Hi...I will be buying my own ATV in the next week or 2. I had thought I would get a Polaris Sportsman 400, but after reading some of the posts I am not so sure. My husband is getting his first one too, (a 2 up) so we will be new to this. (My son is probably going to end up with the Polaris Pred 90). Sounds like Polaris has a history of problems, but my son loves the look of the 90, and has his heart set on that. Since we are so new to this, I am not aware of all the issues with the various brands.

I am about 5'1" tall and wear a size XL (notice I will not reveal my weight)! Anyway, we will be doing mostly trail riding with them. I want one that is easy to handle, (especially steer), probably a 4 stroke 4X4 that isn't so darn heavy, and one that looks cool...maybe even flashy! It must also have a throttle that is easy to use, yet not overly sensitive. I will not be doing any modifying to it, just want to have fun! Price is down on the list of factors to think about in this investment.

If I have missed anything important in the selection process, let me know. Appreciate your input!

 

hmm...try a honda rancher...all time 4 wheel drive...and i know it will handle over 400lbs *should hold your LBS*

The rancher is not too big, seems to be bulletproof...and isnt...as ugly as some quads....and it isnt too bulky. It tops out at like 55...my cousin enjoys his and I can even have fun on these.

 

I agree the Rancher sounds good for you if you want 4x4.

For something in 2wd sport,,,maybe a honda 250ex,,,,or a suzuki z250.

 

Rancher 350 4x4

 

Rancher 400 AT is our vote. WE have a Bombardier Traxter also. I have to ride that as it is too bulky
and heavy for my wife. Our next quad will be another Honda 400. Full automatic as Ginny (my wife) and I never shift. We ride trails, logging roads, and creeks. The Honda so far has been bullet proof!!! Tha's good as I am NOT mechanical.

 

Oh gosh...feel like I <u>must</u> add my weight...I am about 170, so I am nowhere near 400 pounds!! I was thinking of a machine light enough for me to handle...NOT to handle me!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

We have looked at the Traxter for our 2Up...I am with your wife. I could not handle the thing. We are still deciding between the Bombardier Outlander, or the AC TRV.

So far, looks like I need to look at the Rancher. We barely looked at Hondas, because we found the salesman to be extremely rude and very condescending. Guess we will have to give them another look

 

The Honda Ranchers are good, but while you are looking around you may want to try out the 2005 Yamaha Kodiaks as well (they have a 400 and a 450). Dimension-wise the 400 and 450 are the same, they both have IRS (will provide you with a smoother ride than the Rancher will), automatic transmission and selectable 2WD / 4WD. The 450 gives you a little more power, a high / low range forward and a front diff lock like the Grizzly has…

 

take a look at the 250ex/z250 too!!!!

 

Take a look at the Suzuki Eiger also.

 

Are you looking in the $5500. to $6000. range? I'm assuming this because of the Polaris Sportsman retail price.

First of all, you can handle anything any man can handle. It's just a matter of getting used to the different machines. Second of all, does 170 really mean 183? j/k Woman usually seem to use a different conversion table to determine their weight. It really doesn't matter.

The Kodiak 400 might be within your price range. It has a new independent suspension for 2005. The only thing I don't like is that it's a auto without a low gear. The 450 has a high and low but retails for $6199.

The Foreman 450S has a retail of $5799. Nice reliable machine with a selectable 4x4. Shouldn't be too big for you. It depends on if you want to shift or an auto.

Others to consider are the Eiger 400 auto or semi-auto, Bruin 350 auto, Rancher 350 semi-auto, and maybe even a Wolverine 350 semi-auto. There are alot of models to choose from. Some I haven't even mentioned.

How much $$ do you want to spend?