Most deffinatly the outlander. I might be a lil biased though. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

We are looking to get into ATV's (I've had several before, but its somewhat new area for my wife). I've decided that I want a 400cc class 4x4 manual for myself and as such I have looked at pretty much all the possibilities.

My favorite is the Suzuki Eiger. Followed by the Yamaha Big Bear.

For an auto shift, I'd say the Eiger and a tie between Kodiak and Prarie 360.


In that past I've pretty much only owned Yamaha, but was familiar with other brands. I decided that I wanted a 4x4 machine and in the mid 90's I traded my Timberwolf for a Polaris Magnum 425 4x4 in blue. My father also traded his Yamaha YFM350er for a Magnum right after that. For the first year we were pretty impressed with how powerful they were and how capable the 4x4 machine was. After that "honeymoon" we realized they were not a fun riding machine. After a long trail ride we were far more tired on the Polaris than we were on the Yamaha's. They also had 2 or 3 times the maintenance, and reliability issues were prominent. When we went to start them for a trail ride we were not sure if they were going to run or not. Carb problems, 4x4 problems, drive train problems, SEVERAL burned belts.

Those were the last experiences I had with ATV's until 2 weeks ago on a camping trip my wife's uncle (Uncle-in law?) had a pair of old 280cc King Quads. We took them on a few trails and that was the first time I've been on an ATV since the latter half of the 90's. This prompted us to get into ATV's.

Polaris is not and never will be on my list of possibilities for an ATV again. Some people like them and everything that comes with them, but I don't care for them at all. In the case of Polaris, IMO, the magazines ratings are correct.

 

The Outlander does edge the Eiger a little in performance but like I said before not enough overcome the price difference and I believe the Eiger is a more reliable machine.

 

Catterman has some good points about the Arctic Cat, that front diff lock is nice, it has IRS, (not a fan of IRS) and the same engine as the Eiger, but with all these extras it jumps the price up and it seems really heavy for a 400 at 633 lbs. Not downing the Arctic Cat it sounds nice, just looking at the big picture. I just feel good riding my Eiger and doing everything the 500 and 650's do in the mud and trail riding knowing that I paid $4800 and they paid $6000 - $7500.

 

When did a/c start putting a locker on the 400?

 

I couldnt agree more , Ill second getting a sportsman 400 , I think its one of the best all aound best

 

T^railblaizer guy have you ever rode the sp 400? Or are you basing your opinion because of the 500 that you own? Same bike, way different motors. The 400 is just way too heavy for its power output.

 

yes I have driven both and I liked the Sportsman better , not because I own a 500 but because I liked the ride alot more

 

Just curious, what are the prices for an Arctic Cat and the Polaris 400 ? Got my 05 Eiger manual shift for $4795 and 2 year warranty.

 

How is the polaris's IRS not "true" IRS? And how is the diff lock any better - there is no diff at all in the front of a sportsman, both axles engage and are locked together, but unlock when in 2wd. How is that any different?