Hi everyone! Been browsing, but thought I would join here to ask for some advise. I am looking to buy a used ATV for driving around my property and working. I would be towing a trailer with firewood, hay, etc., so towing power is a must. Some parts of my property are a little wet, so I wouldn’t be taking it mudding but I need to be able to get through the mud. I’m only confident with routine maintenance, so reliability is important as I would have to pay for all major repairs. I’m on a budget so cost is a factor as well. I think I’ve narrowed it down to a Kawasaki brute force 750 or a Can Am Outlander 800, but am open to other options. I noticed I could get a 2013 brute force for about the same price as a 2008 can am. Would the extra power in the can am be worth it getting the older model? Or does reliability of the Kawi trump that? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

Reliability of the Brute Force definitely trumps the increase in power for me, plus that BF is newer... but it always comes down to which used bike was maintained properly and not abused. Check into Honda and Yamaha bikes as well if you're looking for reliability. Honda is generally considered more work oriented where Yamaha can be considered work and play. Really, the Hondas can be considered play as well, just Yamaha is better at the play part.

 

Thanks! Good points. I could also get a 2008 or 2009 (want to stay in fuel injected era) Brute force for close to $1000 less. That may be the way to go since that could pay for quite a bit of repairs.

 

I honestly would call Kawasaki and Can-Am about on par reliability wise. Either quad would do what you are asking. If you put either in low range when towing you'll lose traction before you lose the grunt to pull heavy loads. Can-Am 4wd system is one push of a button and engages as needed. Not fond of the early Can-Ams as the 4wd comes on slowly unlike the Polaris system that works the same way. The Kawasaki has a push button system to put it in 4wd. One push puts it in 4wd with a limited slip front end. If you want the front end locked you pull on a lever on the left side by the brake handle. Only issue I can see with that is if you are in an off canter situation where the quad is leaning steeply to the left and you have to stand on the right foot well with both feet to keep the quad from tipping. There is an aftermarket kit available to lock the front end without holding the lever. I would probably go for the Brute simply because it is newer. Depends on use and wear and tear.

 

Only down fall of the Brute and mite be a issue for you and towing is its slightly shorter than other machines... reason why everyone on a brute can wheelie so easy lol.. Honda are nice work horse but under powered.. I just switched over from a can and that thing was under powered but reliable.. Iv now switched to can am as all my friends ride them and never see them down when they have normal maint, the only ones i see down are the ones that are totaly beat to **** by their riders..

 

I guess the point is concerning reliability, 2008 Can-Am versus 2013 Kawa Brute Force as the OP lists. He is not talking current years. I'd still say the Kawa is probably going to be more reliable... holding on to the assumption both bikes were maintained well.