I agree the Eiger is a good utility quad. A friend of mine has a manual Eiger and he plows tons of snow with it and hauls heavy loads such as logs and an 18' fiberglass boat/motor with ease.

My Vinson Pic's

 

I have a Bruin 350 4x4. I have close 900 or 1000 miles on it and it has never let me down yet. Put some Mud Lite XL's on it though, that will make a HUGE difference in where it can go. THe stock tires are crap.

 

if your looking for a real workhorse look at the foreman 400's...they dont make them anymore but they are just a simple quad thats very reliable..

 

You prefer an auto or manual tranny? What size do you prefer, engine wise?

The Foreman 450 was a simple, hard working quad with plenty of grunt. My cousin has the ES model and it has never let him down. Add a Detroit Gearless Locker (refered to as DGL on the boards) and you have a quad ready to work and go places. The thumb shifter is quite nifty, keeps your feet dry if you're in deep water.

I'm also partial to my old KQ as a hard working machine. Pretty good suspension, great trans, and plenty of drive options for the gadget-minded person. Super low range on this machine is amazingly low, so you can do some tough work that even the 500s have trouble with. No belt to worry about either.

Some others that come to mind are the older manual Kodiak (1998 and older), Foreman 400, Arctic Cat 400 and 500, the old Kawasaki Bayou 400, honda 300 and rancher 350, Suzuki Vinson and QR 500.... there are many options for what you're looking for. Of today's machines, the Arctic Cat 500 manual is my favorite... offers a great long-travel suspension with IRS, a full 12" of ground clearance stock, a powerful engine with a high/low range trans, differential lock, and Arctic Cat has the most versatile rack and accessory system available. And it is virtually bulletproof and pretty simple overall (not much electronics to mess with). Simple mods like a filter, muffler, and rejetting unlock a lot of untapped power, giving you the ability to churn even the heaviest of 28" mud tires out there in the thick stuff. If the H1 (their own 650 engine) offered a manual trans, I would buy it in a heartbeat. But that is just my preference.

There are many newer machines that work great too. That's the great thing about the progression of technology, as today's machines provide an excellent balance of sporty ride and tough working manners. The flagship machines offer the most goodies and power, but they are pricey and do not offer a manual trans. I'm not a fan of belt drives, just don't like the way they feel or the potential for belt problems.

Hope this helps

 

As much as I hate the newer Hondas, the older models were the top of the line. If you can find a Honda 300 Fourtrax 4x4 it will be pretty cheap and will do everything you want it to do except win a drag race. Parts are still available and pretty cheap. In fact, if you go through ATV salvage yards you can get them for almost nothing.

 

Again, I really appreciate the time you all have spent offering your opinions to my question. The replies have been really helpful and enlightening.

Starky, I'm curious as to why you hate the modern Honda ATV's? Understand that I'm not considering buying a new Honda, just curious as to what it is about them that has you hatin'?

 

I love my RancherAT's but I have learned quickly that they are to computer dependant with the HondaMatic Trannies and other stuff. There is nothing i love better than my quad when it is working but I have had electical issues up the azz. I won't buy another one. ohh man I hope my PSAR peeps dont see me bad moutning Honda [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

Honda Rancher 4x4 ES




Kev

 

Arctic Cat!!!!!!!!!!!! Just had top get my peice in also! Look at the speedrack options, ground clearance, and differential lock, and 2" reciever on the cats. But they are spendy!

 

Suzuki Eiger, best for the price