Buying an ATV Questions and suggestions about what to buy, financing, insurance, etc.

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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 11:18 AM
  #81  
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Originally Posted by kliph
So, you guys like the Polaris more than the Yamaha.
Is the
Polaris a full size and the Yamaha a mid size?
I hope to get to the dealer today, if not next week.
Kliph
Not sure about the Yamaha but the Polaris is a full-sized quad.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 11:28 AM
  #82  
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Originally Posted by quadsr4me
Power steering is not necessary but you do have to over inflate your front tires a bit though. The difference between 5 and 8psi is really pretty impressive.

Locking diff is also not necessary but sure would be nice if you need to get out of those tough spots. If you stay on top of it though, 3/4wd and low gear will get the job done.

500 will definitely work but even 300-400cc machines can get the job done depending on how much snow you get and how big your driveway is. You will lose traction way before you will need more power.

You'll get responses all over the board about which brand is best. Do your research, take them out for a test drive and go with what feels most comfortable to you.

Lastly, I hate to break it to you but plowing with a quad is still pretty labor intensive. It's a back saver for sure but you're still out in the elements and you still have to wrestle with the machine and of course there is always the risk of damage to your machine and yourself. I like your spirit though. Good luck.
wow i,m 60 years old and dont have any problems plowing snow with my polaris 2013 sportsman 400 ho, doesnt matter if snow is wet or how much i have to push.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 12:22 PM
  #83  
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Originally Posted by jumbofrank
Don't let the plastic racks worry you. They aren't a problem unless you flip it over or have a bad crash. At least I never had a problem in 18 years.
Originally Posted by Andy578
one nice benefit is they wont rust
here's a pic of my 09 XP 850 I rolled on a somewhat steep rock up at LMFT in NH- rolled it right down- other than the bars being slightly bent, and a cracked foot well- the rack held up very well! I broke the aftermarket rack extender, but the rack was fine. I had it in 2wd low gear and it just went right over on me. I rolled it again about 20 mins later on anther steep rock but no one was around to take pics!

like jf said above- don't roll your 1000lb popo down a rocky slope and your racks will be fine





 
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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 12:59 PM
  #84  
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If you're not sure if you want a mid-size or full-size quad you'll have to test ride them or at least sit on them both. I'm a full-size person so I need a full-size quad.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 06:59 PM
  #85  
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Originally Posted by jumbofrank
If you're not sure if you want a mid-size or full-size quad you'll have to test ride them or at least sit on them both. I'm a full-size person so I need a full-size quad.
sadly many places won't let you test drive but at the very least you can sit on them and see what's comfortable
 
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 11:07 AM
  #86  
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Originally Posted by Norman Strothman
wow i,m 60 years old and dont have any problems plowing snow with my polaris 2013 sportsman 400 ho, doesnt matter if snow is wet or how much i have to push.

I was 60 years old at one time, many years ago.
I think a test ride with and without power steering.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 07:25 PM
  #87  
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Originally Posted by kliph
I was 60 years old at one time, many years ago.
I think a test ride with and without power steering.
thing is if you've never drove one with power steering you'd never think much of it and personally i never had issues steering but once you actually ride with power steering it's like night and day and you'd never want to go back
 
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 07:50 PM
  #88  
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I wont even consider buying an atv without dps- most amazing thing since the 4x4.
Most people think it's only about making steering easier- that's only part of the picture; it virtually removes all of the bar deflection while on rocky trails and improves stability at higher speeds. Power steering on atvs makes more sense than power steering on cars!
 
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Old Mar 17, 2014 | 05:52 AM
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I personally prefer the precision stabilizer over power steering. Still gives you great handlebar feedback but it prevents any bar whip. Lighter and more reliable as well. With that said, Power steering is a very nice option, especially if your an older guy. Every manufacturer offers it so it shouldn't limit your option
 
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Old Mar 17, 2014 | 10:07 AM
  #90  
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Originally Posted by kliph
Let me rethink this. If you had a choose which one would you choose? Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS, Yamaha Grizzly 450 Auto. 4x4 EPS, Honda FourTrax Rancher 4x4 Automatic DCT with Power Steering.

All about the same price.

Kliph
Not really in the same class. The 570 is a 42hp full sized chassis and the 421 Grizzly and Rancher are 28hp mid size ATVs.
The Grizzly 550 and 680 Rincon would be closer to compare and even then the 570 would have the power edge.

when it comes to Honda the only one i'd consider is the 500 Rubicon which i believe has IRS but no diff lock.
The Rubicon is and always was a SRA with a mechanical rear drum brake. Even in SRA terms it also has a rather short suspension travel of 6.7".

The Rubicon has not changed its motor, frame, suspension and tranny since it came out in 2001 and back then it was considered dated vs most other 500 class 4x4 in terms of power ,suspension, rear brakes and traction.

Check it out. all a 2013 has over a 2001 is streamline plastics. 2013 Honda FourTrax® Foreman® Rubicon® (TRX®500FA) ATVs
 
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