Best ATV???

[JR2]

Well the time has come to add another toy to my toy box. Any one have an opnion on the best ATV for the $$$.
I do not race around, this thing is for plowing the driveway, hunting and dinking around on the trails. The trails here in AK can be wet, muddy and full of rivers and mudholes.
Right now I am looking at a new 2000 Suzuki Quadrunner (manual, no belt drive for me) for $5400. I also like the Honda Rubicon. . but it is pricy at $7100.

Thanks in advance

 

[Okie-Go]

I have a Honda 300 two wheel drive. Bought new in 96. No problems at all,replaced tires last fall. I change oil twice a year. My next one will be a Honda 350 or 400 4wheel drive. Your brands you mentioned are the only two I would consider. boils down to personal preference I think. Have fun choosing.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[tron1959]

$7100 for Rubicon??? I saw an ad for Honda of Lafayette for $5,995.

I own Hondas and Polaris. Both are dependable. The Polaris's had problems a few years ago but have improved tremendously. Some of my friends who have been die hard Honda drivers are switching to Polaris.

I like the disc brakes on the Polaris and the independent suspension (Sportsman model). I have worked on the Hondas more but they have been in the muck more. I cannot imagine why Honda does not use disc brakes on anything other than their sport ATV's.

I also will soon purchase a new ATV. I have narrowed it down to a Honda Rubicon or Polaris Sportsman 500 H. O. I have a 1999 Polaris Scrambler 500 which has the H. O. engine. This is a powerful and dependable engine.

The Polaris has the Honda beat on Ground clearance, brakes, suspension and the four wheel drive suspension. One can truly appreciate ground clearance and all 4 wheels turning in good old Louisian swamp mud. Honda has a limited slip front axle. This will translate to a one wheel on the ground situation with power when you are high centered. The Polaris will have power to front and rear wheel on one side if you are high centered and rock from side to side. I have seen Polaris ATV's bone stock walk away from Hondas with aggressive aftermarket tires and lift kits because of limited slip (in the mud of course).

At least the Honda Rubicon has almost as much clearance as the Polaris Sportsman. The Honda is also 60 pounds lighter at 600 pounds versus 660 pounds for the Sportsman.

The Honda looks better. I have my scrambler up for sale. If I sell it then I have to make a decision. If I don't get a decent offer I will keep it and will skip the new ride. .

 

[outlawram]

polaris 500 H. O. is my choice on this one. I have been through alot of mud and snow with it. Unbelievable where you can go with one of these.

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1999 2500 white quad cab sport diesel. loaded, leather. JRE 4" Straight pipe,JRE injectors,K/N Filter,lund luner visor,lund wiper cowl,Westin nerf bars,silencer removed, 35" tires on 16. 5"x10" rims,bushwacker fender flares. Hadley air horns.

 

[Hale on wheels]

I have a Kawasaki 300 that has been through a lot of torture, and is still going strong. You can check out http://www.atvconnection.com for some reviews.

 

[FAB]

I just bought a 2001 Suzuki King Quad 300(5spd). This is a nice nimble machine, perfect for rough woods and tight trails. The selling point for us was independant front and rear suspension (similar to polaris), High-low and ultra low trans ranges, selectable 2/4WD, and most importantly mechanical front differential lock! Paid about $5k. Quad Runner 5 speed goes for about $6100. 00 around here. Happy Wheelin'!

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2001. 5 2500 ETH SLT QC SB 3. 54 Hd 241 Camper, tow,

 

[RonaldLarson]

My Arctic Cat, 1998 300 4X4 is one I would choose again without hesitation. I have moved two foot deep snow with ease, been on trails that some folks would not attempt to walk, and enjoy a softer smoother ride with four wheel independant suspension. It is powered by a Suzuki with five gear transmission, THREE range axle (high, low, super low) and has a simple and reliable axle disconnect for two wheel/four wheel drive controlled by a handle. I'm a Honda believer, but one ride on a Cat or Suzuki will convince you. Oh, by the way, no failures in three years, despite using it for a snow plow, landscape machine and hard fun.
Ron


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'99 QC SLT 4X4, Forest Green, long box, camper/trailer pkg, 3. 55 axles, auto, CD/cassette, power seat, heated mirrors, HD xfer case, Two meter Radioshack ham transceiver (license KC7MME),Proud member of the vast right wing conspiracy!
'98 Arctic Cat 300 4X4 ATV
'00 Honda Recon ATV
'99 Grand Cherokee
NRA Life member
"Bible thumping" Rush Dittohead!

 

[K_Arts]

I'm with OutlawRam on this one. I have a 99 Polaris Sportsman 335 and I love it. I have been in all kinds of mud and snow and never had a problem. I also have a Warn 1500lb winch on front with a snow plow and my ATV, just keeps on goin.

This is one very happy Polaris Owner.

Kev

 

[gitchesum]

We've got real good service out of the Yamaha Big Bears. They're 3 years old and had been through some pretty hard riding and have stayed together pretty good.


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Curtis Harris
1997 3500 Club Cab
"CASPER"
Check out the Lone Star TDR

 

[R.E. Miller]

Polaris 500 H. O. no flak, stand on the go button on a good traction surface front wheels up up and away #ad
These things don't quit, don't buy an older one, they are harder to work on. #ad

 

[arlan]

I have a 1998 Sportsman 500. Excellent machine. Goes places I won't dare and I can ride all day without getting tired. We have done a couple rides in excess of 100 miles. Other guys on lesser machines come in crying. What is harder to work on on the older SP 500? I know they have 4 extra zerk fittings and the head light housing has a couple of hard to get a screws but that's about it. I just finished servicing mine and doing the brakes. Gonna head out for Utah in about a month and ride all the trail around Moab.

 

[Walker]

I've got the Yamaha Grizzly 600 4x4. Been in more mud and snow (glad I got the winch), and even been plenty of places I couldn't even walk on.

I just read an ATV "shootout" article on the Grizz vs. the Sportsman, and the Sportsman pretty much cleaned house on everything but total power (which the Grizzly barely won).

But, my next one will be the Polaris Sportsman 500 H. O. unless, they get something bigger and badder before I'm ready to buy.

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2001 2500 SLT QC 4x4 ETC 5spd LWB 3. 54 Black/Agate leather. DD2's w/boost module, DD4" exhaust, ISSpro boost/pyro gauges. Custom full bumper/brush guard and headache rack, Seal-Tite tool box, B&W turnover ball.

 

[JR2]

Well guys thanks for the advice, I went ahead and bought the suzuki 500 Quadrunner. I got it for 5200 with a warn 2K lb winch which in AK is a smoking deal. The closest competition was the Honda Rubicon with that fancy hydrualic transmission for 7100. Any one got any ideas for bombing my new toy?


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John D. Rathert Jr.
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01 2500 Forrest Green Sport SLT+ QC LWB 4x4 Auto 3. 54 rear end with all options avail. DC Nerf Bars, DC Grill Guard, DC mud flaps, Line-X bed liner, Leer 160XL Topper, Power Edge, EZ Edge, SPA Boost/EGT Gauge on pillar mount, DDT's tc/vb combo, 275 RV injectors, DD 4" Exhaust and a KN RE0880 where the air box use to be. New turbo (HX40), SS fuel lines and bigger injectors in planning stages... . See My Truck, Dads truck: 98. 5 3500 SLT QC LWB 4x4, Brother Truck: 92 W250 SLT CC LWB 4x4 (Dads old truck) Winter fun - 2000 Skidoo Summit 700
I am my own warranty station.
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[John]

I purchased my '00 Polaris Sportsman 500 6x6 to use on our small farm. The 6x6 allows me to haul quite a load without having to use a trailer and screw around backing up same. #ad
So far it has worked out very well. I have had all six wheels buried up to the tops of the tires in mud and easily horsepowered right out. #ad
When I run over to the neighbors for something I just take the 6x... very versatile machine (especially with the use of the Warn 2500 lb. winch).

 

[HDH]

I just Bought a 2001 Polaris 500 HO Sportsman. I love it!. The Wifey likes it too because of the Auto Trans. 65mph top speed!.
I just Heard the Kawasaki is Coming out with a Vtwin 650 4x4. I cant wait to see that!.
Doug.

[This message has been edited by DieselRam (edited 03-15-2001). ]