I'm 6' 1" 250 lbs. I don't care if it's an auto or manual shift and I really don't think going 55 thru the woods is in my best interest. I'm using this site to do my research and the Yamaha Grizz, Honda E/ES, & the Artic Cat 500 have my interest. I don't need the bells & whistles but if they go with the package so be it.
Tree Farmer you have a way with words.

 

Verry well said Tree Farmer.

My two cents,,,See Gordon.


99Honda450es 99400ex 86trx250r

 

I think that you would be making a good choice with any of those three. They all have a good reputation, and man that Grizzley is huge, I like the shifter on it and the push buttion 4wd.

 

well...my vote for your criteria is a Honda 3004x4.....Built like a tank....rock solid capabilities....its just now starting to show the age of the design, some ten years later.....They are a truely great ATV....Ive ridden several of them....and for the price you just cant beat them! If you dont need all the bells and whistles...dont buy them!

 

Thats a good point. The honda 300 will do about anything that you need it too. Sure there are better mud bikes, and ones with auto trannies and disc brakes, but the venerable old 300 honda will follow anything else through 98% of the places that most people normally go. I've watched a honda 300 2wd carry two 175 lb. men, a spike and a 4-point out of the bottom of a hollow in Devils Den State Park in Arkansas. There were a few spots that the passenger had to get off, but it brought them out, and at a descent pace too.

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

That's a good idea! It sure would save on money. It also sounds like it would maneuver better than one of the big ones (or am I wrong)? It would also make it a bit easier to get by my wife.

 

I just looked at the prices. It wouldn't save me that much money!!!

 

Ahunter, you can't make a bad decision from your choices, except NOT buying an ATV! Thanks for the kind words, fellas!

Tree Farmer

hey look here sally see how this voice recognition software works - every word I say winds up on the screen - no I don't say the bayou 300 four buy four optimally fills this guys requirement although its too range transmission and swing axle semi independent suspension are plusses - folks would think I recommend this machine only because I own one - no no sally don't touch that button - that sends this post out on the internet and I don't want this part to

 

Thanx Tree Farmer, I know it slipped, but that was an interesting route to go. I just read the info on the Bayou 300 & it look's pretty good. It seems more maneuverable than the big bikes. These thing's aren't cheep, are they? If it was down around $4,000 I'd jump at it, but at $5,000 I don't know. Would it be in my best interest to spend $1500 more and get the Arctic Cat 500? I know, I know, It's a decision that I have to make (actually my wife).

 

Ahunter, "yer pays yer money and yer takes yer cherce."

I think the Suzuki/Arctic Cat 500's are outstanding machines, along with others you're considering (the King Quad/Quadrunner 250 4X4's are impressive, also; not to mention the . . . I gotta stop! They ALL have something to offer!).

Bargain-wise, the Bayou 400 should be a winner--I understand the model has been discontinued for 2000; dealers should deal, clearing their showroom floors of these machines. Jim Phillips (armyman368@aol.com) wrote a compelling piece of analysis concluding the Bayou 400 more cost-effective than the 300, even at list prices--he might E-mail you a copy if you ask for one (even if you don't buy a Kawasaki, Jim's piece contains solid analytical tools for anyone buying a quad).

My recommendation: decide what you really want, then stretch, if necessary, to obtain it. If you really like a low-cost machine, great! If you like a more expensive number, buying another machine on price alone is probably poor economy. Good luck!

Tree Farmer