Which one do you have and how do you like it? I'm in the market to buy one and would like to hear your reviews.
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Which one do you have and how do you like it? I'm in the market to buy one and would like to hear your reviews.
I run a 350 big bear. It only gets used at deer camp and on moose hunts so it is strictly a utility machine. 100% reliable and bulletproof. I have dragged whole moose and carried out 2 deer at once on it. Mini log skidder. What it isn't great for is sport riding. it has full time 4wd and minimal suspension so can be tiring to drive. Never let me down and has dragged home bikes worth 3 times it's price. It all depends on what you intend to do with it. Buy a Yamaha or a Honda and you will never regret it.
Running a 98 Yamaha grizzly... Tough as nails.... Yamaha all the way!... Had since new... Minimum repairs for the milage on it.
I have a Honda Rubicon 500. It's a real work horse.
Don't buy an ATV based on what everyone likes about their machine. Buy one based on what you are going to do with it and where you are going ride it most.
Some bikes are better than others depending on the situation.
And I pulled a moose, carried 2 deer and pulled a yamaha big bear out of camp with my Honda. I almost thought I was going to have to put it in low.
Can't go wrong with the big manufacturers. Current models have fuel injection and some have power steering as well. Depends, what will you be using it for? Independent rear suspension, or solid axle are main differences. First style soaks up the bumps and good for trails, where solid is better for pulling a trailer or pulling in general IMOO. Have a 1999 Honda Foreman. Will never let it go.(solid, reliable) gets used on the farm mostly, and during the hunt by my dad, but it's full time 4wd. I also have a 2005 Suzuki King Quad. Fuel injected and sips fuel, 2 or 4wd and could put on some miles on the trails smoothly. Remember they are not allowed legally on most roads in ON. Some townships do permit them but that's something to look into. As well can't have a passenger on it unless built for two (no strap on second seat) on the trail systems. Private property is a grey area. If you can, call a dealer and see if they have a test ride coming up for there products, or if they would let you try a demo. Best way to see if it fits you as well to see what's available in the price range. Look up OFATV They have a list of clubs, dealers and events.Quote:
Originally Posted by odm2
I currently run a Polaris Sportsman 500 and a Yamaha 250 Bear Tracker with 12x25s. I had a Yamaha Big Bear and a Kodiak previously.
How do you like the Sportsman? I was told that for the price its a good way to go. I'll be using it mainly for the deer camp and ice fishing. Not a daily machine on a farm or anything like that.Quote:
Originally Posted by skypilot
Two feet and a heartbeat here....trying to find a business reason to buy one...I like the Polaris Ranger 900 EPS side by side. But I think I would go with a big bear or Honda like most everyone said. At 50, going fast is not in my best interest, or good for the body....lol. Was looking online for/at the Skandic snowmobiles, really like them, not interested in "trail" riding with the masses, want a work sled if I get into trapping or just back country (crown land).
ATV,s are getting more and more restricted here in Alberta. Thanksgiving weekend they laid 534 charges just in Rocky Mountain House area, just for quads. Stuff like riding down the hiway, riding without a helmet, riding into rivers. riding with a rifle on the quad stuff like that. They have closed pretty well everything west of the trunk road.
From what I understand the restrictions here in Alberta, are going east in ontario with too many people abusing the wilderness and tearing up the country side. that is why I use horses, they have absolutly no restrictions, and can actually drag an elk out with one. They also do not spook any game except bears.
I've got a 97 Honda foreman 450 and love it. Very reliable and like others has never let me down. Other than just the routine stuff, oil, filter changes, and tires over the years, that's been it. Have had it since new and it's been a work horse. No need to buy anything else.
05 Suzuki vinson. so far flawless except for a $30 switch for the rear brake light. 3700 km. so yes low miies or km's. Myself I would stick with the japanese bikes. Moose hunting we have loaded polaris bikes on the trailers early a couple time's.....broken. $$$ Honda = bullet proof have seen old Atv's that just don't quit. WE blew a ball joint on 1 of the 2 honda's last year but it had over 14000 km on it? We patched it together with a ball joint off a snowblower lol . The owner put the proper part in it when we got home. No experience with the can am's so no comment there.
Yep! This is where you start.Quote:
Originally Posted by B Wilson
I use a 350 Honda for my baiting and its all I need. I've no need or use for some root wreckin' monster
Up until a couple years ago I used a 1985 Honda big red. Would love to know how many kms are on it. It did everything we needed it to. Anyways, Now running a 2006 Honda trx350. I find it great for trails and getting me around for hunting and ice fishing. No problem pulling a trailer load of firewood either.
20 years ago we used a Big Red also. I clearly remember dragging a bull moose with the little bike. Today a 250 is considered a child's bike. We being a bunch of dinosaurs mostly run 300 and 350 sized bikes. Have no problem Dragging moose and hauling deer with them. I wouldn't want to try and plow a food plot with them but other than that they get the job done.Quote:
Originally Posted by dcaley
My baby.....used almost daily year round...never failed me. Had an 86 before this one.
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The guys are around here avoid anything Polaris....lots of trouble with them. Not many have Honda's due to the cost issue but readily admit they are probably the best machines.
As stated earlier....no need for anything bigger than a 500.
Attachment 24099650 Bruteforce straight axle 10000 kms on it its a work horse 2wd/4wd electronic and a lever diff lock front end which you can pull on the fly!!!!when you need all 4 wheels locked...
2008 700EFI Arctic Cat TRV LE.
Remember this Dirk? The first pic was pre lift and had smaller tires.
How about you Darren123?
4500 km's and original belt. I'd get another Cat. They're easy to work on and parts are relatively cheap, or can be found aftermarket for much less than dealer prices. They come with a 2" receiver for a hitch as well which is a bonus for moving the boat around up at camp.
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I just want a tough built get err done machine.
Why don't they like Polaris, what kinda of isssues?Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
The years I have been looking at are well anything low cost mostly between 1986 - 1990's. But definitely need 4x4
Is it hard to find parts for the older machines or do the shops carry them. I guess there isn't a aftermarket ATV parts store like Benson's or CAPS.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
I have a Honda 420 Rancher never had a problem.Never had trouble pulling trailer into hunt camp or riding the trails.
Do you have to have the bikes safetied and etested?
2005 Yamaha Kodak special edition love it no problems
2 X Polaris, 330 and 400 cc. Moderate trail riding and work around the cottage, both have over 2200 kms with no issues.
Buy what you like based on what you are going to use it for, lots of opinions about what is best, "they are crap", "they have a lot of issues..." good and bad experiences with all major brands. I have towed some of the "bullet proof" makes out a few times too..
Not yet! But as clubs push for legal road usage I can see the Govt. making $$$ with yearly license sticker renewals like snowmobiles.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
Kinda strange that Polaris is the only bike manufacturer with a service shop. I took a lot of flack from some buddies when I bought my Polaris 550 Sportsman. Quite satisfied with this bike. The only thing I can and have complained about is the front and rear rack system. The plug and twist accessories are a bit of a pain as they sometimes get loose ( the Koplin ratchet grabber) during the ride. One of the lads who was dishing out some of the flack blew up the engine in his Honda and guess,,, just guess what he bought? Yup that's right a, should I say it, ok then, a Polaris. He is more than happy with what he previously referred to a junk bike.
Buy what YOU want and can afford. Here in the real world some folks have the "best" atv's, guns, cars, boots and such because they own them. You can argue with some folks about this but you will always be wrong because you don't own their brand. You will get varying opinions on an outdoors forum, at the bar, at work but in the end you have to assess your needs, your expectations and budget then move on to researching the atv manufacturer that fits your needs.
Good luck with your search and hope you find your atv .
outback
I strongly believe in customer/service reviews...plus all the other decision making stuff...
I randomly googled 2010...type in all years and get and overview:
http://www.atv.com/specs/utility/2010.html
Can't remember why, lots of 'spitting on the floor' when Polaris was mentioned :) Of the 10 bikes at the camp, a mixed bunch of names, not a single Polaris.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
You can see in the reviews in my link in the previous post they don't rate very high.
My front bumper comes in handy for pushing Hondas..lol
There are non OEM parts suppliers. Royal Distributing, Parts Canada, Motovan, are a few I can think of off the top of my head that are Canadian.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
Royal Distributing will carry most parts you are likely to need for normal wear. Quite a bit of useful accessories like skid plates and racks too. If you buy one the first thing to do is buy a full length skid plate.
Polaris got a real bad rap when one bike in particular had a ton of problems. Their Head Office in the States did not offer any support to the owners and their rep went downhill from there.
As well, they came out with a belt drive for a few years and this was a problem when the bikes got into wet areas.
Buy Japanese. Then just ride.
97 Big Bear 350 and still going and she has seen everything
I have a 99 big bear and my buddy's boys are still beating on my original 87 big bear. You cant kill those bikes.Quote:
Originally Posted by 3030
Yep she is a beast
93 350 BigBear .....
Honda Foreman 450ES. its a workhorse and very reliable. Mine is a 2000 and no issues. Its in 4 wheel drive all the time, that's the only drawback.
Have 93 big bear 350, previous quote says it all, I will add that I had to replace a universal joint in 2010! Motor and manual tranny are bullet proof. If you can keep the front wheels on the ground (requires two man counter weight on the front for moose) it will pull it!Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
I started out with a Big Red, moved up here and switched to Polaris because I couldn't afford the Honda parts prices. Finally bought a 600 Sportsman 10 years ago. Gets used with tracks for back lake ice fishing in the winter, canoe rack in the summer, maple sap carrier in the spring. Stricly a work (no trail riding) or sports (hunting, fishing) bike.
Sure I've broken things on it, but most was driver error. Never had a problem with a wet belt slipping, but I've found that you can replace a belt in 15 minutes when one breaks on the ice...... Often towed BIL's Honda thru the snow for miles to go ice fishing, then back out.
Another buddy has two Cats, one is great, the other won't always engage 4wd. Dealer is no help.
LOL!!!! I have done exactly that on several occasions. They truly are amazing workhorses. I have a full underbody skidplate and ITP Mudlites and it is spooky what it will go through. Not big, not fancy but totally bulletproof.Quote:
Originally Posted by bogey63
I'm getting jealous... I don't even have my own boat..
Buddies don't let their friends buy a Poopularus, otherwise you'll be forever be towing them back. Why does Polaris have such a widespread dealer network, they have to..to fix them often. Why does it only take 15 minutes to change a belt on a Poop...because that's another thing you have to get good at.
We have a couple of Yamaha 450's at work, trail in the summer and plow all winter, one has almost 10,000km and yes, still on the first belt.
Nothing like having a Grizzly to help you with the chores around the property..��
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...a/100_2684.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
Yes you can kill them , mine was dead when I sold it with major trans problems , it was a great bike though and seen more miles then a lot of bikes see , I still think it was a better bike then my new artic cat 366
I have never been one to say that one make is great and the other is crap. Myself I have a 2003 Polaris Magnum 330, had it since new and it has NEVER given me one second of grief. The same can be said of the other makes we have in camp. One guy had an early Polaris 325, 1998 maybe??? and he drove the crap out of it and it was still running last year...just couldn't kill it!! The big thing is take care of it, routine maintenace (like anything) and use it for what it is intended for.
Well said outback!!!! Being a tech I may buy a fixer upper!Quote:
Originally Posted by outback
Thanx for the link Mike!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
Love the opinions guys!
This post reminds me of the hunt camp this past season when two guys brought their quads. One Honda and one Polaris..... they argued all week!!! HAHAHA!!
I love my Honda Rubicon, my previous 2002 rubicon had 15000 km on it when I traded it in.
I have 2 Sportsmans. A 600 and a 700. They are awesome. My cousin has the 500. Love them.
You can't go wrong with Polaris. Both my snowmachines are Polaris also.
But Yamaha and Honda are fantastic machines also!!
A topic I could spend the whole day on if I had the time. I currently own an Arctic Cat 650 V2. Its getting old and will be replaced come spring. It will not be replaced with another cat however. AC does not Stan behind their product and I was one of about a thousand guys that got ripped off on their warranty. I will be picking up a Polaris because they seem to have the best bike for the buck right now. It does not matter what bike you pick. They all have their highs and lows. The smaller the machine you buy the less breakdowns you will have because they don't have the power to tear themselves apart. If you are going to be using the machine for some riding, light chores, hunting and fishing any atv manufacturer has a good bike for you. Get out and test ride them all then pick the one you like best. If you want to ride the way I do find the company with the best price on parts because you will need them.
Work horse 3 years running no problemo !!!Attachment 24107Attachment 24108
I have an '08 750 King Quad and love it. They are just as good as a Yamaha and quite comparable. There are quite a few Suzukis at our hunt camp, some of which are quite old (90's). I have had no problems with mine and 2 other identical machines have showed up at our camp since I got mine.
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Test drive one! I was looking at Can Am and bought a Suzuki.
Roe+
For years around our camp Suzukis were always rated slightly above my Polaris. Could never figure why.....They do have a good rep .....
How can you compare your Suzy to a Yamaha, Roe + ? You haven't driven it far enough to compare .;) Yours is also a pig on gas so it doesn't surprise me its parked mostly . We call them garage queens . :D
2012 a.c. 700 ltd. Only 300k on it so can't speak for longevity but it is very powerful, tunable suspension, power steering, locking diff, independent suspension etc ect ect. Moose camp guys have mostly Honda followed by Yamaha, I'm the only one with a cat, and, I'm also the fastest without trying. I love the quad, the only thing I can see where an improvement can be made is in cornering. Even with an adjustable suspension I can feel it roll as opposed to slide like some of the smaller bikes. Could be do in part to its high ground clearance. For the money I don't think I could find a better machine. My 1st choice would have been Can-am but couldn't justify paying an extra $4-5 k for a similar setup.
1. And how do you know how far it's been driven?Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
2. I haven't ridden a Yamaha?
3. I don't care about gas, if you can't afford the gas then don't buy it.
4. Garage Queen hardly, it got ridden quite a bit in Sault Ste. Marie - the real north.
Roe+
I have a 95 Yamaha Wolverine 350cc full time 4x4, and it is the most bulletproof bike I've seen, paid $1500 for it almost 4 years ago, and have put a total of 70 dollars in repairs, my fault!. It has hauled countless deer, seen countless mud holes, and just has no stopped kicking. I sunk it in a mud event had 6 inched of water plus an inch of sand in the air box, flushed everything out, started like nothing! I personally think the older bikes are built more durable and to last, and I think a Yamaha or Honda would be an excellent choice, but it all depends what its uses will be.
Japanese!!! Never mentioned cat's beit their summer toy's , winter toy's ( my old 2000 polar sled use to love the water ) or their discontinued water toy's Cat's don't like water!! I have personally blown the front end out of 2 cat atv's in short order , 1 was a machine with 94 mile's on it and I managed to junk it in 6 hour's? The other well it made 327 mile's ? Started buying solely japanese never looked back.
Ok lets see a pic of the speedometer . Roe . I would like to see the mileage compared to my 2008 Yammy . The real north ? Do you mean to infer something by that ?. Well lets see mines been all around Nipigon . I'll tell you something about gas . It's not just the price, it's when your travelling with others who run them and the rest of us have to pack the fuel on ours so they don't run out before we get back . Packing a gas station along just for that beast Im sure must be fun to you ,eh ? LOL Well it isn't for me when I carry for others just because they drive a big Suzy . Lets see the mileage on that SUZY , Roe . I'll take a pic of mine just so we can compare a garage queen to a bike that is a year round runner being used not as a show piece . lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
TD
Your Wolverine has the same engine as a Big Bear. Get used to riding and beating on it as it will likely be around for another decade of service.Quote:
Originally Posted by FLoatTuber3
If you want a smaller bike for work and around the hunt camp a few times a year as stated the older yammys hondas and suzukis are all excellent choices. If you want to have some serious fun and are past the novice mark the newest big bore canams and polaris's are far and away in a class of there own. Personally i would stay away from cats and older polaris's as in my experience they are more probe to failure but thats just me. Lots of guys love them. Also generation 1 frame canams are prone to bending if ridden hard.Quote:
Originally Posted by odm2
Lots of cat and Polaris haters. Here's a review you may be interested in. Cat is the #1 rated atv followed by polaris. Honda is 3rd. Anything else didn't make the front page. http://www.atv.com/specs/utility.htm
l
That isn't worth the eyestrain to read Jeff . These can be found for any and all machines and depends who is sponsoring the write up . As far as popos . My bud just picked a brand new one up this past Wednesday . It already is dead and had to be pushed and pulled and it's suspected its in the engine of this brand new 570 . Won't know till this coming week what's up .Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffBondar
TD
I've done long rides in the bush as well and didn't have to bring spare fuel. Oh, it uses more gas than a 400, but it's not all that bad. I've driven Yammys, Hondas and Can Ams as well. Maybe mine doesn't get ridden as often as yours does due to where I live, but it's no garage queen, it's just well looked after. Then again from the sounds of things yours must be a lot closer to being worn out than mine and probably beat up to boot. I had an interesting discussion with an ATV dealer a few years ago at the Dirt Bike, ATV and Snowmobile Show who handled both Yamaha and Suzuki. I was told on the side very quietly, that Suzuki vs Yamaha in was a case of pick'em because of how similar they are and that both are very good machines. I guess you know better than a dealer that sells both.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
As far as bush rides, yah, I've been on them north of Sault Ste. Marie in March on the trails with tires on them. The other ATVs were 700King Quad, 700 grizzly, 350 Big Bear, 500 Sportsman and a 650 Brute Force - 40 miles down snowmobile trails surrounded by 3ft.of snow and across 3 lakes. No mechanical problems with any of the machines, but the Polaris did seem to get stuck more than the others and was harder to get out.
You say you use in all 4 seasons, how does your ATV make out in the deep snow? Do you have tracks or is your machine not powerful enough to use them? I can go anyplace a snowmobile can and places they can't!
To the OP,
From my experience, I haven't seen much go wrong with the newer Polaris, but they are all wheel drive vs. 4 wheel drive. When I bought my machine, only Yamaha and Suzuki had diff lock on the front differential - you don't use it all of the time, but it comes in handy in the mud or snow with tires on. Also, mine has shift on the fly 4x4, much of the time you can drive it in 2wd and conserve fuel and reserve 4x4 for when you really need it. The only other issues I've seen are with the Hondas and the electronic gear shifts. I know an number of people who have them on Hondas ranging in age from 2000 - 2008 and they've all had problems with the electronic gear shifts at one time or another. Many of the manufacturers have gone to cvt transmissions.
Roe+
Hook em up hitch to hitch, always solves problems for us. I love dragging my buddies around backwards. P.S CATS rule the off road recreation world.
Most Polaris's are great for the first 5-8 years. They go down hill fast from there. I have a yamaha. I love it, we have lots of hondas at our camp. The one from 1986 is one of our most used machines. It has lived outside for most of those years, with minimal repairs needed. The one polaris in our camp is a 2007 and it was good, for a while, but it is beggining to break down regularily now. They are short term machines, and they are cheap for a reason. Yamaha or Honda are lifers. That said, buy what you like as opinions are like you know what. There is a reason you will hardly ever hear a bad thing about yammi or honda though!Quote:
Originally Posted by odm2
I had an Arctic Cat ATV. I should have pushed it into a field and lit it on fire. It was the worst ATV I've ever owned!Quote:
Originally Posted by reevester
One of the guys in our deer camp has a brand new Arctic Cat. So far the entire engine and tranny were replaced on warranty and the ignition failed and stranded his bike 4 days in the bush. We just pulled it in after the hunt. This is brand new bike with less than 500kms on it.
Beautiful bike, great ground clearance but it won't be coming back next year. It's going To be traded for a Kodiak this summer.
What happened to warrant the replacement of both the engine and transmission?Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
One of the guys at our camp has an older Cat that never seems to have problems, it has a Suzuki drivetrain, but in recent years Cat has gone to their own drivetrains. One of the guys I rode with in Sault had a friend who bought a100 Thundercat when they first came out. Steve said it was in the shop every other week and most of it was engine problems.
Roe+
Actually Roe + my 400 bear isn't in bad shape but I do service it myself regular but it's getting mileage . I think it's close to 5000 clics and plows snow and has even pulled the odd truck out of a snowbank and with the way its geared would turn tracks . Tracks were originally designed on 400 size machines . It's only about two weeks a year it gets to be a challenge through slush on the lakes . I don't think your long rides are very long . LOL Lets hear how many clicks you get to a tank or is that a secret too that a salesman let you in on ? . And with tracks that gets only half, if that, of wheels but I'm can't compare that since I haven't got tracks on mine . I have run them though while using a gas guzzling big bore popo .
Your always having interesting discussions with either a related lawyer , teacher, friend of Steves said .blah blah blah etc, etc but that really means squat in the bush where the tough need to keep going . LOL . Like I said . Put some miles on that gas guzzling Suzy then let us know if she's still turning wheels or tracks . A day here or there is just a pleasure ride . LOL Lets see Suzy's odometer or your piping in means nada since you don't really know if it will last . That being said I do see the odd Suzy from years ago but that was when a king quad was a king quad still . More old Hondas and Yammies flying the flag running around in the bush than all the others combined . I don't like that electronic tranny some Honda models have gone to either .
Reevester really all that about Cats . LMAO
TD
Major engine failure. They actually had a service rep from AC USA look at it. Everything replaced on warranty but apparently the bill would have been over $4k if it hadn't been on warranty. And then the electronics fried in the bush this year and it spent most of the week dead. He's learned his lesson and will be buying a Kodiak this summer.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffBondar
I got two cats a 02 500 manual with 7000 mi on it and a 07 650 with 6000mi on it ya miles. All swamp and mud bogs water in both motors more than once. I have seen them all. Yamahas and hondas are great if ya got a nice logging road or farm. Come near me in the mud and you'll be eating mud. I don't care about fuel economy either i'm out to have fun.
400 bb aka horn totter, you happen to know any of the Rand boys up there?
What is an acceptable life span of a quad? I know there are too many variables to list, but what would any of you expect to get out of your machines before needing to replace a major component such as drivetrain components. I think I'd expect 4-5k but I'm just a novice and don't know much about quads. I am however happy to say that after my 100km break in my 700 cat pulled 2 moose out of the bush where other machines were struggling with no moose strapped to the receiver.. just curious...
You should be able to get 20 yrs out of a well maintained bike just doing hunting service. If you sport ride them and rack up the miles then I'm not the guy to answer as none of us in our camp use them to play with.
5000 clicks that's it after all of your talk? Mines coming upon 2,000. Tracks were originally made for ATVs over 600 cc not 400, some of the newer ones say they can work on a 450, but that's BS because anybody who owns will tell you don't put them on a machine under 650. Mine truly does go 4 seasons. I've been in the bush and it just keeps going. How many Suzuki's have you seen or ridden on? So you're going to tell me Steve was wrong and Artic Cats are a great machine now? You just said they weren't very good, time to get your story straight! As far as gas mileage, I've never checked, all I know if after that 40miles ride in the snow, I came back with just under 1/2 tank.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
Roe+
Roe+
I know all the Rand boys squeeky Reevester . All the ones my age anyhow . Will be seeing one shortly in the next day or two . Why. ? As a matter of fact were texting about the wolves out in Axe lake as I type this . LOL
TD
I have that mileage on my 700 now, and not all easy trail riding mileage. I expect to at least triple that without problems, probably on the original belt as well if I let it go that long.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffBondar
There are several people on Arctic Chat that have 15-20,000 miles on their 700's. Cats are easy to work on as well and parts can be found at Napa in some instances. I've replaced a few CV boots and you can't beat the price at NAPA or Carquest for these things.
1998 600 air cooled grizzly... Always run it to go or blow... Odometer stopped at 13000k 6 years ago...NEVER had a major repair on it... Changed drive belt for the fist time this fall... Just as preventative measure before I pound it pulling huts....YAMAHA... No. 1
Ok you got my respect. Im an axe lake boy. I grew up under the watch full eye of them. I'd like to meet some day my speck skills need some work and billy just wants to drink all day.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
LOL . Guess you know who I'm texting with then . Actually he told me just today he can't find his specky gear so I told him, no worries I got enough for all . He usually drops by when in the area . Went to school with the boys . Grew up with them actually and a couple of them were my neighbours .Quote:
Originally Posted by reevester
TD
Well ROE + Thats 3000 more than you have on yours at the moment and mines the same age as yours . NO BS there . That's 2 and a half times more is it not . ? LOL . And yes originally tracks were put on 400's before anything bigger was even thought of . NO BS there either . No I didn't say anything about Stevie boys thoughts other than your posts usually are about somebody else who said this or that or shared it with you a friend of a friend . Come with me for a day and we'll see your mileage , Ill be sure to bring an extra 5 gallons or more to save me pulling you back via the tow rope I carry for broke down Suzies and popos / LOL No bs there either . LOL
TD
Ask him if hes walking back to little widge yet? Hes probably not allowed back to get it, court orders can be a . You tell him Colleens gonna be cold this week better go warm her up! And dont touch me effing wood pile.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
I'll pm you .Quote:
Originally Posted by reevester
TD
Sounds good.Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
He should be extremely thankful. I am amazed A/C covered it under warranty. Their best known trick is to refuse warranty coverage on the big things.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
OActually the dealer told him in all the years he had sold the brand they had never seen a,corporate service guy from the factory but they did this time. Bike,was virtually new. They came through on the warranty big time but him getting stranded on the deer hunt was the deal breaker. She's getting traded. It was a great handling bike with excellent ground clearance though. Total lemon.Quote:
Originally Posted by oaknut
I know a bunch of fellas with all different bikes and I can't say that any one brand is better than another. They all seem to go where they want. I think longevity comes down to how bad you abuse it and how well you maintain it. However, I would put some thought into the "Features" / design that you want, for the type of riding or terrain you plan on... EG.. I have full independent suspension and would not live without it... even for the good trails. I spend a fair bit of time in areas where there are very poor trails or none at all... For this reason, my next bike will have power steering as well. Mine is a Polaris 800 and I find the throttle quite "jumpy" compared to some of the makes or even the smaller Polaris... Not sure if it's all of them or just mine"
Let's see your ATV handle tracks? There re others on this forum who will tell you the same thing. Have you ever driven an ATV with tracks (or even seen one) or is this just an opinion?Quote:
Originally Posted by 400bigbear
I'm not out to see how many km/miles I can put on my bike, it's used for hunting, fishing and work around the cottage probably the same as most others here. I do know people with ATVs like mine who've put far more miles on them than you and had no problems.
As far as the machines you've pulled back, let's see proof- pictures etc.? I've seen machines pulled back too, some were even Hondas, but in many instances it's due to lack of maintenance or the way they were driven (broken suspensions).
Put your money where your mouth is.
Roe+
My 750 can be a little jumpy, but that's only in low range because of all of the torque. Is yours jumpy in high range?Quote:
Originally Posted by HuntCamp'r
Roe+
Yep- in both hi or low.... but there's no lack of torque in either. Very little movement on the throttle lever makes a big difference in RPM. I think I might see if I can change the linkage a little... I really don't need the higher end anyway. Bike is way faster than I need it (or want it).Quote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
-------------------------------------------------
Or the other thought I had was putting a longer thumb lever on the machine to help... Just did a quick google, and they do make them..
Might try that 1st.
http://cdn1.vnexttech.com/catalogs/a...e-levers_1.jpg
That might work, have you talked to the dealer about it? Maybe there is an adjustment they can make. On my machine it's only jumpy in low range and it was the same on a Can Am I test drove.Quote:
Originally Posted by HuntCamp'r
I'm not interested in the top end either, I pinned mine once and got it up to 60 mph and it was still climbing, but the front end was starting to float, so I backed off. I like to open it up once in awhile where the conditions allow, but I keep it below 50 mph.
Roe+
Yup got a 2003 Honda foreman 450..Great machine...snow plows ,deer hunts,moose hunts, fishes, and the list goes on..Just regular maintance...it just keeps on chugging.. the only problem I have seen with bigger machines is going threw the bush..sometimes the trees are too close together...where mine will go and others have to go around..
The only way to truly change your bikes engagement is with a different clutch spring. They can be had for 45-90$ and come in a wide variety of adjustment. I would guess your clutch spring was swapped for the tracks which is generally the case for running them.
It depends on the ATV, mine uses the same platform as the 450, but if you look at the Can Am Max XT line they are longer.Quote:
Originally Posted by baby123
Roe+
Not just longer they are wider as well, i cant fit between the same trees on my canam that my FIL does on his 500 honda.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
Really, that's interesting.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffD
Roe+
I've never played around with clutch springs.... but I'm presuming --- Lighter spring = Full Compression at a lower RPM so faster earlier... Heavier Spring = Higher RPM required for full compression... so at lower RPMs clutch still not at full speed/ratio and therefore more controllable. Is this correct?Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffD
I waiting till he threatens to put your name on a stick....it's my favourite 400BB rebuttal...LOL.. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
(you'll be in good company..he has a big pile of them)
I plan on it! going to get her tuned up get some maintenance on her before summer, just to keep things in top shape, I'm sure she wont need much!Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
Time for an OOD ATV Meet and Greet :-)
I'd be into that, go to the cloyne area i'll show these guys with 400cc bikes that "go anywhere" some trails lolQuote:
Originally Posted by JeffBondar
Any place central to meet and have fun? And some friendly competition?
What tires are you guys running?
Stock Duro 3 Star Kaden on mine. Haven't done any mudding just trails, gravel roads, clear cuts and slushy ice so far. No problems and I likely will keep them until they need to be replaced. no desire for more aggressive or lighter tread patterns, this style is good for what I use it for.Quote:
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
Mud-Lites - Awsome for bush and mud..... pretty rough for the road.Quote:
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
27" mud wolf's and 27" swamp fox. Mud wolf's are soft and wear quick on pavement.
x2 - great in the mud, not so much in the snow. A good 3 season tireQuote:
Originally Posted by HuntCamp'r
Roe+
I also run ITP Mud Lites. Fabulous bush/mud tires.
Just stock 26 carslies right now, sold the mudlites looking to get some pitbull growlers in the spring
Any issues with the mudlites?Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffD
Roe+
So odm2. Have you made a choice yet??? Lol!Quote:
Originally Posted by odm2
Now you guys got me thinking. Apparently my stock tires are carp and the mudlites are a common popular upgrade. Will have to consider it in the summer...
The shiny one ...LOL...Quote:
Originally Posted by robster
No there a good tire for what they are and the price. I just wanted to switch to a heavier ply rock tire instead of mud and my buddy needed some tires and rims for his big red atc project so i sold them to him for what i payed used a year beforeQuote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
Rhttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/21/zasu5yvy.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/21/mu5eneja.jpg
It's been a while since I've seen one of those.
Roe+
For the cost of the itp mudlights i would personally go with kenda bearclaws. Great all round tire with good performance in snow and mud aswell. FIL swears by them and he rides his bike a ton. 16000 km on a 08 500 honda. Still original motor btw
http://www.kendatire.com/en/atv/utility/bearclaw/
And may i add not one of those was an easy km on the honda if the motor running his thumb is aswell lol
Let me tell you you've never been on anything like that thing, he ended up cutting the frame apart and making a custom swing arm on the back. It was incredible. I will see if i can get more pictures from himQuote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
Holy Crap what did I start??? LOL I was going with a new polaris (because of the price) before I posted but I've decided to pick up a used Honda or Yamaha. Looks like they are the top two bikes out there from what I am reading. I'm getting the same input from people outside the forum aswell. So to all the Polaris, Can, Suzie...etc owners out there, I thank you for you input and I'm sorry to go with the enemy but majority rules! LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by robster
In the end, everyone should enjoy the bike they love and continue to use them to their fullest potential!
Ride hard and have fun!!
HAHAHAQuote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
Wont be shiny long the way I ride Mike!! LOL
Nice job, I didn't notice the first time around that it had been customized.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffD
Roe+
He found it turned alot better with the tire on backward
The first pictures were before he rebuilt the frameQuote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
...just saying.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffD
Don't go completely by what others say, see if you can test drive a few that's what I did or even go some place and rent one for a day. After all, only you know what feels good for you and everyone has it's pros and cons.Quote:
Originally Posted by odm2
Roe+
I don't think you can end the thread this easy...lolQuote:
Originally Posted by odm2
Discussing ATV's is like discussing dog food for hunting dogs. Gets nasty pretty quick.
I will always test out before I buy anything Roe. I appreciat your concern but the overwhelming majority on and off the forum say to go with Honda so I will do so if I find a good used one. Many people I talked to insist on it. I'm not knocking any of the other products, I just like to buy the best of everything. I dont like surprises especially when out in the bush where things can get ugly pretty quick.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
Quote:
Originally Posted by B Wilson
HAHAHA I tried!!! LMAO
x2Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
Roe+
I noticed.... holy crap!!! LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by terrym
I use Kendra Bear tires.
I was actually referring to testing different make and models because there can be a big difference in ride and handling ie. solid rear axle vs. independent suspension. There's no way I would buy something used without a test drive either.Quote:
Originally Posted by odm2
Roe+
Some of the Honda electric trannies are great. Others are lemons. Same as anything else...
When you use a directional drive tire as a non driving steering tire, then everything changes.....
It reminds me of the time we (camp members) were over at the neighbours farm and one of the guys had his brand new 750-800 cc (?) Arctic Cat. He gave everyone a chance to 'test' drive it. All of the them took it down to the pavement and proceeded to wind it thru the gears for the 0-60 test....how fast would it go..seemed to impress them...LOL..Quote:
Originally Posted by Roe+
My turn..., I took a hard left and headed to the back of the property and tried to bury in the mud out in the swamp....bought it back just soaked and dripping in mud, no shiny chrome :) The look on his face was priceless..he was good about it though, it was 'tested' where we drive during the hunt.
Test drive isn't a parking lot ...
That's probably true Pat, but I've seen about 4 that are. The other problem with them is if your battery dies or get too low on charge it's extremely difficult to shift them into neutral to start or tow them. I've driven one at camp. The other thing you always have to remember to shift the machine into neutral before shutting it off. As far as durability, other than what I have said above, I've seen them take a large amount of abuse and keep going.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pat32rf
That is true Mike. For the couple of years they had the Great Canadian Outdoor Expo at Innerkip near Woodstock Ontario. They set up an off road course where you could test drive ATVs. I chose a 500 Can Am and was quite impressed with it. The course had logs mud holes etc.so it was a good challenge for the machine. I had already started looking and was adamant about buying a Can Am, but I ended up with a Suzuki and I haven't been sorry. Oh and the guys at camp lined up to test drive my machine when I first got it. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
FYI - nobody tried to bury it in the mud!
Roe+
Mental Note: Never let MikePAL test drive my machine.....lol
Believe nothing an internet outdoorsman tells you, and only half of what he shows you!!!!!!!!!
See you at my hunt/fish/trapping/beer drinking cabin next time your up.
Honda...All the way!
If all you want to do is run around the farm, then get a Honda, or any other small bike will do the job as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Outdoorsman
I also still have a Yamaha Big Bear 350. I'm the 3rd owner (my father bought it off another camp member, and he sold it to me). It has seen MILES and still runs like a top. The usual maintenance of course, I've done the wheel bearings, regular oil changes, diff fluid changes, etc. That engine will outlive us all.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
When dad sold me the Big Bear he went with another Yamaha (Kodiak 450). His only complaint was that it burned more fuel that the 350, ha. He's now riding with 2WD/4WD select, independent suspension that the Big Bear never had.
Yamaha by far. As Terry said, they are workhorses and will never leave you stranded.
My first one was(is) a Chinese knock-off. You definitely get what you pay for. My second is a second hand 2005 Honda Foreman 500 with 9000km on it. Again, you get what you pay for. Both were priced within $500 of each other and the Honda is 20x better than the Chinese. Pay the extra for a well-known name. You will thank yourself in the long run...
I have a Suzuki Vinson...great....if I could get it power steering would be nice....
Check and see, I think they are starting to get aftermarket retrofits.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rangerz521
I run 2 quads.
#1 is a 1998 Yamaha Big Bear 350. It is bombproof and starts the first time, every time. I really like it for working around the property and in the bush as it's very maneuverable in tight spots and always has lots of power. When I'm hauling wood out of the bush I can pull a face cord of ironwood and cherry (not sure what it would weigh but it's heavy) and not have a hiccup.
#2 is a 2005 Suzuki King Quad 700. It's never given me any problems, and when I want to go fast, it'll do 110 on the GPS. I put Mudlight XTRs on it and have really had good luck with them. In most instances it's my hunting machine as I can cover distances quickly and it has the tires and power to get through some really gnarly spots.
You can save yourself a lot of money buying a used one. I look for used Hondas that have been owned by someone over age 40. You can get a reliable well cared for machine that had many years and miles yet to give, at half the price of a new one.
Those are hard to find they rarely come up for sale. get passed on to family or friends.Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeckledCharlie
WOW 5000 hits! When I started this thread I didn't think it would get this many views! I wonder what the record is? LOL
So I still havnt found a good used one yet but I have a few more to go look at this week. Hopefully something comes up soon my legs hurt from all the walking on the lake!