I am getting ready to get a new atv and I have decided that I want a utility one....I have narrowed it down to a honda but am open to other ideas...I am looking for something that can handle just about anything ...hills..mudd..rocks I want a good all around atv that I can enjoy for a couple of years any good ideas on which model? Thanks

 

I have a p700 and love it. I take it every where rocks, mud, and hills. The p700 has good power and speed. The diff lock helps in the mud and rocks.There are guys with the p650 that are still running strong. Good luck on getting your new atv and welcome to the forum.

 

don't get a prairie because they have a solid rear axle. definitely get something with IRS. they new brute is awesome, the new king quad looks like it'll be a good machine too. i've ridden the arctic cat 650 V2, very nice, and despite what some may say the polaris sportsman's are just awesome atv's, just look at how well they sell.

 

For what it's worth- I have a polaris 700efi I would only get rid of it for a bigger machine - hope that help's (about polaris) at least

 

Whats wrong with an SRA?

We need a little more info from you.

How big of an atv do you want?
What is your budget for this purchase?
Do you ride with friends? If so, what do they have?
What kind of terrain do you usually ride on?
Do you want an automatic or auto clutch?
And just about anything esle you can deem as pertinent.

 

what's wrong with SRA? well here's a few answers: It's not as comfortable (worse ride), it can tackle less obstacles, and it gets hung up on trails, in mud and snow.

 

If you mean comfortable like the overly plush ride on the polaris machines, then you can keep it.

You have less ground clearance, but your ground clearance always stays the same, even under load.
You have a lot fewer parts and joints to repair and replace.
You are much more stable in off-camber situations.

Unless you plan on serious mudding or very deep snow, you will not have a problem with an sra as far as clearance goes. And I have seen the prairie outperform many irs machines in the nasty deep stuff, mostly due to the overwhelming power.

 

I have a friend who rides a polaris 700, I can go every where he goes on my p700. The irs is a better ride. The polaris weight to much for me. If they would take some weight off the polaris700 it would be even better.I am looking for a new atv myself. I like the brute, but till i get to ride one i'll wait on my next atv.My dealer will let me ride it out back on a dirt field, but i caint see if thats the atv for me on a dirt field.

 

do you need tons of power and speed? if not a good all around maybe a honda.rincon. the outlander 400 is extremely comfortable and pretty peppy .its definetly the softest quad ride ive ever owned.and ive owned 7 different 4x4,s in the last 5 years.need to know more about exactly whats most important to you . power? speed? handling? sporty? comfort?do you need the biggest baddest 4x4 on the market or a midsize?

 

You're going to get 10,000 different answers on this question and then everybody is going to start defending whatever it is they have like they have already started doing.
The first thing you have to decide is what you're going to use it for. How much are you looking to spend. Then do some real research. Read the magazines and see what they say. Some people say they are biased but you have to start somewhere. Then try and ride as many different machines as you can. Remember, everyone is going to say their quad is better because.....
Then YOU have to decide because you are the one that is going to pay for it and have to live with your decision. But here are a few things that you want to compare;
Solid rear axle (SRA) to Independant rear suspension (IRS) - both have oposing qualities. I don't want to say good and bad.
Locking front differential - Again, what are you going to use the quad for.
Size - Why buy a 650 or 700 when all you need is a 450.
One thing to look for is Dealer Incenvives. Can you get a free winch or riding gear.
Just some things to think about instead of asking for 10,000 opinions.