is better. And a locker is the most overrated feature available today.

You didn't mention handling at speed, so I'll stick to the ride. The smoothest riding machines are going to have the longest wheel bases (the 2ups). There are 3 companies that make one, ride them, study them, talk to the service manager of a dealership that sell more than one (or all 3) of the brands. Some brands have a 90% ownership satisfaction rating while others have less. I won't say anything about and brand's reliability other than companies have the reputation they have for a reason and you do not have to own a machine to see it break. All 3 2ups have their good and bad points (that goes for the 3 one-ups you've listed), what is most important to you? One thing you won't have to decide on is they all have the single lever brakes and belt drives.

Posted by: propnut

I'd rather not get into an argument about lockers here, it's not what this thread is about. Lockers will go a few more places, but it isn't as dramatic as riders with lockers claim. All four of my wheels turn unless I get one completely off the ground. When is the last (or first) time I have gotten a wheel completely off the ground in the mud? Hmmm. However, lockers have been stuck in the same places I've been stuck. High sided is stuck, with or without a locker. Sometimes riders get stuck worse because they thought they were invincible with it and go where they shouldn't or get in way too far. How often do you use a locker? Honestly, what percentage of miles do you use it? There's no other way around that mud puddle? You can't attack that obstacle another way? $350 buys you a detroit gearless if you are that hung up on them. You can keep asking Honda for a factory locker, but don't ever rule out a machine because it does not have a locker. It's like not buying a particular Jeep Wrangler because it doesn't have a factory locker. Lockers are overrated in that riders that would rarely use it would exclude a machine because it does not have a factory locker. That's all.

That being said, good luck on your choice.

Posted by: propnut

A locker is one of those things you may never need, but that one time you do, your kicking your self in the pants

yeah, kind of get your point. [sort of] like me wanting to be able to shift (the exception being I shift almost all the time). I wouldn't want to kick myself in the pants for giving that up.

Posted by: DesertViper

Maybe your next utility quad shouldn't be a utility "quad". How tight of a trail will you be riding on, and how much utility work will you be doing? Or alternatively you could pick the ATV you want, and then upgrade the suspension after you buy it.

My plushest riding utility ATV is a Rhino that has super comfy Suspension seats, with four point harnesses, and a Lonestar suspension that has 15" of suspension travel with adjustable Elka Elite shocks at all four corners. It rides super plush, over any terrain, at any speed. Absolutely no contest in ride quality between the Lonestar Rhino and our Grizzly 700, the Rhino makes the Grizzly feel like a buck board wagon with steel wheels and no suspension.

But you need to decide how badly you want the ultimate ride, because a long travel Rhino wont fit everywhere, and 15" of suspension travel is spendy to say the least. Even upgrading the suspension on a 4x4 ATV can be expensive, but it works well when you're done.

Good luck.

Posted by: colt2245p

all i can say is ride a polaris

Posted by: buckaroo50

For a smooth ride over pot-holes, small bumps (1"-2"), tree roots across the trail etc you need heavy weight, stiff, strong frame and soft, long travel suspension. AC may not be the smoothest ride in general but over pot-holes and small bumps it is pretty hard to beat, you will be able to travel over these very quickly without it shaking your teeth out of your head, and an added plus is, you will maintain a straight line.

The AC's are heavy and have a long travel, and soft suspension and they track good over erratic ground. From the factory they lack on handling but with some adjustments to suspension and tire pressures that can be improved greatly. With a small investment of wheel spacers the benefits are monumental. A cheap fix to be able to run with the best of them in the corners (tire pressures (preferably with 6ply tires too), preloads, and wheel spacers), and without having to use a sway bar.

Posted by: buckaroo50

You can take the same machine and drive it over a trail one day and it will feel smooth the next day it won't, you can ride it at 10mph and it will feel bumpy but at 20 it feels smooth.
To have a good ride you need a heavy machine, soft suspension and long wheel travel, and if you have a long wheel base that helps too. By the same principle you will suffer in the handling department.
A heavy Cadilac, with soft springs and long wheel travel and long wheel base is certainly not going to handle as good as a Camaro.
Go find the heaviest ATV with the softest suspension and you will be right on the money.
And if that doesn't work then shop around and put some progressive springs on it. And if that doesn't work then drive your car.

Posted by: squeege

"What ATV absorbs pot holes,rocks,logs, the best"

The ones with a fat chick on the backimg src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

Posted by: v2rider

I have an Arctic Cat, and i have to dissagree. It is far from the smoothest, which i also give to Polaris. But it does articulate better than the rest, due to its unmatched 10" travel. I would recommend riding a few and getting an idea for yourself

Posted by: v2rider

A locker is one of those things you may never need, but that one time you do, your kicking your self in the pants

Posted by: v2rider

I kind of get your point to.....mabey

Posted by: mykool61679

polaris, with out a dought!!!

Posted by: RancherATCrazy

almost anything that has had the stock suspension thrown out and replace with some good Elka's or Fox Floats

Posted by: LURCH84065

2006 sportsman 800efi and 2400 miles no problems at all great power and it handles great. Lot of the poeple I have heard say things are always breaking have never owned a Polaris.
My old machine was a Honda Rancher 350ES and at 48 I was to dam old to ride a solid shaft anymore. @ weeks ago went on a ride of 181 miles in 11 hours and was able to lift my own butt of of the machine when done.
Rides great

Posted by: 800TwinEFI

I have to agree with FormulaLT1. This is actually a good thread filled with some honest responses. Hard to find on questions like these. I would compare the Sportsman to GM. You may recall, there was a point in time where Chevy really screwed up with their paint. And a great many of the trucks you saw had paint flaking off in huge chunks. Back in the 80s I would say.

Well, that was a long time ago. And obviously, not relevant to todays GM. But there are people out there that this had a lasting impression on and they rant on about it to this day. Gets to a point where the person really doesn't know what they are talking about as Chevy trucks are now some of the most if not the most powerful out there. I'm a Dodge man BTW. Then you get other people who repeat pretty much anything they hear too as their own. We all know it's true. I call them old hens.

Same is true with Polaris. They might have had a period where they screwed up. I didn't experience it myself. But admit it is possible. But it was a long time ago and I don't know anybody who isn't happy with their purchase. ATVs are a mighty personal choice. If you pick one you like, you did the right thing.

Posted by: TLC

Originally posted by: Hebs

Dif-lock the most overrated feature?? The rest of your post is decent and informative... but to say diff-lock is the most overrated is like saying stock tires are just as good as aftermarket ones... It just doesn't make sense... Could you expand on that comment?

I just came back from a fishing trip which required 20 miles of norther Ontario trail riding where you cross bever dames and high water crossing. There were 10 heavily loaded ATVs in all,, of all types. Turned out even the one 2wd ATV made it and the 4wd bike were lucky to even need to tun on there 4wd option but we did just for less wheel spin. There was a 660 and 450 grizzly with us and Im not sure they used there 4wd option let alone there diff lock thingy.

Posted by: TLC

Well if your out to look for trouble than diff lock,26" or up tires and a winch are a useful thing for sure.

Posted by: JDGrizz

The Grizzly 700 brings more to the table than the Rinny. More up to date technology, a very good ride, a snappier engine, and most of all power steering. The Rinny is a excellent bike in it's own right, but the Grizzly is a more complete machine. The only down side to the Grizzly is replacing the crappy factory tires. But you can have better tires and offset wheels (Gives the bike a wider stance and more stability) put on when you buy it. That way the wheels and tires can be rolled into what ever financing you choose.

Posted by: JDGrizz

The Polaris SP800 does ride smooth. Part of the reason is it is almost 200 pounds heavier than the Grizzly 700. Some people like the extra weight and some do not. When I test rode the SP 800, it felt more like it was driving me than me driving it. The SP800 is still a great bike with it's own strong points, but I wanted something a little more nimble.

The best thing is to get some seat time on each one and pick what suits you best. Good luck, toy shopping is always fun.

Posted by: JDGrizz

Originally posted by: squeege

"What ATV absorbs pot holes,rocks,logs, the best"

The ones with a fat chick on the backimg src="">

Plus you always get to ride in the shade.img src="i/expressions/beer.gif" border="0">

Posted by: check

I got the Bombardier Outlander 400 Max XT, because the reviews rated it best in terms of ride over the rough stuff. And the ride for the passenger of this 2-up bike is just unbelieveably soft, so I would give it a try.

See the ATV mags over the past few years for serious comparisons.

Posted by: check

It is interesting that Can-Am says there 2008 quads have "improved" visco-lock tarnsmissions. Surprising, because mine always worked great in the muckiest mud. So I don't need a locker.

Posted by: check

Originally posted by: btremont

Excellent.

I presume the test ride was impressive, then?

In any case, what matters is that you got the machine that best meets your needs and tastes.

I hate to see anyone get a machine they aren't happy with, so it's good to see you did your homework reasearcing forums and taking the time to test ride various machines in the class you were looking at.

Go out and have fun with the new Polaris.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes the test ride was impressive..........The Yamaha Grizzly is a great machine it really is......... Next week the new Polaris............ But I do have to say that my first love has always been a Honda..... but the Yamaha is winning me over slowly and surely............. but than I still have to test drive the Honda.........

I am having the time of my life doing this............it's like being a kid again in a candy store....... :-) :-) :-)

Ok I don't know if I should get into this but what the hell........... I can't believe this I live in Canada and a new Yamaha Grizzly 700FI over here out the door cost $13,350.00 compared to $7,560.00 in the U.S.A...... yup I can almost get two for the prize of one...... has anyone else on this forum bought there Grizzly in the U.S.A....that's from Canada ???? That's all I can say is............. U.S.A HERE I COME........ I still can't believe the difference in prices........what's going on here........... ?????

Posted by: check

Posted by: dm1333

I've ridden several Kodiak 450s. They had a great suspension and plenty of power. Switching back and forth on the same day between a 450 and a Raptor 660 made me decide I wanted a Kodiak more than a Raptor.

Posted by: JNINSPECT

Everyone just raves about the ride on my 07 Can -am Outlander 400XT .It rides more like a car . I have been riding for years an I love it!! You should test it! I know its a little more money but it is worth it compared to everything you get especially the extras an Quality with dependability of a Honda!

Posted by: JNINSPECT

was that a 07 Can-Am or an earlier Bomb model!

Posted by: JNINSPECT

Originally posted by: kevint

I have a 300CC kind quad and USE the front diff lock MANY times....It is the only qaud to be able to pull logs in the woods using this feature.......others lose traction and one front wheel spins. It ISNT only when one wheel is in the air, its when the traction is weaker at one tire than the other also. If you guys have never driven an older king quad with the front diff locked you cant even begin to realize how much difference it makes, not only with one wheel in the air, but pulling heavy loads, on gravel, in mud, and going in reverse up hills with poor traction. With this quad locked it pulls like a little bulldozer, with it unlocked, it will spin both rear tires and ONE front wheel when it loses traction...YOU CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE..~~!!

I pulled Pine Logs out with My 400 Can-Am Outty XT with ease like you know a whole pine tree in 30" to 40" inches round 8ft to 4 or 5 ft long as it got fatter! By myself in two hours with a tow/drag rope 12 ft long with hooks on the rope for quick connections!
I also sawed the logs during the same amount of time using my awesome an powerful Stihl Chainsaw!!!

Posted by: JNINSPECT

I have rode all kinds of ATV's . The 07 Outlander rode better than any other Quad I have ever ridden. My back does not hurt like it use too .Once you ride it over Potholes etc. for at least one day, you will never want to go back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: JNINSPECT

Originally posted by: btremont

Sorry for the stupid question but Yamaha sales Yamaha, Honda sales Honda what dealers sale Can-Am Outlanders....???? If I was to look up dealers in the US what do I search for.....????? I know, I know .........ATV virgin..... :-)

Regards

BRP
http://www.brp.com/en-US/Products/CanAm/Showroom

Posted by: JNINSPECT

Originally posted by: btremont

Thanks JNINSPECT ........... very much appreciated......I also found this link

http://www.powersportsnetwork....&sort=city&submit=Sort

No problem! Anytime!
The link on your thread is for dealer finding.
If you google BRP you can get it for different countries they are all over the world!

Posted by: JNINSPECT

Yea it gets pretty warm in the Summer but it is great in the Winter! There are some things you can do to cool it down check out some post in :
http://www.can-amtalk.com/forums/index.php
and look under the topic concerning that probaly in the general can am or tech talk here is one idea!http://www.can-amtalk.com/foru...ndex.php?showtopic=638 or
http://www.can-amtalk.com/foru...ndex.php?showtopic=46
http://www.can-amtalk.com/foru...ndex.php?showtopic=200

Posted by: Dufrane

go with a independent suspension.....your back will love you for it

Posted by: Tbizz

Well put.

Posted by: Tbizz

Too bad you couldn't just not use that brake (and tape it off).

Posted by: Tbizz

Nice....good choice on the Grizz 700...you won't regret that power steering.

Once all the manufacturers have power steering then I'll bet a lot more of the sales will go tomwards the companies with the faster engine, such as Can-am.

I still don't want to ride a Can-am cause I'm afraid I'll like the power too much.

Posted by: Tbizz

26" Maxxis Bighorns

Posted by: btremont

Hello everyone I need your input on this one..........BAD........... :-)

I have a 2004 HONDA FOURTRAX RANCHER 4X4 ES, TRX350FE this 4wheeler has been a work horse and it has served me well. Lately I have been doing alot of trail riding, big pot holes, lots of rocks, mud, logs and so on. I have been finding that the 2004 HONDA FOURTRAX RANCHER 4X4 ES, TRX350FE with it's solid axle is not being very kind to my back. What ATV has the smoothest ride and can absorb shock better.
I love Honda but if I have to change to another ATV to get the ride I will..... my back will thank me later for it. I was looking at new Honda FourTrax Rincon and 2007 Yamaha Grizzly 700 Quad. Which one of these two or any other ATV would give me:

(1) Over all smooth ride (rock,logs, pot holes ect)
(2) Easy steering
(3) Power

Thanks for your time

Posted by: btremont

Thanks everyone for your reply, you have been very very helpful. This weekened I will be test driving a Polaris Sportsman, 2007 Honda Rincon and next week the all new 2007 700 Yamaha Grizzly. Most of you have said that the Polaris Sportsman has the smoothest ride, I will check it out and see. Alot of my friends have stated to stay away from Polaris there is always something breaking on them.

Maybe I should wait until next year. Do you think that Honda will come out with a new power steering Honda Rincon ????

Thanks for your help very much appreciated.

Posted by: btremont

Ones again I want to thank everyone who has given there input . You guys really know your stuff and I am learning so much from this thread. I understand that everyone has there own preferences that is why there are so many different dealers and so many good toys for us to choose from. That being said I just came back from test driving the new Yamaha Grizzly 700 Fuel-Injected Full-Auto EPS IRS Quad. I had the salesman take me to one of my rugged areas so I was able to really test drive this baby. Ok what can I say the computer-controlled electric power steering is FANTASTIC in 2WD or 4WD. I was able hit rocks and logs with it and not feel a jolt up my arms. The automatic 2WD, 4WD and 4WD diff lock at a push of a buttom has many pluses but I wish it had a standard shift like the Honda's do. I find the standard shift on the handle bar are lots of fun to use and you can really make it rock when you get stuck in a mud holes....... Shit this 700 quad can really move I was able to get it up to 75 in no time on a straight away. What is the top speed on this things anyway.??? I do have to agree with 2manytoys it did feel like it was tippy. I don't know if this is because it's a big machine compared to my TRX350FE Honda or maybe I just did not know how to ride it. Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI owners did you feel it was tippy at first ????? Now back to my original question I wanted to know about a ATV that had the smoothest ride and can absorb shock better. Well I made sure that I went over every pot hole, dirt hole, rock, log I could see. The rear suspensions were excellent compared to my 350 Honda it was like night and day. I know what your saying of course I would feel the difference between independent suspension and a solid axle, but my back felt great. I really enjoyed riding this quad, the salesman was a little pissed when I returned a little later than asked to and the quad all full of mud.... Oh well that's what test rides are for............:-) My next quad to test out is the Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI Standard/Deluxe addition. I will let you know how it goes........ Thanks again for your input.....it helped alot........

Posted by: btremont

Yes Propnut can you please expand on your statement:

And a locker is the most overrated feature available today
------------------------------------------------------------------

Have you had some bad experince with Dif-lock ???? you had some good points in your reply but would like to know more about Dif-lock .

Thanks

Posted by: btremont

Yes my next ride will be a Polaris. Everyone who has responded to this thread has some excellent views and points .... Even squeege

Posted by: btremont

Excellent.

I presume the test ride was impressive, then?

In any case, what matters is that you got the machine that best meets your needs and tastes.

I hate to see anyone get a machine they aren't happy with, so it's good to see you did your homework reasearcing forums and taking the time to test ride various machines in the class you were looking at.

Go out and have fun with the new Polaris.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes the test ride was impressive..........The Yamaha Grizzly is a great machine it really is......... Next week the new Polaris............ But I do have to say that my first love has always been a Honda..... but the Yamaha is winning me over slowly and surely............. but than I still have to test drive the Honda.........

I am having the time of my life doing this............it's like being a kid again in a candy store....... :-) :-) :-)

Ok I don't know if I should get into this but what the hell........... I can't believe this I live in Canada and a new Yamaha Grizzly 700FI over here out the door cost $13,350.00 compared to $7,560.00 in the U.S.A...... yup I can almost get two for the prize of one...... has anyone else on this forum bought there Grizzly in the U.S.A....that's from Canada ???? That's all I can say is............. U.S.A HERE I COME........ I still can't believe the difference in prices........what's going on here........... ?????

Posted by: btremont

$13,350.00 * Canadian $$$$$
$7,560.00 * US $$$$$

Posted by: btremont

Hey, fellow Canuck, go to it! Mattinthehat did, and saved a bundle. (See his posts on this forum.) He drove down from Toronto and paid $8399 U.S. for a Can-Am Outlander 650 Max XT, a 2-up quad which I would definitly recommend over the Griz. Check out the Can-Am MSRP in Canada for this bike - it is over $4000 CDN more.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know I can't believe how many people from my home town have actually bought ATV from the US. I hate to spend my money outside of Canada but come on a saving of $4000 CDN that's crazy...... and yes I have decided to put the Can-Am Outlander on my list for testing. I guess if your going to test you might as well test them all...............

Thanks for your post

Posted by: btremont

You are most welcome btremont. (I assume you are from the Toronto area?)

I was so impressed with the deal that Mattinthhat got I had a strong impulse to go down and buy the same bike (the 650 Max XT), but I'd have to find someone who was willing to buy my '05 Outy 400 Max XT for, say, $8000 CDN or so (since the new MSRP is about $11K CDN).

BTW, when you test drive the Outy, make sure and take a ride on the back, too - it is a surprisingly soft and comfortable ride. (Without exception, everyone I have met loves their Outy.)

Good luck!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry I have not responded in awhile DAM WORK GETTING IN THE WAY OF PLAY TIME. But I guess if we did not work no play time.... :-) :-)

Acutally I live way up North and far away from Toronto..... but I visit often and Toronto is a great town............. Were would you ride if you lived in Toronto or surrounding areas......???? Here 15min and were in the wilderness......
Well today I got a little closer to my goal I sold my
2004 HONDA FOURTRAX RANCHER 4X4 ES, TRX350FE. I was asking $5,300.00 and I got $5,000.00.... I think I made a good deal..... I had no time to test anything out.......WORK......AGAIN.......hopefully this weekend....

Thanks for your post..........

Posted by: btremont

Sorry for the stupid question but Yamaha sales Yamaha, Honda sales Honda what dealers sale Can-Am Outlanders....???? If I was to look up dealers in the US what do I search for.....????? I know, I know .........ATV virgin..... :-)

Regards

Posted by: btremont

Thanks JNINSPECT ........... very much appreciated......I also found this link

http://www.powersportsnetwork....&sort=city&submit=Sort

Posted by: btremont

I FINALLY DID IT.............. :-) :-)

I tried out the Polaries 500 Sportsman and anyone who said it has a great ride on this thread is right.... Fantastic ride.......... but I found this machine more like a small car, it was to wide and to big for my frame........... nice ride but....... NO...

Tried out the Can-Am Outlander 650 Max XT..........what a machine.........nice ride............ and everything else but way to expensive for my wallet..... hard to
explain to the wife that I am spending more money on a ATV than her car I bought her.... hope she does not read this thread..... :-) :-)

Tried also the Honda Rincon but I hate to be a trader BUT.........................

OK I TRAVELED 6 HOURS TODAY 3 HOURS THERE AND 3 HOURS BACK....
I BOUGHT MYSELF..... THE NEW SPECIAL EDITION SILVER 2007 GRIZZLY 700 FI 4X4............................ OH MY GOD WHAT A MACHINE....... I WAS SMILING FROM EAR TO EAR ALL THE WAY HOME............ I WILL POST MORE LATER................. I AM GOING TO TAKE THIS BABY FOR RIDE.....LOT'S OF DAY LIGHT LEFT HERE.................

Thanks to all of you for your advice............... it was really, really helpful.....

will update more when I get back.................... HE HA, HE HA.... :-) :-)

Posted by: btremont

OK what can I say .............. I AM IN LOVE................. what a great machine.. I was coming down a steep, steep hill and I did not even have to touch the brakes.......... very smooth..........lot's of power......my back and arms don't even hurt......... I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION...FOR ME....

Thanks all and happy ATVing............... :-)

Posted by: btremont

This is getting off topic.

So back to the topic...I've got a Griz 700 and I did feel it was tippy when I first got it. I ended up bumping up the preload on the front shocks and that wasn't so much an issue.

Then I got better tires and it became even less of an issue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tbizz

What kind of tires did you get for your Grizz............?????

Posted by: boll weevil

I think the Polaris Sportsman has the best ride. Sportsman's due have their faults but not when it comes to a smooth ride.\

Posted by: AceCoolie

I'm new to ATV's but I can share my recent experience. Last Monday, I bought a Can Am Outlander Max 800. I was looking for a 2 seater ATV for 99% trail riding with my wife. I also looked at the Polaris X2 and the Artic Cats. I immediately rejected the Artic Cat as it was EXTREMELY hard to steer and felt very heavy compared to the other two. Between the Polaris and the Can Am, the ride was very similar but the rear seat was much more comfortable on the Cam Am. Lastly, I was comparing 650's with the Cam Am and Artic Cat and a 500 on the Polaris. The difference with the Can Am engine was night and day. The power just never stopped. That was the clincher. Of course, the shop didn't have the 650 Max in Yellow but the DID have an 800 and they made me a killer deal so the rest is history.

I've only got 10 hours on it so far and it's a marvelous machine. The only potential downside is there is a lot of heat by your legs. I'm investigating things like Water Wetter and ceramic header coating to help. The heat bothers my wife more than me but I'd thought I'd mention it.

To sum up, I found the ride of the both the Can Am and Polaris to be very similar. They are both ultra smooth and soak up bumps easily. The Can Am had the lightest steering, most comfortable seats and best power so in the end, the decision was easy for us. Good luck!