If durability alone is considered any one of the Honda machines (especially the 300) would be a good choice. But if performance is the main consideration (ride comfort, pulling, mudding, etc.), then the best ever "all around" Utiltiy machine is diffinitely one of the new IRS machines: either the Sportsman (certainly the most copied), or the 660 Grizzly or the Arctic Cat 500i. (Of course, that may change next summer when the Rincon arrives.)

Both Honda and Yamaha have made some really durable work machines. But they all became obsolete when Polaris introduced the Sportsman in 1996. To compare a Big Bear, a Honda Foreman or the bullet proof 300 to a Sportsman is probably unfair. They are too different. The ’96 Sportsman had full floorboards, long travel independent suspension, high ground clearance, true 4X4, disc brakes, and ride comfort comparable to no other wheeled vehicle. Most manufactures are still playing “catch-up”.

 

If performance alone is considered, any one of the Polaris machines (especially the 500) would be a good choice. But if durability is the main consideration (reliability, toughness, ease of maintainance, and all around solidness etc.) (not to mention resale) then the best ever "all around" Utiltiy machine is either the Honda (certainly the most influential), or one of the Yamaha or the Arctic Cat machines.
Polaris has made some really nice riding machines. But they all were obsolete when introduced, when comparing to something that was designed for long life and durability. To compare a Sportsman to a Honda Foreman or the bullet proof 300 is grossly unfair. Its like comparing a 2002 Grand Cherokee to a Chevy pickup with manual hubs. The Jeep is fashionable and pretty (and formidable), but relies on electronic nicities to lure its followers. You dont see many of them out doing any REAL off roading. The pickup on the other hand was designed to haul, and work and go where ever necessary to do the job at hand. The Sportsman have full floorboards, long travel independent suspension, high ground clearance, true 4X4, disc brakes, and ride comfort comparable to no other "utility" vehicle. All very nice things to consider on a SPORT machine. When it comes to UTILITY most of those are irrelavant.

The main point I am trying to make here is that opinions are all based solely on ones point of view. To try to say one or the other is all around best is senseless. Each guy has to decide for himself as to what is best for him!

CAUTION !!!!! CAUTION!!!!!
This is meant as a SATIRE only and is
meant only as a counterpoint!
Not A Flaming match.

 

Two words on this topic.




KING QUAD

 

Touche Trailboss 450!

Your point is well taken.

It’s true that a solid axle machine may be more suited for certain tasks then an IRS machine. (For example, pulling loads using excessive tongue weight.) And generally the solid axle machine can perform most tasks at least as well as the solid axle. But the ride comfort on an IRS machine is so superior that I find it difficult to go back to a solid axle after riding a Sportsman, a Grizzly, or an Artic Cat i; no matter what you are doing you have to ride the machine.

Still, IRS machines are generally more expensive and usually require more maintenance. Therefore, in areas or applications where ride comfort and ground clearance is not important I agree with you that a solid axle machine could be a more logical choice.

However, I have used or at least ridden most of the older and newer models of ATVs, (including the 450 Foreman), and clearly the new IRS machines are (by far) the best “overall ”ATVs ever produced. This statement shouldn’t offend anyone. Isn’t it logical to expect the latest development in any technology to be an improvement over the old?

 

Well everyone has their own opinon on this subject and again it is what you are more comfortable on and with. Myself, I think that the new Grizzly with the 3 way front end is going to be hard to beat although there are a couple more out there that are good also. As in years past the honda is over rated for any job when it comes to work. all they have is the rubicon. They have stayed true to course and stayed with the sports field and this hurts honda. Kawasaki did good by coming out with the 650 as it made the other 2 take notice as in yamaha and polaris with their 660 and 700 respectively. That makes for a 3 way dance in my eyes. We will have to wait and see about the new one from honda.

 

I sampled alot of all around machines, and i chose the 2002 grizzly. to me, its the all aroung best! Now, i may be a little partial on this, but i just love this bike for all it can due, and just havent found anything it cant do, other than fly? well, i did get it up aroung 6 ft in the air, but it came back down, so that doesn't qualify for flying, lol.

 

The best ever utility quad is the one that you own.

 

Here's a better way of putting it:

"The best all around utility quad is the one that best suites YOUR needs, within YOUR budget, for what YOU plan on using it for" my quote from another thread.




ps - although my 13" GC and 10"+ suspension travel makes for a nice ride :-)

 

Rides4Fun,

I agree 125% with you.

 

Sportsman 700