Help choosing ATV 500cc range, would just be for trail riding, need help choosing between the brands

Looking at the can am 500, yamaha or polaris.


does the can am's still have problems with the frame/skid plates? or did they resolve it.

looking to buy 2012 model

much appreciated

 

The best thing to do is test ride each one you like. All are good,but some will lack or have features that the other will not. These features may or may not matter to you. This is why I recommend riding them yourself. Now if your asking OUR personal preferences you will get different answers of course. With your choices given,I personally like the look of the yamaha best,has good power for a 550cc as well as differential lock,polaris normally have a good ride,soft suspension,but the one i rode wasnt all that soft i didnt think, good power as well. The 800 was much softer though. I have a can am 500,i do not like the 4wd,works good for trail,light muddy trail riding,but to climb rocks,trees,ect...One Tire will rotate too many times before it actually grabs on the other side. Not a fan of it. It is fast though. Over all, I like the grizzly 550,real durable,reliable and powerful atv and i think its a real good ALL around atv. Good luck!

 

Can you tell me more about your can am 500? what year is it? also is it the XT?

newer models have the "Visco-Lok QE " which is by far better than the previous.

 

Yamaha is a great all around package. A litlle narrower than the Polaris and CanAm. Polaris has best ride with best on board storage options. CanAm has best power in its class and has excellent fuel mileage. Not sure about the others fuel mileage wise. CanAm has changed the frame on the newer 2012s but not sure about the 500. The new 1000s get the new frame and maybe the 800s. The older spar frame can be reinforced with an insert. If you're moderately handy with tools it can be done in about an hour or so. Probably should ride each one and see which you like best if you can.

 

Mine is a 2007 outlander. No its not the xt(it has everything except the wheels like the xt though)i figured Id just let you see them,rather than tell you how well the lockers work. Im not sure if the renegade has the newer locker in it or not in this video. YouTube - ‪ARCTIC CAT Front Differential Lock and Can-am Visco-Lok‬‏

This is a renegade,you can see the tire turns ALOT before the other engages,compared to a polaris:YouTube - ‪Can-Am Visco Lok Rock Crawling Fail‬‏

 

found one with the new visco: YouTube - ‪can am 2010 Visco-Lok QE‬‏

 

The Yamaha is a nice bike but it runs a little small. I am a tall guy and feel top heavy when I test rode my buddies. That said the power was just like riding my King Quad 500.

So if you are not real tall you will appreciate the sporty feel of the bike.
I chose my King because I was the most comfortable.
Mudsligningfool is right - Ride em all and pick the best fit for you.

Also consider...

Depending on who you ride with and what they ride you may want to shell out those extra dollars and go bigger.
If all your buds are riding 500's then you will be fine.
A buddy of mine has a 2012 Brute 750 and he can leave me in the dust at will and that really irks me.. I kick myself for not going bigger.
Remember there is no replacement for displacemet.

 

This article will pretty much sum up any questions you have.
2010 500-550 EPS 4X4 SHOOTOUT | News | Inside Scoops | ATV Action

 

that article just made it harder to choose

the can am xt 650 is only 800 bucks more, so might go with that. but still not sure yet

 

CanAm 650 has about the same power as other makers' 700s and 750s. Nice comfortable ride but same issue with the frame being on the weak side.