I test drove almost all the mid-range atv models except for Arctic Cat and Polaris when I was shopping for a new quad. With Yamaha I tried the Big Bear 400 and the Kodiak 400--both are reliable machines according to my friends, but when I test drove them they were hard to control in 4X4, and you kind of have to man-handle it to keep it steady. Power was about average in comparisson to the others. The Honda Rancher ES was next and drove amazingly well for an all-time 4x4, and the ride was very smooth, but I didn't like the fact that I couldn't put it in 2-wheel drive for just trail ridding or spinning doughnuts in the snow--also it doesn't have as much ground clearance as the others. Then I tried the Kawasaki prairie 360 and wasn't overly impressed. Like the yamahas, it was rough in 4x4 and couldn't turn corners very well, the front slip diff. was a nice added bonus though. Plus the power was just average in speed, but is one of the better quads when it come to torque for towing. Also it was the highest in price, which didn't go well for me. Finally, I test drove the Eiger 400 4x4 manual and automatic. It was the fastest in acceleration by far over the others in the manual, the automatic is a little more sluggish, but not much. As for in 4x4 is was very smooth, not quite as smooth as the Rancher but close. It had a large ground clearance, and was more reasonably priced than the yamaha's and the Kawasaki. My decision was between the Rancher and the Eiger, and I chose the Eiger (5-speed) because of the power and the 2x4/4x4 capabilities. I haven't had any problems in almost a year, except for letting my brother borrow it and rear-ending another quad at 35 mph, plus she is great in the mud (up past the rack w/o getting stuck once).

Wally

 

I don't know what 450honda has against me. I don't go looking for his posts to comment on. I did not say go buy an AC because its is the best out there, although it is quite good. I do believe anyone in the market for any atv should look at all options to make a well informed decision. Do not buy anything without riding it and by all means check out the dealer before you buy, a good dealer makes all the difference in the world. Anyone looking at the 400 class machines should check out AC just for the variety. The AC 400 uses the same motor as the Eiger and you can get it in auto or man. with 12" of ground clearance. I think 450 just gets jealous. Oh and you should never take advice from someone who has first hand experience, like an owner of a machine, that would be ridiculous.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I did leave out in my previous post test ride 'em all and buy what you like. I don't know how many times I'll have to put up with 450honda, I guess his opinion is the only one worth hearing. It's funny I don't remember bashing honda, although there are lots of things I don't like about them. I really hate the fact that some people won't considr anything but honda and honda corp. seems to ignore what people. They do seem to be waking up though. Sorry so Long. Happy trails and God Bless.

 

Rob, here's my problem. You use this forum as a sales platform with no regard for the average Joe who is looking for unbiased advice and might be fooled into thinking they are getting it from you. Check this out copied from Robs post in the AC forum. No, he doesn't work for AC and his only interest is in helping you the average forum user. Right.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Rob writes:

More of the AC guys need to hang around the "Buying an ATV" forum to keep some folks from making a mistake. Come on guys chime in and tell how great your AC is.

-------------------------
Kawi 300 4X4 swamped*winched*snorked

Gotta Cat 500A Snorked

 

I wish all the idividuals who start these threads could see how you seem to sniff me out 450. It seems quite pathetic. I hate to keep repeating my self, but once again, I do not tell people to buy AC. I only offer it as an option. The brand name does not have the recognition that honda does and for the money, AC is an option that at least should be looked at. I could care less if AC sell A quad, although maybe I could get 450 to write them a letter for me. I would love to get paid to talk about a product that I do like. So what is wrong with that. You come in here and talk about what you like and why you like it. That is all I do. The guys in the AC forum will come here and tell what they think about their ride regardless of whether it is good or bad. You must sign on everyday and search to see if I have any new posts. That makes me feel all squishy inside, that I inpsire you like that. The truth is I OWN an AC 500 and I like it. It is not the best at everything but I like it. I guess you inspired me as well, I think I'll add this to my sig.... I don't work for AC, it works for me. Sorry to digress from the original post, some people would rather stir up trouble than help out a fellow atver, ride all the options you have and choose what YOU like. This is all I ever tell anyone.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

buy a kodiak450 or a wolverine 350 or rancher at

 

I recently bought a new machine and was in a similiar position as you, wondering which to get. After considering the various choices it came done to a machine with 4x4, independent suspension, good power, and something that won't nickle and dime me to death with problems. I ended up getting a new '01 Polaris sportsman 500 HO and the 5 yr. extended warr. So far I love the machine the ride and power are outstanding. Carefully consider what you want, and read all you can about the ones you like and pick. Hope this helps

 

I am gonna throw my hat in the ring here. Icewolf, you need to ride the ones that look interesting to you and get the one that appeals to you. Noone else has to ride it and enjoy it, only you. Big deal if you get one that can't go more than 40 mph, big deal if you get one that has 3" of ground clearance, as long as you enjoy it, that is the most important thing. As you can see here, if you get one brand, the owners of other brands are going to bash your choice no matter what. If you are happy with the Wolverine, grab it. Yamaha makes some of the best atv's and have something for everyone. One thing for sure though, always figure in a new set of rubber though, with the exception of Polaris and some Artic Cats, most atv manufacturers put crappy rubber on their quads (Kawasaki being a prime example). I ride with a wolverine and we have a great time. Grab it and hang on!

 

buy a BANSHEE lol

 

I can tell you only what I have experience with. I have a 2002 Rancher ES 4x4 and this one I have is absolutely indestructible. It has 1600 miles on it and rides like new. It has had NO problems whatsoever and is so, so low maintenance. I am super lazy on maintenance, so I like that. It floats: has gone thru crazy deep rivers, it has climbed anything it has come upon, has been awesome in the mud, and even light enough to jump! All the plastic has been torn off and goes right back on because of the rivets it's held with. It's been rolled (driver error) and just beaten up time after time. It runs perfect and looks great. It's plowed a ton of snow wonderfully, and it's been raced a few times. It's also hauled huge trees when a tornado knocked them down. You would never know any of this by looking at it or riding it. It's super sturdy and stays on four wheels VERY well.

Okay, so that's my what I'm backing up my opinion with. That being said, I've been considering the Rancher AT for myself in hopes that it has the same reliability. I like that it has push-button 2x-4x and that it's automatic, or ES if you choose. I think it's cool-looking, too, but that's just my preference.

Also, my husband raced in the 12-Hours of ATV America with two other guys on a Wolverine that did awesome! It is faster than the Rancher. It jumped great, and held up to 12 HOURS OF RACING IN ONE DAY! That's pretty reliable. He does have a pipe and aftermarket suspension on it. The suspension helped a lot! It did well enough to get 2nd place, losing only to Penland on a p650!!!

There are so many awesome machines out there. Shopping around is so important to find something for your wants, needs, and likes. But I just thought I'd share the only info I KNOW instead of what I think. Maybe it helps.

 

I would consider the Suzuki 400 Eiger auto have one and i really like the way it handels and the ride it has plenty of power more than you probably will need it is a all around good machine invest in a Eiger you wont be sorry you did