I'm in the market to upgrade to a newer atv and was set on buying a honda foreman, rubicon, or rincon. Having trouble finding the right steal and getting some grief from coworkers about buying honda, I've started looking at the arctic cats 500, 550 and 650 along with the Yamaha Grizzly. I'm only looking at a 2004 through around 2008 due to price range. I snowmobiled most of my life and arctic cat snowmobiles are last on my list but the atvs are looking more and more appealing to me. The honda rubicon I heard had a few years that the trans was an issue but what years was that? What can you tell me about the Grizzly (only looking at the 660) and reliability? Same with the 500, 550 and 650 AC? I am not a mechanic and am one of those that just want to get on it and go forever without worrying about issues. Any help I'd appreciate. Thanks.

 

i can't vouch for the grizzly 660, but my grizzly 450 has never failed me. it's a 2007. just my two cents and it works for me. good luck!

 

I have owned several Hondas, have lots of experience with a buddy's 660 griz, and currently ride a 2007 Arctic Cat.

I would pick the Griz 700, with the power steering, locking differential, disc brakes, and EFI. It also has a very comfy seat and lots of rack space. I would have bought one if they made a 2-seater, but Yamaha doesn't so I went with the Arctic Cat 650 TRV.

Hondas are very reliable, but I think their drum brakes suck big time, and I don't think they make anything with a locking front differential (could be wrong)

The Griz is a consistent shoot-out winner, or was...I think the 900cc+ monsters are the new faves with the magazines nowadays

 

I also voted grizzly. Its been around a long time almost unchanged,which isnt a bad thing. Why change something thats works so well especially for most riding conditions and uses.
yamaha is a solid bike no doubt. The arctic cats are real close to the yamaha IMO. they both share similar features,it just depends on the rider of how they feel on each machine,plus i think cat may ride a slight rougher,but its more built for work rather than recreation. Its built for both but I think just slightly less then the grizz for recreational use. The honda is not on my list,they slack so many features the other have so i dont even look at them anymore.

no they dont make a diff lock on any model texasroadlawyer.

 

i am a yamaha man deep down but the only experience i have had recently was with an 04 grizz and it wasn't good at all. it seems like 04 was a bad year for yamaha and then in 05 they got it straightened out. honda has always made a great atv and their auto tranny's when they first came out was hit and miss to say the least. i have owned the 650 and 500 cat from the years you are looking at and had 0 problems with the 650 and had alot of problems with my 03 500 cat that i put way to big of tires on for the machine to handle. (my own fault) i guess i can't tell you what atv is best for you cause i don't know you, just take everything with a grain of salt and drive each one if possible and make your best guess from there. i guess what i would do is find one you can get a good deal on and then drive it and if you like it buy it.