1st post so forgive me if this has been done before.

Anyway, I'm in the market for a Utility ATV. I've been visiting several dealerships trying to figure out who makes the best quad for the money. Everytime I get close to making a decision I find a feature on another manufacturers model I like better. This is tough! I'd like some help please.

I'm looking at 400cc class machines, but I like the Kawasaki BF 650 as well. My primary uses will be for hunting related activities and plowing snow. I'll do some light trial riding, but nothing too intense.

I'm average in size and weight. 5'7" 190lbs.

The best deal I've made so far is on a 2005 Polaris Sportsman 400. $5800 including a winch. Polaris reviews seem to be pretty bad. I don't want any problems.

I.R.S. or solid axle? Liquid cooled or air cooled? I can see myself running a stick through the radiator. Is there a big advantage to liquid cooled?

I like the idea of a twin. Should be smoother and a little quieter, right?

I'm trying real hard to be under $6000 with a winch before tax.

I'd really appreciate your reccommendations.

thanks,

todd

 

I would go with the polaris 400 sportsman. I don't know why people put polaris down they are just as reliable as the next atv.

 

Oh yea welcome to the fourms.

 

Have you looked at the Bombardier Outlander? Great power for a 400 and will run with the 500's, and also has the best ride around.

 

I did the same thing, I narrowed it down to the Brute 650 and the Suzuki Eiger 400. I didn't even think about the Polaris because from what I've seen they do break down alot, my parents have two of them, and for some reason they are the most expensive to repair even though they are made in the U.S.A. I got the guy down to $6200 on the Brute, but he wouldn't come down to $6000, so I went to the Suzuki dealership and got my Eiger for $4800 with the free 2 year warranty. I couldn't be happier with the Eiger, I saved money and got a great quad. I've been riding probably 6 times now with my buddies and they own 650's. I keep up with them easily, I even went through one mudhole that they got stuck in, I think because mine is lighter. I think the Eiger will make you a great work quad with it's low range also, get the manual.

 

get the bf 650. when i had my rancher 350 i thought that it was all the power i ever needed.......until i got my grizzly660. wow what a difference. now when anyone else i know gets a quad that is smaller and they ask me if i want to try it, i politely decline because it's not exciting any more. if you get the eiger you will like it until you ride something bigger. thats just the way it is. spend an extra $1500 or so and be happy[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

The brute force is a great choice. The suzuki is also good but the outlander is not a utility machine. Just a fun machine.

 

I cant see you running a stick through your radiator. I beat the crap out of my P.O.S. (thats Polaris...some people out there call them a p.o.s) and have never dented my protective cover, maybe because it is an ole heavy polaris and it has more protection than others. I like other quads, but for me and my sons, we ride Polaris. We hunt with em, ride trails, hop logs, ride deep water, run over small trees....yes we basically abuse them sometimes. We do get some maintenance items that have to be replaced, but who doesn't? I would recommend a liquid cooled machine at least 500cc or bigger. Just my opinion.

 

more like a pu$$ I am sorry but i had to say it.