Originally posted by: pineman999
Hey Ginnis...

I also drove a 220 Bayou up until last August now its my kids bike....then I bought an 06 Vinson. Great bike.

If you are used to driving a manual already from the Bayou, you'll like the 5 speed Vinson. I bought the 5 speed because I'll be doing a bit of work with the bike, it turns the 26" mudlites better, and plus it was $600 cheaper than the auto..... and I don't really mind changing gears.....and I know I'll get feedback on this one .....but also more dependable.

With 26" mudlites, the Vinson has a nice ride and handles great. Its very quick and nimble in the bush and on tight trails and goes through an amazing amount of slop/mud....even without a locking front diff. It is also a great climber.

Just make sure you get a winch. Getting a stuck 400 lb Bayou out of the mud is one thing.....getting a stuck 600 lb Vinson out is a totally different story. Usually Suzuki has a free winch promo on....I got mine with a free winch and free front and rear bumper. If you ask about different tires at purchase time, you can usually trade the originals in and get the mudlites for a little less than 1/2 price.

All in all, from all I have read, the Vinson has one of the best combinations of dependabiliy and performance. Sure, some bikes ride more comfortably, some have more power....but what good is that if it doesnt work/run right a lot of the time or if you're constantly spending money on it, or if it costs you a fortune in gas everytime you ride. Did I mention the Vinson gets great gas mileage?

Like I said, I also have a 1990 220 Bayou. It has NEVER left me stranded and besides regular manitenance stuff, I have never had to spend money on fixing it. But then again, the Bayous had a reputation for being bulletproof. I just hope my Vinson is that way.

Good luck in your purchase.