the 05 and up Rubicon compares very well to the Vinson, worth a look as actual prices are very close

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>


Actually, the newer ones seem to be sealed up pretty well. Ive buried my quad several times, and havnt had my belt slip yet.

 

So, does everybody agree that because of the bang-for-the-buck factor, the Vinson 500 is an all-around great quad?

 

The key word here is "all-around" so ofcourse it is a Rubicon CTE! most of the people on these forums have never ridden one so they will not agree. Unfortunately, they are only available in Canada! I've ridden several 500 H.O's and Vinson's, but IMO the CTE nudges out the Vinson as the class leader. That tranny is amazing!

 

Roody-

I think you're making an excellent choice! I picked the Vinson for the following reasons, some of which might be yours as well

Biggest manual shift made (there are other 500 manual shifts but none bigger)
Disc brakes all the way around (Honda, you really let me down there...was a 30 year rider)
2wd/4wd select (yeah, not having locking 4wd is a disappointment)
Low range/high range
Solid rear axle (I like powerslides...IRS doesn't do well in that regard)
Comfortable seat and great ergonomics
Fixed AND turning headlights
Very nice stock wheels (polished aluminum and just begging for 26" Mudlites)
HUGE dealer network

What I don't like about the Polaris is their refusal to go with seperate controls for the front and rear brakes...other than that it's a good machine.

The honda seems asleep it is so low in power

No experience with the Arctic Cat. I hear it has IRS and front lockers, and is geared like a tank

 

"The honda seems asleep it is so low on power"

Sorry pal but you have not driven a newer Rubicon, either that or you are the one asleep!
Try this website!
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/.../2006/2006.php

A Rubicon has 33.4hp and an auto Vinson has 32.4hp. Now a manual Vinson has 33.6, but I don't think too many people could notice .2 of a hp. I'm not trying to start an argument here but please don't say Ruby's have no power, cause that's just plain B.S. I've raced many a Vinson and we are neck and neck. I've beaten many a 500h.o's as well. As for work,chores, and pulling power.....I'd say a Rube has more torque down low than any other 500 I have ridden. I am just tired of people saying Honda's have now power!
My CTE has all of the features you listed above except disk brakes on the rear! (could care less about that)
Oh and I have a nicer suspension setup for an SRA and a far, far superior tranny.

 

Roody my neighbour across the street has a Vinson thats a couple of years old. He has three boys that use the bike constantly. The Dad basically only uses it for plowing his driveway. Last time I looked there was 12,000km on the quad and with the exception of replacing tires & regular maintenance has had no trouble with the bike. I ride Polaris myself but with respect to what you want...there is what you need to know.

 

SafetySean...I see you have a Sportsman 500. How do you like it? While I was away, I went to a Polaris dealer and looked at one. It seemed nice...a little pricier than the Vinson, but all-around, nice. Had all the features I want...Shift-on-they-fly 4WD, IRS, good/clear speedometer. I have one question though. How does it handle? Is it heavy like the Brute Force's handling, or light like the Yamaha Kodiak's? Thanks.

 

i love hondas , but not having a locker sucks really bad!! or no disc brakes! hell i work on the brakes every couple months and it gets old. saving up to switch to disc brakes. honda needs a true 4x4.(with a locker)

 

I can get a Brute Force 650 (not with IRS) for $6,099. That's less than most 500's. Should I get the BF?