It's been a dream of mine to own an atv. My family owns 67 acres of forest w/ a log cabin in the mountains and believe it or not, we've never owned quads. I have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and although I've taken it off-roading, as soon as the price I paid for it pops into my head, I find myself returning to the pavement.
I am now in a situation where I can afford to buy 2 new 4-wheelers, but I don't know what to look for and am afraid of being taken advantage of by salesmen.
Here's what I need:
new vehicles--I want a good warranty
automatic w/ reverse
I don't think I want a straight axle--they won't be sport quads
They must be 4 wheel drive
I'd also like a decent sized engine, they may be carrying 2 people occassionally

Based upon this, does anyone have any good suggestions on models or even manufacturers??? I'm bewildered...

 

Sounds like you need a day trip to the big 5 and decide for yourself. Anymore I am not sure any one is that much better than the other. It is just what fits right and $$ makes sence. But when you need help breaking in a few new trails on those 67 acres... look me up.

 

Any of the modern utility machines with a 500 or better should suit your needs easily. There are 3 companies that make 2 person machines that are legal for 2 riders pretty much anywhere in the US. Arctic Cat, CanAm, and Polaris. Where I've ridden in NH and VT the Polaris and CanAm machines are getting more numerous. My favorite is the Polaris Sportsman X2. It has a dump bed rear rack that has a seat built into it. It converts from 1-up to 2-up in 10 seconds. The rear can carry 400 lbs. I've had mine through mud, snow, deep water holes, up and down steep rocky hills, etc. Never failed me yet. All the big names (Arctic Cat, CanAm, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, and Yamaha) have great machines. Arctic Cats usually have great ground clearance, CanAms have the most powerful engines in each cc class, Hondas are super reliable, Kawasaki have the best looks, Polaris is the best all around package (IMO), Suzuki is best bang for the buck, and Yamaha has great all around machines. All will tow 1/2 ton + or -. Fuel injection is nice to get for cold starts and elevations. And, all but Arctic Cat and Kawasaki have quads available with power steering. If you can try out each one and see which will meet your needs, all the better.

 

Thanks guys. That's helps clear things up some. There are just so many possible combinations where atvs are concerned that I find myself overwhelmed.
xcitmt--The 67 acres are in Sullivan County--about an hour or so north of Tower City--you familiar?

 

well never been there.. but for a good weekend.. My sone ( 10 yr old ) we would be willing to travel up that way to play and explore.. by all means.. give me a PM when you are going up and we ( or I ) will be there to play around. not being a hard core rider, just love to play around and if 67 acres cannot satisfy a weekend..well I guess I need to travel more..

Rob
xcitmt@comcast.net

 

We probably won't go back up until early Spring. It's pretty cold there now. Deer season is the last hoorah for the cabin each year. (My dad's there now). When we do go, we usually go for at least a weekend because it's a 3-3.5 hour drive from our house (we live in Lancaster). It's definitely worth the drive though, especially if you're looking for an awesome place to 4-wheel. I'll be let you know when we go up again.

 

I would recommend that you start doing some reading of atv mags to see what's compared and rated. You shouldn't go smaller than 500cc's, especially if you are going to get a 2-up, but 500cc is as big as you can go and get a manual shift. Everything larger than 500 will have an auto transmission. Definitely get EFI, and if power steering is available on a model you are considering, you should seriously consider that option, even if it is more expensive.
A 700 with EFI should be enough for just about anything you want to throw at it. IRS makes for a better ride, but SRA will corner better and is better at sidehilling. Under no circumstances should you consider something that doesn't have front and rear disc brakes.

 

I definitely want an automatic. There's a REALLY niced slightly used Artic Cat for sale right around the corner from me. Anyone know about their durability? I was set on buying new because I wanted a good warranty, but this thing looks as close to new as you can get.

 

Any Utility ATV 400cc and up will do what you want, I find the the Suzuki KQ up here sell for the best price and they have all the features you can aske for. IRS,EFI, true diff lock AWD,all round disc brakes and a low range.

Its more about chassis size then motor size when it comes to doubling with a passenger. There are 3 chassis sized, small , mid and full. A 450 Grizzly has a mid sized chassis while a 450 KQ has a Full size chassis just like a 750 KQ or 700 Grizzly.

A Honda rancher (mid) is alot smaller then a Foreman( full) but there is only 50cc difference between them in motor size but a Foreman will hold two people much more comfortably and safely.

 

Like said above, all the companies now make very good machines and they are all unique. If you are looking for waranty, I think Can-Am has a 3yr waranty now, which I believe is the best in the business for waranties, but Can-Am's can be a bit pricy at least in my area they are. To answer your question about the Arctic Cat, I believe they are very good machines. They are very similar to Suzuki (they used to use the same motors and I think they still do...correct me if i'm wrong) and they make some very solid quads. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one.