Hello, I have been silently been browseing around the forums for the last few weeks, trying to decide exactly what machine I would like to purchase. I have made a few decisions: I definitely want 4 wheel/All wheel Drive, somewhere in the range of 400-650 cc (depending on price), I have to try to keep the otd price as close to $7000 as possible.

I also have ruled out the kawasaki machines due to the fact that they have a single shock absorber in the rear end.

I do prefer to get an automatic tranny or CVT as it seems to be called.

So I am considering Arctic Cat, Polaris, Honda, Suzuki, and possibly Yamaha.

Some of my concerns include: reliablity of the auto-tranny, also some of the manufactures offer a lockable front-end: I would like to find out any weakness this may have (could it damage a transfer case if I become too stuck.)

I thank anyone who can provide any incite into my situation.

I am 18 years old, 6 foot tall and I do have experience on these size machines. However I am still riding my little Suzuki 125 (I think its time to start rolling w/ the Big Boys.) [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Thanks, Bill

Personally, I am not a fan of CVT's. That leaves only the Hondas if one must have an automatic. Of the Hondas, the Rincon has no engine braking, so that eliminates it for me. The only two left are the Rancher 400AT and Rubicon 500. It's the choice between a middle size and a full size. Personally, I love the Rancher. It is big enough to do the job, but not so huge that it is a huge, heavy, hulking monster!

Would you consider the new Honda Foreman 500? It has a reliable, time tested autoclutch transmission. But, for those who don't want to foot shift, it has ES where the shifting is done electrically.

All these Hondas have a limited slip differential and selectable 2wd/4wd.

Im not sure i follow the reason why, you're ruling out single shock rear ends. This eliminates almost all of the solid axle machines. Almost all of the high proformance machines have a single rear shock...and it works out just fine. Whats the reason you dont want a single shock machine?
The cvt trannys arent all equals, there are suttle differences in the different brands of cvts, and if you do a search in the yami area, youll see very few problems with the ultramatic(yamaha) autos. Suzuki and a/c are also very trouble free autos ( except for the kawi clones)
If the diff lock is used in slippery traction situations, no harm willl happen. If you use the diff lock in high traction situations, there is a posibility of doing the drive train some damage. Just use diff lock, when necessary, and you wont have problems. Unless you plan on some hard core mudding....diff lock isnt necesary.
Any of the machines 400 cc and bigger have enough power for your size.
Which dealers are close by? This is probably a factor in what you buy...especially if you have the dealer do the maint and work on the quad.

Thank you for all of your knowledgeable responses.

I am ruling out the single shock absorber machines because my experience is that they are not as comfortable. I will be doing alot of trail riding it which roots can literally turn into a pain (in the you know what)

As far as dealers close by, I have access to every single one, I have mentioned.

Thanks again, Bill

If riding comfort is top priority...polaris is the way to go. Should be able to get a 500 for the price range youre looking at. None of the others are gonna ride as nice as an irs polaris.

One large single shock = two smaller shocks! Do not let the two shock thing even figure into your choice.

Even the best utility suspensions are terrible by sport bike standards.

I can't honestly offer an opinion on the Polaris, Suzuki or Cats... as I have never owned one of these... but I can offer some insite on the Yamaha and Hondas.

The Honda Rubicon and RancherAT both have the hydraulic torque converter tranny.. and both offer a fully automatic and electronic shift mode. The 05 Rubicons have selctable 2 and 4 wheel drive modes... and Disc brakes. Prior models did not, as are arm killers on long rides without it.

The Yamaha Bruin, and Kodiak 450 are real winners in my book as well. The Kodiak has independent rear suspension to boot. They both use a belt in their primary drive system, but as far as I have seen to date, the issues that used to plague the systems are no longer a problem. They are still a wear item, but my experience has been that it is not a major worry point.

I think any of the above would be a great choice.

I believe I will leave the comments on the others up to the people that ride them...

Bill -

Check out the Artic Cat TRV 2rider quad and bring a friend trail riding with you! I'm guessing your single and having a TRV would be one heck of a good way to invite someone to spend the day with! Motorcycles work - why not quads - If ya know what I mean....