In your case, I would recommend the Honda 450-s, with Trax-Lock. It is an extremely reliable machine. A he!! of a worker, and a player!
I own a Kaw. P-650 now(I did own a 450-S) and it is a great bike for fast trail riding, and is reliable, but I don't think it is what you are looking for.
Good luck in your search.

 

I feel My P650 has been an excellent utility machine. We always hear how sporty it can be but I feel it is a great hunter as well. It can easily haul out any deer, elk, (Have'nt hauled a moose yet). The front locker is a dream in the tough stuff and I have not encountered any belt problems. ( I have had several belt operated machines and have never had a problem). I personally looked at the grizz and polaris but did'nt feel they were up to the challenge. I did'nt like how tall the Grizz felt My kodiak always was a little tipsy and the Polaris seemed to be problematic. Both are good but there are better machines available.

My brother will own nothing but Arctic Cat... Very tough machines, but slow, not as much grunt. (IMHO)

Suzuki is rumored to have a big bore later in 03 but it will most likely have a version of the Kawi v-twin. Which you may also find in the new big bore artic cat as well (OK..I am now spewing rumor)

I think if its purely work and hunting go with the rubicon. If you want to add a little play to the mix go with the P650.

 

If you plan on riding through gas tank deep mud holes, find something with a locking front differential, like a Prarie or a Polaris. If your not planning on being a "mudder," its not "that" important.

You said "best utility". In 2001 ATV Magazine voted the Rubicon the best "utility" and the SP 500 HO the best "sport", thus you have the sport and utility. This was before the 650s, 660s, or the 700. I don't think any of the big bores are any beteer "utility" ATVs than the Rubicon. It just likes to work, also does the Honda 450s. You will deffinatly like the increase in power over your 350 regaurdless of what you get in the 500 and up catagory.

My in-laws have a Traxter and it is a work-aholic too. They love it and have had no problems with it. They use it for trial riding and hauling (trailer) rocks, logs and anything else at their mountain home at Henrys Lake in Idaho. They also love the step-through design as they are retired and it is easier for them to get on.

The front differentail in the newer Hondas is more aggressive than the one in your older Fourtrax which will increase the aggressivness of the ATV. The added traction of the newer limited slip and the bigger engine and you have what you are looking for.

I am one of these brand loyal people. I have had zero problems with either of our ATVs and we have a great dealer. Our next ATV will be a Honda and we will buy it from the same people we bought the last ones from.

What ever task you put a new 500 cc or bigger ATV up to I am sure it will handle it, regaurdless of the brand. None of us know about the longevity of them yet because they have only been out for a few years. Some have alot of miles on them and they have had no problems. New is better. You need to sit in the drivers seat and see which one fits you.

I don't think any of the new ATVs are bad, the one that fits you the best is the best one.

 

I have a Rincon. I play all over the desert and have not been dissapointed with its prowness and climbing ability. If fact, it sticks to the rocks more than I stick to its saddle climbing...
What does that tell ya' ?... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

prairie prairie prairie!!!!!!1great machine lots of speed which is always fun and tons of power trust me that is the next machine im buying

 

I think the Foreman 400 is one of the best pure utilities, it will work all day long and is a bulletproof bike. It's not the best bike by any means but is fits this catigory great.

 

I say a late 80's...say 88, 89, or maybe even 90 model fourtrax 300 2x4. There kinda like the energizer bunny...they keep goin' and goin' and goin'

 

WOW-- Looks like KAW. Prairie is a popular vote! I own one, but did not recommend it for THIS particular use.

 

Sure... The Kawi is popular . I WAS gonna get one until I kept reading about more maintenance on the belts, etc., If I were to do all the upgrades on the trans. (black spring, etc...)it does cost more, plus I know the durability of the Honda product. Live and learn....Been there, done that...

 

If you are leery about belt drives, then don't get one. I sure as hell wouldn't be swayed by somebody trying to tell me that belts are cheaper to replace than hydromatic transmissions. Your honda transmission is more than likely never going to have any problems, and is a lot better transmission than any rubber band job that these others have. Believe me, I have the rubber band in my 660, and I think it pretty much wastes the engines potential. Give me some gears, and I think the Grizzly would be a much better quad.

Prairie 650 was king of the hill for about 2 months, and then all the Independants came out. Now its basically just the sportiest 4x4 continuing to win magazine shootouts because of its speed characteristics. If you owned Honda before and liked it, I would get another one. They are still put together very well.