I'm new to ATVs, have a family of 5 (kids are really young yet) but my wife is going riding with her friend this weekend so I see an opportunity[img]i/expressions/devil.gif[/img]
I can see it used for usually pulling a trailer around the yard, plowing light snow on occasion and just cruising around the light trails. I would need something that would fit 1 or occasionally 2. I don't know size as far as power goes, that's where i'm needing help. Is 400 enough for light plowing and occasional hauling of a trailer of wood or am I thinking too small? I'm not stuck to a certain brand but from reading here have heard good things about Yamaha and Artic Cat which I'm comfortable with, feel Honda may be out of my $ range. Never honestly even heard of CanAm.
Getting off on another line, with the large family is there something that might fit my needs of utility yet fit more than 2 comfortably that is a good bang for the buck?

Thanks in advance.
Jason

EDIT: Just found on a local dealers site a '06 Sportsman 500 HO auto with 128 miles for 4800. Is this decent? It does have the L and H which I think would be ideal for plowing/hauling.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: midnightscape

I'm new to ATVs, have a family of 5 (kids are really young yet) but my wife is going riding with her friend this weekend so I see an opportunity[img][/img]

I can see it used for usually pulling a trailer around the yard, plowing light snow on occasion and just cruising around the light trails. I would need something that would fit 1 or occasionally 2. I don't know size as far as power goes, that's where i'm needing help. Is 400 enough for light plowing and occasional hauling of a trailer of wood or am I thinking too small? I'm not stuck to a certain brand but from reading here have heard good things about Yamaha and Artic Cat which I'm comfortable with, feel Honda may be out of my $ range. Never honestly even heard of CanAm.

Getting off on another line, with the large family is there something that might fit my needs of utility yet fit more than 2 comfortably that is a good bang for the buck?



Thanks in advance.

Jason



EDIT: Just found on a local dealers site a '06 Sportsman 500 HO auto with 128 miles for 4800. Is this decent? It does have the L and H which I think would be ideal for plowing/hauling.</end quote></div>

Everyone is going to tell you that what they ride is the best. I chose Arctic Cat for my reasons and the type of riding that I do. I can ride double, haul logs out of the woods, haul a 5x10 trailer with about a cord and a half on it.
It has good ground clearance and a very reliable Suzuki engine. There are many, many more plus' and I could ramble for days.

I will tell you what it is not: It is not a racer, my 400 will not pull big wheelies or go 60mph. Stock, it does give a tippy feel and doesn't corner well at higher speeds. A little adjustments to tire pressure and preloads helps alot. With the addition of 1" wheel spacers it will now corner with the best and better than most. Very cheap fix.

Out of the wrapper AC gives you plenty of bang for your bucks. Competetors will spend hundreds on aftermarket mods, tires, lift kits, suspension just to try and get up to the stock ground clearance and articulated wheel travel of the AC.

In woods/trail, and really tough varied turf my 400 stands second only to another AC most of the time. Not too bad for a basically stock machine, that cost several thousand less than others that can't do what it does.

Obviously my vote is for AC, your reasons and type of riding may be different than mine and the AC may not be for you. I live in Maine where the area offers some pretty tough country. I have always been able to get where I wanted to go and back home again. Doesn't get any better than that.

I have ridden with many, many different machines. I often guide out of state riders. In real life situations I have seen them all perform, from stock machines to highly modified machines with all the beeps and whistles you could ask for.. I have been there done that so to speak. Some have traded after seeing just what "Kitty" is capable of and can do.

You may want to seriously consider the AC 400/500 class. It works for me, maybe it would work for you.

My second choice of another brand would be a Suzuki 450 KingQuad.

 

Here is how I rate the product like up: Personally I would not even consider #5 on down.

1) Arctic Cat
2) Suzuki
3) Yamaha
4) Kawasaki
5) Can Am
6) Polaris
7) Honda.

 

I am number 6 and 7 on your list. I own both a Polaris and a Honda. What did I do wrong?

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: boll weevil

I am number 6 and 7 on your list. I own both a Polaris and a Honda. What did I do wrong?</end quote></div>

You did absolutely nothing wrong. You bought what you like and what fits your needs and wants. I like Dodge you like Chevy doesn't mean either of us are wrong we just have different taste and different reasons for liking a specific choice. Just like I would not buy a Hummer or a Porche. Doesn't mean that they are bad just means that I have my reasons for not wanting to buying one (actually I feel that Hummer's and Porche's are overpriced and there are other vehicles that can do similar things for less money).
For you Honda and Polaris are number one, and maybe AC and Suzuki would be last.
They all get the job done (having fun), that is what it is all about. Some models just do certain things better, and they all do something good. Some are overpriced (I feel) and some are a good bargain but may not appeal to a certain buyer.
I rated the machines based on what I do with them and how I ride them. You may do something entirely different and ride different type of terrain.
My very best friend has a Honda and loves it. He works it - pulls trees an log out of the woods with it and when he trail rides he prefers the easier trails and likes to just cruise at around 15-25mph. I don't work mine except on occasion when I help him, and I am a woods rider, and like the rough stuff. (If there is not a trail then I will make one type of rider). I don't play in the mud, I don't run on sand dunes or beaches, I don't do hill-climbing, I stay off dirt roads if possible and stay in the woods, but will go in mud and stuff if it is between me and my destination. I will drive over it, through it or around it but someway I am going to get to the other side and reach my destination.

 

For some of the work you have in mind a 450 or bigger would probably serve you best. Do some shopping and get some seat time on each model you are interested in. All the big manufacturers make nice bikes now, some are just nicer than others. Read some of the forums and see which models have more problems. When you just ask what brand or model is best, it just turns into a Ford vs Chevy debate.

 

A thought just came to mind.

Think of it in these terms.

1) Tractor
2) Pickup
3) Sports car.

My choice would be a combination of Tractor, Pickup. (Actually more mountain goat - but I didn't list that as a choice - lol)
You may choose Pickup, Sport car combination.
Someone else may just choose Sport car or just Tractor.
etc
etc

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: JDGrizz

For some of the work you have in mind a 450 or bigger would probably serve you best. Do some shopping and get some seat time on each model you are interested in. All the big manufacturers make nice bikes now, some are just nicer than others. Read some of the forums and see which models have more problems. When you just ask what brand or model is best, it just turns into a Ford vs Chevy debate.</end quote></div>

Excuse me - you forgot the best one, Dodge - lol...

Well said and right on..

 

Getting back on topic, From what your asking about being able to carry more than one person and still do work. You should seriously look at the side by side market. Mainly a Yamaha Rhino. This would probably suit you more than any ATV. You should at least check them out.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Rinman

Getting back on topic, From what your asking about being able to carry more than one person and still do work. You should seriously look at the side by side market. Mainly a Yamaha Rhino. This would probably suit you more than any ATV. You should at least check them out.</end quote></div>

Rinman has the best idea so far. The Rhino would do everything you are asking for and then some. You can even get jump seats that bolt into the bed with crossing safety harness that might work for the kids. There is a huge amount of add-ons you can get for the Rhino, including doors and full roll cages.

The only down side is the price tag might be more than you were thinking of spending. But the advantages it would have for your whole family would be worth it.