If you could buy "any" top end, big bore utility atv, without consideration for price, which one would you get? Granted the Prarie has an advantage in the performance department, but without that performance advantage, which one?

I'm interested in using it for snow plowing, hunting, and an occasional trail cruise. My 400SS and SP500 are now both up for sale and I'm looking to get a new fat utility ride that is dependable. I don't want to spend a zillion $$$$ modifying, adding tires, wheels, clutch kits, pipes, etc. I want something off the floor that looks good, handles and rides nice and does the job. Snow plowing is of prime importance. In fact, I'm probably going to have to do something about eliminating the reverse rev limiter in any machine, since it is a real drawback to plowing.

I'm considering: Honda Rubicon, Polaris SP700, Grizz 660, Prarie 650, and the Quest 650.

Thoughts . . .

Jack Schultz
jackschultz@adelphia.net
www.godigital-design.com/schultzmotorsports

 

I'd wait for the Rincon. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

I just might do that . . .

 

I'd not hold my breath waiting for the perfect quad ie. "the Rincon." What if it's a let down in one or more areas? ( I'm not personnally concerned about the brakes or front diff though.) The ideal fall back seems to me like the Grizz.

 

The Honda Rubicon nothing else. We will have to see the Rincon but I do not believe it is going to be the replacement for the Rubicon. I think it will be more of a high speed sport quad than a utility but capable of doing both. Where as the Rubicon is more of a utility and somewhat sporty and speedy with the abilty to do both. As a hill clmber I think the super smooth transmission of the Rubicon will be better than the Rincon but who knows. One of the things that the Rincon is supposed to do is let the rider feel that gear change strongly. The last thing you want to do when steep hill climbing is to get a quick power surge or power loss unexpectdedly. The smoothness in power of the Rubicon and the Engine braking it has is unequaled so far by anything else on the market today.
Steve

 

I pick the Rubicon,it works great for farm and utility work.Also remember on the Rubicon you have the option of auto or 5 speed control.The auto works great,but there are times I like the control of holding at a certain speed,like when Im spraying,seeding or pulling my brush cut mower.This is one smooth and versatile tranny.The rincon looks to be a great quad,but since its not going to have a low range tranny, it looks to be more on the sport side than utility.

 

I am going for the low ball and this is not on your list but it is a utility ride that is dependable.
My choice would be the Honda Forman 450s and then the 450es.
Snow plowing, hunting, and an occasional trail cruise this machine will do it.
CHET

 

I would vote for the Foreman 450 as well as long as it is the 02 model with the 2wd/4wd setup. The new 02 also has some suspension changes and different tires to make it a little better for trail riding than it was before. The ride is smoother but it also still a great workhorse as well.

 

i'm a big honda guy but i'd go for the prarie 650. Super srong. will be super reliable for years. plus will run on the trails with some sport quads if your a good rider. the 650 is next to be in my garage unless i decide for a full on sport

 

I spent 6 months researching and testing Honda, Yamaha and Bombardier. I own Ski-Doos and like their sleds, but have riden Hondas' since '73. No question on the Rubicon. Once I rode one I was convinced. I am a little concerned about all the ECM, PCM, TPS, etc type electronics/computer stuff. I bought two Rubicons and have had only minor problems (fixed myself). Good luck...