four wheelers, need advice
Still kicking!!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 6
From: Kalispell, Mt.
There are so many good brands out there, you are asking a tough question. One that can be answered with a lot of biased opinions and experiences. I used to think I'd want a Honda 4x4, but now there are so many to choose from it's a tough decision.
First you need to look at what you are going to be mainly using it for. What main type terrain are you going to be on? How large are you and do you want to go fast or just cruise?
I was at a show in the mall a couple weeks ago and fell heads over heals for a monster of a machine. The tires had ***** that would NOT quit. It even had a strap on back seat for a rider to sit behind and above you, while affording you a nice back rest. The dang thing stood almost 5 feet high at the handle bars. They ONLY wanted $8800+ for it.
I guess you need to post what your needs and activities will be, in order to get a better and more accurate response.
First you need to look at what you are going to be mainly using it for. What main type terrain are you going to be on? How large are you and do you want to go fast or just cruise?
I was at a show in the mall a couple weeks ago and fell heads over heals for a monster of a machine. The tires had ***** that would NOT quit. It even had a strap on back seat for a rider to sit behind and above you, while affording you a nice back rest. The dang thing stood almost 5 feet high at the handle bars. They ONLY wanted $8800+ for it.
I guess you need to post what your needs and activities will be, in order to get a better and more accurate response.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2002
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From: American by birth, TEXAN
well i am an average sized guy, 5' 10", 185 lbs or so, andf i plan on using it mainly for mudding, rolling in the woods, etc, dont want a racing one, or an underpowered one...
does that help? 4x4 preferable
does that help? 4x4 preferable
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Magrath
Originally Posted by Vanhecht
well i am an average sized guy, 5' 10", 185 lbs or so, andf i plan on using it mainly for mudding, rolling in the woods, etc, dont want a racing one, or an underpowered one...
does that help? 4x4 preferable
does that help? 4x4 preferable
The only other brand of machine I would buy would be the Yamaha. I am sure I will get a few negitive coments back because of this but I have ridden several Polaris and Arctic Cat machines and did not like them at all.
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 16
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From: NE TX
I bought a Kawasaki Prairie 360 last year and love it. I thought I really need the 4X4 and winch, but I've only used 4 wheel one time to get out of a mudhole and only let the cable out of the winch one time to stretch it back on to the spool. Unless 4X4 is a necessity, I'd probably skip on it to save about $1K.
The main thing that sold me on the Kawasaki was the enclosed rear brake - it's a wet brake in the differential housing. Since I spend a lot of time in fairly deep muddy water (the back of my property floods frequently), I figured this might help make the brake last longer.
I'm 6'-0" and check in at about 260#. The 360 is plenty of machine for me. If I want to go fast, I jump on my Electraglide.
The main thing that sold me on the Kawasaki was the enclosed rear brake - it's a wet brake in the differential housing. Since I spend a lot of time in fairly deep muddy water (the back of my property floods frequently), I figured this might help make the brake last longer.
I'm 6'-0" and check in at about 260#. The 360 is plenty of machine for me. If I want to go fast, I jump on my Electraglide.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 552
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From: Northern, Va
I bought a used 87 yamaha 350 warrior he is 15 now but last year he removed the engine & I helped him tear it down it only needed a rering but he wanted lot's of power so he ordered a stroker kit . We cleaned it up I ported the cyl. head I also showed him how to do it himself for his next project recived piston kit & camshaft took the cyl. to have it bored. helped him put it back together , we installednew chains & chain guides. Don
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Twin Cities, MN
I have a 2002 polaris sportsman 700, and no I wouldn't recommend one of these twins cylinder models. I intend to back to a single cylinder next time around.
The 700 gets along too good with the gas that makes it go. I fill the thing up more than I ever filled up the old trail boss.
Now I went with the polaris for dumb reasons. I thought they look better and I think the seats are nicer.
My snowmobile is a 2001 skidoo and I'm very happy with that. No reason to change to something else.
The 700 gets along too good with the gas that makes it go. I fill the thing up more than I ever filled up the old trail boss.
Now I went with the polaris for dumb reasons. I thought they look better and I think the seats are nicer.
My snowmobile is a 2001 skidoo and I'm very happy with that. No reason to change to something else.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 723
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From: Lolo Montana
I have 2 2004.5 Polaris 500 H.O. And yes, they suck down the gas. I get maybe 65 miles to a trip. Power is no problem. I like the engine braking when going down a hill. This year they are to come out with a 800 EFI 2 seater. My wife likes to go but not drive. She's afraid to drive in the places that my son and I go. The 500 is not enough for 2 people. No a 4x4 is not always a must, however, having it saves on parts when fighting mud and snow. And can save a long walk out. Same thought as to having a four wheel drive truck or SUV. Only if you think you need it. I always find that I need it. Just because it's there, I have to go into it. You would think that someday I would learn.
I might suggest that you check to see if there is a ATV club around your area and check what most of them drive. They all have pro's and con's. It's not like Ford and the rest of the world. You have a Ford or you have nothing.
Tom
I might suggest that you check to see if there is a ATV club around your area and check what most of them drive. They all have pro's and con's. It's not like Ford and the rest of the world. You have a Ford or you have nothing.
Tom
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 997
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From: Corydon US of A
I was looking to buy a ATV about a year ago and tried several brands. I was impressed with Bombardier ATV's at the time, they seemed to be well built and had plenty of get up and go. They also have Rotax engines which i know are pretty good (they are used in several light aircraft). I only got to test drive these though so i cant vouch durability.
As far as lasting forever I have a buddy who has over 10,000 (hard!) miles on a Honda Foreman 400, and still runs great. You cant hurt thoses things.
Dave
As far as lasting forever I have a buddy who has over 10,000 (hard!) miles on a Honda Foreman 400, and still runs great. You cant hurt thoses things.
Dave
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 769
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From: Idaho cda postfalls
as a mechanic on four wheels and motorcycles i have two things to say yamaha and honda, easy to work on.they get good fuel mileage. they are not huge feeling when sitting on them. in our region a polaris is to heavy to legally get a off road sticker for. then theres that twin cylinder even fire 600 700 have plenty of power but if you have false teeth it will ratte them out. almost need to replace the belts once a year expecially if you abuse it. worked on alot of machines and like the yamahas and hondas the best long lasting and been around for years. just my two cents.
Admom
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,414
Likes: 201
From: Silver Springs
Tires, tires, tires...........
We have a 1996 4x4 Honda 300 and a 2003 2x4 Honda 350. I can't tell you how either will work in snow because we haven't had that problem in many years, but in mud and deeper waters the 2x4 does just as well as our 4x4, someplaces better. The front tires on the 2x4 float and the rears (bear claws) grip to push it along. The 4x4 has a heavier front end and lesser tires so you have to really floor it to get thru the mud, muck & water. I get the 4x4 9 out of 10 times cause Steve loves the way the 2x4 handles plus I have the winch which I need more times than him. From what I've seen, it comes down to the tires & terain you plan on traveling - with a Honda of course.
Oooo - another good thing about the Honda - it's not belt driven so the water doesn't affect it as much.
Honda - most any model
We have a 1996 4x4 Honda 300 and a 2003 2x4 Honda 350. I can't tell you how either will work in snow because we haven't had that problem in many years, but in mud and deeper waters the 2x4 does just as well as our 4x4, someplaces better. The front tires on the 2x4 float and the rears (bear claws) grip to push it along. The 4x4 has a heavier front end and lesser tires so you have to really floor it to get thru the mud, muck & water. I get the 4x4 9 out of 10 times cause Steve loves the way the 2x4 handles plus I have the winch which I need more times than him. From what I've seen, it comes down to the tires & terain you plan on traveling - with a Honda of course.
Oooo - another good thing about the Honda - it's not belt driven so the water doesn't affect it as much.
Honda - most any model
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 1
From: inver grove heights MN
i had a 2001 or 2002 yamaha big bear 400, which was a great machine but for me... just not enough power with those 27" mud tires... it took a hell of a beating though, and was reliable.
so i traded it for a 2003 yamaha grizzly 660, swapped those 27" mud tires and snow plow on there... id never look back on that purchase. been a great machine, does 62 MPH or so, pushes ALOT of snow, and rides smooth. only set back on this machine- is the price. i payed almost $7,000 for it, plus additional accesories..
but hey- i make 30 bucks plowing the neighboors driveways whenever we get big snow fall. in about 23 years itll have payed itself off.
so i traded it for a 2003 yamaha grizzly 660, swapped those 27" mud tires and snow plow on there... id never look back on that purchase. been a great machine, does 62 MPH or so, pushes ALOT of snow, and rides smooth. only set back on this machine- is the price. i payed almost $7,000 for it, plus additional accesories..
but hey- i make 30 bucks plowing the neighboors driveways whenever we get big snow fall. in about 23 years itll have payed itself off.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,769
Likes: 7
From: Gretna ,LA.
2004 Kawasaki 700 Prairie, fast, dependable,i use it mostly in deep mud.27" ITP 589's.The yamaha's are good,Kodiak,Grizzly.If you dont abuse it most are more than capable.Me personally,I dont like Honda's,but that is just me.I would suggest hopping on some atv forums.I know you are looking for a used one,so be on the lookout for ones that have been neglected from lack of care.There are so many variables, just dont get the Taiwonese ones.Adult owned atv's might be the best chance of finding one in good shape.
Carlene mentioned belts, which my Prairie has,i have get water up over the headlights,almost to the bottom of the handlebars before there is a chance of the belt getting wet.Belts are not a problem unless you sink the quad.Me personally would not get one you have to shift.Me and a friend w/600 Grizzly go thru some nasty,muddy goo without any mech problems.Here in S.Louisiana, we have some nasty mud and muck that will swallow a quad in no time.
Carlene mentioned belts, which my Prairie has,i have get water up over the headlights,almost to the bottom of the handlebars before there is a chance of the belt getting wet.Belts are not a problem unless you sink the quad.Me personally would not get one you have to shift.Me and a friend w/600 Grizzly go thru some nasty,muddy goo without any mech problems.Here in S.Louisiana, we have some nasty mud and muck that will swallow a quad in no time.
Last edited by V10KLZZ71S; Jan 24, 2005 at 11:29 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 270
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From: Carthage, IL
ive had 2 polarises and i hate them now the first was a 250 trail boss 2 cycle and had lots of power to it but it was one thing after another so i went to a 325 mag 4 stroke well it has no power and it is crap when you get to the cricks the belts get wet and your not going anywhere
next year at tax time im going to a new honda 4x4 with the auto shift and manual shift (switchable) with plow and winch in camo
next year at tax time im going to a new honda 4x4 with the auto shift and manual shift (switchable) with plow and winch in camo