I am looking for something just to drive around some trails. No racing, stunts, etc. (too old for that!). I might want to pull a small trailer with tools in it. Trails do cross some small streams, and some pretty steep hills.

Seems like these big 600cc monsters are too much. Is there any reason something smaller won't do just fine?

Thanks

Paul

 

I like the Rancher, because it is the big enough, but not ridiculously huge machine. I do mostly technical trail riding, so top speed isn't a concern. Climbs like a tractor.

 

You won't need anything too large. My wife and I do about the same type of riding. She has a Rancher ES 2x4 and I ride a 450 Foreman ES 4x4. She loves the Rancher because it is easy to steer and has very good handling, plenty of power to pull a small trailer. I like my 450ES because it is a workhorse. Solid as a rock and has a super low gear for crawling through or over just about anything. The 450 is better for towing if that is what you need. I've never felt the need for anything bigger. These two atv's have and continue to serve us well.

 

You really shouldn't need anything larger than a 400cc. I used to drive my Recon every where I now drive my Foreman. I do like having more power for pulling.

 

When I went from a 400 to a 650, the first thing I realized was anything over 500cc was overkill- for the average rider (I'm not talking lift kits and 28" mudtires).
The 400cc bike will do anything you need, maybe not as fastly or easily, but it will do it.

 

yeah go with the 400 but make sure you get the Arctic Cat.

if you compare all other brands you'll see they all are in the shadows of Arctic Cat

 

Thanks all for the info! I was looking at the 'cats as they seem well done. Anyone have any experience with the two rider version? I want to be able to take my 9 year old with me, and I know its frowned upon to have a rider on most ATV's (although I suppose people do it).

Paul

 

Hey PAULCT, if you get a CAT get an '04.

 

One thing i noticed in your post is that you will be climbing some hills....in that case, whatever machine you get, you should perhaps get the 4x4 version instead of 2x4....helps keep you on top of the bike instead of under it when yer on those hills.

 

The Rancher 400AT is perfect for you want to do...