I am buying an ATV tonight. I have been searching for about 4 weeks now and have it narrowed down to two machines. The first is an 08 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 Fuel injected. It has 850 miles on it. The owner has babies this machine. It looks likew new. You could honestly put it on the showroom again. It has a warn winch, and a moose brush guard on it, also has some shock protective covers on it.The other machine is an 09 Polaris 850 sportsman XP this one is from a dealer, so no history is known. it has 250 miles on it, and has no accessories other then a front rack.I really like the idea of a Kawy Vtwin. I had an 05 Polaris sportsman 700 carbed model. Then engine lost compression at 1500 miles in one cyliner, so I have a bad tast about them, but figured they have probably gotten better over the years?Just trying to get some opinions.Thanks everyone

 

Are they the same price? For me I would go with the Kawi, your dealing with the actual owner and he has some pricy goodies installed on it.

Whats the XP doing at the dealer with only 250 miles? and its the first year model did it get the recalls done?

I,m not a fan of first year models. The bute has been around for a long enough time to get the bugs out of them by 2008.

I,d feel better if it was a 2010 XP.

The Bute has what matters to me in a ATV,nice motor,IRS, A True AWD system and a low range, but so does the XP.

Good luck.

 

I'd prefer buying from a person rather than a dealer. Hopefully they're being honest with any issues they've had. My experience with a dealer is they're honestly trying to get money from you.

 

A used XP with only 250 miles on it sitting at a dealership,maybe a discontented owning and his lawyer dropped it off in the dealers parking lot. LOL

 

That is my feeling as well. I am thinking a possible bank repo? Who knows. I have honestly wanted a Brute for a long time. The polaris I had was a good machine, it had it's issues but I really just don't care for that inline twin. I love the Vtwin the brute has, just seems more smooth. Actually that 750 brute would walk all over my 700 Sportsman. They are both close in price, the XP is about 500 more then the brute. And like I said the brute is in showroom condition. This guy was very very maticulous with this machine. I gather that from talking to him

 

I would also get the BF.
The sportsman 850 is first model year they had some problems also you don't know it's history thats a huge no factor in my book.

 

And welcome to the forums.

 

does the 08 BF have the softer seat on it- did they ever go to the softer seats like polaris, canam & yamaha have or are they still using that stiff seat?

The brute will offer that sporty quickness - the xp will be a bit more comfortable to ride-
If you can get the dealer to "throw in" some kind of warranty... maybe the xp, otherwise I'd probably take the bf with the goodies

 

Well I thank you all for the replies, and sounds like the BF is the best choice. Which is what I was thinking the whole time. I highly doubt the dealer would throw in a warranty, simply because it is a used dealer. They don't handle any new machines.The polaris already put a bad taste in my mouth because of the motor that failed on my last one. And yes I service all my machines. Oil was changed every 50 hours or every spring and fall, which ever came first. And it was not abused.The BF is supposed to have a better seat in 08. From the reviews I have read they changed the padding in them and are better.I definatly like the idea of a Vtwin. I have owned Kawy motorcycles with the Vtwins, 1500,1600 and now the 2000CC Vulcan which I LOVE. And I have never had ANY issues with any of them. I thank you for the replies, I will be picking up the brute tonight!!! Then I am buying some aluminum wheels and some nice mud tires for it!!!!!

 

If nothing else, an upholstery shop could put a gel pad in the seat fairly (under 100 bucks here) cheap.