I been doing some mega research and test driving last few weeks, and have narrowed it down to these 2 bikes, just looking for some input, the pros and cons of each.

It will be used to plow snow, ride trails, muding, little bit of Ranch work at grandfathers ranch. And in future want to install tracks


2009 FourTrax Foreman Rubicon MSRP $7,499
Specs





2009 Polaris Sportsmen 550 XP MSRP 7499
Specs

 

The Rubicon has a smaller, carbureted engine, and Honda utility ATVs are notoriously underpowered, so there's really no comparison. It's a lot like comparing a 400 and 600 power-wise because the 550 is more powerful than the old 600 Polaris and the Honda is the weakest 500 made by anyone. The XP gives you a lot more for your money, starting with 40 horsepower, 14" wheels, 26" tires, and better suspension, ground clearance, towing, and rack capacity.

 

jumbofrank hit the nail on the head. the sportsman is the better buy

 

Good luck with whatever you decide on. I would give the 700 Grizzly with FI and EPS another look. I have one and it is awesome. The power steering is great and the power to weight ratio is perfect if you ask me. I paid $7150 for mine.

 

Grizzly 550 is better than both of those.

 

I agree that the 550 Griz prolly is better than both of those shown, but IMO I don't understand why anyone would buy the 550 instead of the 700? They weigh exactly the same, have the exact dimensions and cost is so close it seems silly to pay nearly as much for less horsepower. Just my thoughts.

 

Now that others except JF and 450kodman have plugged in their opinions on machines you didn't want, I think you would be very happy with the 550 Polaris!
It will do everything you mentioned without any problem.
I agree with what JF wrote!

 

Go with the polaris.... it will be a lot more fun to ride. It will suit all of your needs just fine.

 

No doubt the Polaris. The current issue has a review of the Honda if you're interested. (Not the Rubicon, the Foreman, but they're fairly similar) The IRS and EFI on the Polaris alone make it a substantially better than the Honda.

 

I'm surprised a certain person hasn't been on here saying horsepower doesn't matter and a SRA is better than IRS. Honda with their old 1920s technology is okay, but why settle for okay when you can have a great ATV for the same price or less? Polaris still has rebates up to $1,000, and 1.99% financing on all their ATVs.

As for other models like a Grizzly 700 and other big bores, they burn more gas and most of us don't need anything that big. But if I needed anything bigger than a 550 I'd get the most powerful ATV made, the 70 horsepower XP 850, not a Grizzly 700.