Quad / ATV's

[Sky]

I am looking at buying a ATV. Right now I am looking at the Yamaha Grizzly 700 with the EPS. I have looked around and I think the Grizzly is hard to beat. Anyone out there a ATV fan? I was also looking at the Rhino but not sure if you can go the same places as a regular quad. This is mostly for fun and a bit of work around the house.

 

[WBlackburn]

The 700 Griz with power steeering is great. I am the president of an atv club here in colorado and there are several of these showing up in the club and eveyone really like them. That power steering really works good out here in all the rocks.

 

[Sky]

Thats what I plan on doing out here in Oregon is more rock and roots etc. 2008's are just rolling out now and they have a deal with a winch and a 2 year extended warranty.

 

['strokeThis_'07]

Id definately go with the Grizz 700. Its tough to beat the Yamahas, I have a Raptor 350 for now, but next is the 700R, then either a Grizzly 700 or a Rhino lengthened to a four seater with the regular bed behind.

 

[BimmerAgent]

Electronic Shift

Sky- We have 3 atv's. My favorite is my Honda Rubicon because of the electronic shift feature. You shift up or down by pushing a button on the handlebar. I don't know if the atv you're looking at has this feature, but I think it's worth looking at. Bruce

 

[AMink]

I'm new to the ATV scene. I got a Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI about a month and a half ago. I have over 350 miles on it so far. It ranges from flat as glass speed runs on a dry lake (indicated 58, reality probably 52 with GPS), sand, dirt "roads", desert washes, etc. I have been in places that I probably shouldn't have gone but the capability of the quad was higher than my good sense. :-laf The only problem I had was rough running and backfiring. Turned out to be the Mad Dog tank bag. The neoprene that goes over the tank has a hole for the filler. The cap is vented through the bottom and the neoprene didn't let it vent.



The IRS is awesome. My buddy rode behind me on a solid axle Honda and noted that the Polaris looked a lot more stable in the bumps, ruts, and off cambers. The transmission is a centrifical clutch type, with H, L, R, N, P selector on the right side. No problems there. It is recommended to use L range for constant riding under 7 mph, pulling, or plowing. Mine also has EBS, or Engine Braking System. It is amazing. Going down steep grades in lose rock, you don't even have to touch the brake. You actually have to stay on the throttle a little to keep moving. It will stop, and hold, the bike in place.



The only thing that I don't like a whole lot is the racks are composite instead of regular tubing. Makes it kind of hard to attach stuff, especially on the front rack, though I was able to attach a pronghorn antelope and ride 4 miles with no problems. The front rack does open to a small storage area. I keep a shovel and fire extinguisher in there, though you could fit some emergency gear in it.



Polaris has a 700 and 800 model if you need the extra oomph. Kinda wish I had it, but don't really see the need unless I was going to be pulling, hauling, plowing, etc. I definately recommend looking at the Polaris, just to check it out. Polaris also offers a 2-up seating arrangement (the X-2) that is slightly longer than the single seat. Good luck and have fun. These things are a blast!

 

[BigPapa]

The only thing that I don't like a whole lot is the racks are composite instead of regular tubing.

Have you checked out the Polaris Pop-Lock stuff? It's one of the advantages to the Polaris line. It's good stuff and works great. A little pricey, but for the versatility it's a good value.

Polaris also offers a 2-up seating arrangement (the X-2) that is slightly longer than the single seat.

Overall length is 3" longer for the X2.





One machine I haven't seen mentioned is the Can Am Outlanders. They are the top of the heap in power and performance right now. Also, Honda has power steering on some models.



Scott

 

[MCummings]

I think Can Am is the old Bombardier Brand?



Merrick

 

[THorn]

Personal preference is going to influence the final decision more then anything. I have an 06 Suzuki King Quad 700. I really like the EFI. Its faster (drag racing) then the Grizzly. Power steering worries me too, one more thing to break... . I went with the Suz for overall appearance, ease of use, fit and finish. If you want power, NOTHING compares to the kawasaki Brute Force 750 V-twin. Its plain scary for a utility quad. For general all around use, they ALL do very well. No matter what, enjoy it!

 

[BigPapa]

NOTHING compares to the kawasaki Brute Force 750 V-twin.

Andrew, go ride and Outlander 800 if you think the Brute Force is scary. Or better yet, a Renegade. It doesn't have the electronic limiters the Outlander's have. There IS nothing to compare to it.



Yep, Merrick. They changed the name 2 years ago. "Bombardier" was too hard for us rednecks to try to pronounce. :-laf Is it "Bombarder", "Bombraider", "Bomb-badeere"?



Scott

 

[BrandonWright]

I'd really like to ride one of these (1000cc Artic Cat):

ATV Source - Machine Reviews - 2007 - The Mighty Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000 - Page 1

But, my '98 Polaris Sportsman 500 does just fine.

 

['strokeThis_'07]

When it gets down to it, all ATVs these days have their faults as well as their pluses. I dont think you could really go wrong with any of them, just depends on your riding style as well as what is intended. Im just partial to Yamaha like I am to Dodges, Ive never had problems with either brands.

 

[AMink]

Have you checked out the Polaris Pop-Lock stuff? It's one of the advantages to the Polaris line. It's good stuff and works great. A little pricey, but for the versatility it's a good value.

I've looked at it, but there isn't a very big choice for the front rack. I was looking for a soft bag. They all come with straps. With the composite, there isn't a really good place to put the straps. I could build something, but it's just not top on my "list of things to do". :-laf

 

[MCummings]

Yep, Merrick. They changed the name 2 years ago. "Bombardier" was too hard for us rednecks to try to pronounce. :-laf Is it "Bombarder", "Bombraider", "Bomb-badeere"?



Scott

I just would say bombadeer,, "Ya know. The Yellow ones". )



Merrick

 

[AMink]

Bombardeeay?

 

[BimmerAgent]

Or is it bomba-derierre ? Bruce

 

[BigPapa]

No, no, no... ... ... ... . now it's just "Can Am".



Scott

 

[Sky]

Thanks Guys, I am leaning toward the Grizz right now. From what I can tell it is one of the very few that has the "true" 4 wheel lockers. Now I just have to justify paying $7800 or so for one. They have a deal right now with a winch and 2 year extended warranty.

 

[THorn]

AMink's got it right... . at least thats what the canucks say!

 

[NUKEMAN]

Can Am Outlander or Arctic Cat. I used to be a die hard Honda fan, until I rode an Outlander 400 H. O. Nothing compares to a Rotax for power. Their 400cc feels like a 600. The 800cc Outlander is absolutely insane and you really need to ride one to believe it. The quality of the Can Am's is by far the best.