We want to buy a new machine, in the 250cc class. Don't exactly need 4x4 cause we don't ride in mud, it's more money and in winter I use a snowmobile Which ATV would be better, the cat or honda. We would use it for hunting, fishing, and going on the trapline, and some trail riding. I'm not hard on any machine, I would much rather just cruise around, and go through the bush. I know Honda will be reliable, but how would the cat be for reliability? I've heard so much about idling problems and broken axles I'm not sure if I should trust a cat, although I don't ride hard so should those be problems. I really like the IRS on the cat.

JasonJ

 

Try to get what ever bike will suit your needs, do you want reliability? Or do you want IRS?
I would personaly go with honda but that is my opinion....Honda has a reputation of being bulletproof...and we have never had a problem with honda.

 

Arctic Cat's are pretty reliable too, but the Honda will be lighter and have more "fun factor." The AC has a hi and low range to it's gears, which may come in handy when you need more grunt, but it's also carrying 130lbs more weight. The AC is the same "seat size" as it's larger siblings, so it'll be more roomy than the Recon. The AC has more clearance, larger tires, larger rack and towing capacities too.

Basically examine your needs. If you want something more like a small tractor, get the cat. But if you honestly think you'll spend more time playing than hauling, get the Recon.

 

go with the HONDA!! more fun then the AC AC to ute like for a 2x4 the recon is a blast and easy to ride long wheelies with!! AC wont last as long and run as good as the honda!

 

I don't think that the AC 2x4 250 has IRS. The AC has a Suzuki motor so you might as well look at the Ozark. Either the Recon or the Ozark would be more agile and alot lighter than the AC. The AC would be slower than the Recon. The AC weighs about 145 lbs more than a Recon. The AC is 9" longer and around 5" wider. So the Recon would fit through tighter spots. I do like that the AC is supposed to have disc brakes.
Put a full skid on the Recon and you'd be surprised where it can go. If you could see where I went with my Recon yesterday then there wouldn't be a question.

 

The cat does have IRS all around. I don't drive hard or jump or anything like that, so the "sport" factor is not as important. I also like the ground clearence of the cat (9inches)

 

I think the Arctic cat would be best for you...(if your not going to be riding too hard) but you should also check out the ozark & recon as cayotechaser said.

 

The best thing would be to try them both. The IRS would be nice. I would just be concerned with the weight to power. Maybe go with a AC with more cc's?

 

I would go with the recon, because it will more than likley go anywhere the cat will, and will probably be more reliable, and easier to find accessories for. The arctic cats are good too(from the ones i saw), but unless IRS is really that big of a deal to you, then i would definatley go with the recon.Like they said, just ride them both and see which you like best.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I would go with the recon. they are more reliable, lighter and sportier than a cat. I drive my recon pretty hard and use it for mostly trail riding and hunting and I drive in pretty well every terrain from mud to snow and I have had no problems. All you need is a good set of rear tires and the recon should take you anyeheres you wanna go, even if you get hung up on a stump or log its no problem to lift off.