Utility ATV's

[Fine69]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I have been leaning towards the Polaris. I'm gonna stop by a few dealers this week. Anybody else have any opinions, they're welcome!

 

[Crumm]

I have run Yamaha in the past with good luck but am currently trying out a Honda Rubicon. I selected the Rubicon for the cool transmission .

The title of your thread is "Utility" yet you list the 700 and 800 machines. What are your plans for the ATV? If you are going to mainly play then the big power is nice but for a all around hunting, fishing, plowing and general utility use a 500 is just as useful. The big power is nice of you are headed out with the boys to hit the big bogs but for a dependable/economical Utility ATV you might check into some of the smaller displacement machines. I know some guys that run 400's and smaller and can pack out just as much meat as the big boys. The key is in the gearing rather than the power. When out in the bush I am in low gear crawling over stumps most of the time so I just don't need a 800 to get it done besides the fact that a 800 is too heavy to pack in the boat. Your terrain may call for more power...

 

[F350DRW1]

I have an 02 700 Sportsman thats been thru hell, and keeps coming back for more. Also have 2 Scramblers my wife and daughter thrash at every chance. Not sure you could go wrong on any of your picks, really. Ride them all, see which one trips your trigger. Whatever you get, good luck, and wear a good helmet!!

 

[Fine69]

I have run Yamaha in the past with good luck but am currently trying out a Honda Rubicon. I selected the Rubicon for the cool transmission .

The title of your thread is "Utility" yet you list the 700 and 800 machines. What are your plans for the ATV? If you are going to mainly play then the big power is nice but for a all around hunting, fishing, plowing and general utility use a 500 is just as useful. The big power is nice of you are headed out with the boys to hit the big bogs but for a dependable/economical Utility ATV you might check into some of the smaller displacement machines. I know some guys that run 400's and smaller and can pack out just as much meat as the big boys. The key is in the gearing rather than the power. When out in the bush I am in low gear crawling over stumps most of the time so I just don't need a 800 to get it done besides the fact that a 800 is too heavy to pack in the boat. Your terrain may call for more power...

First, thanks for all the replies! I appreciate all the help. I mainly plan to use the quad for trail riding, but will also use it for plowing snow, and doing odd jobs around the house and barn. As far as the smaller quads, I see what you mean, but me being 6'-5", and 290 lbs., I'm a firm believer in "Bigger is Better", when it comes to anything with an engine. Back in my teens, I raced Honda Fourtrax 250R's for quite a while, so I'm not really a beginner, just getting back into it after spending a while on Harleys. Keep all the good advice coming guys, I appreciate it.

 

[DragonSlayer]

i love my yamaha 450 kodiak, its an '05 so it has independent rear susp. like the polaris...its also for sale...hint, hint gotta sell it because of the new baby, man she is expensive