I might be getting into the ATV scene soon. I think I'm looking at getting something entry level to see how it goes for a bit, then move up if we like.
I'm thinking about a 250 or 300 machine.....2x4 or 4x4 I/m not sure.
It will be used for mainy slow trail riding around our hunting property, and putt-putt with the kids. Basically a utility machine.

fwiw I've been an avid snowmobiler for over 20 years so toys do not scare me, and I'm pretty mechanical.


What would everyone reccommend ????

-jeff b.

 

Take a look at the new Suzuki Ozark or The Arctic Cat 250 or 300
The AC comes 2 or 4wd.

 

Also one more thing. If I decide I want to plw snow will a 250 or 300 be too small.
What are the advantages of 4x4 over 2x4 for plowing. I've seen some small older Honda 200's or 250's go through some serious stuff, and they were 2x4. Idoubt I'd need to go through anything more than that.

-jeff b.

 

Depending on your weight and the type of terrain you will be driving on the 300 might not have enough power. The reason I saying this is because my uncle has a 300 cat and he's about 240 lbs. On one of our outings we had to cross a ditch that was kind of mucky. My 400 had no problem what so ever but his cat laboured. Just pointing that out in case. However on hard pack trails his bike works great.

P.S If I had to by an ATV I wouldn't go under 400cc.
Remember buy what you like.....

 

For hunting and just taking your kids around, I would go with a mid size Honda for the reliablity.

 

I would recommend looking at some 250's and 300's; find out prices and then set a budget. If you don't, then you will be like me. My first ATV ever is now a Kawasaki Prairie 650. I looked at 325's, then for a few dollars more the 400's, the a few dollars more the 500's, then a few dollars more I ended up with the 650. I almost sprang for a Polaris Sportsman 700 which initially was more money than my 650. But after outfitting my 650 with a winch, camo coverings, rack extenders, hitch, and storage bags; my 650 came out costing me more money than my first car.
Happy searching!


Daryn

 

If you would consider a 400cc, click here (Pictured is a 2002 Yamaha Kodiak)

 

Anyone have any insight on 2x4 vs 4x4?

What about plowing ? If I ever decided to put a plow on is a 250 too small ?

I live in MI, and would proably never plow more than 8 inches at a time.

Thanks for the replies.

-jeff b.

 

bartojc2000
You sound as if you are in the same boat I was in. I wanted a bike that could do it all.
Semi Sport/ Semi Utility and year round fun.

We first bought a Honda Utility 350 4x4 (GREAT WORKER and is a TANK.(ROUGH RIDE but great power)

We then Purchases a 2001 250 POLARIS TRAILBLAZER (GREAT TRAILBIKE,Great price, LOW ON POWER, SUCKS IN SNOW, 2wd)

I then got my 2000 Scramber 4x4 (OK WORKER, Super trailBike, Great Power, Great Suspension, Great in the snow, and yes if you want a plow, cycle country makes one for it.
In my opinion the POLARIS SCRAMBLER is the best UNIVERSAL bike on the market.
It will do it all from PLOWING in the winter to Duning in the summer.

I know some people dog polaris for quality, but there must be a reason POLARIS sells more auto atvs than all others COMBINED.

 

Bubbascrambler -

I have seen you post that information about Polaris outselling all other makes combined in a few threads now. I find that hard to believe. Are you saying that Polaris outsells Honda, Yamaha, Suziki, Arctic Cat, Canondale, Bombardier, Kawasaki, and others combined?

Like I said, I find that hard to believe. I would love to see where you are getting that info.

Bartojc2000 -

I just got an AC 400i 4x4. Great bike, and I do the sort of things you talk about. Just some slow rides on the trails with the kids, plowing snow, and other yard work. I rarely get above 40 mph. I would highly recomend you take a look at the AC linup.

However, I do agree with the advice to set a budget. It is soooo easy to look at "bigger and better" and get caught up in it all. So far, the 400 has done all I have wanted, with power to spare.

Good luck.