Good point VHCAT, not everyone is looking for a rocketship like a prairie. Maybe a smaller/lighter lower cc quad is the right fit for our friend HVY.

HVY, by the way, 2003 prairie 650's are selling for $5500 to $5900 since the p700 is out. I would ****** one of those if I were you. Why get a 500 when you can get rip roaring prairie for the same price? You don't HAVE to use the power, but will like knowing it's there. That aside, any of your choices will get you out on the trail having a good time. Good luck!

 

Consider the Suzuki Vinson Manual also. THe low range is stump puling and the top speed is 65mph. I raced a 660 grizz and barely got beat but then i ended up pulling him out of a mudhole that i churned through(guess why his tranny belt was slipping) darn autos, who would want one. But i did have better rubbers. The only thing i need on it is a front locker.

 

Been riding a Cat 500i manual for over a year. Use it around my rough-as-a-cob farm, have fun on it too. Pros: crawls over anything, rides smooth, great pulling power, handles nice. Cons: None, really. It's not a scary hotrod like the Prairie (Cat makes one that is now), but very steady and plenty of low end grunt. Very stoutly built - 600+ miles, nothing broken.

I looked at the Rubicon last year, but passed on it because it didn't have the Cat's rough ground capability.

Actually, the 500 Cat sits a bit higher than the Polaris, but because the suspension is tighter, it doesn't feel quite so tippy.

 

u dont need a cat get ethier a 450 formen or a 700 polaris

 

Ah it warms my heart to see such good thinks about AC's posted I have a 2004 500 4x4 Auto with IRS I love it. It is truly the ultimate ride. If you compare the specs it beats the Griz in every single category except cc's, and even weighs more. With 12 inches of ground clearance compared to the Honda's low ground clearance the choice was an easy one go with the Artic Cat. My father and I researched ATV's for a year before buying, money was not an important factor for us, we were more concerned with quaility and useablity, the AC's are awesome they have the new adjustable front and rear racks you can change the rack configuation to suit your needs.

 

Another vote for the Cat here, for the reasons others have said above. One other thing I like about the Cat's, is simplicity, the other machines look like NASA had something to do with building them, not a good thing when it comes time for service/repairs in my book. Also, single lever disk brakes all around. Not the fastest bike on the planet(had a CR250 for that), but plenty fast enough for hunting and exploring (mostly what I do). No complaints about my bike in the least, none, you'll love it!!

Rob

 

The Prairie has excellent engine braking, not to mention great brakes front & rear. And the power...well enough said. Good luck with your choice![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Between the Honda & the Cat for what you decribe you want, I'd probably go for the Cat. There are a couple of other good ones; the Vinson--- Eiger and the traxter. Each of these machines has it's advantages over the other. The Vinson is a very versatile with the most power. The Eiger Does everything well too but a 400 and alittle less power. The Traxter is by Far the strongest built, and has the advantage of front diff. lock. and ease of geting on and off in particualar when you have the racks loaded with gear. And the Outlander is also good. The Eiger is the cheapest of the bunch. Hope this helps. They are all good reliable machines. Oh the Honda & the Cat as well as the Vinson---Eiger neither one has locking front diff. . And that does make a differance as far as getting stuck or not. The Outlander also has diff. lock.

 

I have a manual vinson. Very happy. quality in the build is high. same engine as the cat. better surroundings. straight rear axle will be more stable on hilly or rocky terrian. too much body roll in the cats for me. just my .02.