Hello Members.

I have a quick question. I am planning on purchasing my first ATV and was wondering if any member could shed some light on one of the models I have choosen. My area is mainly river beds and mountain fire access roads, nothing to extreme unless we want it to be. I am really mixed up whether I want a utility or a more sporty utility. I have basically come up with two models, one I have always wanted (Yamaha Wolverine) and a recent change of heart (Honda TRX350 ES). I do have reasons for EX now that my wife would have an easier time riding than the Yamaha, I think.

I honestly feel that I may not need the four wheel drive but my main decision is going to be based on overall workmanship and durability. From growing up I have always heard that Honda makes a great ATV but have never really heard anything about the Wolverine.

Have any members owned either one of these quads and maybe could give me some advice on their feelings of these two ATV's.

Greatly appreciate any information to help me make a well informed decision. Wow that was some quick question.. hahaha

Thanks Members.

 

I would check in on the Yamaha Kodiak 400 or 450 good machine with 2wd or 4wd just hit the button.

 

Is it just trail riding? No jumping, wheelies, spinouts, ect?

If $ is no problem than the best sport/utility right now is the Prairie 650 but, it is bigger and more money.

MX

 

What ATV dealer is the closest to you?

 

Haven't owned a wolverine, but I have owned a Big Bear for 5 years. Very solid machine, very reliable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. The wolverine should be the same in reliability, I've never heard of any chronic problems with them.

4x4 - if you're riding just fire roads, etc... no you probably don't need it. Is that all you'll ever ride, though? Want to ride those trails with snow on them? Need to clear the white stuff off your driveway? One thing about 4x4: if you need it, there's no substitute.

Utility machines generally have a better payload on the racks, while sport utilities will handle better. Different suspension setup.

Quality of the dealership is an issue to consider, as you will need them for service sooner or later. Most quads of the same setup are pretty close these days, the dealer will make the difference. One reason I chose an Arctic Cat 500i over a Yamaha Grizzly was the much better reputation of the Cat/Suzuki dealership in my area.

 

Thank you for your opinions and comments.

This is why the decision is hard for me. I do want an ATv that will give the utility features but the sporty ride as well. I am really struggling with what I want. We do have river beds with rocks, sand etc....nice fire roads to blast down but also want to just explore around. Money is definately an issue plus the fact I do not want to have a 600 pound machine as well.

I want to be able to stap my metal detector on plus other things but still have the ability to just go down to the river and play around.

What I need is two ATV's....................

Keep your comments coming, very helpful.

Thank you

 

A wolverine would not be bad for what you are talking about but, nothing utility is really going to be a 'jumper' or anything like that. A really good option might be a Rancher. They feel about aas light as a utility can get and can be pretty zippy. They certainly have the reliability record. You could get a '00 2x4 for just above $3,000 probably.

MX

 

Thanks motoxpress.

Yes the Wolverine might be my best choice but will look into honda too. In Canada the atv's really hold their value. Example 95-00 Wolverine $4400-5300, pretty high huh.

I use to work for a local motorcycle shop but only had a chance to ride utility quads, really liked them but have never had the chance to ride a Wolverine or rancher, only the Suzuki King Quad and Prairie.

Will keep you informed. In fact I have only found 2 used Wolverines for sale but they are in another province, nothing where I live, hard to find.

Thanks motoxpress.