I am new to the ATV world. I am working with a limited budget and want to get the best value for my money in the long run (reliable, easy to maintain, etc.). I am also looking for one that is user friendly for someone with limited dexterity in the ankles/feet. I am currently looking at the kawasaki Praire 360 and the Polaris Sportsman 300. Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: DaveDeb1618

I am new to the ATV world. I am working with a limited budget and want to get the best value for my money in the long run (reliable, easy to maintain, etc.). I am also looking for one that is user friendly for someone with limited dexterity in the ankles/feet. I am currently looking at the kawasaki Praire 360 and the Polaris Sportsman 300. Any thoughts/suggestions?</end quote></div>

I bought my 2004 Praire360 4x4 new and have not had a single problem with it (knock on wood). I am 225lbs/ 5'11"tall and it carries me though the woods just fine. I ride pretty hard and I also plow and tow with this machine and cant say enough about it. The low range power is awesome and surprising for a 362cc. I also like the DIFF LOCK feature and had to use it a couple of times.

I think all of the name brand ATV's are great and have pros and cons, but I can only speak from my experience with the 360cc. I also think PM goes a long way with how a machine remains reliable.

Good luck with your decision.

Scott

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Scott3710

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: DaveDeb1618



Sportsman 300. Any thoughts/suggestions?</end quote></div>

I bought my 2004 Praire360 4x4 new and have not had a single problem with it (

I think all of the name brand ATV's are great and have pros and cons, but I can only speak from my experience with the 360cc. I also think PM goes a long way with how a machine remains reliable.
Scott</end quote></div>


I've had my Prairie 360 Kawasaki for 1 yr now. Very good machine...a litlle cold blooded in the winter but I'd rather have that for an aircooled anyway. I too plow alot up here in Canada and I also tow a 4x8 trailer heavily loaded over rough terrain as long as you use the low selection. I don't know that I love the auto tranny yet as it always seems to be over revving (IMO) to simply drive down a paved road at 15 mph but that is the nature of the beast for a CVT. The auto is nice though when running through really variable terrain...you're not constantly selecting gears. All of the CVT's will have the same pros and cons despite the brand. I however went with Kawasaki b/c I used to ride motorccyles and the Kawi's were always bullet proof and strong.
I'm happy with the 360 Prairie. She starts first pull from cold with the pull start....always. (sometimes I like to save the starter when I'm working around the property and doing alot of startups)

 

Ive had my 360 for exactly 4 years yesterday and its been a great atv. Ive easily put over 4000 miles on the thing with very minimal problems and i ride it hard. It is very reliable. All you need to do is change the fluids when neccesary and make sure to do belt check up and maintenence. That is all very easy. And remember for best belt wear, use low range when pushing, pulling, mudding, going slower than 10mph, etc and youll have a long time with the belt.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: harry1

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Scott3710



<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: DaveDeb1618







Sportsman 300. Any thoughts/suggestions?</end quote></div>



I bought my 2004 Praire360 4x4 new and have not had a single problem with it (



I think all of the name brand ATV's are great and have pros and cons, but I can only speak from my experience with the 360cc. I also think PM goes a long way with how a machine remains reliable.

Scott</end quote></div>





I've had my Prairie 360 Kawasaki for 1 yr now. Very good machine...a litlle cold blooded in the winter but I'd rather have that for an aircooled anyway. I too plow alot up here in Canada and I also tow a 4x8 trailer heavily loaded over rough terrain as long as you use the low selection. I don't know that I love the auto tranny yet as it always seems to be over revving (IMO) to simply drive down a paved road at 15 mph but that is the nature of the beast for a CVT. The auto is nice though when running through really variable terrain...you're not constantly selecting gears. All of the CVT's will have the same pros and cons despite the brand. I however went with Kawasaki b/c I used to ride motorccyles and the Kawi's were always bullet proof and strong.

I'm happy with the 360 Prairie. She starts first pull from cold with the pull start....always. (sometimes I like to save the starter when I'm working around the property and doing alot of startups)</end quote></div>

The big advantage of the 360 over the polaris is it,s 25" wheels and a low range,polaris AWD has no need for lockers.

BTW Harry I never seen a white ATV before thats a neat and different color,I like it.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

BTW Harry I never seen a white ATV before thats a neat and different color,I like it.</end quote></div>


Thanks, it's not that common a colour selection but I once had a white snow machine and I loved the way it stuck out so when I saw this I went for it. The seller called it 'the ghost rider' and that sealed the colour selection for me
Dave

 

White is cool looking...the Mrs. has our 360 now. I wouldnt mind finding cheap white's for it...

 

360 hands down.....

all reviews I have read say the 360 easily outclasses most 400's.

Probably the most reliable quad I have ever owned, and very water tight in my opinion.

 

i would definitely stay with the 360. I have a 2005 camo prarie 360 and can say it is by far the better of the 2