OK, Just sold the raptor and deciding on a new hobby....utility. I have looked into as much info. as I can handle on the best utility atv. I have narrowed my choices down to the Rubicon, King Quad, Vinson, Brute Force 750 and Grizzly. The problem is that my top choice is the Rubicon because of reliability. We have owned many Hondas and they are still alive after the hell that we put them through! But, on the downside, I think that it lacks the power that I am looking for with being only a 500cc. Everything else is in the 700 and up range, but on the flip side of them, not sure about reliability. Please give me any input that you have on this decision or any other quads that you think will fulfill my wants. I want one of the biggest and baddest quads out there for playing around in mud. Price is not an option. I also don't want to buy something now and next week a better quad goes on the market that I should've waited for. HELP!!!!

 

I'd be willing to put my Polaris up against any the Quads you list in a mud puddle. Then enjoy the amazing suspension, riding around the trails at 70+ mph (not really, but it would if I had the nads).

Now you know were I stand, but of course I've never owned any other utility quad but Polaris so what do I know. I bought my 800 when it was the only quad available with an 800 stickers on the side of it, so at the time their was nothing to compare it to.

The only problems I've had is with the stock tires and they're gone now. They were just to soft for the power, weight and terrain combination.

 

That's a wide range of choices. First you have to narrow them down. Do you want solid rear axle (SRA) or independent rear susupension (IRS)?

Here's a few of my opinions.

If you want IRS then I personally would look hard at the Brute Force 750. No, it's not because I own a Kawi. I am not biased (at least I don't think...?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] ). If you want one of the biggest and baddest quads then this is one of them. Coming from a sport quad you will appreciate the v-twin's power and potential. My buddy just got one and it flies! Put a pipe and CDI on that thing and it will haul a**. But if you don't want IRS and want the same thrill then take a look at the Prairie 700 or Brute Force 650 (SRA). They are by far the two of, if not the most sporty utility ATV's made IMO. Open one up and feel the power and you will be sold. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

If your main concearn is reliability then I can understand why you're looking at the Honda. I looked hard at them but didn't get one because other manufacturers had much more appealing products for the same or cheaper cost. The Rubicon MSRP is $7299 for crying out loud! For example, the Kawi's come with selectable 2wd/4wd AND a DIFFERENTIAL LOCK! Something Honda should look into and something that comes in handy when you are in the nasty stuff.

It's inevitable. Bigger and improved stuff will always keep coming.

 

Thanks for the input. I am getting a helluva deal at $5,700 for an '06 Rubicon. That gives me a reliable quad that is at a very good price but that doesn't solve the power issue though.

I like the IRS suspension because of the ground clearance, but it's not a must. The Rincon has this and it moved up to the 680cc motor but heard it doesn't have the low-end gearing for thick mud.

I know that the new will keep on coming, but I'm looking into the short-term future. If you know that Honda will bump up the cc's in the Rubicon next year, then please fill me in. I've been on the racing side for a while so the easy stuff that you all know, I don't have a clue.

I have been looking harder between the Brute Force 750 and the Rubicon actually, but scared of the manufacturer of the Brute.