I am about to buy a new machine [first one] and am having a really hard time. I thiught i had it figured out but the more I look the harded it gets. I have the list down to four. AC 300 4x4 [Independant suspension/selectable 2/4wd] Honda 350ES Great reputation but not indepedant susp. Kawi 300 Prarie Top Speed 42MPH may not keep up with buds and no Independant. Yamaha Big Bear 2000 model no independant. These bikes all price out within $300 of each other. Not owning an ATV in the past, it will be hard to predict what type of riding I will be doing. Any thoughts at this point will help.

 

Back last summer, I had lessened my choices down
to the Polaris Magnum 500, the Suzuki Quadrunner
500, and the Yamaha Grizzly 600. They are all good bikes and I probably would have been happy with any of them (any quad is better than NO quad!), but I based my decision based on the dealer support in my area. We have NO reliable Polaris dealer in the area, and the AC dealer (also the Honda dealer) was the best in the area in terms of service, best shop, most knowledgable folks.

Any of the quads you mentioned would do an admirable job. I will have to admit that the Honda will probably have the best resale value of all of them. That is something you need to consider if you like to trade quads often. I don't think anyone will argue with me when I say that the factor that limits the abilities of a quad the most is the RIDER!!!

To put some pro's in here about the AC 300 (I am still an AC owner!) The engine is the same suzuki engine that has been on the King Quad 300cc since 1989, so it is very reliable and pretty much bulletproof. The independent suspension does make for a nice ride (I love the semi-IRS on my 500cc!) BUT....It will not handle the rough stuff at high speeds. It is primarily designed for slower, more technical trails, etc. I do like the 2wd/4wd feature....I can't powerslide my 500 unless there is a good bit of snow/mud to play in!

Hope this helps!

 

Tough choice!
I have some experience with the AC 300 in the rough stuff. A fellow elk hunter has one. It is remarkable adept at picking through the rocks and timber of the mountains. I would even say it is better than the King Quad because of it's better ground clearance. It is a roomy machine and has very good manners. The only thing I didn't like about it was the floorboards vibrated badly underfoot. I don't know if that is a characteristic of all AC 300's. If you intend to do some serious rock riding, it is clearly the best choice.

If you don't intend to do serious rock bashing, I would say the AC 300 would be my last choice.

All of the other machines you mention would be considerably sportier machines for blasting down trails, jumping (modestly) and general fun. I don't know if the new Big Bears have a faster 5th gear than my 99, but if they don't, I wouldn't consider one. My 99 BB is painfully slow on the road.

So that leaves us with the Prairie 300 and the Rancher. The Rancher would hold resale value better and it is a Honda, so that would be my first choice. The Prairie, however is a smooth riding, convenient machine that is easily the most user friendly. Wives/girlfriends love automatic machines and they are awfully easy on other beginners as well. If you didn't grow up riding motorcycles and such, the Prairie is probably the best bet.