atv shoping used

[300Sniper]

To the OP, sorry if I had a part in this going sideways. I recommend getting a machine that suits your needs and focus less on brand.

To all the guys who somehow think their small 300-450 cc's can outwork a big bore with more power, torque, weight and capacity.... show me the videos...

[terrym]

Every moose we kill gets dressed at kill site. Most get quartered, some dragged whole. No problems with hair in meat as the quarters dont get skinned until they are properly hung so meat is not exposed much at all. If your butcher gives you meat full of hair I would find a better one.
Look you can argue here all night and make up all kinds of conditions to support your need of big bore bikes but reality is thousands of very successful and experienced moose hunters do quite well with smaller bikes ( as most here seem to confirm so far ). Wasn't that long ago a 400cc bike was a big one and the moose aren't any bigger now. Somehow hunters managed quite nicely. I couldn't care less what you use but don't try and convince new buyers that anything less than 600cc bikes are only good for casual trail rides. Our experience is the larger bikes unless they have a transmission like the Honda are more likely to eat drive belts under severe loads. Bigger is not always better.
And lastly, never felt the need to have to mess around making videos when packing out a moose. We just get it done. Nothing to prove to anybody.

[300Sniper]

Every moose we kill gets dressed at kill site. Most get quartered, some dragged whole. No problems with hair in meat as the quarters dont get skinned until they are properly hung so meat is not exposed much at all. If your butcher gives you meat full of hair I would find a better one.
Look you can argue here all night and make up all kinds of conditions to support your need of big bore bikes but reality is thousands of very successful and experienced moose hunters do quite well with smaller bikes ( as most here seem to confirm so far ). Wasn't that long ago a 400cc bike was a big one and the moose aren't any bigger now. Somehow hunters managed quite nicely. I couldn't care less what you use but don't try and convince new buyers that anything less than 600cc bikes are only good for casual trail rides. Our experience is the larger bikes unless they have a transmission like the Honda are more likely to eat drive belts under severe loads. Bigger is not always better.

Regardless of your opinion, there are facts that are not disputable.

Big bores have more power, torque, and weight so anything related to power and towing and general work will be better performed by a big bore.

Also, Small bikes with low power are awful in deep snow and slush and mud.

Basically, everything being equal, anything your small quad can do a big quad can do better with the exception of maneuvering in tight spaces. Having said that, weather big or small, they all fit in the bed of a 1/2 tonne pickup.

[outback]

one thing i would suggest is power steering , i wish i had it on mine , next machine i buy will have it for sure

Careful what ya wish for. Power steering is/was a $1000.00 option on my bike and when the power steering motor quit working it is a $2400.00 plus tax and install to repair. This on an already $10,000.00 bike. Not real impressed to say the least. I like my bike and would by another of the same make. To the OP they all break down on occasion, I wouldn't buy into the mines better or the best over his as it's all personal opinion.

outback

[severn don]

Well gentlemen As I truly value your ideas and experience as always. It is some what entertaining to read your comments. No I don't think I need a large 1000 cc bike as I have only ever deer hunted for big game. As far as hauling logs out I think my average log is around 200 pounds. But with all the advice I have received so far, I would be looking at something between 350 and 500 cc 4x4 on demand with a winch pull cord start as well as electric. Although I am partial to a Honda do to the simplicity of the machines I do think as stated that the low clearance may become a problem but I am not experienced to know. So my three choices I have narrowed down so far, from all the great replies and advice would be. Kodiak a King quad and foreman. Any thing else and I think I could probably be looking for ever trying to compare and find. But please keep your advice and comments coming, as my mind is easily changed with knowledge I don't know. All the best Don

[300Sniper]

Hey Don. If you're not in a hurry and willing to drive to the east end of the city, you'd be more then welcome to put my cat through the paces. My buddy with the new Honda I'm sure would be willing to let you take it for a ride. You will get a lot of perspective as these 2 machines are completely different. We will likely be going out in early may if you're interested. Jeff

[sawbill]

Don, don't get too hung up on clearance or comparisons of clearance. 8 inches of clearance on a bike with longer wheel base or 7 inches of clearance on a shorter wheel base?? The difference is negligible.
Just keep in mind where and what your bike will be used for and go from there. And you're right! The arguments are entertaining.

[severn don]

JeffBondar Thank you for the offer but I will decline, as I am heading north for a bit the first week of may and will be taking anything I buy then. Sawbill thanks I figured that one or two inches shouldn't matter but what do I know, not much. I do have a question . I have been seeing a few machines with out owner ship they look pretty decent but I don't think I would go that route as I want every thing registered and legal. And this doesn't seem right some how, that there are no papers .I can see it on a older machine maybe, but would still be leery if I could not register it in my name.

[terrym]

You need registration and insurance unless you intend to only use it on your property. If they can't or won't provide that I would pass. By the way, big bikes cost more to insure.........

[300Sniper]

You need registration and insurance unless you intend to only use it on your property. If they can't or won't provide that I would pass. By the way, big bikes cost more to insure.........

Terry, I really don't want to argue with you but don't make false claims.

I have a 2012 AC 700 Limited, My buddy has a 2013 Honda 420 and my other buddy has a 2002 Honda 400. We all pay within $50 of each other for the entire year.....