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What ATV do you recommend, for just hunting. Polaris or Honda, but stuck on different models and if I need all the extras.
I wont be using it for shoveling snow or any other work.
plan is to use just for reaching further on crownland, cutting some walking, and of course just riding for fun once in a while.
I'm a Yamaha Kodiak guy...but they're like trucks....everyone likes what they drive. ..
A Honda TRX420 Rancher is a bare bones ATV that'll do everything you need it for. Add a winch and you're laughin'.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ata83
Yamaha Kodiak or Honda Rancher
Wouldn't touch a Polaris even if it came with a mechanic following me around.
Don't know how much hunting you will be doing but I would save the money and go with a cfmoto. Decent machines and a warranty that can't be beat.
I've got a 1999 Honda Foreman. Other than routine maintenance, oil, filter, gas line filter and regular cleaning of air filter I haven't had to put a wrench to it in all these years of use... The only thing I've done to it is change the rear shocks to a heavier set because of the added weight, dogs and gear the second year I had the vehicle. Owned it since new...
Just picked up a used 2013 Honda Rancher and so far like it. A little smaller than i expected but 420 cc , 450 lb capacity and about 850 towing capacity. And fits in the back of my 6’6” Ram box but tailgate has to be down.
Thanks everyone for the input. Polaris has higher ground clearance. Which i thought might be useful in winter ?
How about the bass pro stuff ? Tracker atvs. They seem much cheaper but i guess not as reliable as others mentioned ?
Just checked them out. Interesting and cheaper than honda it seems from first glance.Quote:
Originally Posted by huntervinni
https://maxximmotorsports.com/All-In...rrie-Oakville/
I oosted the same basic question last year ended up with a arctic cat 650 trv 2008 no issue except the pod changed it out and everything runs like a top, moose hunting last year ran it for a week everyday and grouse in the same week . Every make has its issue do your research on the machine my take arctic cat ,honda can am kodiak
Much of it depends on how you intend to use it i.e light riding or rough/steep terrain.
I have a 2005 Polaris Sportsman 400 and use it occasionally for hunting and some snow ploughing. It rides nice and can pull a moose down a trail. It has served me well but I don’t abuse it.
I’ve ridden Yamaha’s and Honda’s and thought they were fine machines too.
If your buying new, consider the warranty-coverage and term. If available, consider purchasing an extension. Not sure if you can shop around for it like a vehicle, but something to think about.
Polaris probably is a better riding machine but Honda will outlast them when it comes to mechanics. Polaris may have a bit more clearance than the Honda but that's little advantage when the snow comes as both can be useless once the snow gets deeper than the axles. Lighter machines can be unstuck easier than larger ones, larger motors increase insurance costs, solid rear axles are rougher riding than independent axles, Hondas will always cost more initially but probably worth it.
Just a few points to consider............
Couldn’t agree more for the op needs. Rancher then Kodiak, both great for durability and resale valueQuote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
My father has a Honda Rincon and I have a Yamaha Grizzly 700. ITs nice too have the extra power IMO. But too each there own for sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by ysyg
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I do not own one, but had some experience with them.
The main thing i remember from the owners of those i rode-they just about all said: bigger ATV gives more power.Whic may not be needed to pull a moose out on average terrain.
They would tandem 2 ATV to pull each other ,to help on bad terrain.
Their main reasoning was-the size equals weight-the weight equals a whole lot more chances of getting stuck in bad terrain.
400-500 max is what one needs-all of them said.
To each their own though....
Just be careful on buying a used one. I bought a used one from a member here about 6 years ago. I was about 30 min into my first ride on it, and it threw a piston, and caught fire. The whole electrical system fried from the amount of wires jammed in the battery box as well. I bought as is...and unfortunately learned another life lesson......
Agreed. My insurance agent said to keep it under 700cc for better insurance rates. Hunters have been pulling moose out for 40+ years with 3 and 4 wheelers in the 200-300cc range and some with no 4 wheel drive as well. I add the smaller units get considerably better gas mileage to. On a bird hunt last fall we were out for an 8 hour tour, by time we got back to cabin, the 800 was on fumes(didn't think he'd even make it back) the 750 was showing 1 bar and the 450 was just under half full.Quote:
Originally Posted by gbk
All of these posts are right on the money. One thing I've learned in using smaller ATV's to pull out heavy Moose from tight areas is that in this instance,bigger is not always better.;)
I bought a 2018 Kodiak 700 for hunting and have no complaints. Great for riding and having fun too.
This is why I steer clear of modified machines, you never know who did the work. I've been burned like this myself with a snowmobile in the past. It would be even worse if it happened after paying these inflated covid prices.Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveBates
You're right, I wouldn't touch anything either that's modified with tractor tires, body lifts and schnorkel tubes 3 feet above the handle bars. That's looking for misery.Quote:
Originally Posted by dean.f
Ya....it sucked....I didn't either bother saying anything... was what it was. I do have a 2006 kodiak 450 that has been nothing but awesome, but my son's starting to ride it. My wife has an 18 canam 450 that's great as it's a two up and il like the room as I'm 6'4. I'll be getting one more this spring, and I'm leaning towards another kodiak 450. Can't beat the fuel consumption, and light enough to throw around......Quote:
Originally Posted by dean.f
Haha. Stay away From those for sure regardless of brand.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fisherman
I’m very happy with my Polaris Sportsman 500. Never had any problems. Great stock tires, lots of storage, high clearance, rear back up lights, smoothest ride. Yamaha or Honda are good Choices also. Good Luck.
My hunting atv is a 1998 Suzuki King quad 300. 4x4 diff lok, has low and super low range. It could pull a truck if it has enough ground traction. They are great little bikes for getting around the bush, Not so great for any long rides as it doesn't have great suspension. I strictly use it deer/moose/bear hunting. Has 1600km on it and still looks new for over 20 years old.
Have a honda big red 250 I use as well, Love that old trike.
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I'm hoping to upgrade to a Yamaha Grizzly in the next year or 2, but for now my 1990 honda fourtrax 350 is an unstoppable hunting machine
My 2007 Honda Rincon has been bulletproof. I have not been easy on it over the years but I learned to take care of any problems as they arise. Mind you, any problem I’ve had with it was my own fault due to laziness. Last summer it would backfire and not start until I realized that I still had the original spark plug in it. Changed the plug and it fired right up and didn’t miss a beat. I use it for Plowing my driveway, hunting, ice fishing, and just riding the trails
Just keep up with maintenance and put gas in it and its fine.
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Agreed, if you want durability and a machine that just works.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
Great ! thanks for all the feedback !! so far, I will go with entry model/ smaller engines, so far honda trx 420 im leaning towards, great resell value it seems as well, in case I want to upgrade.
the spot I hunt usually, is around 15km away from main road, but no ATV trails. I can not find out if one is allowed to make its own trail in crown around the thick bush ? or do we need to stick to main ATV trails ?
another question about 2up seats. are they needed ? does it make it legal to have a passenger ? the way things are going, I think id have to take my gf on most of the rides baiting, or ice fishing.
I'm not 100% sure but to ride trails or roads legally I thought I read you needed a 2up seat for a passenger and it has to be a factory 2up, not the ones you strap on yourself. I've never done it so could easily be misremembering. Someone with experience with one likely knows better.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ata83
I have never heard of anyone being fined about the 2 up, personally not the slightest concerned.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cantgetright
We just drive through any way we can. A couple trips through and there will be a trail
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ata83
I'm not saying they are enforcing it but I looked it up after I posted it and to LEGALLY carry a passenger it has to be a factory 2 up with separate footpegs and the passenger must be 8 years old and able to reach the footpegs. Will you get charged? Likely not unless you drive though the middle of town. I know several guys that use the aftermarket 2up seats but mostly to take the kids and grandkids around the farm.
Where I live we can drive inside the town of Russell and my village. No problems.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cantgetright
I don't know about last fall but the fall before the OPP nailed every hunter they found in the Sudbury area with a passenger on their ATV. Riders were furious about it but nothing they could do. The OPP lost a pile of respect for pulling off that stunt.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
It can happen, just like speeding. Everyone on my road travel's at 100 and it's marked 80. I have followed the OPP numerous times doing 100. Can they pull me over most certainly but quite unlikely.
But Sh$$ happens.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
Was this on or crossing a road?Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
If so the charges were legal.
If off-road there is no law prohibiting it.
Trick is knowing were the HTA or ORVA applies.
Watched the OPP do the same, for fishermen, 2 up ,coming off Simcoe after ice fishing, last year. Did they get tickets , I don't know but they sure got 'interviewed'. Strange , how some on here want the police to follow the letter of the law, until....
Have you ever gone over the speed limit???
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishermccann
I've owned Honda and Polaris, got rid of the Hondas and have had a Polaris 570 since 2014. Been a good bike. Considering the price difference of the 570 to a Honda I will stick with the Polaris. Both will have repairs but in the long run I have been much more satisfied with the Polaris. Mind you, I bought the Polaris new so ya never know what ya get when ya buy used. Kinda seems like people sell their bikes when they suspect big problems.
I had a polaris sportsman 400, and 2 years ago upgraded to the 570,
use it for hunting, pleasure, snow plow, tree pulling, I love it
we got a 2003 suzuki edgar (400) with a winch.
weve squeezed 3 guys onto it and a deer on the front and shes got no problem still moving LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveBates
+1 on the Kodiak. Best all round quad out there IMO.
how many KMs or hours do ATV run for ?
is 3,000 KM too. much ?
I know it depends on the maintenance and such, but general Idea would help.
saw a honda trx 2017 with 3K km on it, for 7K ... brand new is 10K ... not sure if worth the difference
All depends on the owner.....some people buy a bike only to have for a few years.....Do ZERO mantainence, run the bag off it, only do work to it when absolutely necessary, Then sell it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ata83
Other people have bikes for 20 years, Look after it meticulously, Change oil all the time, run good fuel and dont beat on it. These machines could last up to 40,000km before needing a rebuild.
Had to rebuild my buddies 2013 grizzly 700 he bought used with 2000km...it was definitely swamped and sat full of water. Just ruined everything inside.
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Basically, Polaris and Honda are at either ends of the financial spectrum. None of the guys in the Camp own either...to cheap or too expensive.. HaHa...Quote:
Originally Posted by Ata83
Just know you don't need over 500cc for hunting.
Yamaha Kodiak. Powerful, smooth, excellent build quality. Anything larger or sportier will just burn more gas, will be very loud (scaring all the wildlife away) and have lots of reliability issues. The Kodiak is meant for work with a slightly lower seat height than the Grizzly. Easier to get off and on multiple times over the day.
If you do basic maintenance on the Yamaha it will last forever.
My Buddy has 20 thousand on his 2008 Kodiak bought it with 8000.
I would say the price is good if everything is working
sorry to resurrect an old thread.
do I need 4x4 for ice fishing and hunting ? the honda trx 420 I found is the basic model, no power steering [I can use the workout] but its also 2 WD ... would that be a problem on some remote game trails ?
its trx420 FM1
4x4 is a must, especially ice fishing IMOQuote:
Originally Posted by Ata83
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Yes, you need 4X4. Very easy to get stuck without it, especially in snow. Hondas don't have the best ground clearance, which will be the major contributor to getting stuck, regardless of how good your tires are.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ata83
Unless you are going to go trail riding, my Argo is perfect for ice fishing and hunting.
thanks, Glad I asked! Ive seen a couple of those Argos on simcoe last year with nice enclosed trailers for fishing ! too much for me though at this point. I like the fact that I can fit the ATV on the truck bed.
another month wait I think for the 2022 4x4 models, but from the feedback I think thats the way to go,
I wont be using it on maintained trails.
Good idea to wait on something with 4x4, especially for ice fishing. Also unless something has changed I don't think those 420's have IRS. Not the most comfy ride if you are on it for an extended period of time or old like me.
Dont waste your time with other models, go Honda or Yamaha
400cc does the job. Put 3 guys on it bunch of gear and a deer on the front and she keeps on going.
I have a 2003 suzuki. Have some issues every year with it but it does what it needs to for us.
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Didn't notice i already posted on this thread my bad lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
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I find myself wanting a fat tire off road ebike with easy saddle frame more and more. Why even bother with the atv if I don't need it to carry big game?
Ebike is cheaper, silent, and easier to hide and transport, foot power if battery dies. Easy to fix flats, easy to maneuver fallen debris.the only situation I don't like is uneven terrain might suck if you fall into mud!
[QUOTE=supersharpshot;1180572 Why even bother with the atv if I don't need it to carry big game?
![/QUOTE]
Well the original post was for hunting, so unless you're hunting bunnies and birds a bike is completely out of the question
yea Ive seen those fat E-bikes advertising, but no way to carry all my stuff in it.
off road biking is also not as easy as it looks, ive had my share of experience with it when younger.
honda or yamaha for me, if not a work bike get power steering and irs imo
if your not planning on trail riding get a Honda with a solid rear axel and you'll have it for a lifetime with regular maintenance done