I never knew this thread existed, but I guess we can revive it after 15 years. Honda makes the most reliable quads, that's just the way it is. That's why when you look in craigslist or wherever you look for used quads, there will always be more old Hondas than any other old quads. They're the safest bet in a used quad.

 

good, because I just gave them a chunk of money

 

they used to be the most reliable, but are now living on a name and reputation. they made the best machines in the 80s, so not only do you see more because they are reliable, you see more because they sold more. most of the Japanese machines especially now are just as reliable... time will tell if you see a 2015 anything 30 years from now as everything is built with a shelf life anymore... the good times are gone

 

I sure see a lot of old late 1980s Yamaha Moto4s and old Suzuki 300 King Quads. ATV where just built simple and tuff back then .

I doubt your going to see a EFI EPS ligiud cooled big bore still running around 25 years from now.

 

You could keep it running that long but the cost of maintenance will cause most to trade it in on a new one. Parts on new quads cost a lot more than parts on the older quads but are of inferior quality. Imagine having to pay for a complete engine rebuild on something like an Outlander 1000. I'm guessing at least $3000. Even stuff like cv joints are expensive. Not that old Hondas are trouble free. But the simpler design makes them easier for most to work on. The newer quads are so complicated with all the electronics that they're not easy to work on. A carb is much easier to fix than efi for example. Solid rear axles are tougher and last longer with less maintenace than irs. No they don't ride as well but they work. Those old air cooled engines don't make the power of the newer liquid cooled efi engines but they were built to last.

 

All these old Hondas that are still on the trails, look at the size. Most are 300s. Those sizes can't turn these big tires the newer mud crowd likes to put on them. Autos are also attractive for lazy, beer-drinking mud rides. These larger quads invite even more ridiculous mods, and owners line up to get them, then beat the hell out of the machines out on rides. The lifts also put a ton of strain on CV axles.

A belt will never be as reliable as a gear box. CVs will never be as reliable as a straight axle. At the end of the day, there are just a lot more potential points of failure on these bigger auto and CV bikes. More points of failure = higher maintenance & part cost.

I have had RZR 1000 that the wife rides, for about a year now. It isn't abused, and pretty much remains stock. I am willing to bet that it will live just as long as some of these Hondas.

 

When you sell the most, it's only natural that it's the one you see the most.

 

I dunno about that, ive seen some old 80s Honda ATC250 Big Reds that did pretty well with larger tires on them. they can punch above their weight.


also on the polaris bit, they are definetly getting Better, my neighbor had an 05 Sportsman that was a POS ( sold it in 2007), but a buddy has an 12 Rzr 4 seater that is holding up well. Their Side by Sides seem better made than the Quads, but the newer quads seem pretty good from what i have heard.


one brand im not impressed with is arctic cat. Heavy, underpowered, Hard to steer, Hard to start (especially when cold), thirsty, and parts break often. My boss got a 500 4x4 for the shop, the 4x4 actuator went out in a month, the seat latch broke, and we had to bypass the diff lock. plus its not that good for pulling anything.

The other shop Quad (03 Yamaha Big Bear 400) does much better, and we had it for several years (since 2008).

 

Polaris has gotten better, but still aren't up to par quality wise. take a gander around the other forums and you'll get some idea. their are people with 2015 models having issues

 

Choosing between Artic Cat and Polaris, is like choosing between having a 'root canal' or a 'prostate exam' ......