Lets talk Atv

[benjhind]

I've got a 1994 Polaris Sportsman 400 4x4 and couldn't be happier with it. It is a 2-stroke and smokes, but it also has a ton of low-end that a 400 4-stroke couldn't keep up with. It has no trouble pulling 2 wagons of hay stacked 6 rows high. It has seen better days as it is now requiring a bit of work to keep it running after 25 years, but I've always been pleased with its performance.

I've never thought that it could use power steering or many modern options, but a rear differential would be nice. It rips up the lawn every year when I fill the wood shed due to its straight axle.

[delmer]

As far as features in an atv, I decided after owning a few, that the following were absolutes:
- independent suspension. If you are gonna spend any amount of time on it, especially trail riding, your back and body will thank you. On the flip side, you lose some ground clearance when loaded or towing compared to a straight axle.
- fuel injection. No messing with a choke during a cold start and warm up. I found some machines to be very finicky in this regard, not so with EFI.
- front diff lock. Without it you are essentially driving a 3wd machine. Nothing more fustrating than getting hung up and finding that the one front wheel that is in the air is getting the drive sent to it while the one on the ground is sitting stationary.
- automatic. I did not like to always be shifting gears, especially when group riding where the speed was being determined by someone else.
- winch. If you are going to be riding alone, this can be a real blessing, even if you are trying to be cautious.

As far as brands, I have owned Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Arctic Cat. I have found that there reasons why Arctic Cat (USA) and CF Moto (China) have a lower price point compared to the Japanese machines of similar displacement. When compared side by side, the differences in engineering are obvious. Axle and driveshaft diameter, A arm and suspension components, frame structure - Japanese machines are superior in almost every regard in my observation. A pet peeve of mine is the braking system on Arctic Cat (now Textron) and Polaris machines that only offer a singular control, as compared to others that have separate front and rear controls.

I own both an atv and side by side (utv), and find that both have their advantages. The atv is more agile and able to navigate tighter trails, while the utv is a great machine for touring and hunting purposes in less confined areas, with lots of room for gear, and protection from the elements.
As always, your mileage may vary.

[hockeymjt]

polaris sportsman, good value, reliable, I had a 500 then went to a 570, great for all chores and hunting.
Its heavier than most but Im not lifting it ….

[cantgetright]

Used would be good so up to 500cc honda or Yamaha winch power steering 4x4 . Ok that gives me a idea what are the problens with polaris no one mention them

Polaris will probably do the job. However I was turned off them a few years back, working in a transmission cooler plant that included producing Polaris coolers when they asked us to cut back on our quality control and leaktesting methods to save themselves some money. Only time I applauded management as they refused and subsequently Polaris moved their business to Mexico.

[overtheir]

Thanks for all the input know to hunt one down and keep the mad money well hidden from the wife the kids the dog

[isartw]

I have been using Arctic Cat Alterra 400 for about 4 years. And I seriously considered Honda initially. I just went through side by side comparison and Honda was superior except a couple of things:
Rear mechanical drum brakes, I expected hydraulic discs everywhere
The rear suspension is swingarm, I wanted independent double-arm both rear and front.
I didn’t really care if it is 3WD or locked 4WD as long as the suspension is independent.

Electronic fuel injection was not a big deal since I’m ok with carburetor cold start, simpler is better.
As for mechanical reliability, I would politely disagree, both ATVs look very comparable.
The price point is another differentiator. Honda TRX 420 is 8 grands while Alterra is twice cheaper.

One issue during this time was a carburetor needle. The needle was bent in the middle of nowhere and I got my rig with fuel running through the drain hole, air filter, and everywhere. I had to abandon it and return with filter, spare carburetor, a jug of oil and fuel. It took me a while to replace carburetor, oil, and filter but this was my fault I guess. At this time ATV had slightly more than 170km and I had to ride it at least 500km to be sure it was ready for prime time.
Would I buy Alterra again? Definitely yes if they keep price point the same. Would I recommend it to everyone? It depends, your mileage may vary.

As far as brands, I have owned Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Arctic Cat. I have found that there reasons why Arctic Cat (USA) and CF Moto (China) have a lower price point compared to the Japanese machines of similar displacement. When compared side by side, the differences in engineering are obvious. Axle and driveshaft diameter, A arm and suspension components, frame structure - Japanese machines are superior in almost every regard in my observation. A pet peeve of mine is the braking system on Arctic Cat (now Textron) and Polaris machines that only offer a singular control, as compared to others that have separate front and rear controls.

I own both an atv and side by side (utv), and find that both have their advantages. The atv is more agile and able to navigate tighter trails, while the utv is a great machine for touring and hunting purposes in less confined areas, with lots of room for gear, and protection from the elements.
As always, your mileage may vary.

[Fisherman]

Now that BRP is no longer making Evinrudes, I wonder if Canned Hams will be next on the chopping block.

[trimmer21]

Now that BRP is no longer making Evinrudes, I wonder if Canned Hams will be next on the chopping block.

Aren't they two different companies? BRP makes (made) Evinrude and Alumacraft boats,getting rid of the outboard side of the business,but,keeping the Alumacraft brand with a contract with Mercury Marine for outboards. Bombardier still makes CanAm,don't they? It's a bit confusing.

[Woodsman]

Aren't they two different companies? BRP makes (made) Evinrude and Alumacraft boats,getting rid of the outboard side of the business,but,keeping the Alumacraft brand with a contract with Mercury Marine for outboards. Bombardier still makes CanAm,don't they? It's a bit confusing.

No.
One company.
Just different divisions.
My 2016 can-am ATV manual has BRP on the front cover.
BRP = Bombardier Recreational Products.

[Species8472]

No.
One company.
Just different divisions.
My 2016 can-am ATV manual has BRP on the front cover.
BRP = Bombardier Recreational Products.

Not one company - used to be. They just kept the name for brand recognition. Bombardier Inc no longer has anything to with recreational vehicles - they sold the entire division off 15 or 20 years ago. The Bombardier family still owns a minority stake in BRP but this is independent of Bombardier Inc. The largest shareholder in BRP is an American investment company. So whenever you buy Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo and Evinrude you are sending the bulk of the profits south of the border but at least you are keeping some money in Canada as compared to any other brand.