Misc ATV suggestions

**btlook1** · 06-17-2017, 05:41 AM

I know there are some atv guys on here so looking for some suggestions.
Starting to look at purchasing a new 4 wheeler, not intersted in the side by sides or whatever they are.
Looking at Polaris they are higher $$ but have the most power. Will be used mainly for riding around the country side pastures etc. Not really trail riding. Will also be used for a little work now and then but mainly just messing around with.
Have an older 700 Polaris and been happy with it but it's not as dependable anymore. bout 14 years old so Looking to purchase new. Best deals? Other brands? What do you guys that have them think? Honda said to me more reliable but seem to be smaller less horse power and I would rather over kill a little bit then not have enough power it it's needed. Not looking for speed more of a work type. Suggestions?

Hog's Gone Fishin · 06-17-2017, 06:42 AM

I have a 2004 and a 2005 Polaris 700. Both run like new.

**HemiEd** · 06-17-2017, 07:37 AM

Four of my neighbors have now paid right at 20k for the four seat, with box, Polaris 4 wheel drive units. Crazy fast, climb about anything.

One of the neighbors got a Kubota for about the same money that is diesel and noisier than shit, obnoxious.

If I had that kind of cash to spend on one, I might just get a Polaris.

The Kawasaki mule a couple have looks kind of dated compared to the Polaris IMO.

The ones with John Deere units seem happy but they sound like they never get out of low gear.

For me, my modified Yamaha G16 cart is just fine since I don't do rough terrain.

**Edit, one of them bought one of those Brutus things at Home Depot and it is well made, but extremely underpowered with a 10hp Kohler engine.

**rockymtnchief** · 06-17-2017, 08:18 AM

I think I've ridden most of them. Polaris is my preference. I like the power and especially the suspension. The Can-Am has nice power, but I liked the Polaris suspension better.

If you're only using it in the pastures, all of them should be good enough. I liked the Honda for ranch work, but didn't care for it on trails.

Stay away from the real cheap Korean models. Engine trouble and soft suspensions are common with them. Not to mention, finding parts or someone to work on them. My step-dad has one (and a Polaris) and I told my daughters they're not allowed on the Korean thing. It feels like it will roll if not ridden very safely.

**Bwana** · 06-17-2017, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockymtnchief

Stay away from the real cheap Korean models. Engine trouble and soft suspensions are common with them. Not to mention, finding parts or someone to work on them.

Yep that's a good call as well.

**Buehler445** · 06-17-2017, 10:27 AM

I have a honda foreman. It is a 500 so it's smaller than you're used to. I don't know what you're needing the power for I haven't pulled anything very hard with it so I don't know what it will do. However I had a Bombardier 500 that I used to push header trailers around at better than 25000 lb so I'd guess the Honda also has more power than traction if you're going to pull very hard.

I like the Honda. It has an automatic transmission and power steering. Do not under any circumstances buy one without power steering. Motor has been really good for me (bought it used so it has a lot of hours).

Manager of Servitech (crop scouting service - the use the shot out of 4 wheelers). He said that's all they'll buy. They're buying 1. Reliability 2. Comfort. So that's where I went.

**Bwana** · 06-17-2017, 09:18 AM

I have been a Polaris fan for years. I currently have two sportsman XP models, an 850 and a 1000. I had never had power steering (EPS) before I got these two, but after having it, I would never go back. It sounds like you keep you machines for a long time, so spend the extra money up front and go this direction, you won't regret it.

I also go overboard on the winch system. Warn makes a great winch and generally they come with a 2500. I always upgrade to the 3500. I don't end up using the winch all the often, but when I do, I'm usually really stuck, or someone I'm riding with is.

The machine you have now has a carburetor. All the new stuff is EFI, (electronic fuel injection) which make a huge difference, practically at higher altitudes. You don't have to mess around with changing out jets.

As far as brands, like I said, I'm definitely a Polaris guy, they have never let me down.

As for as recalls, the only thing I have ever had a recall on is the exhaust system. I just had my one year old 1000 in on a recall to have some heat shields installed last month.

Honda has had some transmission Issues over the years on a couple of their models, Yamaha is alright, but has a lot rougher ride than a Polaris. Don't even think about an Artic Cat, they are complete pieces of crap. If I couldn't buy a Polaris, I would probably go Can am. They are fast, but I don't consider them as durable as a Polaris, they are lighter, which makes crossing higher stream flow a challenge and they aren't that great of a bang for your buck.

With all that being said, it sounds like the riding I do is considerably different than what you are going to use you machine for, but I'll say it one more time, go with the power steering.

kccrow · 06-17-2017, 10:49 AM

I'm a Polaris guy. They are so hard to beat across the board between reliability, stability, ride comfort and so forth.

**Perineum Ripper** · 06-17-2017, 11:13 AM

Going with Polaris, Can Am, or Honda is the way to go..I would say Polaris is at the top but all of them are damn good..go ride all of them or at least sit on them if you are going to spend lots of time sitting on them during your days

Go power steering and if you can afford to upgrade your tires as well..stock tires aren't bad but upgrading them will help if rainy or muddy riding comes along

**Bwana** · 06-17-2017, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac459

Going with Polaris, Can Am, or Honda is the way to go..I would say Polaris is at the top but all of them are damn good..go ride all of them or at least sit on them if you are going to spend lots of time sitting on them during your days

Go power steering and if you can afford to upgrade your tires as well..stock tires aren't bad but upgrading them will help if rainy or muddy riding comes along

Also a very solid take. The first thing I do when I buy a new Polaris is take off the POS Carlisle stock tires, stick them on Craigslist and replace them with Maxxis Bighorns.

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...rn-Radial-Tire

I was getting flats about every trip with the stock tires, with the Bighorns, I have only had one flat in 6 years and that's because I managed to sidewall the beast.

**Perineum Ripper** · 06-17-2017, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bwana

Also a very solid take. The first thing I do when I buy a new Polaris is take off the POS Carlisle stock tires, stick them on Craigslist and replace them with Maxxis Bighorns.

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...rn-Radial-Tire

I was getting flats about every trip with the stock tires, with the Bighorns, I have only had one flat in 6 years and that's because I managed to sidewall the beast.

The Bighorns are what I strapped on the Polaris Ranger and on the old Honda Rancher..love those tires

ChiefsHawk · 06-17-2017, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac459

The Bighorns are what I strapped on the Polaris Ranger and on the old Honda Rancher..love those tires

the bighorns are top and very reliable

Otter · 06-17-2017, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bwana

Also a very solid take. The first thing I do when I buy a new Polaris is take off the POS Carlisle stock tires, stick them on Craigslist and replace them with Maxxis Bighorns.

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...rn-Radial-Tire

I was getting flats about every trip with the stock tires, with the Bighorns, I have only had one flat in 6 years and that's because I managed to sidewall the beast.

Going to add my random thought into an otherwise well linear discussion: what were the ATVs we were riding out in Cooke City that we rented?

I was pretty impressed how they handled those trails and how forgiving they were for a guy of my ATV experience. Certainly allowed me to pull out of your brother getting stuck mid-trail and coming up at 30 mph without taking a dirt nap over that cliff on the left. Yamaha? Grizzly?

**Bwana** · 06-17-2017, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otter

Going to add my random thought into an otherwise well linear discussion: what were the ATVs we were riding out in Cooke City that we rented?

I was pretty impressed how they handled those trails and how forgiving they were for a guy of my ATV experience. Certainly allowed me to pull out of your brother getting stuck mid-trail and coming up at 30 mph without taking a dirt nap over that cliff on the left. Yamaha? Grizzly?

You know that's been along time, but I had my Polaris 700 at that time and I'm pretty sure what you guys rented were Yamaha 450's. I can try to dig through some old pictures and verify that.

ChiefsHawk · 06-17-2017, 01:11 PM

I know you said you werent interested in a side by side but you cant beat a polaris rzr. Have had mine since 2012 and love it. Im a c5 quad and the bucket seats are great. I'd honestly just look into them if money isnt a issue

06-17-2017, 05:41 AM	Topic Starter
btlook1 umm...what do I say here? Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: S.E. Kansas Casino cash: $9495227	ATV suggestions I know there are some atv guys on here so looking for some suggestions. Starting to look at purchasing a new 4 wheeler, not intersted in the side by sides or whatever they are. Looking at Polaris they are higher $$ but have the most power. Will be used mainly for riding around the country side pastures etc. Not really trail riding. Will also be used for a little work now and then but mainly just messing around with. Have an older 700 Polaris and been happy with it but it's not as dependable anymore. bout 14 years old so Looking to purchase new. Best deals? Other brands? What do you guys that have them think? Honda said to me more reliable but seem to be smaller less horse power and I would rather over kill a little bit then not have enough power it it's needed. Not looking for speed more of a work type. Suggestions?
Posts: 1,289

06-17-2017, 06:42 AM	#2
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1520477	I have a 2004 and a 2005 Polaris 700. Both run like new.
Posts: 40,379

06-17-2017, 07:37 AM	#3
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $3080564	Four of my neighbors have now paid right at 20k for the four seat, with box, Polaris 4 wheel drive units. Crazy fast, climb about anything. One of the neighbors got a Kubota for about the same money that is diesel and noisier than shit, obnoxious. If I had that kind of cash to spend on one, I might just get a Polaris. The Kawasaki mule a couple have looks kind of dated compared to the Polaris IMO. The ones with John Deere units seem happy but they sound like they never get out of low gear. For me, my modified Yamaha G16 cart is just fine since I don't do rough terrain. **Edit, one of them bought one of those Brutus things at Home Depot and it is well made, but extremely underpowered with a 10hp Kohler engine.
Posts: 33,470

06-17-2017, 08:18 AM	#4
rockymtnchief Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Crazys of Montana Casino cash: $10018968 VARSITY	I think I've ridden most of them. Polaris is my preference. I like the power and especially the suspension. The Can-Am has nice power, but I liked the Polaris suspension better. If you're only using it in the pastures, all of them should be good enough. I liked the Honda for ranch work, but didn't care for it on trails. Stay away from the real cheap Korean models. Engine trouble and soft suspensions are common with them. Not to mention, finding parts or someone to work on them. My step-dad has one (and a Polaris) and I told my daughters they're not allowed on the Korean thing. It feels like it will roll if not ridden very safely. __________________
Posts: 5,740

06-17-2017, 10:27 AM	#6
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $2114734	I have a honda foreman. It is a 500 so it's smaller than you're used to. I don't know what you're needing the power for I haven't pulled anything very hard with it so I don't know what it will do. However I had a Bombardier 500 that I used to push header trailers around at better than 25000 lb so I'd guess the Honda also has more power than traction if you're going to pull very hard. I like the Honda. It has an automatic transmission and power steering. Do not under any circumstances buy one without power steering. Motor has been really good for me (bought it used so it has a lot of hours). Manager of Servitech (crop scouting service - the use the shot out of 4 wheelers). He said that's all they'll buy. They're buying 1. Reliability 2. Comfort. So that's where I went.
Posts: 56,881

06-17-2017, 09:18 AM	#7
Bwana It's Five O'Clock Somewhere Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Billings, Montana Casino cash: $2139353647	I have been a Polaris fan for years. I currently have two sportsman XP models, an 850 and a 1000. I had never had power steering (EPS) before I got these two, but after having it, I would never go back. It sounds like you keep you machines for a long time, so spend the extra money up front and go this direction, you won't regret it. I also go overboard on the winch system. Warn makes a great winch and generally they come with a 2500. I always upgrade to the 3500. I don't end up using the winch all the often, but when I do, I'm usually really stuck, or someone I'm riding with is. The machine you have now has a carburetor. All the new stuff is EFI, (electronic fuel injection) which make a huge difference, practically at higher altitudes. You don't have to mess around with changing out jets. As far as brands, like I said, I'm definitely a Polaris guy, they have never let me down. As for as recalls, the only thing I have ever had a recall on is the exhaust system. I just had my one year old 1000 in on a recall to have some heat shields installed last month. Honda has had some transmission Issues over the years on a couple of their models, Yamaha is alright, but has a lot rougher ride than a Polaris. Don't even think about an Artic Cat, they are complete pieces of crap. If I couldn't buy a Polaris, I would probably go Can am. They are fast, but I don't consider them as durable as a Polaris, they are lighter, which makes crossing higher stream flow a challenge and they aren't that great of a bang for your buck. With all that being said, it sounds like the riding I do is considerably different than what you are going to use you machine for, but I'll say it one more time, go with the power steering. __________________ Adventure is dangerous....but monotony can kill you.
Posts: 69,772

06-17-2017, 10:49 AM	#8
kccrow MVP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan Casino cash: $3057078	I'm a Polaris guy. They are so hard to beat across the board between reliability, stability, ride comfort and so forth.
Posts: 12,681

06-17-2017, 11:13 AM	#9
Perineum Ripper Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Missouri Casino cash: $1729542	Going with Polaris, Can Am, or Honda is the way to go..I would say Polaris is at the top but all of them are damn good..go ride all of them or at least sit on them if you are going to spend lots of time sitting on them during your days Go power steering and if you can afford to upgrade your tires as well..stock tires aren't bad but upgrading them will help if rainy or muddy riding comes along
Posts: 5,223

06-17-2017, 01:11 PM	#15
ChiefsHawk Starter Join Date: Jul 2011 Casino cash: $2523775	I know you said you werent interested in a side by side but you cant beat a polaris rzr. Have had mine since 2012 and love it. Im a c5 quad and the bucket seats are great. I'd honestly just look into them if money isnt a issue
Posts: 347