Looking for a used Utility. Just sold CanAm 800XT for several reasons (too much power for teenagers, heard frame can be trashed in a simple tip over, money). Anyway, I'm trying to decide on a used Ute. Sportsman 600, 700, and 800's (2005-2006) abound in this area on the classifieds. I'm also looking at a Suzuki King 700 for about the same price.
I've always loved the Scramblers (had 4 of them) but I'm having a hard time with the 163 extra pounds on the Sportsman vs Suzuki. Uses - mostly trail ride, occas climbing, snow plow in winter, occasional dunes. Wife and teenagers will also be riding this machine.

What's your take? A lot more weight should there be a rollover - a concern when showoff teenagers get together. Is the Sportsman going to be more stable? What about reliability?

I have little brand loyalty, mainly looking for a low maint. fun rider. I'd get another Scrambler if they made it with a low range.

 

Well if you want to spend money on expensive parts then go suezuzuki. Polaris is not low mantance but they are the best operating 4x4 machine IMO. The sportsman is heaveier because they are built much better than a scrambler. But they are a nice workhorse, smooth riding machine. Other mfg can only dream of copying the 4WD system. I had an xplorer thought I would hate a VW (sportsman) but i love it. You can be hammering up the trail and the bike moves but you dont. Lots of pep.

Anything can be tuned or detuned for you riding style.

 

I wouldnt worry about the xtra weight ,your wife would love riding any one of them and the show off kids well keep them off your rig! j/k you cant go wrong with any you listed.

 

Thats a tough one. If you get a machine that perfectly suits the wife and kids, you may not like it. But any of the machines you listed are still pretty big and fast for careless teenagers.

I have this same problem. I do NOT let the wife or kids ride my 850, they ride my 250 Xplorer or 400L (they scare me on the 400). Honestly I have been thinking real serious about getting an Eiger 400 for them. Its light, manueverable and not too fast. But still has decent engine braking and power for them to enjoy riding it.

Just a thought....

 

I agree with WOLF1, get a smaller more stable one for the wife & teens and get another one for yourself to ride. It may cost a little more up front but may save you or your family in the long run! JMO!

 

no matter what you buy a tenenager will find a awy to beat on it or ways to wheelie or jump it. a sportsman wasnt designed to take abuse of doing alot of young peoples riding of horse play. they are heavier for studier built as mentioned but like w/ jumping you will break something faster as well, like you mentiuoned about your cam am as i know a guy w/ frame issues because there lighter weight. good luck in you search. imo.

 

Yamaha 450 Grizzly for them, whatever you want for you. The 450 has low range, a locking front diff, and weighs 590 lbs, heavy enough to push snow. ( The 550,700 weigh 602). It's carbed, but very reliable. It is a mid size chassis, similar to the Hawkeye.

It's also very cheap, now that the 550 is out.
My .02

 

A AGREE WITH LEFTY....good all around machine

 

Found a good inexpensive Grizzly 660 and bought it. Thousand easy miles, looks new, $3600 with three helmets.

 

Good Deal!. The 660 has the 5 valve head, keep the valves adjusted properly; and it should serve you well.

Here's a link to a manual.

Shop Service Manuals - A.T.V. Yamaha