I'm buying my first ATV and I'm not sure what direction to go. I am 6' 2" 200lbs. I am not sure if I definitely want a sport vs a utility and I'm not sure what the pros and cons are. I will be riding through woods for the most part on existing trails and building new ones. Other than that it will be mainly cruising around dirt roads and some fields.

The closest dealership is a Bombardier dealer and I have been very happy with their watercrafts over the years. How are their ATVs? What other brands should I consider? The other two I think I would be interested in are Honda and Yamaha. But I don't know where to start.

What are the general suggestions as far as size and style quad for my size and riding styles?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Im a utility person myself, as i like to have 4x4 for the fun stuff! The good thing is, most utes go as fast as sports now days, minus the hairpin turn handeling, and the ability to jump high. As far as utes , i would look at all of them, and decide what you want in a deal. I like AC for ground clearance, diff lock, 3yr warranty,and the ability to carry a weeks worth of gear out into the woods. The Can-AM is another awesome utilty quad, with the most power, and Visko lock, which some people like alot. The new Grizzly has power steering, which scares me if im buying it as it seems like something i would need to worry about breaking, but otherwise, i would have one in my garage next to my cat if i could. Being biased, i would get a Cat, but they are all good ATVs. There are alot of pics of peoples quads, including mine to see how you can set it up, by clicking on the camera icon under peoples names. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the reply. After reading further I have definitely realized that I need either a utility or a hybrid for the 4x4. The two closeset dealers are Bombardier and Artic Cat (Gander Mtn) so I will probably go look at both of them this week. The Can-am renegade is a hybrid that would work well for me but it is a little over 9k from what I can see. The other option I have seen is the Yamaha wolverine. Does anyone have any input on either of these? I'm going to check them out as well as the regular ute's. I have riden a Polaris 400 that is a 4x4 sport and I like it, but I'm not up for a polaris as that one has had a lot of mechanical issues, and I'm reading that many people are having a lot of issues with them.

 

We have a Wolverine rider in our group, and its a decent machine, but it doesnt like water at all. It seems to die, and the belt gets wet real easy. But that could be just a flaw in his machine. You will like Can-Am and Arctic Cat

 

If you have decided you need a 4wd, take a look at the new Honda Rancher 420 (fuel injected and water cooled). I just got one and it is one superb little machine! Great suspension and handling, and it is very fast. I think it is more in the Wolverine class, than any utility class. I would like to see a shootout between it and an Wolverine, because I think it will kick its foo foo automatic tranny a$$. My only complaint is that it would be a much better machine if it was lighter!

Doesn't sound like you need an IRS monster mud bogger or a huge work machine. The sporty solid axle Rancher is in the prefect place right there between the sport quads and the huge utility monsters.