BUT have been around Sport ATV's and 2 and 4 stroke dirtbikes. Now the question, I'm looking for a utility ATV for hunting and fun. I want a 400cc or better, new or used, 4X4, manual or auto tranny. I'm 6' 4" tall and weigh 240Lbs., and the wife has me on a budget. She says I already have too many toys. What out there is the best "bang for the buck" in a Jap bike new and used? Next what is the most reliable? I have no interest in Polaris at all so don't suggest them please, I won't buy one.

 

I would look at a Kawi Prairie 400. Since they dicontinued it you can probably get it at a good price. The Honda 450's are pretty reliable also.

 

Check out the 98-up Suzuki Quadrunner 500 (manual) or Quadmaster 500 (auto). There may be some new ones still available from some dealers. Suzuki gives you a lot for your money with their ute quads and great reliability as well.

John

 

If you are not a speed nut, check out Arctic Cat. The new machines are great, but the early 454 Bear Cats sell cheaper because they are full time 4X4 and had some choke and brake problems. Both the brake and choke are easy to upgrade.

 

I would suggest the Suzuki Eiger 400 4x4! Great power, 2wd/4wd Lever, low and high gear switch. Also get a 5 speed they are maintainence free and With the Auto you have to worry about your belt slipping in mud or water, and also belt replacement. I got mine for $5,199 and $5,800 out the door including a free helmet and Warn 2000 Winch!

 

I also say the Eiger. You're not paying for LCD instruments, electric motor 4wd activators and not even auto tranny if you don't want it. What you do get is a basic reliable sporty fun go anywhere 4x4 that will last forever.

Jaybee

 

The new Vinson with the 5 speed manual sounds like a nice buy from Suzuki. And you can buy Grizz's around here for 5990.00. It depends on what budget she has you on. There was a guy riding a Prairie 650 with a pipe at the ATV rodeo last Saturday and it had to be the best sounding atv I have ever heard. They retail for 6195.00 in this area.I think the P650 is more fun than the grizz because of the solid axle. And he was outrunning piped 400ex's with it as well. It would be my choice.

 

If you are on a tight budget and want the most bang for your buck get a used Fourtrax 300 4x4. These things are bulletproof and don't loose too much to the 400s. You can usually find a good one for around $3.5K.

 

Arctic Cat 400 or 500 they have changable 2wd and 4wd with a lever you pull or push by the fender and the autos go about 55 to 60 depending on the conditions. They have the most ground clearence 1 friggin foot so you will never get stuck or hung up and they can pull anything and they are cheeper than most hondas and lighter than polaris and they have tons of torque so thats something to look at.

 

Thanks for all the replys! Now, a new question. I have just settled with my insurance company from a motorcycle accident I had in July. I'm getting $30k after attorney fees, given that I'm "allowed" by my wife $6k for a new or used bike. So the question is, if you had $6k to spend on a utility ATV new or used what would you buy and why? I still have no interest in Polaris.