I'm getting ready to buy my first ATV this year and was hoping someone with a little experiance could point me in the right direction. I've been to several dealerships and read a lot of reviews but they aren't helping much. The only things that I do know are that I want a 4x4 that is no smaller than a 400cc and preferrably an auto transmission. The ATV will be used primarily for hunting and trailriding. It will have to cross creeks (1-2 feet deep), moderate rocky terrain, climb steep hills and ridges, and be able to carry myself, a deer, and my gear. I've been kinda leaning towards an Arctic Cat 500 because it seems to have enough ground clearance, a lot of suspension travel, and a lower center of gravity. The only bad thing I have heard about it is the independent suspension causes it to sway and dive into corners. I would really appreciate it if someone with experiance would leave their opinion and or comments about the AC500 or any other 4-wheeler that would help me purchase the best ATV for me. Thanks

 

I have ridden the arctic cat 500. It is an awesome quad and got through everything I put it through. It won't have a problem at all going through the little rivers you were talking about. I have ridden a polaris sportsman 400 alot too. The arctic cat seemed to have a lot more power.

 

I appreciate the feedback Aken. I've ridden the AC500, but only on a paved parking lot. I'm sure there will be a big difference once I ride one off-road. I might go to a dealership and try a Polaris. From what I have read, they have the most comfortable ride. The ATVs that I'm considering are the Honda Rubicon, AC500, Polaris 500HO, and the Suzuki Vinson. The things that I am confused about are independent/swingarm suspension, belt/mechanical drive, liquid cooled/oil cooled. Is there really much difference between all of these things or am I being to picky?

 

Check out a 500HO Sportsman and the Yamaha 450 Kodiak.Both are good machines and perform better than the Cats

 

Hey FTW, thanks for the feedback. How are those bikes on reliability? As a matter of fact, if anyone can leave some feedback on their ATV, it would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Newer Sportsmans are really reliable.Now I am not sure about the 450 Kodiak but if it if any thing like the 400 you couldnt beat it. Both are good machines go test ride them and compare.

 

I'm a deer hunter to. I went with the Arctic Cat 500i 5speed hi/low range. Why? Stability It's 47.5 inches
wide and 50 inch wheel base. It's almost as wide as it is long. Disc brakes front and back(not drum) very important. water cooled, start in gear feature, Suzuki makes the engine, they last longer than the polaris engines and been around alot longer to. Their not a sport Quad by no means, but if you deer hunt they are perfect. I hualed a10 point 260 ponder down from the top of the mountain, no problem. mine tops out
at 56 MPH. I paid $5,500.00 (new) they threw in the camo skin, (mossey oak) free.





2002 Arctic Cat 500i 5 speed (stock, don't have to trick it out to get it to preform)

 

Scat, thanks for the feedback. Did you have any trouble with the suspension side riding on the mountains? The Sportsman and Cat both have Independent Suspension but the Sportsman has an antisway bar which Im not sure if it makes that much difference. I think I've narrowed it down to the AC500 Automatic and the Sportsman 500. Went and looked at the Polaris today and the only gripe I had about it were the plastic racks and the fact that they looked so narrow. I havent done a lot of pricing yet but the places I checked wanted $6100 for a 2003 Sportsman 500 and the AC500 Auto was $6575. I'm not sure if those are good deals or not. I didn't get to test drive it because most of the dealerships around here are in the city so there isnt anywhere to ride. If anyone knows if these prices are high/low/normal, please let me know.

 

deer hunter the price for the cat you looked at is to high. $5,700.00 is a good price with winch. Afriend of mine is buying an atv,he has been looking for months and decided to get the AC 500. went to Bell suzuki
in lexington they wanted $6,700.00 to much, then went to brewer tractor supply, $5,700.00 for 500i and
$4,600.00 for the 400i both with winches.2003. If you look around,check the web, or drive a little ways
you can find the right price. I'm 6:3 245lbs had no problem with the deer on back. Back rack is rated 200lbs, Front rack 100lbs. My friends dad has a yama big bear good atv, but he is going to trade for a Cat
too

 

I have recently bought an atv with the same guidelines as you. All the dealers said to get four wheel drive and definately get a shaft driven one. We were looking for anything. The polaris sportsman 500 is what it came out to be with great gound clearence lots of power and a very smooth ride. I'm not saying any of the others aren't as good but polaris is a very nice machine just make sure it has true 4 wheel drive. and make sure you get a watercooled 4 stroke engine.