Pages: 1
Posted by: rescuediver
Welcome to the ForumAND Thanks for your Service in protecting our freedom
I would like to give you my opinion of the quads you have postedHowever, I own sport quads. Now I can tell you I've ridden a Yamaha Kodiac and a Honda Foreman. I liked the Yamaha better. As far as your size goes, anyone of them would suit you fine.
Posted by: deanz400
you could look a Suzuki king quad ,there close to you price range ,
Posted by: deanz400
hey battlegun ,fellow warrior ,the feeling of riding after getting back is awesome ,thats the one of the biggest things I missed when I was in Iraq.glad to see your doing good ,matter of fact I bought my Z400 when I came home on leave ,
Posted by: Hebs
You could also ask which has the worse belt driven system out of all quads out there? Polaris
and btw... rock climbing is not the only reason for dif-lock.
And, if you get the grizzly 700 w/ Power steering, then yes you can ride around locked w/ out much of a problem. (some people are getting those for 6500 or less, goto grizzlycentral.com and poke around... they'll tell you where they got the good deals...)
Anyways, sorry to deviate off topic.
The yami's do have great engine breaking. They also have independent front brake and front/back hand brakes, and a rear brake foot break. My dad switched from his 660 to a 450 because the 660 just beat him up too much (muscle wise) but that's mostly because he was in his late 50's and a smaller guy. The 450 is a great all around quad. I feel it's too small for me.. (5' 11" 165lb) so I ride my 660 and 700 and let other people ride my kodiak 450.
The AC is a good quad as well. Plenty of power and great ground clearance. Heavy beasts they are... Just don't get one that's carb'd. My buddy had nothing but trouble with his unfortunately, so he ended up trading it in for a KQ.
The CanAm's are some power houses... but unfortunately their frames are weak. My buddy has an 800. I think the only problem he's had so far was that he had it sitting at about a 40 degree angle and it started to leak oil out the top of the engine.
From what you've written, I don't think you'll be happen with a SRA or non diff-lock quad... Other than that... keep searchin...
Keep an eye out for the year old trade in big-bore quads... you can usually get a great deal on a quad w/ low hours...
Posted by: Hebs
nah... he didn't have any aftermarket parts... (dual carb 650) It wasn't the jetting... it was the chokes that kept messing up. He took it to the dealer 4 times, then gave up.
Posted by: Hebs
every brand has their bad apples... (it wasn't the only ac I've heard of to have carb issues though.) Only thing I can think of was his was a year older... (2005) Dunno what all they changed from 05 to 06.
I'm not a fan of dual carbs on ANYTHING though... porche engines, raptor 660's, AC650's... To each their own though right??
Posted by: tencubed
Battlegun
Haven't rode any of the quads you mention so can't comment on them.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your service to our country and hope you are home safely very soon.
Pass this thanks along to your fellow solders for me if you would.
Posted by: CraZySteve
Battlegun,
From a fellow OIF Vet - Thanks and keep up the great work over there! I was up in Bayji (Summerall) about 30 miles north of Tikrit from Nov 04-Nov 05.
I rode a sportmans 400 over there to get around the FOB... it was an ok machine... when I got home I wound up wanting a Grizzly 660, but my nephew sold his quad and got a dirtbike... so since I was a dirtbike guy from the past.. I bought another dirtbike.. after a year on that and hard to find decent places to go.. I sold it and started to research quads... I settled on a Yamaha Grizzy 450. I love it.. it has the best 4x4 setup out there! I am 5'11 / 210 and it suits me just fine... is it fast NOPE.. but I bought it for its size and manuvaribility. Oh and it fits in the bed of my '06 F150 and I can close the tailgate!
Stay Safe over there! Come home soon!! Tell the Boys (your fellow soldiers) I said Hello!
Oh yea.. the only beatings that should be happening is you Beating the SNOT out of the Haji's over there!
SFC UZI
"To Conquer is to Live!"
Field Artillery All the Way
King of Battle!
Posted by: CraZySteve
Originally posted by: acpower
BTW the Arctic Cat and Yamaha feature a mechanical 4WD and Diff Lock so YOU are in control, thats the most important thing to remember, that you and not the machine is in control.
Also Arctic Cat is made here in the great state of MN in out own country. yes i know polaris also is but i dont even consider them a formidable competitor.
Actually it is an electro-mechanical setup.... there is a small motor that engages the front drive shaft as well as the front locker...
I know Suzuki uses the same 4WD setup as AC and Yami as well.. I think Kawasaki has it too.. not 100% sure..
But you are right.. Polaris's AWD is lacking for sure... I love being able to select my 4WD with my '07 Grizzly 450... Just like with my buddies 4x4 pickup truck.. ARB's front and back! When he flips that switch it locked the diffs! no limited slip Bullsh!t True 4x4 baby!
Posted by: CraZySteve
Well my Grizzly rolled about 3-4 times down a 50 degree slope.. probably too steep to be trying to climb but whatever... I did try.. and didn't make it.. hahaha.. Thank god for insurance! Mechanically the quad is fine there wasn't anything like that damaged.. it was all racks/fenders that took the damage.
Yamaha is a Japenese company...
Posted by: CraZySteve
Battle,
Suzuki's 4WD setup is the same as Yamaha - actually uses the same "control pod" on the right side of the handle bar. I would think at this point Battle you have 3 distinct machines to choose from. As far as reliability goes (and I will probably get bashed for this) the order is Yamaha, then Suzuki, then AC. Same goes for overall quality Yamaha, then Suzuki, then AC.
1. Yamaha Grizzly 450
2. Suzuki King Quad 450
3. Arctic Cat 500
So now between the 3, you should look at weight, size (width especially well at least for where I ride..), braking systems ,engine braking.
To be slightly biased.. don't let the 421cc engine of the Grizzly 450 scare you away.. it has plenty of go where it is needed and with slight mods it can be a monster. Mine tops out at 50mph.. .which is rare for me. Also too, the Grizzly 421cc engine has been around quite a while now... 2002 at a minimum from my limited knowledge. It is used in the current Wolverine and the Rhino 450. Also my grizzly has excellent Engine braking!
I ride with big bores AC 650's, Brute 750's and Grizzly 660's. I can go everywhere they can and some places they can't. They do better in mud mostly due to non-stock tires. My stock maxxis tires on my Grizzly work well everywhere except gooey mud. But hey, that is what a buddy is for or the winch!
Posted by: Toyeboy
I can help a little bit, I had a Sportsman 400 2004, very simlar to the 450 they have now and I can tell you it was a good atv, but the smaller sportsmans are more of a ute than a "fun" atv, they're underpowered IMO and far to heavy and big for trail riding, plus AWD instead of real 4wd with locker... they do have the best ride out there though.
So I switched brands and got a King Quad 700 EFI, I like it a lot better than I ever did the Polaris, I ride fast trails, some mud, and I plow with it in the winter. It's a great ATV, 4wd with front locker, 70mph top speed, very sporty but still can do work. Suzuki makes a 450 KQ EFI now that's about $6,700 MSRP so that'd be great for you. Much lighter than the Polaris and much better IMO plus EFI!! BUT you may find the 500cc class a bit low on power though b/c I sure did when I got a 400cc, so you may just want to spend a little more and get at least a 700cc b/c to me it's still not enough power.
By the way, about the buying in the america thing, I am all for supporting this great country, I did when i bought a polaris, but now that I have a suzuki it's clear to me that the Japanesse brands of bikes are just plain better than american made bikes, they've been doing it longer and they are just better built.my opinion of course.
Posted by: Toyeboy
Just curious as to why you've ruled out the Suzuki KQ 450, it is loaded with features, EFI, front locker, excellent engine braking, and one of the best CVTs in the business. It's got all the features of the 700 just a smaller motor..plus it is a great looking atv.
Have you checked powersportsnetwork.com for rider reviews, they've got a ton of reviews on all these atvs your considering, it might help you out.
Posted by: mykool61679
honda foreman 500, put some 28, 29 inche outlaws and roll with it!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mykool61679
dude if a locker is that important, just buy a detroit gearless locker, for 300$$ and call it a day. you will still have less invested in it and it will be alot more reliable than the others. i mud mine alot!! in rack deep water consistantly, with no problems. yes sometimes i got to work it due to low ground clearance ,but as light as ranchers are it isnt a problem at all. if i was a hard core mudder(90% of the time, or entered mud bog compitions), i would most definatly own an artic cat, which is by far king of the mud. there are some/alot of them with 20 inches of ground clearance or better. no matter what you get , just have a good time. which im certain you will.
Posted by: brpbear
Before you buy any ATV take it you and ride it like you will when you Owen it.Make sure you do some off camber down hill with it and then you will see why most people don't like Cats
Posted by: acpower
I have had the best luck with Arctic Cat so i stick with them. Steer clear of Polaris if you are going to use the wheeler for 4WD applications. Arctic Cat and Yamaha the driver chooses when the wheeler is fully locked or in limited slip 4WD, where as on te Polaris the rear tires have to slip enough before the front will lock in, so you have to lose before you gain, plus the machine chooses when you should have 4WD not the driver. Also the most you will EVER get out of a Honda is 3WD because a 4th tire never locks in. Arctic Cat has the most ground clearance, the most rack capacity and versatility. They also can pull more than any in these classes. Out of personal experience i have ridden the 08 Grizzly / power steering and EFI, still like my 06 Arctic Cat 650 better. My inlaws get brand new Polaris Sportsman EFI 500s every year, they will never hold a candle to any other 4wheeler. And my uncle and friend are both loyal Honda fans with Rubicons and Rincons and Arctic Cat still always comes out on top when we ride. In the mud, on the hard pack, over the obstacles, hauling the load, whatever you need the 400 or 500 Arctic Cat can do it and then some. Good luck on your pick, need anymore knowledge let me know.
Posted by: acpower
BTW the Arctic Cat and Yamaha feature a mechanical 4WD and Diff Lock so YOU are in control, thats the most important thing to remember, that you and not the machine is in control.
Also Arctic Cat is made here in the great state of MN in out own country. yes i know polaris also is but i dont even consider them a formidable competitor.
Posted by: acpower
the Kawasaki does have full lock but you have to hold this lever in the entire time and if you let off of it the diff lock shuts off. Definately wouldnt buy a Kawi until they improve on that. Also the cable could loosen and not even engage its similair to a bike brake lever. Junk.
Posted by: acpower
i know that yamaha UTVs are built in GA but i believe that the ATVs are built overseas somewhere. i have also rolled my 4wheeler several times and as you can see there is no noticable damage, and actually no damage whatsoever. dont quote me though. i have saw 2 arctic cat videos that are supposed to be true. on one they pick the 4wheeler up with a crane, wreck a building with it, drop it and a guy drives off on it. another a stunt man drives it off a cliff and bails onto a big blow up safety thing and the 4wheeler hits the ground and tumbles and then someone gets on it and drives it off. mine took one hell of a beating when i rolled it and nothing happened to it and it runs like the day i bought it so i know they are built tough. good luck in your decision and either Yamaha or Arctic Cat will do you good.
Posted by: acpower
btw if you want to see the damage of my rollover let me know and i can post it. just one side of my rack is about 1/4 inch lower than the other and a crack in the plastic in a corner of the footwell that is not noticable at all but is where the force of the blow caused a small crack. 1/4-1/2" maybe. no biggy.
Posted by: acpower
do yourself a favor. since you are ruling out Arctic Cat, which IMO is the best ATV money can buy, order the Yamaha DVD and see how they add up all these other 4wheelers that ppl are talking about, its clear that Yamaha is a clear winner compared to Polaris, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki. There are so many advantages to AC and Yamaha so stick to those if you want a wheeler worthy of you. if you need me to explain the info and not wait for your DVD tell me which ATV and i will list it all here.
Posted by: acpower
you must have misread, the Kawi is the one with the handle lever you have to hold, the Zuki is similair to the others, but not american made. Polaris likes to set up special challenges for their DVD that magically they win at everything, when in reality, not even close. I still rule Arctic Cat as the best, stock AC 400 or 500 will have 12 inches of ground clearance where the Yamaha will have 10. Also AC has 10 inches of suspension travel for a plush ride on rough trails, and Yamaha has 6.3 front and 7.1 inches, a pretty significant difference on rough trails. If you still want a Yamaha, i would look at the Big Bear 400 also. The 2007 and 2008 models of the Big Bear 400 come stock with ITP Mudlites which is nice if you plan on any mudding. downside to Big Bear is that its semi automatic. any more questions just post.
Posted by: acpower
just looking at the price of a 450 on the Yamaha website, not sure what they retail for but a bran new one is like 6200 online, i got my AC 650V2 for 6150. i talked to my dealer and you can get into an AC 650 H1 (which btw is one of THEE best engines in an ATV, if not the best) for 6600.few hundred extra bucks and you get 200 more CCs in an extremely powerful engine.
Posted by: acpower
the Arctic Cat has a hand lever and a foot brake. you can also probably get into a 500 for 5500-5700 and a 400 for 5000-5200. Those are AC prices BTW. My parents got a 500 the same time i got mine and theirs was right around 5500 i believe. so if 6000ish is your price range definately opt for a 650H1.
Posted by: acpower
dont buy a can-am because their 4WD system is even worse than polaris. its called viskolok. its a hydraulic 4WD, where the front wheel that isnt spinning has to build up enough pressure in the viskolok system before that 4th tire will spin also, and if you let off the throttle only for a second, you have to rebuild the pressure once again. i will once again refer you to only buy AC or Yamaha. yes suzuki has all the features of the other, but with even less ground clearance of 9.9" and probably isnt made in the USA. the H in H1 does stand for hemi-head. its offer more complete and efficient combustion. also a hell of a lot of power. trust me, i would not continuously return to this same thread and post and post and post if i was not trying to help you out. i have ridden atvs from every brand and can assure you over and over that you will be the most satisfied with either an Arctic Cat or a Yamaha. as always i will put AC as #1 but Yamaha in a close 2nd. i would definately steer clear of can-am because, it has a touchy throttle and at low speeds it lurges, also when you accelerate hard it about rips your arms off, the visko-lok can-am 4WD is actually only 3WD. one front tire has to spin enough to build up enough pressure in the hydraulic system before it will engage and makes the machine extremely loud, and ive saw a lot of belts go. the suspension is rough also. yamaha and arctic cat have full underbody skid plates, where you have to pay for all underskids on can-am. honda is the smallest and least powerful of the atvs in its class, is hard to steer and darts a bit, also only has 3WD tops. 3 speed transmission on honda sucks compared to a hi/lo setup. suzuki has only 9.9" ground clearance, less torque than an AC and Y, a lot of effort to steer zukis, cheap paper filters vs foam filters, the belt exhaust is low and vulnerable to water. kawasaki lacks consistant engine braking, has a brake lever diff lock you have to hold, has a lot of rollover and is tippy on corners. polaris is heavy and loud, has only 2W engine braking IF you pay for engine braking extra. polaris burns out a lot of belts and ruins a lot of boots. low mounted radiator and is known for having a lot of unsealed wiring. and once again they have only 3WD until the tires spin enough to engage the 4th, once again you lose before you gain with polaris. the choice is clear, is you want the power, ground clearance, suspension travel and reliabiltiy go with the AC, if you want its closest competition go with the Y. i wouldnt wander any further than either of those if you want reliabilty and performance.
Posted by: acpower
hey dufrane, how about you find yourself a cup of shut the hell up. i dont see any helpful information from you at all so stfu. they dont engage all 4 brakes at once. hand lever = front and foot pedal = rear i believe. i know it doesnt lock all 4. if you would read my post i described in detail what the problems are with everything else, maybe your jealous of my knowledge or maybe youre sad that youre wrong and AC is better than what you own. if he wanted to decide himself he wouldnt have posted a thread asking ?'s. so mind you business if you have nothing knowledgable to add. k thanks.
Posted by: acpower
oh sorry for the last thread Dufrane, i didnt know you were 12. "my 500xt will and does out perform a grissly 700" last i heard its GRIZZLY not grissly. go back to school n00b.
DEE DEE DEE!
Posted by: acpower
your buddy must have just had bad luck hebs. all my family has carbd ACs and noone has had a problem with them. probably just wasnt jetted right or he put on aftermarket stuff that required jetting.
Posted by: acpower
wierd cause i have the 650 twin and have never had a problem with it.
Posted by: Dufrane
first ty so very much for your service to this great country. if it weren't for guys like you ,we woundn't even be talking about such things.
now with that said. do your homework seriously before you buy. have you looked at any of the can-ams? my 500xt will and does out perform a grissly 700. the power in a can-am is 30 to 50 % more then the bikes in there class. also the xt models come loaded. by the time you add on all the extras to the other models youv'e gone way over the price of a can-am.so look at them all before you buy. which ever you chose hope you can get home safe and soon to ride. please thank all the service men and women for there services for me.
Posted by: Dufrane
i think you should let him decide for himself. or better yet you could buy him an ac since your so sure of it. maybe you could hold his hand while riding also,MR.HELPER
Posted by: Dufrane
still laughing here. great responce acpower. it's just to easy to get somebodys goat on here. batlegun try this babbittsonline.com you can get all the specs on all the brands there. also the have some really good prices. so check it out. bet you never thought looking for an atv could be so much fun. lol
Posted by: RickCJ7
I've been riding and researching several atv's also. The Polaris AWD and Can Am Viscous Lock 4wd systems can be riden and steered while in 4wd or should I say awd? You must lock and unlock the AC and Yamaha 4wd before and after each obstacle, you can't ride around locked in 4wd!
With that said the AC and Yamaha will be able to slowly crawl over while the Can Am and Polaris will need to spin a tire 1st to get 4wd.
So if you want to do mostly slow rock crawling get an AC or Yamaha!
If mud and fast trail riding the Can Am or Polaris awd systems would be a better choice. Your tires will allready be spinning and steering is easier when not.
The Can Am and Polaris 500's for example will be faster than the AC or Yamaha 500's. You say speed isn't important but every time you round a corner with all your buddies you want to be able to keep up when they punch it.
The Polaris Sportsman 500 has been around a long time and parts are reasonable, Can Am not as available.
Polaris is mostly American made, AC uses Suzuki engines?!?
Most auto atv's have a belt, Polaris has been doing this longer! the cvt system is easily adjustable with springs and weights.
The Polaris awd system only needs to slip the rear tires 1/5 a revolution to lock the front, thats not much, and it releases when you let off the throttle so you can steer.
I tried every ATV I could get my hands on and I bought a Polaris Scrambler!
It's sporty with awd, can't rockcrawl with it though, no low range, got a Jeep for that. I can slid the Scrambler into a turn with awd and when I punch it it will straighten out and pull like a beast! Just wish it had low range! Can Am Renegade 500 does!
Posted by: RickCJ7
It's hard to tell want you want or expect from an atv till you get out and ride!
Most atv trails are on the easy side and 4wd and low range are not even needed!
The only time I wish I had low range is when I try to run Jeep trails. I just have to ride 5mph or faster. Most people don't like dragging there machines 1 mph over rock piles.
Most poker runs or atv parks are aimed towards the sport riders, fast easy terrain.
As far as the Polaris awd systems go, you can control it with the throttle and use the awd ability more. 4 tires pulling 100% of the time is better than 2 tires pulling 100% of the time, unless you run with 4wd locked in.
After reading all the posts it's funny how many don't even know the differance between locked and awd and 2wd and posi! By the way the Polaris system is a true locked 4wd system, the hubs lock and unlock as needed so you can steer. All 4 tires do lock solid!
Can Am locks 3 solid and the 4th when the other front spins 10 or so times, not really a locked front end.
Rally cars are awd!
The only time you need solid 4wd lock is rock crawling! How much of this are you going to do?
Yes the awd system will out pull a 2wd easily.
I can slide into a turn and power out with all 4 tires pulling while the 2wd are spinning tring to find traction.
Best thing is to try a couple differant atv's out and see which system suits your riding style. What do your buddies ride? Are you going to ride an atv! or just sit on and steer one?
Posted by: RickCJ7
Don't take my comments the wrong way, not trying to piss anyone off, just trying to get my point thru. And educate the other guys that are telling you Polaris awd does not lock! They need to try it before they knock it.
Which atv has the smoother ride? Polaris
Which has the most storage? Polaris
Which has the best auto? Polaris
Which has the best user friendly 4wd? Maybe Polaris should call it auto engage/disengage 4wd, so not to be confused with with a system that does not fully lock. Polaris
Which model has been produced the longest? Polaris SP, late 80's?
If the differances are only very small between atvs you can easily see how quickly it adds up.
I wouldn't buy on cost alone, I'd look for the best bang for the buck!
Good Luck
Rick
Posted by: kurt1011
out of all those listed, i would choose the rancher 420 4x4 FM (foot shifter). i would stay away from the electronic shift. i also like the zuki and yamahammer.
Thanks for protecting our freedom!!!!
Posted by: kurt1011
i ruled out the artic cats due to their brake levers...they only have the option of engaging all the brakes at once...no separate front and rear hand brake levers...if you ever need to back down a steep hill, your gonna want separate front/rear brake options so you don't flip.
Posted by: kurt1011
Acpower, you brushed over the question regarding the artic cats brakes...all artic cats that i looked at have one hand brake lever and one foot brake pedal...Both brake mechanisms engage all 4 brakes at once...can you confirm?
Thus the problem with rollback on steep hills. This was a deal killer for me with artic cats
Posted by: scrappiedew1
First thank you.....for what you do from my family and i in minnesota and my dogs also. a buddy of the familys just came home a few months back M1 -A1 TANK GUY Sargent on the ride the artic cat has full independent suspension . my eiger has fron but not rear i would get a four wheel drive model . i have a honda recon ,polaris trail boss and suzuki eiger 4x4 all of them have been very reliable, so any of the name brand you should be happy with i like shaft drive the honda and ,suzuki have that polaris have a belt . but never had a problem the 500 4x4 is a real popular machine
Posted by: battlegun
Greetings from Iraq.
I am currently serving a tour in Iraq. One of my past times is researching quads. I'm looking for advise on which ride is most compatable with me. I have been researching relentlessly to include building complex spreadsheets, but I have found that the posts within this site are supreme in getting honest and straight forward words on quads. At the end of my tour, the winner will find its way to my house in Virginia, USA. (ahhh, home sweet home)
There are so many posts in here that contain so many words of wisdom from pro riders and newbies alike. I enjoyed reading so much, I thought I would give my own post a shot.
The models I am comparing (obiviously because of price range) are:
Quad Model CC's Drive MSRP
Honda Foreman 500 475 TraxLox 4wd System $6,649
Polaris sportsman 500 HO 499 2wd/Awd $6,699
Polaris sportsman 450 455 2wd/Awd $6,699
Honda Rancher 450 420 TraxLox 4wd System $5,299
Yamaha Grizzly 450 421 2wd/4wd/4wd Lck/Sft Drv $6,299
Arctic Cat 500 493 4wd auto $6200 *
Arctic Cat 400 376 4wd auto $5700 *
What I'm looking for is any personnal experiences with any of the above equipment good or bad. It is also great to watch people describe or even debate their own personnal comparisons. I have narrowed my search down to two of the above, but I won't spoil it because my mind could easily be changed. My intended uses?
I want something as equally fun as it is productive. I have unlimited trails in my area and I also have unlimited work. I need a small pack mule that can run like a horse when I dig my spurs in. (Trust me, I will need to dig my spurs in after being in this place.) My riding experince?
This will be my very first quad. I will admit that I learned at a young age that I did not belong on two wheels. An old Yamaha 125 Dirt Bike taught me this valuable life lesson. I have rode atv's all of my life, but never owned one so my riding experince is limited. My physical attributes?
I'm a muscular 225 pounds (not boasting) standing at 5'11". I don't have any physical drawbacks (bad back, knees, etc) and don't want any. Smooth is fast. I don't want a ride that beats me worse than the Army.
Ok. Enough is enough. Let the beatings begin. Thanks in advance for your input!
Posted by: battlegun
Salutes to you tencubed. Thanks for caring bout us over here and every where else. We are nothing without the support of the people. When I get home, I'll toast a cold one to you and all the other folks who have shown us their support. I can not tell you how good it makes us feel to be accepted and appreciated. I will pass along your support to my bros.
God spead.
Posted by: battlegun
Recue diver,
Thanks for the thoughts. What was the more comfortable ride, yamaha or honda?
P.S.
Nice garage line up! I bet it's fun to have a barbque at your house.
Posted by: battlegun
deanz,
Thanks for suggestion. I'll look at what the zuki has to offer. To be honest, zuki hadn't even crossed my mind. When I think of zuk's I think of sport quads. I didn't realize they had bruisers too. I'll add them to my long list of researched items. I'll have some catching up to do so any input you have on them is welcomed.
As far as riding when I get home...I'm not sure I would care if it were a tricycle. I just want to get home to the fresh mountian air and freedom. You know what it is like over here. Always something burning and it always stinks like crap or pollution. The turkey and dairy farms back home smell much better than this!
At first i was torn between a jeep and a fourwheeler. I grew up with both...but a jeep would be purely selfish. I can justify the fourwheeler with the work I'll do with it. But man o man how I miss the summers with the top of the jeep just riding...in the perfect world, I'd have both, but I'm saving for a house on the land I just bought...hence I need the quad to help me clear the land as it's all wooded now.
Posted by: battlegun
All this talk on zuki's...where are the other guys? I'm def. going to suki.com now to check em out. Thanks for the input Vinson. I'll come back at you and deanz with questions.
And thanks for caring bout us over here. All these thankful people in here remind me of some of my hero's. My uncle's, and father-in-law. They all served in Nam and have given me a tremendous amount of courage. My father in law gave me the medallion of St. Christopher in which he wore during his tour in Nam. They (and all other Veterens) are the ones who have paved the way for young guns like myself. Salute the past heros in honor of the present freedom. (this includes you Deanz) HOAH!
Posted by: battlegun
Hey SFC Uzi, great to hear from you! I can't tell you how much the hoj is is under my skin...I can't understand their way of thinking no matter how hard I try! Believe me I try to understand them and I feel bad for the Iraqi's caught in the middle of this SOBin "war". I don't care what the government or press says. This is war.
As a Junior NCO over here, it is hard. It is hard to keep the troops motivated. Well, if we were going to discuss this it should be in a private message. It isn't for everyone.
But back to reason for the post. I invite you to join the conversation brewing in the polaris section. I posted another topic in there titled "Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. vs Yamaha Grizzly 450". There is some bashing going on in there and there isn't a y fan there to defend the name. Right now there is an AC fan who has given me some excellent feed back on the AC product. As you know, NCO's aren't rich so I have to be very careful with my investments. Come on over, seems as if that's where the "fire fight" is.
Oh yeah, I forgot. We have UTV's here. GATORS and Rangers mostly. There are a couple of Yamaha Rhinos floating around. Dang those things look tough. Thanks for the post either way and thanks for doing what you do and have done. From one NCO to the other.
SGT Battle Out
Posted by: battlegun
Interesting to know about that 4WD vs AWD. That is a REAL turn off for Polaris. And btw, I checked out both acpower's and crzysteves pictures. Great looking machines and I will admit that I'm impressed with how well the griz stood up to the roll over. I know it had to suck, but hey, it handled the blow well...right?
And another question. acpower mentioned built in the USA. Isn't Yamaha built down south somewhere? I know they are owned by Japan or China or somewhere like that, but think I read somewhere that they manufacture them in like GA or something?
I always buy USA when given half a chance.
Posted by: battlegun
yeah acpower. I'd love to see the roll over pics or any other pics of the ac you want to post. I didn't think that color looked good on the web site but looks good in those photos.
kurt, I don't think the honda has what I'm really looking for. I know they are good machines. A friend has one and has rolled it down a mountain side and uses it daily on a dairy farm, but I think for a few more bucks I can get 3 times the machine and I def. want a true locking 4wd.
It seems the more and more I hear...the more and more AC and Yamaha are the way to go for what I want. But I am still open to all considerations. The only thing I get from polaris owners is that its a nice ride and dependable...honda has been virtually none existant in the arguments. Lot of people like em, but can't give me reasons why other than nice ride or dependable. Again those two things are def a part of the consideration, but by far not everything to me. Thanks for the posts...keep em rolling and I'm certainly interested in pictures.
Posted by: battlegun
acpower, I'm def. not ruling out the AC yet? I mentioned in my last post that AC and Yamaha are really sounding like the way to go for what I want. In fact, I have another post going in the Polaris room titled Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. vs Yamaha Grizzly 450 and a guy sent me a review in which Polaris was the winner...I responed by asking how? They claimed that Polaris was superior in rock climing etc etc. I can't figure that if they are limited slip?? I'm no pro or even close, but I would tend to think that a locking 4WD would dominate this scenario. I was also impressed with how well the y 450 did against the 500 class comp. I asked what would happen if I blind folded my wife and got the Griz 660...it would surely be superior.
Talk to me about the braking on the AC.
Posted by: battlegun
toyeboy
I ruled out the zuki because of the locker system. I was informed that you had to hold down a switch to lock and when you let off the switch it would unlock. I will admit I haven't studied the zukis as much as the others...but that was an immediate turn off. As is the limited slip 4wd or AWD of the Polaris. I'm sure both have great 4wd systems, but I want a locking 4wd and don't understand why anyone wouldn't? I'm not bashing...don't think that. I hardly have the knowledge or experince to bash. I'm just going off instinct and what learning from the post and research. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or elaborate on why a limited slip is better (other than handling of course).
Also....Mykool61679 the above is pretty much why I have ruled out honda as well. Limited slip and no locking 4wd. I want to choose when the machine slips or grips. I know honda's a tough machine...and fairly priced as well, but I want a locker. Again, if you guys can give some feed back as to why the AWD (non locking) vs a locking 4wd is better I'm all ears...
thanks for the posts. Keep em going.
Posted by: battlegun
Yeah...I guess I got confused with the kawasaki and the zuki. I must be going into number overload.
Can either of you (crazystever or acpower) tell me about the braking systems? As I understand it AC has one lever to control all brakes at the same time and I assume (man I hate to do that) that the Y has both a lever control and foot brake.
I would think that the single lever brake control mixed with some of the steep hills in my area could equal bad news. My property has plenty of hill and it gets steep in some parts.
That was good info there acpower on the pricing. I have researched prices but all were on the web and of course MSRP. I was under the assumption (dang it) that that price could always be knocked down. Good comparison though...it would be hard to turn that down. I mean I'm all about getting the most bang for the buck or else I wouldn't be bugging the crap out of ya'll.
Posted by: battlegun
H1...that means Hemi Head if my research is correct?
More zuki talk...keeps getting my curosity up....I hope I have time in the am to look at the zuki's.
So I was incorrect in that the AC only has one brake control. That's a good thing.
Thanks
Posted by: battlegun
Geez. I seen that coming a mile away.
No fighting...just hook the chain.
Posted by: battlegun
I'm not afraid to navigate the woods alone. I never leave the house on an expidition without a map, compass, and gps. If my buddies leave me then they'll all go hungry because my slow ass will have all the food, beer, and camp gear so they can ride like idiots.
I have mentioned that I am not a risk taker anymore. (Funny how I can say that in the middle of a combat zone???)
I agree that the popo and the can-am are very tempting rides, but I am still looking at what i will do most with the machine. low end torque is key. I want to choose when the 4wd is in or out, and speed is a secondary lux that I will sacrifice (slightly) for the previous. Besides, I find it hard to believe that if everyone had the same riding capabilities, that the can-am, poloris, yamaha, suzuki, ac, or honda would leave anyone in the dust (well, maybe the canam). I think all of these machines (in the same class) will perform closely. I mean common. You think the polaris would pull away from the y, ac, or suki like a race horse from a donkey? Let's be fair.
I'm dangling the chain...who wants to back up their pride?
Just kiddin...ya'll keep em going.
Posted by: battlegun
Rick...while you spouted consistant and good information, you obviously didn't read my post.
I'm going to try to be a diplomat here even though your post came close to pissing me off.
As I just stated in the previous post, I do not plan on riding like a bat out of hell. I want the ATV for work first, then play and if I sit on the damn thing for hours making sounds like a kid playing in the sand box that's my buisness. I have not rode any of the ATV's listed so I have no clue. The polaris may be the best one but how would I know? I just know what I know about 4wd and what people have said in these threads. I appreciate the information, but please don't insult me in my own post.
If you would have read my previous post closely, you would know my intents for whichever machine I buy. And I also know the final decision will be made by the test drive and the dealer price.
The only ride I have completely ruled out is Honda even though I know they are a good ride, just not what I'm looking for. And your post did not convince me that a AWD or whatever you want to call it is the right choice for me. Most of the trails I know ARE jeep trails. There's nothing smooth and easy about any of it. Rocks, deep ruts, logs, etc. So when I get done using it to improve my land, and decide to take an expidition, I will not drive fast. I will drive slow and take in the beauty
of the American landscape. I'm not in this to be a dare devil. I'm in this to enjoy my time and improve my families lifestyle.
Thanks for the post, but please...take it easy on the rookie guys like me.
Posted by: battlegun
No hard feelings Rick. I will admitt that I am a bit stressed and my buttons are pretty easy to push. I should not have jumped on the reply so fast. After reading again just now, it didn't sound as bad as I made it out to be. Hey, I'm only human and this place has been getting to me lately.
Thanks for not taking offense to my defense. And thanks for the posts too. When I get a chance I'll sit down look hard at everything everyone has posted and put it all on paper to put it in better persective for me.
If I were at home I would be at the dealerships bugging the crap out of them but that ain't happening so everyone's opinions in here are kinda like my test ride for now.
Thanks again.
Posted by: battlegun
Preciate the help hep. I was asking about prices and what not in my related posts in the Polaris section. (500ho vs griz 450). Rick did some scouting and ironicaly enough I did some pricing as well on Ebay. The only place I could find with prices other than MSRP's. ( haven't had a chance to the grizcentral site yet)
I'm now trying to find out what I can get for my money. Now that everyone has given me such great information on these machines the next step is to see which one will give the most for my money either with used or a good dealership price.
Posted by: Vinson'sVinson
I currently ride a Suzuki Vinson 500. The only thing I have done was put Vampire tires on it for that extra little bit of traction. I use it for work as much as play. We have a 127 acre hay farm and about 300 acres of woods. In the woods it is a mud hole, hill climbing, trail running brute. On the farm, we use it for raking the hay, checking fence lines, and cutting fire wood. We usually take a 6 x 12 trailer into the woods and cut and split till the trailer tires are just about to rub and pull it back to the wood shed. It does havea solid rear axle, so it is very stable when pullig heavy loads. All of this without rattling your insides. It is a very comfortable ride. Check the stats out at suzuki.com. Hope this is helpful. Last but not least, Thank you and all of the service men and women that protect our country. Come home safe and good luck with finding the right ATV for your needs.
Posted by: Vinson'sVinson
I took my Suki Vinson 500 out to the farm over the weekend and had no troubles negotiating the steep hills and and rough terrain. Our farm is 120 acres in central Indiana. Some of the hills I was climbing are approx. 45 - 50 degee inclines. It was slick, trails were overgrown with brush, and downed trees in some places. So, I was pretty much making my own paths. I just put it into 4WD low and started crawling. I was really suprised witht he way it handled. After a fun day of riding on Saturday, I was using it on Sunday to haul 50, 60lbs. + bales of hay out of the fields at a time. It is a real work horse and I was pushing it way past the recommended towable weight. Like I said I am real happy with my Suki Vinson 500.
Just my $0.02 worth.
