Hi. I own an 06 Honda rancher, but will soon be trading for something else. Ive had a lot of problems with it and I'm ready to try out fuel injection. Right now I'm debating on a 2011 Suzuki kingquad 500AXi or a 2011 Polaris sportsman 550. I will be using it mostly for trail riding and hunting. I have owned a Polaris or 2 in the past, they were ok, much better than the Honda. But I've never owned a Suzuki, just heard good things. I've also looked into the yamaha grizzly. Any suggestions on which is the best to buy?

 

In the 550 class I would go by price. All have the same features. My friend just bought a 2011 800 Sportsman because it was cheaper than a XP 550 and AC 550, go figger.LOL

 

I agree with TLC on this one. But I will give you my experience, I own a suzuki 500 and a popo 500. Popo is much heavier, less low end power, but been much more reliable and maintenance free than the suzuki. 2800 miles and never not even once had any trouble. But then again my suzuki may just be a lemon. Lmao

 

O and proof anything over 400cc in a utility quad is just braggin rights, my wifes popo 300 will go more places that either of our 500's. Just sayin it pisses me off

 

Any of the 500-550s would be okay. I've had good luck with Polaris. If I was buying right now I would get the Sportsman 550. Probably without power steering.

 

I would do the same 550 W/O EPS they are fine for slow speeds but at higher speeds on my friends its hard to keep it straight as it is extremely touchy

 

Can-Am has the Renegade 500 and Outlander 500. Both pricy but quickest for CVT transmission utes with 4wd. Frames are a little on the weak side to me but a good set of skids helps that out. Outlander has racks and better protection from spray than the Renegade. Polaris has the most comfortable ride and a good strong frame with really good on board storage options. Suzuki is good bang for the buck. Yamaha is a very nice machine too. Don't know much about ACs. I think any of these quads are great machines.

 

Only thing about the 500 Can Am it needs higher rpm to make its hp, it does not have the low end grunt like the single cylinder thumpers for the technical riding. 500cc is two small for a 4 stroke twin I think. 4x4 ATVs Comparison Test Report - What's the Best 500 Utility ATV?

CONS

 

Thanks guys. I think Im leaning more towards Polaris. One main reason is the dealer is closer, the closest Suzuki dealer is a little over an hour away. Now I just have to decide which color lol

 

I have not had a polaris but have had Honda's, Yamaha's, and now the latest a Suzuki. After my experience's (and friends with Polaris's) I am more impressed with my Zuk than ever. Reliability wise, this Suzuki has done slightly better than the Yamaha's I have owned and much better then the Honda. I only know from my friends experiences with Polaris and the reliability is the only issue. The are by far the smoothest riding machine I have been on. My comments are not due to any bias.....only experience. I wish I had more confidence in the Polaris. I would buy one. Now more than ever I am all for American made, if it makes economic sense.