Sorry in advance about the long post but I need help deciding which ATV I want to buy. I now have my son riding a dirtbike and want to get something that I can go out and play around on while he rides, but I also want my ride to have some utility for hunting. The utility part immediately helped me decide I need an ATV instead of a dirtbike.

So now the question is which ATV?

Here's what I won't be doing with it:
Racing
Jumping (at least not much)
High speed runs

Here's what I WILL be doing with the ATV:
Trails
trailblazing (woods)
Some mud riding
Carrying equipment into woods for hunting
Towing a utility wagon (ocassionaly, but not often)

Here's what I want:
Reliable
Easy to drive
Small
2X4

Yesterday I stopped by the local dealer and looked over what they had in stock. I have friends that have polaris ATV's which have been very reliable for them and in the past (20 years ago) I had Kawasaki dirtbikes and a 3-wheeler which were very reliable.

The dealer had an '06 Bayou for $2600 and an '06 Sawtooth for $2900.

Here's the differences I saw:
Suspension
**Bayou shocks are non-adjustable with 4.5" of travel. Semi-independent rear suspension.
**Sawtooth shocks have pre-load adjustment settings with 6.5" of travel.

Brakes
**Bayou is dual drum up front, single drum rear
**Sawtooth is hydraulic discs up front, single drum rear

Engine
*Both are air cooled 4 strokes.

Drivetrain
*Both were enlcosed shaft drives

**Bayou is semi-automatic 5 speed with reverse
**Polaris is the CVT with reverse

To be honest, I kind of like the CVT because you just hit the gas and go. Also, I like that Polaris gives you the entire footboard as oppose to the Bayou's partial board/peg setup. However, I do like the idea of the Bayou having selectable gears, espcially for descending hills.

Again, I appologize for the long post but I want to get as much info as possible before making a purchase.

Thanks,
KJ

 

id go with the kawasaki, u never know what hills u might want to climb in time. ans since the sawtooth has auto it might get u stuck a few to many times. i was on a toys for tots gig 2 weeks ago and seen a 250 bayou tearing it up. the reps there for yrs. id just go what works well.

 

i would go with the kawasaki , you get 50 more cc , i have an 05 phoenix and the sawtooth is just a phoenix with different plastic and comes with racks ......

 

well its more like 35 cc to be blunt. id still go with the kawi. better up hills etc.