Hiya Folks,
I'm toying with purchasing an ATV. I plan on a utility version. I will use it occasionally to plow snow, haul wood, etc.... as well as the occasional trail ride in the high rocky mountains (read: mostly rocky trails although there is mud occasionally, and lots of snow). I'm a little guy at 5'7" and around 165lbs. Originally I was lured to the Yamaha Grizzly 700 just due to so much discussion about it. But now I'm thinking I just don't need something that big (or do I?). I'm also puzzled about the brands these days. It used to be, at least in my experience, Polaris seemed to be the king of the hill so to speak. My friend's father has two Polaris' and had nothing but problems with one of them so I'm not sure whether he just got a lemon, it was mistreated, or what. Oh, and price, well I haven't really put a budget together only to say the Grizzly 700 seems awfully expensive to me! I'm no speed demon and I would like the opportunity to possibly carry a second passenger occasionally (would prefer to stay with a single seater though). 4x4 is a must. So, here are my rather generic and non-specific questions for you all.

1. Based on the usage, what size quad would you recommend?
2. Which brand/model would you recommend?
3. Where to buy with best prices/CS? (online is fine)
4. Any other recommendations?
5. Am I asking the right questions or should I be thinking about this differently?

I'm certain there are a million other bits of information I could give or questions I could ask but hopefully this will get the ball rolling.
Thanks much,
Dublin

 

Any of the big name brands have supurb utes, polaris, kawasaki, honda, can am, yahmaha, susuki, AC, you really cant go wrong with any of them anymore. I would recommend find a great local dealer. Personally to me 90% of the decision making of what kind of quad to by boiled down to my dealer. Mine was local, he is very honest, he is a super nice guy, and owns his own little shop and repairs the bikes himself. Thats why I ride the bike I ride, If it so happend he dealt with Polaris instead of Kawasaki I would be riding a polaris right now.

Also I would reccomed NOT financing thru the manufacture if you can avoid it. Get a personal loan or go to a credit union or cash out right.

If you are riding in the High rocky mountains I would recommend getting a fuel injected quad so you wont have to worry about rejetting due to altitude. That right there will cut down some decisions. I would also go with a 500cc or bigger for hauling the wood and plowing but thats just my 2 cents.

 

I think if you don't care so much for speed and huge torque, any of the current 500cc quads will do. They seem to hit a decent price/performance balance, but if you really want the big bore, well then go for it. Your gonna have to go to as many dealers as you can, and AT least sit on as many models as you can, and test ride as many as you can. Fit and function is so personal for everyone.

All the manufacturers seem to make decent quads nowadays, and they all have their own quirks. If you want to carry an extra passenger sometimes, I really recommend the 2-up quads, safer and much more comfortable. The Grizz 550/700 has a rather small seat, and most ppl seem to agree that it isn't a great quad for 2-up riding.

Polaris and Arctic Cat both make quads generally more geared for work usage, Honda's are simple and should be reliable, really they all make decent quads. Just find the ones that fit you best then go from there. Being a smaller guy, you might hate one and love another. I am a smaller guy and ergonomics make a pretty big difference sometimes.

Oh, and nothing really wrong with carbs, but EFI is so much smoother, and generally better on fuel as well. And like Mobrute said, the dealer could play a big part in what you want to get as well.

-Krait

 

Thanks guys. I wholeheartedly agree that EFI is probably the way to go so that will limit my choices somewhat. Is there really a big difference between the 500's and 700's that I would even bother thinking the bigger size? Especially if this is going to be used occasionally and not daily? I forget the size of my friend's fathers' but I've ridden it and liked it just fine. I'll have to touch base with him to find out the details.
Cheers,
cc

 

A 500 will do anything a 700 can tho maybe with not as much ease. I could pull as much with my 5 as my 8 as when you lose traction it don't really matter which both will do. BUT for pulling logs up hill etc the big bore helps and don't have to work as hard. You do pay a premium in fuel which some take into consideration. The ergonomics play a large part in my decision so I go with the more comfy for me machine, I am 5' 10 but a lil over 200 and older. I also agree that you need to be comfortable with your dealer too. If you get a bad gut feeling there is most likely a reason.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Dublin

Hiya Folks,

I will use it occasionally to plow snow, haul wood, etc.... as well as the occasional trail ride in the high rocky mountains (read: mostly rocky trails although there is mud occasionally, and lots of snow). and I would like the opportunity to possibly carry a second passenger occasionally (would prefer to stay with a single seater though). 4x4 is a must. So, here are my rather generic and non-specific questions for you all.Thanks much,
Dublin</end quote></div>


Polaris 500X2!

 

1. Based on the usage, what size quad would you recommend?
you need 500+
2. Which brand/model would you recommend?
id go with a grizzly or bruteforce 750
3. Where to buy with best prices/CS? (online is fine)
look in the trader, craigslist they got good steals!
4. Any other recommendations?
efi is a must!

if you get a bigger atv that just means more power. it will be easier to pull stuff..
or look at honda foremans, and rincons..