Like all Hondas 4x4 there weak points is there Straight axle,rear drum, lower power per cc due to being the only ones using a OHV motor vs a higher reving OHC motor and they have no true AWD option like most 4x4s have.

A 550 Sportsman has the same 40 hp as a Honda 680 Rincon. A 800 Sportsman twin with 54hp is in another category.

 

yeah, that is one major issue we found with honda, the 4x4 is crap. we are actually goin to look at a sportsman 800 today!

 

Get a Polaris. You won't regret it.

 

yeah thats what ive heard

 

I have been around atvs for about 20 years now and i look closely at every feature each machine is given. Ive watched closely to all brands ,engine size, and 4wd systems work on all of them. I now own my 1st polaris product and has been a blast for the past year. I also own 2 Hondas...except they arent atvs. I own a Honda lawn mower and a Honda log splitter. For me, all machines have their place and a honda atv just would not keep up to MY expectations due to lack of components others on here have mentioned. This is a personal choice of course.
Selecting an atv will depend on its use just like anything else.
so if your working a farm,hauling a trailer,checking fence,and an occasional trail ride,ect...Honda would get my vote. The reliability is there on a Honda.
If im using an atv for hunting,trail riding,mud, and occasional work,then any other brand would be my choice. It simply comes down to features. Which features do you need or want then you break it down from there. All will have issues sooner or later but keeping the maintenance up will prolong anything as you already know.

 

yeah that is one thing that many dealers are telling me, that it depends on what i want to do the most as to what fourwheeler to get

 

IMO
Honda is reliable but very dated design and is only 3 wheel drive.
Polaris quality is the worst of all manufactures, but there features out weight there **** poor quality. Believe it or not but I do own a RZR and it's been pretty good.

 

This is Roadiestar's usual careful driving up a rock that was very steep and about 6' high. And he wonders why stuff gets broken.

 

What you talking about Moose ? LOL That was a easy rock climb even a Honda should be able to make it. Maybe ?

 

haha wow thats crazy... and a honda has no chance of getting up that lol