I've been following this forum for a couple of weeks. I'll be buying my first atv soon.
I want to use it for trail riding, camping and some occasional work around the house
like getting firewood and maybe pulling a mower. I realize that one machine can't do
everything best, but generally I just want to have fun.

I have narrowed down my choices to the Polaris Sportsman 400 Automatic and the
Suzuki Vinson Automatic. The Polaris is a comfortable ride but from what I've read on
this forum the braking system is not great and they are not as dependable as some of
the others.

The Vinson is only $250 more with a 2 year warranty. I have read lots of good reviews
on the Vinson, but it doesn't have IRS.

What do you think?
Thanks

 

I can't help but comment that if this is your first ATV... you do NOT, and I mean DO NOT want the biggest and baddest machine on the face of the planet to start out with. You are inviting disaster. Next to a full blown tractor, a big bore ATV can be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment you can buy. Way too much machine for a novice.

Lower your size to a 450, or 500 class machine... You will be glad you did, and there is nothing that the big bore can do that a 500 Rubicon, or a Kodiak 450, or a rancher AT can't do just as efficiently, and a whole lot safer. After a year or so, if you need more.. then move up and give the old machine to the spouse.

 

I understand where u are coming from Draggin but my friend just got a vinson as his first ATV. Its ok as long as you are a RESPONSIBLE rider and dont try to go full board when you first get it, and use the power wisely.

 

Hey gordongl. The Polaris brakes are excellent. The complaint that many have is that the foot pedal often times has problems. The foot pedal is on a separate hydraulic circuit only to the rear brake. However, the hand brake operates both font and rear brakes and it works great. As far as dependability, the Polaris is as dependable as any other brand.
I hope this helps you
BryceGTX

 

Polaris makes a great quad. Around here if you go on a club or public ride - 80% of the machines will be Polaris. I have had 3 Polaris and 2 Arctic Cat and one Honda. Sold the Honda today thank god - what a POS. NEver EVER EVER will I buy anything before I ride it again.

We switched to Arctic cat becuase we wanted the MRP rack system that allows us to repurpose the rack equipment for whatever that days needs are. Everything just plugs in to attach. I have just about every accessory, box and bag on the Polaris but its all bolted on and not always what I want. We like to take the quads camping in the mountains but the MRP racks on the Arctic cats are the most versital. Sometimes I need a chain saw holder and some times I dont. Sometimes I want to carry a spare gas can - sometimes I dont. The MRP options makes changes a snap.

We went with the two rider TRV machines becuase simple - two is more fun! If I were single this would be the perfect date ticket - and seeing as I havn't been single for 25 years - These are perfect for the wife and I as we like to do things together (we motorcycle, snowmobile and ride tandem bicycle also).

Size wise? YEs size does matter - I think the 400cc machines are two small, These lighter machines are great for the ladys or youth where there isn't the upper body strength for the bigger machines that can take on the real rough stuff, deep ruts or rocks that will torque you around and give your arms a real workout. The 500's are adequate for anything outside of competition IMO. If my brother asked my advise - I would steer him into a 500. If he weighed in at 160 pounds or was weak from old age I would recommend the 400 machine.

Good luck in choosing.

 

I see you didn't mention the Yamaha Kodiak 450. Hope you looked at them, they have alot to offer for the price.

 

Thanks to everyone who shared there knowledge and experience.
There are so many choices and every salesman will tell you theres
is the best.

Rick, you said you carry a lot of gear, how does the IRS handle? Do
you lose significant ground clearance?

The Vinson is 100cc bigger, lighter wieght and offers a 2 year warranty,
but I did like the Polaris better when I rode it.

Still on the fence. Anymore opinions?

Thanks

 

I won't comment on Polaris since the 2 we have owned and few other I run with have not proved to be the best products, we'll say. The vinson seems like a solid product I hunt with a guy who has an 03, it has performed very well and he sure likes it. I recently got rid of my polaris and was in the market after a pretty long desicion process I ended up buying a 450 Kodiak. 2 things I liked about it over the vinson was IRS and most of all the front diff locker. I just pulled a trailer last weekend that weighed over 1000lbs it squatted some but really felt no ill effects of trucking the load in 8 miles to our hunting camp. BTW I have my shocks set at level 3 and while I never encounter any troubles with GC my buddies honda did as he got hung up on the SRA on a decent sized log that had fallen across the trail. For my use the IRS is something that now having it makes me a happy camper but previously I was under the belief that SRA was the only way to go. So basically pick which ever you feel is best. I would have to agree seriously consider the Kodiak as well.

For the record I went into my purchase process thinking HONDA all the way and ended up with a yami. Hondas are good bikes IMO but the yami for the ATV I wanted just couldn't be ignored...so far I am totally satisfied!

 

You neeed to look at the KODIAK before buying. It has four wheel engine braking where the polaris has it only on the rear wheels.

 

I certainly can agree on the Yamaha Kodiak... as after doing a lot of research, I had decided it was the best one for me... all the way up until I walked through the dealer's door that is... then I threw all that research out the window when the Dealer had a special from Honda running on a Rubicon. Which I ended up buying because it was $1200 off retail. That put it many dollars under the Kodiak.. and frankly, even with some of the trade offs, I am still very pleased with the Rubicon. Now that I have it in my shed, I am extremely pleased with the transmission, which is the ONLY hydraulic torque converter style auto tranny on the market. All others are mechanical/belts. That is a big deal for me considering the work I put this thing through. Sure teh ride is a little stiffer when trail riding.. than an IRS machine... but because my riding is mostly work related around the homestead, I can live with a little compromise. Besides, if I really want speed and handling on the trails, I use my Raptor, or my Warrior. Which by the way, I prefer the Warrior over the Raptor on the trails.... Just seems to fit me and my riding style better. If we go into the mountains though, it is the Rubicon all the way...

I have my eye on a RancherAT for the wife too... but I can't help but hear that Kodiak calling my name in my sleep.... Who knows, I just might get them both... and a Rhino just for kicks. too....