Thanks Can-Am and James for that info. Your fairness to each others brand says something about each of you.

(I'm still laughing about James dragging the horse and the mule.)

It seems the more I try to describe my riding condition, the more I'm not telling. I apologize for that. The trails I will visit are mostly access roads (or what some people call jeep trails) through the mountains. There is nothing smooth and easy about any of it. Stupid story to make a point, someone tried to take a minivan up one of these trails, flipped it couldn't get it out and abandon it. It took the Forest Service quite some time to get this vehicle out because it was so difficult to reach. Many a truck and jeep and 4x4 thing tried to get this vehicle out. It eventually ended up being a small bull dozer and several large winches that freed this vehicle from its perch on top the mountian.

Those are the type places I will ride when I'm not working with. I also have relatives who own mountain land as well as river bottom land. If you've ever rode the bottoms of dry rivers, you know what I'm talking about...just a few rocks. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Ride a Polaris and you will understand the AWD system better. Its simply the best 4WD system out there. You are still in control, flip the AWD switch on or off. Heck Can-am is trying to make there 4WD system more like the Polaris.

I still say you will not outwork or outhaul a Polaris. You may out run it or outhandle it, but not out work it.

 

Before this year, the AWD on a Polaris has engaged quicker and there is something to be said for that. I guess that's all that really matters, although that really only helps in the most extreme situations. Fortunately, I ride in better situations more often and therefore I'm more concerned about the numerous other cons previously mentioned, that effect the handling and braking abilities traversing descents that leave me feeling nervous when I ride my friends 800. What's Polaris going to do next year now that Can Am is no longer at a disadvantage?

 

a polaris ebs older style no adc works like a 4wd bike in 2wd. for all the people who have a hard time going down hills maybe you need a little lesson in riding....j/k.... just watch the guys on the sport quads come down off the hills/rightofways they dont have all wheel engine braking do they? they will go down stuff you would never dream of. its all in what you are used to...... if you go down steep hills dont go in low range that only makes it slide more.

 

Colt is right about the riding style. The older EBS feels odd when riding. You have to learn to give it a little gas when riding down hill. Seems strange, but it keeps you in total control, if you dont let it get too fast. I am in WV, so you probably ride the same things I do. Either brand will handle most of it with ease. If you are truely not a risk taker, then you will chicken out long before the machine can't make it. I have not seen the new visco lock in action, but if you are riding very rocky, off camber area, then I am not sure visos lock is for you.

 

go with the grizzly. I love the ability to select hi-lo range and lock the front diff.

 

Battlegun, I am close to your size,ability and use for an ATV, I am very happy with my 2006 Kodiak 450. The only issue I have or should I say had with the Kodiak is the "tippy" feeling. Buckaroo has a very informative post in the AC forum that I found to be vey useful in adjusting tire pressure and shocks, this made a huge difference in the feel of the ATV.

 

The grizz 450 (I think that is the new naming of it this year) will provide good service-- i don't doubt that--and it will probably do the work well. I argue for the polaris because it will out-work the competition, hands down. The ADC (active descent) is a long-awaited feature to make downhills much easier to descend. The AWD is so seamless, you won't know if you are in or out (even on loose, rocky uphills). I personally don't want to have to grab and let off levers constantly (locking and unlocking the front diff) when i'm going uphill or on loose ground (mud, rocks). I have to unlock to turn and then re-lock for better traction. What if you are in a turn and suddenly need traction to make the turn and not clip a tree- or climb over a large rock in the turn where that 4th wheel is needed? The can-am and polaris models would work better here because they auto lock and auto unlock the front wheel(s). I know the sportsman "low" gear is VERY low--- kas379-- can you tell a sig difference on the can-am? I don't think i've ever used low when riding a can-am.

The polaris is heavier than the outlander, i just sometimes doubt the exact spec labeled by the manuf-- the sportsman 500 is 715lbs.. . and the 500 "strip down" for 08 says it is 695lbs according to Polaris' website.

Bottom line though-- for rough trails, the polaris will provide the best ride. That extra weight does help the ride and durability--allows it to maintain traction when pulling or going over obstacles.

hope this helps--

 

battlegun

I was bored today and checked out my local atv dealers. AC,Yamaha,Honda,Can Am,Suzuki,Kawasaki, Polaris.

I just found the best work/play atv for you! Have you looked at the Polaris Sportsman X2's? 500-800cc I really liked the 800x2 Deluxe!?! 07's on sale for $9k
The Honda Rubicon with hydrostat auto was probably the toughest auto, but most outdated.
After crawling under and around them all I think you'd agree the Polaris is 1 of the sturdiest built atv's. That's why they weigh more steel is heavy.

The X2's are just 5-6" longer with a pick up bed(for work) that flips over to a 2nd seat in case you ever want the other 1/2 to ride along.
It's a little longer and it helps on the rough stuff with a smoother ride.

Has 3 differant traction modes and 2 engine braking modes how's that for control?!?
Turf mode, 1 rear wheel drive so you don't tear up the yard
2wd rear
4wd awd all 4 locked
EBS rear wheel engine braking
ADC 4 wheel drive engine braking

 

Dang Rick, I appreciate the scouting! I'd give anything to be able to hit the dealerhips! Of course if i'm hitting the dealerships then that would mean I'd be home and out of this S^$% Hole. There is nothing like waking up in the morning with my face in the floor counting explosions. I REALLY like it here! NOT.

The X2 sounds interesting...I'll have to check it out. I would have to go with lesser bore though. If I spent $9k on an ATV I wouldn't have another 1/2 to worry about.

I too was bored yesterday and found myself on Ebay looking at new and used ATV's. The new ones were going for a lot cheaper than the MSRP and the used ones (which seemed to be low miles and barely riden) where going for a lot cheaper than I had imagined as well. I would never buy an ATV or anything mechanical new or used if I couldn't look at it, but it gave me a better idea of what the pricing is on these things new and used. If I'm patient, I could end up with a lot more bore in an almost new machine for the price of a smaller bore brand new machine. Of course I'm still skeptical about buying used. Just like cars and trucks, there is no way to tell what the previous owner put them through. And from some of the videos I've recently watched on U-Tube or whatever that site is, people do some crazy s#&@ with their ATV's.

What are some thoughts on buying used? Also, what are the experinces in working with dealerships? Do they generally sell below the MSRP's listed on the manufacture's web site? Are they just like car/truck dealers, can they be talked down? Do they only offer rebates on previous year models etc etc etc.

Again I really appreciate the scouting! I'd buy you beer if I could! [img]i/expressions/beer.gif[/img]