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 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I rode a Quest 650 the other day. I really liked the machine. You might want to check one out if you have a Bombardier dealer close by.

 

My opinion is always get the best you can afford. The 500HO was asking of the hill, now we have the 660 and the 700 (I personally wouldn’t consider the 650 it doesn’t have IRS). The reasoning here is; no matter how good you are, you’ll get better, the better you get the more power and speed you’ll want. If you get less than the best then you’ll be wishing you had. As for which is the best, that’s a very individual thing. My advice is don’t cut yourself short, if you can afford the best, get the best. I have a 500 non-HO, wish I had an HO, now wish I had a 700, do I really NEED a faster bike? No, but I want one.

 

Have you considered the new AC 500? It has IRS, now.

 

I just went thru the same thing before I purchased my 500HO last week. I also didn't feel the 700 was worth another $1000, nor the Grizzly either. The Rubicon is nice, but WAY too stiff rear suspension and it's full-time 4x4. I also like the new Suzuki Vinson, it has a very soft and adjustable solid rear, just doesn't have the power of the HO. What it came down to was more features for price (true 4x4, IRS, HO power, good fact. tires). Bought the 5 year warranty just in case...

 

I am a big believer in getting your money's worth. There may be better machines than what I recommend here, but I am considering the best 'bang for the buck' models.
That said here are my choices.

I recommend the SP 500 for most trail riding. Smooth riding, decent power. Was the king of the hill until the 650+ cc machines showed up. They are now available at VERY attractive prices.

The Rubicon is a good effort, but in my neck of the woods, they are almost $800 more than the SP 500. For that much money, I would already go with the 700 (or the 650 or 660, which ever you like the best). I have also heard they don't like big wheel kits.

The new A/C looks good, with the IRS.

For trail riding, I strongly recommend IRS. For sport trail riding, a solid axle may give a little more control, but the IRS machines are just SOOOOO smooth in comparason.

That said, the 650 From Kawasaki is one of the sportiest solid-axle utility machines out there.

It is getting really hard to find a BAD machine anymore. The biggest challenge is finding the machine that best fits you and your needs. Take care of anything, and it will hold up well.

 

Well here comes one opionion from a Polaris owner.I owned a brand new 99 500cc Sportsman and now I own a 00 Xplorer 400cc 4x4.BOTH ATVs have had NUMEROUS problems wearing out parts,they both spend ALOT of time in the dealership for repairs.I thank God I have an extended warrenty and a mechanic that backs it up,or the Xplorer would have been gone A LONG time ago.You might be asking,if the Sportsman was so bad,why'd I buy another Polaris?I truly beleived that just maybe I got a lemon directly from the factory with the Sportsman,so I chanced buying another Polaris and its just as bad.There will be NO MORE Polaris ATVs in MY immediate future.Both ATVs were excellant trail riding quads with many extra features not found on alot of the competitors quads,but the down time in the shop FAR exceeds the pleasure of having extra features.

I have NO desire to own a ATV that weighs 740lbs.Thats the weight of the new 700cc Sportsman.I also have NO desire in an ATV like the Rubicon that,except for the new tranny,is so far out dated with drum style brakes,non switchable 4x4,a torque sensing front diff that works no better than a limited slip diff,and no IRS.

That leaves the Kawi Twin and the new Grizz 660.I have rode my friend Jeffs new Grizz several times.Except for the 22mph speed sensor that activates in the locked 4x4 mode[which can be by/passed] and the stock tires,I liked EVERYTHING about this ATV.Ground clearance is great,power is super,tranny has no lag time,the ride and comfort is as good as the Sportsman.It steers extremly easy and tight to.This will more than likly be my next 4x4 ATV.I like the twin on the Kawi,but it lacks the ground clearance I like to see on a 4x4 ATV.I also dont care for the 4x4 operated lever.

I've been BASHED on several occasions for expressing my own experienced opionion about my two Polaris ATVs.You asked in your opening post to NOT favor a particular ATV just becaus you own it and to be honest,you got that from me.

 

MuddyforLife,

Any special reason you haven't looked into the new Arctic Cats?

 

MUDDY4LIFE, How stock is your machine? I am asking because I ride with a couple Xplorer 400's with over 3000 miles and they are totally original, and have needed zero repairs, but they are bone stock. We ride hard, lots of mud and rough terrain. My 2000 Sportsman has 2900 miles on it and it has needed a new CV boot and that is it. But it also is bone stock. This past year I have talked to numerous people who went back to stock and there problems went away. Seems' Clutck kits, pipes, large tires and lift kits do not agree with Polaris, at least from what I am hearing. My dealer also reccomends keeping it stock. I am not trying to say this is what is happening to your machine but it seems that stock Polaris machines need far less repairs than modified one. Seriously though I am not posting this to start anything just offering and observation I and my friends have made over the last year.

 

Bugger,
AC 4x4s have alot of low end grunt but are lacking on the top end.Im also a fan of having TRUE 4x4 in the front end,which no stock AC has.The torque sensing front diff does not work much better than the old style 3wd system.And currently,ACs biggest engine is a 500cc.I desire something with a larger engine.This is going to HOPEFULLY be my last ATV for 3-4 yrs and I want the larger engine.AC makes some very EXCELLANT ATVs,they just dont fit my personal needs yet.

Pathfinder,
my 00 Xplorer does have a few mods,
PSI Pipe w/Scrambler silencer
RcR airbox mods
Uni Filter
Heel Clickers clutch kit
26 inch Mudrunners
Delta V-Force reeds w/spacer kit

As you can see,the engine is internally untouched.I could'nt be happier with my engine.It has NEVER been a problem.

Now as far as stock Polaris engines needing far less repairs than modified ones?My Sportsman was entirely stock EXCEPT for the 25 inch Mudrunners that are ADVERTISED in POLARIS accessories catalog.And this ATV was every bit as bad as my slightly modified Xplorer.So I cant really buy into that excuse to much,besides,my Xplorer is not really modified that much.

Bill