OK guys and gals, it's time to step up from my Scrambler to a full rec/utility 4x4. My problem is which one do I choose? I rode the Sportsman 500 and 700 and was real impressed with both but not sure if the 700 is worth the extra $1000. I plan on riding the other 3 today, the Grizzly, the Prairie, and the Rubicon. Which one has the most problems and which one seems to stand out above the rest? Please be honest and dont favor one because you ride it. If you have another that deserves mentioning please do so. All that I require is 4x4 and low range.

Thanks For Your Help
Scott Johnson

 

YOu know what they say, it all depends on what kind of ride you like. I know all the new models have bugs, but none of them are big enough to sway me either way.

*I would get the 700 if I was buying more for utility, or just liked to have lots of acceleration. This guy can haul the most, and they kept it pretty compact. I thought it was a bit heavy for the way I ride. The steering is the heaviest. I do not care for polaris on demand 4x4, I hate it too much to get a polaris. Beats the griz and honda for accell
*I would not get the honda, unless all I ever did was ride undewater. I would consider the 2002 ricon, but the rubicon does not compare features against these other three.
*I would get the Yamaha 660 if I was riding over lotsa large boulders, soft ride, easier steering. Has mud and water drawbacks, not bad enough for me not to like this machine. Good 4x4 features. Really big storage box
*I would get the Kawasaki 650 if I really had to have power, and needed to keep the weight down for some fun riding. The Kawi has heavier steering than the griz, and less ground clearance than the griz and 700. The Kawi has the best 4x4 system. Watertight storage compartment. Most off the line power. Beats the griz and honda for accel, but I have not read whether the 650 is faster than the 700 or not. I guess I don't really care.

I realize that none of these machines is perfect. I think they are all really good. You can compare facts between these machines, but only you can decide whether the features of one are right for you.

 

Take a real hard look at the Kaw 650. I had a Yamaha 660 and traded it for my Kaw 650 which burned up in a house fire so the first thing I did was run down to my Kaw dealer and ordered another 650. I beleive overall they are the best sport/utility machine avaliable today. More important than my opinion is that you go out and ride the machines you are thinking about and pick the one that best fits you and your riding style.

 

Yup, I hafta side with Oldman Wheeler on the 650. It is the one I have and I like it most. I would by it all over again.

Just to clarify about Oldman Wheeler's house burning down, it was caused by a defective relay that is part of the Warn A2000 winch kit (fire not caused by Kawi). Any questions about the relay that is defective are clearly answered by Warn on their Website.