Hi all,

I found the site while searching for ATV reviews....I've been reading on a couple different sites and would like to pick ya'lls brains for your opinions if ya don't mind...

Here's the ATVs I'm looking at:

Honda Rubicon/Rincon

Arctic Cat 500

Suzuki Vinson


I like the Honda for the realiabity history it has, shaft drive...but I'd really have to get the rincon to have the features that the others offer. I don't really want/need such a big ride..500 is about as big as I'm looking for.. and it's made in USA

To be honest I didn't even know A.C. made ATVs, but I really like the looks of that 500...and it's made in the USA...read a few reports about it and sounds very well made. Can you tell me what, if any are the weak points in it? what's breaking down on it or requiring shop time? I'm someone who adheres to the K.I.S.S theory so, with that said, how's the reliabilty of the auto trans? I'd probably get a manual one myself..

As for the suzuki, I've read that it's a pretty popular ute, and does well, I just don't really care for it's styling.


I appreciate anyone taking their time to respond with their thoughts..rock on.

\m/

 

All three of them are shaft drive.

The rincon is a 3 speed automatic with a torque converter.
The rubicon is a mechanical cvt.
The arctic cat is availible as a belt drive auto or auto clutch manual.
The vinson is availible as a belt drive auto or an auto clutch manual.

They are all good machines. The biggest factors in what you should purchase are simple. What you will use the machine for, and how comfortable you feel on the machine.

What are you planning on doing with your atv?

 

well I'm 6' 183lbs (average sized rider I guess) and have a couple buddies who are harpin on me to get one to go trail riding with em....I'd be doing average trail riding, old logging trails, mud, water, woods...and going on road trips with my buddies on a couple trips a year to hit some big trails/mud/etc..

 

What kind of machines do they ride and how nasty does the mud get where you ride?

 

One 98 Honda 450, and a new Polaris sportsman 400..don't know what the other 4-5 guys ride when they go on trips....I know that some places they've ridden have gotten pretty deep..both water & mud...

 

Text Just to let you know the Arctic Cat name uses Suzuki engines in all of their rides.(I'm pretty sure of this)So the made in the USA factor is only partially true?But I guess this does not matter of the importance of the wheeler you should decide to purchase. Arctic Cat's have alot of great features,great ground clearance,Multiple Rack System,metal grated floorboards,easy accesabile oil filter,independant suspension w/alot of travel.The Suzuki is a lighter machine and a little more sporty with different suspension setup,three headlights)handlebar and grill,less clearance,and same engine as the Cat.Try to get a chance to drive them or get some Dirtwheels,ATV Action Magazine,ect....arcticles and do a little reading on these machines you are considering.Also post topic on the other forums if you already haven't to get opinions of the actual owners of specified machines to get their helpful input.Good Luck!

 

If you dont think you want the rincon, then you dont have to have it. It costs a great deal more money than the others you listed

The vinson is probably the most trail oriented bike of the bunch, save for the rincon. It is a quick machine with good power and a nice ride. Coming off a rancher 350 it felt a little tall for me, but it is in the same ball park as the others in its class.

The AC 500 has an irs setup. This leaves you with a softer ride, and more ground clearance for large ruts, rocks, and holes. They are a very reliable machine and have great low end power. It is more work oreinted than the vinson.

The rubicon is honda's beefiest utility. It has gobs of low end power and is the best for work of the bunch, imo. It does have a rougher ride on the trail and is less refined than the other machines.

The reliability of these machines are all pretty good. Depending on transmission choice, maintenance is farily easy as well. The best advice I can give you is to go to your dealers and get on these machines. Ask to ride them. If they wont let you, go somewhere else. I know from my own experiences that a few minutes in the seat of one of these machines is worth a lot more than anything a dealer can tell me.

 

Suzuki does provide engines for all ac models except the 650.

 

A lot depends on what you will use your ATV for. The Cat is more of a work machine. It has a lot better rack capacity, ground clearance, and suspension travel. They are built like a tank. You don't hear about too many problems with them. My dad has a 2000 Cat 500 auto 4x4 and it has never had any problems, although now the muffer is starting to rust out, but that isn't too bad considering what it has been through. If a 500 is too big look at the 400's. Either way you are not going to get a bad machine. Ride them all and see who gives you a better deal. A good dealer makes a big difference too. That said, I know I will get some slack for this, but Gander Mountain is selling Cat's and they see to be pretty cheap. Good luck

 

i have a 04 ac 650 and i have only 79 miles on it but i find it great. lots of power, low range
tons of clearence, locker, irs, 2" reciever and the only problem is the limp mode but that is a voltage problem and my dealer tells me that they will have a fix in about a month
these are kawasaki drivetrains