ES..CRAP!? YOU MUST BE CRAZZZY!

 

<< [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] sorry >>

ah, don't worry about it, I was just joking anyways.

 

Let's see, mid-sized, 2-wd, and no funky gizmos to go bad:
I might suggest the Rancher manual shift. My cousin got a Rancher and is very happy with it.
If you are on a tighter budget, the old 300 Fourtrax is hard to beat. Not as much power as the Rancher, and not as smooth a ride, but very trouble-free. Mine has been good to me since '96 - all I put into it so far was 2 batteries, and a couple wire connections (I think the connections corroding had something to do with the 2nd battery dying). Mine will just do about 45 MPH, according to the speedo on my Xplorer.
I personally have had good luck with my Polaris, and would recommend the Polaris 325 Magnum in the fray, with an understanding that you WILL need to give it more maintanence (read grease several zerks) or you will wear out a lot of parts prematurely. Also, Yamaha &amp; A/C machines seem to be good, but I have much less experience with those brands. Around here, you either have a Honda or Polaris, with just a few A/C machines showing up here and there. Kawasakis are pretty non-exsistant anymore, and I only know of 2 guys driving Yamahas.

 

Take a look at the Rancher. It is the right size for you. It is the replacement for the discontinued 300, with improvements like transverse mounted engine, dry sump, bigger engine, etc.

 

Consider the wolverine 348cc sport/4x4. The best of both worlds. It should be able to handle you and your friends as well as support towing a trailor.
I must say, more detail on what your looking for is needed. im sure your buddies 300 was not meant to pull that kind of wieght around. you may want to consider the 400ex or the warrior as well. since your going to put this poor machine through hell, you might consider either of these models. both have been around for awhile and you should have no problem finding a used one.

 

I would consider the new Suzuki Eiger. They market it as a 400 but the actual displacement is 376cc (same engine as in the new Arctic Cat 375). I rode one for the first time up here at a recent rally. I must say it is a very nice machine. Geared very nice with a high and low range (good for when you have to pull something or carry someone) and feels very sporty. Most of all, it is light weighing in at only 573 (manual shift). It is definately worth a look.