Howdy folks. I stumbled across this place today and spent way to much time at the office today (hahaha) reading threads and trying to learn a few things. Don't know much about ATV's, but am in the market for one and have a question.

My question has to do with cooling. I see that some, especially in the larger cc models, are liquid cooled and some are fan assisted (or something like that). What's the advantages or disadvantages of each? What makes one better than another?

As with most buyers, I'm not looking to get into a car payment that some of these things would require. I don't need the speed or the power (at least I don't think) of a 500/600/700. Just some light horse farm jobs, some light work up at my cabin in the woods and putzing around on the trails. I have no desire to find the deepest mud puddle to go through or climb the steepest rockiest hill.

I'm currently looking hard at the Polaris 330 magnum and even considering the ATP model. Just not sure that the few extra bucks for a small dump bed, little heavier suspension, longer wheelbase and racks that carry a few more pounds is worth it or something I really would need. Kicked around the Bomb, but read on their forum some people have been havin problems (besides the fact I think they are butt ugly-no offense meant). Honda's, yeah....know plenty about them..... AC's??? Kawasaki ??? Suzuki??? Yamaha???

My head is spinning from all the different view points. For every person that loves their brand of machine, there is another who had lots of problems with it and thinks theirs is better.

I'd appreciate any and all input. Thanks.

 

It looks like you're an Indiana transplant. I hope you like MN.

You are asking an age-old question that may not even have an answer. You'll find that most of the younger riders are violently true to a particular brand. It doesn't matter to them if their quad is falling apart and a real pain in the butt - they will be true blue. That is until they buy a different brand and then the story starts all over again.

It seem that the older riders tend to like them all. I suppose I fit into this category. Every mfg. out there makes a excellent ATV. Or they would not be in business very long. If you are the guy who truly does not care if you have the latest and greatest ride, then I think you will be one of the more satisfied ATV owners. For most of us a 300 is just as good as a 700. We may not think so, but they're just as good.

If you're a big fat guy - buy a big one. If not buy a smaller one. A liquid cooling system is needed for some of the larger engines and they work fine. Sometimes we hang a winch or some other piece of equipment on the front and this restricts the airflow somewhat and the fan seems to help. But a liquid cooling system with a fan is more stuff to haul around, pay for, and to break down.

Just go out there and get what suits your fancy and enjoy the dang thing. Provide lots of care and maintenance and it will serve you well.

By the way, I own an '04 ATP 500HO and love it. I'm 6'-5" tall and weigh 260#. I hunt every legal season there is and I own and work a farm and my ride had to be big and versatile. I figured that just about everybody who buys an ATV soon goes out to buy bags and racks to haul more stuff on the rear end. The ATP already has this from the factory. And it dumps too.

Oh yeah, you're going to hear and read a bunch of junk about independent rear suspension (IRS). Well I can tell you first hand that my solid rear axle ATP out works, out hauls, and YES it out handles my sons new Honda with IRS. IRS is fine but I happen to like a solid axle better.

So you see, it's mostly personal preference. Buy it for you and not for the guy down the street.

 

I went thru this same thing a few months ago. I'm not loyal to any specific brand so all the choices available gave me a headache. I feel all the manufacturers make a good product nowadays. I finally made a list of some of the things I knew I wanted on a quad and narrowed it down. Like you, I did not buy one to go fast, see how big of mudhole it would handle, or see how much abuse it would take. I wanted one for light farm work, hunting, and mild trail riding.

I wanted air-cooled (for simplicity), full floorboards, and a price around $5000. I narrowed it down to the Honda Rancher 4X4 ES, and the Yamaha Bruin 4X4. I ended up buying the Bruin because the Honda dealers around me were all within $100 of list price (and wouldn't budge) and the Yamaha dealer came down 10% to $4550 OTD.

The Bruin also has selectable 2/4WD which I like. The only thing I somewhat dislike about it is the belt-drive keeps the engine at a higher rpm than I would with a manual tranny. It IS nice not having to shift all the time though.

I've never owned a liquid-cooled quad so can't help you out there. My Bruin has a fan-assisted engine oil cooler that kicks on occasionally.

My advice would be to go look at several and not get in a hurry, and ride any that you can.

 

I think the other 2 posts covered it pretty well. The only thing I could add would be that I tell everyone new to these things to check out your local dealers. If you aren't going to do your own work, make sure their service is up to par. If you're going to do your own work, then take the time to check out their parts dept. Make sure they stock an adequate supply of parts because eventually you will need something and you don't want to wait for months for a part. Talk to locals that are active riders for their take on good dealers and notice what brands their riding. As an example, there's not a bomber dealer within 100 miles of where I live so this would be a poor choice for me.

Take all this into consideration, then go out and buy the best you can afford. If you get all the bells and whistles up front you won't have to add them later when the atv addiction gets a good grip on you.

 

I just went through what you are. Decisions, decisions... My choices were Yamaha Bruin & Kodiak 400, Suzuki Eiger, Kawasaki Prarie 360, Honda Rancher AT and Bombardier Outlander 400HO. To narow down my choices I read everything I could about the different modles on various message boards like this one. Some of the informantion I got suggested that a high/low range tranny is best for hard work and climbing. Especially if I only got a 4x2. This eleminated the Yamahas. I did like the looks of them and reasonable value. I moved onto the Eiger which is what I was leaning toward in the first place. The only problem I had with it was the engine seemed wide, especially on the right side. I didn't fit comfortably on it. Otherwise I would have bought it. The Kawasaki was nice too. The dealer was not. I couldn't get his prices into my range. The Honda was great too but since this was their only automatic it too was out of my price range. Finally the Outlander. I read positive post after positive post on it. Only came accross a few negitive comments. Great ride with the IRS, comphy seat, good 500cc class power, good size floorboards and 2yr warranty. It's looks aren't for everyone.(I still like the looks of metal racks for example) When I compared it to other IRS ATV's it was the best choice for me. The 2yr warranty sold it. Basicly I thought; I'm new to ATV's, I know nothing about them, I won't have to worry about anything for 2 yrs. My best advice is to look at them all and try to ride them if you can. I think the Eiger 4x4 would suit you well. For a little more money, the Outlander 400 4x4. If you ask your dealer what an extended warranty costs, you'll see that the Outlander isn't that much more and you get alot more quad for the money.

 

You can't beat Honda for durability. If you can find a dealer to give you a discount on a Rancher. Buy it.

 

Thanks guys for your input. I will take a look at the Suzuki. I haven't paid much attention to them.

I must say tho, I am also looking at ............ the looks. Some aren't very stylish. I know that should be one of the last considerations, but still........hahahahaha

I shouldn't have too much of an issue with parts and dealers. There are dealers galore up here in the land of 10,000 liberals. Opps, did I just say that.....I mean lakes. Swizzler, I am a transplanted Hoosier.

If I opt not for the ATP/TBX then I do agree that the metal racks are preferable over the composite ones. I do believe that Polaris does also provide a 2 year warranty on their units. Exactly what is covered, not 100% sure. IRS I can't see as playing that big of a factor since I don't plan on being a terribly aggressive rider and the trails around me that I am aware of aren't that bad. I may even have to blaze my own. ;-))

Again, thanks for your help. I'm still taking input......

Have a great weekend.

 

The other guys are right, there are no bad ATV's. I think you might find a dump box ATV usefull. I think Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Bomb are the only ones that make them. I happen to really love the IRS. I have yet to be outworked by a sold, just beat on the trails and in races. I am sure Swizzler's ATV can out work his son's because he has the box in back. Check out the Eiger, or if you want more of a utility version look at the Cat. They use the same Suzuki enginges, but have 12" of ground clearance, 10" suspesnion travel, and the most rack capacity in the class. They also have a 2yr warantee. If you live north of the Twin Cites, check out Thomas Snow Sports in Oligrove (sp?) www.thomassnosports.com as they seem to have a good selection of ATV's at really good prices. Oh, the 400 is also Air and Oil cooled. I like the liquid the best this set up seems to work great. That is just my input. However, remember that I own the Cat that is why I like it, be sure to ride them and find on that you like. Oh, be careful with Polaris, I wouldn't have a problem buying a new one but a used one can be a money pit. I used to ride them, but I am sure they got the problems fixed by now. Good luck.

 

Mention was made of an extended warranty.

I found out when we bought our new pickup last year that many lending institutions will sell you an extended warranty for much less than you can get it from a dealer. You have to finance the vehicle to get this offer in most cases. We financed the pickup and made two payments then paid it off. Saved us nearly half on the extended warranty. Don't know if this will work on a quad but suspect it will.

 

Welcome to mn and the forums.
Like was said, dont be in a hurry to buy, concentrate on making a good decision. See if the dealerships will let you test drive, usually if youre serious about buying, they let you ride them.
Usually the water cooled quads have a bit more horsepower than an equal size air cooled. The internal tolerance can be tightened up, if its water cooled, and the compression can be a bit higher. Being in mn, overheating isnt much of an issue. Ive driven air cooled motorcycles and quads for years, and never overheated one. Usually the air cooled ones are easier to work on, and have a little less maintaince.
Read the atv magazines, and be aware they can be biased. But for finding out about features, and equipment, theyre pretty factual.