Which ATV should I Get?

BogeyBoy82 · November 24, 2002

THIS POST IS OFF TOPIC. But honestly who looks in the other forum areas. I always post things in the aftermarket and lift areas and no one ever replies. You guys are more faithful to this poll. So whatcha think? Lookin to get a new toy. College is boring and its that time of year again to shoot some quacks.

nonstop · November 24, 2002

Have you considered the Suzuki Vinson 500?

I plan on getting one in the spring (Holy Crap I can't wait)

I just can't get myself to buy a Honda, everyone and there dog has one, and I don't want to be like everyone else, besides Suzuki was the first to make 4 wheelers.

TROYROBO · November 24, 2002

honda all the way---i own a 84 big red atv and have loved it since 1984-----family owned right off showroom floor my 2 cents worth troy :thumb:

ShimanoFisherman · November 24, 2002

Go with the Honda. The Hondamatic has proven itself in ATV applications with the Rubicon. My Rubicon has been ridden hard and put away wet with 26" Titan 589's and it runs like it did when I first got it. It's not as comforatable as some of the ones with IRS, but that wasn't very high on my list.

SilveradoWV · November 24, 2002

I voted for other because the Suzuki Eiger 400 wasnt listed, Vinson 500 is nice too but I think you wanted 400 class. The Eiger beats the Priarie in every dept except for the locker, not sure how it does compared to the other to excpet I will say the Eiger will give a more comfortable ride if your looking for that sort of thing, I know I do, because after a 60-70 mile trip it you'll be wishin you would have opted for a more comfortable riding ATV.

TxDoc · November 25, 2002

The First ATV:

1967: Honda, at the request of its U.S. division, begins working on a new product dealers could sell when motorcycle sales cool off in the winter.

1970: Honda introduces the first all-terrain vehicle. The three-wheeled US90 had a seven horsepower engine. It sells for $595.

1975: Honda improves its wheels and tires, making them less vulnerable to punctures.

1979: Yamaha introduces its first ATV, the YT125.

1981: Honda introduces the first high-performance two-stroke ATV adapted from motocross technology. Kawasaki introduces its first ATV, the KTL200-A1.

1982: Suzuki introduces its first ATVs, including the first four-wheeled ATV. It has an odometer, five forward speeds plus reverse.

1984: Yamaha and Honda begin selling four-wheeled ATVs.

1985: Polaris Industries of Medina becomes the first North American company to enter the ATV business, introducing snowmobile technology such as automatic transmissions to replace manual gearboxes. Kawasaki offers its first four-wheeled ATV.

Gov. Rudy Perpich rides the first Polaris ATV off the assembly line in Roseau, Minn. in 1985

1987: Polaris offers improved brakes and automatic four-wheel drive, replacing manual four-wheel drive.

Honda 2-stroke

1988: ATV manufacturers agree to stop selling three-wheeled models after the U.S. government raised safety concerns. The industry launches safety programs to train drivers.

1989: Kawasaki introduces its first model with four-wheel-drive, the Bayou 300 4x4.

1993: Kawasaki offers the first 400cc engine.

1995: Arctic Cat, based in Thief River Falls, Minn., begins production of ATVs.

1996: Arctic Cat ATVs go on sale.

1998: Bombardier of Montreal begins selling ATVs.

2000: Honda introduces a 500cc engine and continuously variable transmission.

2001: Polaris offers a 683cc engine, the largest ever, on its Sportsman model. It sells for $7,399.

Check out your dealer that may sell the bike to you. The best bike and worst dealer is a terrible combo. Also, ride any bike you are interested in...one will "feel" better to you.

I have a Rubicon that I got in the Summer of 2000. Over 2000 miles now. No problems. Run either 26-inch Titan 589s on stock wheels or the 28-inch Outlaws. Pics are Here

Rubicon with Outlaws

DuckhunterInTN · November 25, 2002

We have a pair of Rancher 4x4 Electric Shift (ES) models and they are great.

The only potential problem is that if you ride in deep water (over the tailpipe) continously then you may want to consider the manual shift model, as you have to let the motor drop to idle before you can shift into neutral and reverse. This could cause the motor to go dead while the pipe is under water, causing it to get sucked into the motor.

Either way, they are great bikes and are very reliable.

debo4x4 · November 25, 2002

You can't go wrong with a Honda. I got a Rancher back in August and love it. No more dragging out deer buy hand and saves me $5 in quarters not having to wash the 100 lbs of Georgia mud off my truck every weekend!

Roofer · November 25, 2002

I voted Kawi. It's like a Honda as far as reliabilty, but a honda will never catch a Kawi. The new Kawi atv's are really something else. You have to drive one to appreciate one. I am more pleased with my Kawi, than I have ever been with any of my quads.

The Vinson 500 is also a great machine.

OCFreedom · November 25, 2002

I have a Yamaha Raptor 660R Limited Edition.....I'm not so sure Honda or Kawasaki have anything that could catch me. And it looks tough.....black with blue flames? I tossed up that or the new Grizzly 660. Went with the raptor just cause it looks cool.

DuckhunterInTN · November 25, 2002

OCFreedom,

I might have a pretty good chance...Yamaha Banshee 350 w/ FMF pipes, rejetted carbs and a K&N kit. I wish I had your electric start and reverse, though

I love that color scheme on your Raptor. It is one of the meanest looking ATVs out, and they sound like a big block rumbling through the woods.

OCFreedom · November 25, 2002

Yeah.....its pretty tough....mine's pretty much stock..new filter and pipe...I went with the supertrapp...

TxDoc · November 25, 2002

The new Kawa KFX700 V-twin Sport is 509 lbs, and the Raptor is 389 lbs, and the DS650 is 535 lbs. (this is from memory, so I could be corrected)

If you are going to use it for duckhunting, you will probably need the advantage of 4WD and need the power to turn some larger tires and add a winch. If you carry a perot, then Montana Jacks makes this boat carrier

that you could take it in and out with. You could even haul a little trailer with your decoys and possibly a dog carrier, if needed.

OCFreedom · November 25, 2002

Man i just realized we were talking about a #### fourwheeler for duckhuntin. Try the Grizzly, Honda Rincon, or the Polaris Sportsman. Sorry man, I'm a friggin nucklehead.

clk7711 · November 25, 2002

I don't think you can go wrong nowadays with new four wheelers. I bought a Suzuki 250 a couple of years ago and have had zero problems. I would go with the one that suits your needs the best.

Good Luck.