I use to go under the name of "JJonJon" but since it got deleted somehow, im now under this name. Im going to state each machine and what i think about them. And i'll try to keep it short.

Honda Rincon 680EFI - The Rincon is a great machine for what its designed to do. Its one of the best trail riding machines out there. Its nimble and comfortable to ride. Offers EFI, decent power, and some unique features. However, its missing two things that are keeping it from being what we all want it to be, and we all know what those two things are. No Low Range, and No Diff Lock.

Yamaha Grizzly 660/700FI - The Grizz 660 is a solid performer in all areas. Its good at everything but not necessarily the best at anything. Also, there is so many aftermarket accessories for the 660 it almost makes me sick. However, IMO, they arent built with as tough/strong components as Polaris and AC are built with. My friends have the 660's and their tierods snap like twigs. Constantly. Thats the reason the Grizz, and machiens like it, are so lightweight. Yeah being lightweight has its advantages, you can throw them around the trails better, and on some machines, it results in better handling, but their built weak. IMO. Anyway the Grizz 700 is a new machine with Power steering, and all. But its stilla first year machine and its already had recalls. But its still like the same weight as the 660, so we'll have to see if the tierod issues and everything else will be improved from the 660's.

Suzuki KingQuad 700EFI - When Suzuki first introduced this quad, i thought It would dominate everything. It has all the features you can want in an ATV. Nice power, IRS, EFI, Dff Lock, etc... I dont think i've given this quad the credit it deserves. It has a great feel to it, its very stable with its low center of gravity, and it also comes with an unbeatable price of $7,199!! However, its still very lightweight and it also has tierod problems. its got that low end lag that Suzuki built into it, keeping this machine from showings its full potential, and its had some horrible air filter problems. So its still got some minor bugs to be fixed, so I would not buy this quad over 1 or 2 others. I think Suzuki's next quad, whatever it may be, will be tough to beat.

Kawasaki BF650/750i - Kawasaki makes some sick engines. They literally are some horsepower machines. They are also greatly priced, great bang for the buck. However, even with the addition of the 650i, i think Kawasaki has some work to do. The handling of the 750i is horrible. And everyone knows it. Once Kawi gets this down, This machine will be on top again. Im not a fan of its 4wd system, but then again, some people claim it as the best setup, so IMO you either love it, or you hate it, and i hate it. The 650i is a great machine from what i hear, almost as powerful as the 750i but has the handling that the 750i craves. So who knows.

Can-Am Outlander 800EFI/650EFI - These two machines are new. The most powerful in their classes, and by a decent marjin. The offer alot of unique features, like the way their IRS is setup, TTI, Visco-Loc, etc... However, they are EXTREMELY pricey. They are new/unproven, and to me it looks like Can-Am/Bomb, is focusing on how thing and one thing only. Power. I think their styling is outragiously horrible, and the way the machine is setup makes me feel like im riding one of their jetski's, not an ATV. Can-Am is on the right track though. Change their styling a little bit. Fix some nic-naks and they are almost undisputedly the King of the big bores.

Arctic Cat 650H1/700EFI - Arctic Cat is definatly going in the right direction. The also have a few unique features, they are built really tough, and they improve every year. They have the Arctic Cat Speedrack system which allows you to use your ATV for all kinds of purposes. And they got the ground clearance and are considered to be the #1 choice for mudders and rock climbers. however, i personally dont like the way its laid out. I think the handling could be improved alot, and it feels really tippy due to the ground clearance. But thats about the only negative things i can say about it. AC has come a long way and i cant wait for them to start making more of their own engines, because the H1 rocks. Anyhow, the 700 EFI is new. So apparently it has the same low end lag as the KQ700 which isint good. But its not like its noticeable. Im waiting to here more reviews on this ATV because it looks great.

Polaris Sportsman 700EFI/800EFI - Yes, i saved the best for last. Just kidding lol. But seriously, I honestly think Polaris has the most going for them right now, but they, like everyone else, have their share of problems. So anyway, They have the BEST ride. Its so cushy and gives that caddilac feel to it that i crave. Its built very strong with sturdy components, Its got so much storage its crazy, Also comes with the Polaris Lock'n'Ride accessory system (similiar to AC's speedrack) which also gives you the oppourtunity to use your ATV for all kinds of different purposes. They come with the best stock tires around. The SP800 sounds incredible with its dual exhaust, and its the 2nd most powerful quad out there (tied with BF750i), i personally, love the styling of the new polaris with rear tail lights, and all. Great handling, can tow the most, and I also love the rear work lights and its AWD system. Some hate it though, so yeah. But the engine breaking down hill that people talk about is now officially over. For '07 Polaris has the ADC which stands for Active Decent Control. So no more 2wd going downhill. Anyway, an '07 Sportsman 800EFI would be my quad of choice.

I tried to give you the most accurate description for each ATV as good as i could. Hope i helped.

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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 (Green)
3000LB Warn Winch
27inch ITP 589 M/S Tires on
ITP Type 5 Wheels
2 inch HL Lift Kit

2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. Mossy Oak - Stolen
2001 Honda Rancher ES 350 (Green) - Sold.

 

Power and speed wise in stock form they go like this...
Outty 800
BF 750
Outty 650
BF 650i
Sportsman 760
Prairie 700
King Quad 700
Grizz 686 after this point those listed are all very close in speed.

I really like my King Quad right now and I'm happy with it and won't be buying anything new for a while, ecspecially happy that an ECU is coming out for it in September, it'll be like a new ATV with a new ECU.

If I was seaching for an ATV right now with price not a factor...I already have a King so would want something different... My choices in order...I luv power if you can't tell.
1. Outty 800...just can't overlook it's power
2. BF 750...awesome power as well
3. Polaris Sportsman 800 or maybe an AC 700 with the VDI copperhead.

 

Sry to kinda steal the thread!

If Kawi could change the BF handling would it be the ultimate quad? I see them do so good on atv rallies in the mud.

 

Steveo10- no worries, I'll try to answer your question myself. My best buddy and a lot of his riding buddies all ride Kawi vtwins, whether they are 650, 700, or 750. I have ridden his 700 quite a bit and it is a powerhouse. He has 27" mudlites on it and can spin the snot out of them any time he wants (no performance mods of any kind) . Seeing how the 750i has about as much power as you could ever need in a quad, their major downfall is the handling. For mud riding where you don't need as precise handling they do great, but on hard packed trails they tend to suffer. One of my buddies co-workers was gonna buy a 750i but his uncle rode one and flipped it, they all ride pretty fast on dirt roads and the brute 750i is not very good at that kind of riding in stock form. So now he's gonna get a 650SRA. With all that in mind if Kawi were to give the brute much better handling, as well as maybe a bit better fuel mileage (that 700 sure likes its gas), they would have an absolute winner. Where my buddy lives the Kawi dealers sells 650SRA for $7800, 650i for $8200, and 750i for $9100. So they are pretty popular around his neck of the woods considering a King Quad is $10800, and a new Grizz is $11600. (canadian pricing). I personally love the power of those Kawi's but wish they steered easier and were a bit more compact, I am 5'6" and 150lbs. I have rode a Outtie 800, and can say that those are VERY powerful and have pretty good handling to boot if you are willing to spend the money.

Hope this helped!

-Krait

 

Or you can look at the 06 AC650V2s, these are seriously nice quads also!! And the come with the V-Twin power, which is plenty, and combines it with the ground clearance, and diff lock, and speedrack. My order would be as

Arctic Cat
Grizzly
Brute Force
Can-Am
King Quad
Honda
Polaris

 

you ought to ride a 650i before you buy. great machine for going fast or crawling. it is not the best at every single catagory, but you can hang with those that are.

monty

 

V2Rider- Glad to hear such enthusiasm about your machine. Thats what I want to hear. I am glad you love your Cat, and I don't doubt that they are a great machine. However, from sitting on them, (no riding) I feel they are too big and heavy for my tastes. IMO. I am a small guy, and prefer a smaller lightweight machine that I can throw around a little bit easier.

Montyh- I am glad to hear from you, I know you are a big supporter of the 650i. I agree 100% with you about it, and would consider it over a 750i without even thinking. I don't need 750cc, and would prefer the better handling of the 650i. However I still feel they are slightly larger and cumbersome compared to say, a grizzly or outlander. For most people that is acceptable, but for me, I do like a smaller machine. But that doesn't mean I can't handle a larger machine either. I took a test ride on a Kodiak 450 and loved it for its small size and easy steering, but the power just wasn't doing it for me. But, nothing is written in stone, and it looks like I will be waiting until next spring at the earliest before considering buying a quad.

These are just my own opinions/observations, and are by no means what works for everyone.

Keep up the comments guys, I still like hearing about what you prefer or don't!

-Krait

 

Snapping tierods?? How do you just snap tierods? I ride the crap out of both my 02 and my 06... and the closest I've come is bending 1 from a log sneakin in there before I got my after market A-arm guards on...


The BF750 I ride with is 7 months old, and already has thrown a rod.. ($1500 to repair)

The AC Vtwin was traded in after less than a year. (too many issues with the choke on both carbs)

The zuk twin peaks has had serveral issues with the belt and clutch

The polaris is just way too dang heavy...

I'd never think of owning a Honda until they decide to start using Diff-Lock.

I've only seen a Outlander 800 in action once... seems like a decent machine... Haven't ridden one yet. (buddy just bought 1 too)

To each their own... I just prefer a lighter quad (the griz) with plenty of power and decent ground clearance. (will have even more with the new 700) The new design is also suppose to eliminate the body roll the earlier models have (bigger tires also gets rid of it.)

 

Dirt Wheels had some foreshadowing in their last edition of a bigbore shoot-out. Im guessin they r waitin for their baby the 700griz to be released 1st.

 

krait, i understand the size issue. still, ride one if you get a chance.

i guess i'd have to say it would be hard to make a decision until you see if the 700 Grizz feels good for you.

the KQ is always a contender, too. i would also make it a point to look at the Can-Am 650.

monty