There has been recent excellent review on the Rubicon at this forum, so I'll try not to cover the same stuff. I'm a first time ATV buyer. Spent most of my time looking at the King Quad, Grizzly and Sportsman 700 EFI. Trouble is, I keep finding problems with these machines in the way of frequent break downs and defective trannys and just poor quality in some cases. I need an ATV for about 50 % work, 10% trail riding and the other for just pleasure riding around an area that is not that rough. One of my main concerns is to have a machine that will not need "fixing" all the time, and will get me back from that occasional trail ride or remote camping trip, without needing to be towed. The "work " will be mostly pulling a trailer around East Tx. woodland, with cut timber in tow. It is beginning to seem to me that the Rubicon would best suit my needs. I guess my main question is this: how much an I going to miss the rear independent suspension that the other machines offer? My day to day riding will not be that rough, but I am approaching 60 years old and would a smooth ride if possible. Am I leaving a lot of terrific new technology on the table if I choose not to buy the KQ, Grizzly or Sportsman?
Thanks,
Eric

 

i went from a rubicon to akawi brute force 750. now i really didnt think it was a night and day difference between straight axel vs. idependent. it is smoother but not by great leaps and bounds. it comes into play after a long rocky trail, it just inst as bouncy. but as for reliabilty you cant beat the rubicon, the transmission is by far the best in atv's. use low range and pull all day, the best engine braking in atv's. smooth and seamless. slow to moderate speed trail riding is where this atv excels as well as work or utility. the new rubicons 05, have disc brakes, selectable 4wd, all the bells and whistles of the new big boys. the only thing it doesnt have is a front diff locker but i can go anywhere on rubicon that i can go on the brute. i have never broken down, actually never had a any problem other than when it got real cold here the foot brake got frozen in the down position and the choke froze. but some antseize and some wd40 and were back in buisness. i think you would enjoy the rubicon, sounds like a good fit. its very simple, easy to ride, and will keep you very clean while riding. everyone use to kid me by asking what i was gonna wear to go riding? my leisure suit cause i dont get dirty on the rubi. good luck with your purchase. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] For your intended use, I believe you are a very good fit for the Rubi. I have a 02' , and about the exact same use as you, except I snow plow about 275' of drvieway. The 05' is definitely the way to go, with the disc brakes, EFI, and selectable 2-4wd . If you really want to mud and snow ride, then put in a Detroit Gearless Locker for $325.00 . You would have the ultimate machine then. Long trail rides would be more comfortable on the irs machines, but really, it's not leaps and bounds better, as was previously said. Mine has been reliable. Bar none, the engine braking going down hill (I live in hill country, MN) is the best there is, period. Replacing any brakes on these machines, will never be issue. Good luck.

 

Tex, I have a 03 foreman and have never had any problems with it. I use it mainly for farm work in east Texas. I wouldnt let the Independent rear suspension (or single axle) affect your decision. The rubi would be a great decision.

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img] A few other things...if you go to the Suzuki forum you will read about a absolute s#$t storm going on with people knocking out the reverse under power in the new KingQuad! It is butt ugly the way it sounds!! The Grizzly is pretty good (i believe has diff lock) but I don't like the way they ride or sound. I can't put a finger on it, but the motors just sound to me like parts are rattling loose, imo. I wouldn't touch a Polaris, their unreliability and breakdowns are well documented, and that 700 has a VERY high center of gravity, which can be dicey on hills. I have ridden one, and on the flat..fine, but no where else for me, just my 2 cents worth.

 

tools,
the 05 Rubicon does not have EFI.

I love my 05 Rubicon. My wife, who thinks that these are just toys, changed her mind when I took her to St. Joe park here in Missouri and that was the bike she rode (I rode my manual Foreman). She was amazed on how smooth and fun it was to ride.

Rob