HELP! We are looking to buy a new ATV, 4wd, minimum 400 cc for hunting, hauling and general utility work. Looking for suggestions. Happy problem huh?

 

the rubicon is very nice .if you need the most extreme power a full locker and IRS go with the brute.for normal hauling chores and great handling you will love the rubicon.i didnt find it to NOT be able to handle heavy loads .i towed serious weight and was satisfied with its power.any of these bikes are a good choice.the tranny on the rubicon is very quiet and very smooth.great for hunting.

 

First things first. These are three different ATV's and you will have to decide what you feel is best. No one can tell you what is the best bike, everyone is an expert with their own bike. But, I will tell you that Honda is reliable, Kawasaki is innovative and Polaris is the heavyweight power king. But of the three I would say for hunting, hauling, and general utility work look at the rubicon. The Transmission is what would sell it. It has plenty of power, especially in low gear, and can last a lifetime if taken care of. The next question is would you want in and out 4x4. The Rubicon is only 4x4 but is not as bad as it seems. The others can be put into 2 wd and that makes steering easier.

I also have to ask why you are looking at such big bores to start. The 450's and 500's are plenty of bike to do the work that you are talking about and they are also priced a little better. But if money is not the thing then go for the Honda, or try even the Grizz. I am bias on yamaha. But I would never ride a Polaris. That is just my 2 cents.

 

I agree with owlman. But write-in the Arctic Cats on the list. They also are good quads for what you want one for.

 

I would ride all of the bikes I narrow it down to first, I did. The grizz is tippy, the rubicon is all time 4x4, the BF seems cool ( I have never rode one) but I would go to the Kawi page and read a couple of complaints about them. I have the sportsman 700 efi, absolute perfect bike for me for hunting, plowing, chores, and having a blast on. Don't believe for a second when these people get on here and try to steer you away from polaris. Do they ever say to go try one yourself or just to stay away from them? I'm not a Jeff Gordon fan (go Jr.) but why do people REALLY bash Gordon? HE"S A THREAT, just like polaris.

 

Overall I'm not a Polaris fan but am Gordon fan however, I have to admit with a comment as true as that will go ride a SP800 before I buy a BF750. As far as the question at hand of this thread I have a 2003 Eiger 400 4x4 manual and have been very pleased with it's reliability and ruggedness.

 

Take a good look at the new 475cc Honda Foreman. It has a manual transmission (but you can get ES shifting if you insist), which I think is in the long run going to be way more trouble free than any of the autos! Plus, Trax-Lok selectable 2wd/4wd.

http://powersports.honda.com/atvs/ut...elId=TRX500FM5