I've only owned the old 1991 Kawasaki Bayou 300 2x4 that I currently own. I have ridden a few in the past, but never ventured out to purchasing one to trail ride. I mainly have used my Bayou for hunting Mule Deer here in Utah for the past 3 years. I have a friend that has recently got me excited about going trail riding with him. He has a 2004 Honda Foreman ES. I possibly have a buyer for my Bayou for a bit more than I bought it for and I'm trying to get some help in making an educated decision on my next wheeler. I'm going to be limited to about $2500 for a used quad. I have test ridden a 2002 Honda Rubicon with 2200 miles for $3000, a 1998 Polaris Sportsman 500 with 6500 miles for $2000. I'd like to know about mileage? I am possibly looking at a 2002 Yamaha Grizzly 660 with 6500 miles for $3000 OBO. It says it is an one owner and senior citizen ridden. Has 6500 miles/815 hours. Any help would be appreciated. There are a few other 2002-2003 Polaris Sportsmans around here that would fit into my budget. Just need some advice...

Anyone know much about an 2004 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 auto? There is one here locally with 4800 miles they are asking $3000. Is that too many miles?

 

Also, some info on my usage.. I am 6 foot and 200lbs. I would like to be able to throw on a second seat/storage rack for taking my wife with me on some trail rides, but mostly would be just me riding it. I'd be riding in the mountains ranging from 6000' to 9000' altitude. Mostly on trails, but could be times where I need to go out where there isn't a trail to recover a deer.

 

I'd rule out the 98 sportsman just do to it's age. Not that they were bad machines, but it's just old technology.

Looks like you have some good choices, not what I'd call an easy choice.

The ergonomics on each are a little bit different. If it's possible, getting to site on each one and see how they fit you is the best thing to do. Going by price might save you money, but if you're uncomfortable riding it, it can take away of lot of the joy of riding.

I know it's not the answer you were looking for, I can't say which one is best. But just another thing to consider before you buy.

 

Thanks. for the feedback. I kind of ruled out the 1998 Sportsman because of the age and mileage. From the "seat of pants" feeling I really liked the power and feel of the Sportsman over the Rubicon I rode, but just don't know how that would equate in the mountains.

 

no offense to Honda because it is a very good, long-lasting machine...but it gets uncomfortable to ride after a while do to the straight shaft. the polaris woulda been a good choice if not for age, but i would probably go with the yamaha over the honda IMO. it really depends on which one you like the feel of the best. but from experience and observing others, the honda gets a little hard to ride after several hours of being beat up.

 

May I ask why you just don't keep what you have? Or are you wanting to go 4x4? There are some clean looking Bayou 300's and 400's out there. That way you would still have something you are used to. Those others you talk about all have quite a few miles compared to my 98 with just under 3000 miles. I don't hear much about Arctic Cat on this forum but I always liked the looks of them, and I seem to recall they had some models at one point that were step-thru. Out of what you mentioned that would be the one I'd be interested in the most.

 

Ya, I am wanting to get something newer=less "modified" by PO. I would definitely want to be looking for a 4x4. I want to be able to push snow and my little 2x4 struggles with it sometimes. I have found recently two 07 honda rancher 420's for sale near my price range. One with 273 miles, but has been sitting in storage for 3 years and one with 2900 miles that has a braking issue.

 

Well,

I ended up selling my old bayou and picking up a 2007 Honda Rancher 420 4x4 ES. Paid $2900 for it. It has 2900 miles on it. I didn't think that was too bad of a deal... Haven't figured out how to post pix on here, yet, but I will post some when I figure it out..

 

That sounds like a fair deal, for a 4wd mid bore.
Just get tires on it.
Its odd to see a 420cc 4wd with little 24" tires. Must be a Honda production cost saving strategy.
Even the smaller 350 and 400 Foremans of yesteryear came with 25" tires when they were new. Whats their 420 doing with little 24" tires is beyond me.

 

Ya, I found that a little weird with the tire size and what is up with a 12" wheel in front and an 11" wheel in back. Makes it a little hard to get matching brand/model of tires...