I'm just getting back into the ATV hobby. I grew up on a farm riding an ATC 110, an ATC 200x, a '91 Yamah Big Bear and a '90 Honda Fourtrax 300 4x4. I still ride the Fourtrax occasionally (belongs to my dad) but am in the market for my own. It's been about nine years since I've seriously looked at the ATV products and market, and it's obvious that it has never been better. I would like to have a "do all" machine since I only have the $$$$ for one at this time. I don't live on the farm anymore, so I'm looking for a sportier ride with utility capabilities. I have a bit of brand loyalty towards Honda, (and Yamaha to a lesser degree) but I really like the looks and capabilities of some of the other machines out there (Kaw P700, Suz Vinson, Arctic Cat 650.) If the Rubicon was sportier, it would probably be a slam dunk. I'm a little iffy on the Rincon, it seems like they may have missed the mark a bit with that quad. I expect to do most riding on mountain roads, logging roads, and some trails. (We have those in abundance in Idaho.) I expect to do some slow riding where engine-compression braking on downhills is a must. I will likely be hauling fishing / camping gear most of the time in the mountains. I expect to see some off-camber riding too , which is why I am shying away from the Grizz 660 for right now.

However, here is the twist. I still ride on the farm on occasion, and the pea and lentil fields after harvest offer some wide open, fun riding. These fields are smooth, and here on the Palouse are very hilly (some pretty steep in our area) and can be pretty fun. The fields are also big enough to attain sustained higher speeds. So, given all that, here are my questions:

Will one quad make me happy, or should I be in the market for a sport quad also?
The Honda Rincon ... does that tranny work well or not? I'm hearing differing reports.
Reliability issues ... I have no problem with Honda or Yamaha, but am leary of Arctic Cat and won't touch a Polaris. Is that justified? Any feedback on Suzuki or Kawasaki?
Would a Yamaha Wolverine perhaps fit me better?
How effective is the engine breaking on the automatics in general?

I know I need to get on some of these quads and ride them, but the local dealers don't offer much in the way of "real world" conditions for riding. Tooling around in a flat parking area isn't going to give me a good picture. Thanks for the help and sorry this was so long.

 

I think you've spelled it out pretty good. While none of the rides you listed will be the same as a pure sport bike, the "utilities" of today lean way towards the sport side of riding - especially when comparing them to your old Big Bear or Fortrax.

If you can only afford one, then it's simple: The sport bike can't do all you want, the sport/ute will do most of it - go for a sport utility.

Reliability for most name brands is tops these days too. Even Polaris, which had a crappy rep in the mid 90's, is turning out good solid ATV's. Currently, Suzuki seems to be on a roll by turning out lots of new models - every one a winner. If you want the ultimate in sport in your 4x4, I'd bet you'd find it in the Kawi P700. Since the P650 seems to be the best in 4x4 sportiness, the 700 should be unbeatable. Since any of the bikes you listed will really out perform your old stuff, maybe you can find some friends who will let you take a test ride on theirs.

Jaybee

 

As far as reliability goes the Arctic Cat is a great machine, and the engine braking works well(not quite as good as a manual tranny). The machine I would recommend to you would be a Arctic Cat 500 manual
the manual tranny is more spunky than the auto. The only concern I would have is if it was sporty enough for your riding. The ride will be way better than a Wolverine or any Honda and it has a ton of ground clearance for crawling over logs. If you are located near Salmon, ID. go and talk to Rick at Cycle,Sleds, and Saws and I am sure he will help you with test riding an A/C. Or if you make it to Missoula, MT often you come to the shop and we can arrange a test ride. I don't have any 500 manuals in right now but I do have automatics and a 400 manual ready to ride.

 

The Kawi P700 is one step away from being a full blown Sport 4X4, but still retains the maners from its origin as a Utility Quad. It will do everything you want it to do.

Good Luck.

 

I live in the Palouse area of the Idaho Panhandle. I'll be in Missoula this fall when the Vandals play the Grizz in football. (Are you one of those rabid Grizzly fans I love so much?) I'll try to look your shop up then.

The Arctic Cat is a good looking machine, and I'm looking forward to seeing the new 650. I've been hearing LOTS of good things about the Kaw P650, and soon to be released P700. I haven't been able to ride one (or even see one up close) because the local dealer can't keep them in the store. He has a shipment of six on the way, and five of them are sold already. This dealer also sells Suzuki, Honda, and Bombardier ... so the demand for the Prairie(s) is telling me something.

I'm a bigger guy (250+ pounds) so a bigger bike would suite me better in my opinion. I really can't justify buying a sport quad, because I won't use it enough. But, I still want to crank the throttle and play when I have the opportunity. Patience is the key, I'm not in a hurry to buy.

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]While I tried most of the Atvs in the 400 Eiger to the Honda Rincon, and the 350es to 450es. rode the Bombadier, Artic Cat, Polaris700, finally settled on the Suzuki Vinson 500, good power and ride and very fast with the manual, and no problems yet! The hight and low range and push button 2-4 wheel drive is nice. Best thing drive them all in a field with various terain and see the difference in riding and handling of the machines. Didnt like the big ones seemed to top heavy and heavy machine. Good luck, plus the braking with the manual I never use the brakes should last forever.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Happy ATving in no matter what you buy and enjpy the country and serenry.

 

I feel your pain!! I am stuck needing 2 sets of bikes. During the cool months we ride the desert. A utility just doesn't cut it. To big and to heavy. Everybody rides light sport bikes, with aftermarket suspension. Any ute would be in the back of the pack eating dust all day. You use momentum and light weight to carry you through tough stuff, rather than grapling for traction. A ute at Glamis would be ridiculous! You would just dig 4 big holes.

In the hot months, we switch to high altitude mountain riding. Here high ground clearance is essential, and 4wd is a big bonus. A sport bike would get hung up on the first rock!

Get one of everything!!