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.
Originally Posted by CptSydor
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