I am about to buy a new machine [first one] and am having a really hard time. I thiught i had it figured out but the more I look the harded it gets. I have the list down to four. AC 300 4x4 [Independant suspension/selectable 2/4wd] Honda 350ES Great reputation but not indepedant susp. Kawi 300 Prarie Top Speed 42MPH may not keep up with buds and no Independant. Yamaha Big Bear 2000 model no independant. These bikes all price out within $300 of each other. Not owning an ATV in the past, it will be hard to predict what type of riding I will be doing. Any thoughts at this point will help.

 

It is my understanding that the Honda ES is your basic auto-clutch design with the addition of an electro-mechanical shift mechanism. Honda has since announced a new model that will include a true automatic tranmission that will be unlike any other ATV. Rather than using a belt-drive system, it will use a hydraulic pump and control system that will operate within a sealed unit. Some of the belt-driven units have earned a reputation for slipping when operated deeper water. However, being a new model, it might be best to wait and see what kind of reputation it earns with buyers.