Buying my first ATV soon, would appreciate some advice to help make the right choice. First, not sure how big a machine I can handle. I want to be able to carry a decent amount of gear for things like remote hunting/fishing trips, but don't want to get a machine too big for me to handle. (Im 5-9, 220lbs, large build) Ive been looking at the Grizzly and Rincon, seems that Honda & Yamaha have the best reliability & overall performance ratings. Am I overlooking something by focusing only on Honda & Yamaha? Also, do dealers tend to give more generous deals if you buy more than one machine at the same time? I might be buying mine at the same time as a buddy of mine. Id appreciate any advice!

 

you about the same size as me, i havent ridden anything that i couldnt handle, that includes the p700 and sportsman 700, so i would think you can handle whatever size you want to buy

 

If you buy 2 you should be able to get a little better price. I love my grizzly although i haven't had it but a few months. I wanted an ATV for work, play, hunting, fishing. I also wanted a good ride. The Grizzly seemed best for me and i have not had second thoughts. Both the machines are great including artic cat and the kaw praire. Ride them and see what you like best. Personally I'm with ya, Yamaha or Honda.

 

remember guys this is his FIRST atv he probly wont need something that big id get something a bit smaller like a 350-450 to get the basics down then get something bigger.
it looks like you want a 4x4 so id go with a kodiak 450 or bruin

 

Have you ever rode an ATV? If not you would want to take it easy for a week or so with whatever you get. Kodiak is a great ATV also.

 

Nope, never have, though I grew up with an snowmobile (old Arctic Cat Pantera). But I'm sure riding a sled is radically different than riding an ATV. Also, grew up on an old farm using my Dad's old John Deere, but I KNOW that certainly won't count [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Thanks to all who have replied, now if I can just choose between the Honda & Yamaha...

 

you cant really go wrong with either one, but hey im biased
get the yamaha![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

If you and another person were buying at the same time,....you both should be able to get a cut off of your purchases.

I deal with 6 lines.......Honda Yamaha Kawasaki Suzuki KTM and Cannondale[Yeah.....still on the floor...LOL]

My suggestions to you based on what you have posted thus far would be............and in no particular order......

Yamaha 350 Bruin
Honda Rancher 400AT
Yamaha 450 Kodiak
Suzuki Eiger 400

Of course only you know what you are really looking for. If possible, locate a multi line dealer and take a few for test rides whether you plan to buy from that particular dealer or not. That way, the testing head to head in one day will help you decide.

Good Luck

 

Given your “large” build you are capable of handling any sized ATV out there. So it is just a matter of preference or what feels the best to you. If you are a disciplined rider then you shouldn’t get into trouble even when starting out on something big. The key word is “disciplined” though, all it takes is common sense. I’d also highly recommend going through one of the certified training courses (dealers typically will offer these when you buy a quad).

The top of the line machines are generally more versatile as they can just plod along or once you’ve mastered it you can go fast if you want to. Plus with a big one you will not have to worry about possibly outgrowing a smaller model and then spending more money upgrading to a larger unit. I know of a mature gentleman (I’ll use that term “loosely”, but he is senior to me) who started out on a Kodiak but a year later ended up selling it and buying a Grizzly. He never rides very fast but he likes the extra power and plushness the bigger quad has to offer

The Yamahas and Hondas are good for sure, but I wouldn’t necessarily limit your choices to them. I’d sit on (or even test ride if possible) any that interest you. Pay particular attention to what “feels” best for you. Then study their list of features and what you are looking for, then take it from there…

 

I'm sure whatever you get, you'll get sucked into this sport, like the rest of us. It won't take long for you to get your seat, and then you wil have a better idea of what it is that will suit you best. Good luck, and welcome to the fun![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]