atv shoping used

[Fisherman]

Gentlemen you have walked me threw all my questions and all the parts and reasons for them on a atv I think that my last one would be what is the reason or difference between a belt - chain or solid drive . After that all my questions in future would probably be on maintenance and riding. I have complete confidence now of walking into a dealer ship or private seller and knowing what I would like or what to look for. Thank you all again this is why I have always liked this site, you are like old friends I have never met. Don

Chain drive, mostly used on the hotrod 2 wheel drive models.
Belt drive, used on most ATV's. The belt only runs between the motor and transmission, has nothing to do with the final drive which on most is now shaft drive.
Solid drive, no idea what you mean.

[severn don]

Fisherman Thank you for the information. I had no idea what I meant ether. But you explained what I did not know Thank you Don

[CptSydor]

I guess the thread has gone off a little anyway, but my questions mirror the OPs enough that it might be useful, so I'll ask away.

I just bought a 60 acre property in rural NB. Moving there in a couple months. An ATV will be first on my list to buy when I get there and I'm researching now. I'll be buying new, unless I can find a good deal on an clean, relatively newer model. I'd rather start off with something in good condition and hopefully keep it that way for years to come.

The ATV will be generally used to get around the property and surrounding area. Hauling stuff around the property in a ATV trailer, like when cutting firewood. It will hopefully get used to help with occasional big game hunts (deer/bear/moose). Probably will not get used much in a recreational capacity, other than potentially using it to travel back roads/trails to access remote fishing holes. Won't be used for plowing, nor will it likely come out much once the heavy snow flies. Maybe get used to tow around a small aluminum boat and launch it since I'm close to a lake.

The ATV will not get used big hours, nor can I envision myself asking huge, HP required tasks of it. I grew up with 200cc ATV, it was small, light and nimble, qualities I really appreciated getting around as I generally wasn't spending lots of time in heavy snow or mud, nor working it super hard. As of recently I've used a Polaris 500cc and 800cc when out on fishing trips. I found the 800cc to be far too large in general. The 500 far more reasonable and along the lines of what I'd need.

I'd also like to invest as little a possible. I've been looking at the Bruin 350 4x4.

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/...up=YT&catId=19

Would that be up to what I'm generally looking for? It's really the smallest of the utility 4x4 atvs. Biggest down downside it appears to have is no locking front differential and/or low range. Is that something I would regret quickly? It this more of an AWD system than a proper 4x4? While I won't be working the crap out of this, I also know that launching into a back lake or pulling a cut tree down on occasion that might be beneficial.


Finally, having grown up with a 5 speed, ridden motorcycles, the CVT thing just seems wrong to me on a quad. Honda seems to be the only one left with an actual 5 speed? I am making a mound of a mole hill?

Beyond the Bruin 350, the Yamaha Kodiak 450, Suzuki KingQuad 400/500 and Honda TRX420/Foreman 500 are the other front runners.

[last5oh_302]

CptSydor, I know you don't understand the CVT setup but if you can, drive one with it and see what you think. The Polaris doesn't use a CVT setup. They use a slip and grip type setup like Kawasaki and Can Am use. The CVT drivetrain is slick, and it's a workhorse when you need it to be with the power always being there which is great when going slow, like when rock crawling, towing, etc. The biggest mistake people make with this setup is forgetting or just not using it in low when doing any work, which is hard on it and wears things out, like the wetclutch.

[terrym]

Buy a Honda. TRX420 is the one you need.
http://atv.honda.ca/utility/trx420pg_cte

[last5oh_302]

Buy a Honda.

/end thread.

[CptSydor]

CptSydor, I know you don't understand the CVT setup but if you can, drive one with it and see what you think. The Polaris doesn't use a CVT setup. They use a slip and grip type setup like Kawasaki and Can Am use. The CVT drivetrain is slick, and it's a workhorse when you need it to be with the power always being there which is great when going slow, like when rock crawling, towing, etc. The biggest mistake people make with this setup is forgetting or just not using it in low when doing any work, which is hard on it and wears things out, like the wetclutch.

Okay I guess I'm using the term CVT to generally characterize any transmission where you don't actively select your gears. Like on a snowmobile. It seems like most ATVs have gone this route or am I wrong? But then higher level models actually have a CVT, which I probably don't really know what it is, but seems to be better than the 'slip and grip'?

I doubt most of the models I'm looking at in the lower end of the utility market would have a CVT, so should I avoid the 'slip and grip'? Is the Honda, 5 speed better if I had to pick between them?

[CptSydor]

Buy a Honda.

Honestly, from everything I read and I've ridden one before, it comes back to this. I have a honda generator as well, does that make me a fan boy?

[last5oh_302]

I believe the small Yamahas use a CVT setup, but I'm not sure on that.

Don't snowmobiles use the slip and grip setup?

[300Sniper]

Buy a Honda. TRX420 is the one you need.

Terry.... you're so funny....I would love to meet you in real life....