I have to get another ATV for hunting this year. I am working on some leftover deals at my local dealer. I have narrowed my search to 2. I am having a difficult time deciding between these two machines and here's why. Honda Rancher 400 4x4 (manual shift) Good stuff: *Fuel-Injection *1-Year factory warranty *Looks like it belongs in this century. *420cc engine *liquid cooled Bad Stuff: *Std. swingarm/monoshock rear setup *Because of the shock/swingarm setup, only has 6.5" of ground clearance *Racks are whimpy, actually more like an afterthought. I need more rack! *Has run-of-the-mill AV tires. *Rear drum brake Yamaha Big Bear 400 4x4 IRS: Good Stuff: *IRS means independent rear suspension. My current ride has it and there is absolutely no arguing that it's better. *IRS allows for a whopping 10.5" of ground clearance. *Comes stock with ITP MudLites. *Anniversary addition comes with a winch for about $300 more. *Huge racks front and back. *Sealed wet, rear brake Bad Stuff: *6-month warranty *Looks like it is the next generation in design after Yamaha's fist quads, the YFM-225 series. Really, this thing is sooo 1988. *NOT F.I.!!! *Engine is only 386cc!!! (not that it's bad. My current mount is a 250 4x4), but it still isn't a 420cc!!! After having a F.I. dual sport (WR-250R), I am VERY hesitant to purchase a carbed ATV. That F.I. makes things so much easier! PLEASE HELP. They are about the same price. I wish one was $1K more so it wouldn't be an issue, but they are just too close to declare a clear victor. I'm almost down to flipping a coin!
Might be worth signing up to a quad forum to get their perspective. [URL="www.quads.ca"]a local BC forum that has lotsa members I know "rhino bob" on there. He has a Polaris Razor side by side with $5K worth of Ivan Stewarts suspension and the thing rails. Not the same category but blah blah blah...... blah blah blah
I ran through all the ins and outs a while ago. Finally picked the Arctic Cat 500 4X4 Auto. What a beast it was. That thing will carry more than any other rig out there, but it was 6 years ago. I'll bet the Cat is still the best.
Polaris RZR====== AWESOME. I thought Rhino's and Teryx were nice...not even close. Polaris is the leader right now. It even comes in a four-seater.
You bet it is. I just saw one yesterday. However, I'm not looking for the biggest, baddest swamp buggy. I'm looking for something 4x4, FI, lots of racking, under $6K (or at least in that range) and I want to be able to pick it up and slide it out of a rut if I want to. I don't want one that weighs 700lbs.
Neither machine will be a bad choice. Basically, all utility machines are HEAVY - while on my way to winning the 2008 AMA D23 Utility Class Harescramble Championship, I highsided a Honda Rincon - it landed on me breaking 10 ribs and puncturing a lung. My Rincon was modified/lightened and was probably lighter than the 420... Now I race bikes because they are lighter.
Bought a King Quad 750 last fall for under $7000 OTD. Fuel injected, sips gas, good power, independent suspension, proven technology, great value.... Also have a 700.
I wish Husky made one! Imagine the old CR500 2 stroke engine in one. The driver side kick start would still work. We can call it the Husky 500 Kickback!
Vote #2 on Can-Am, any of them from 400 on up to the 800 Outlanders. Excellent Suspension for a cushy ride, excellent power. I have been around Hondas and Own a Yamaha, neither will compare with the Can-Am. Second choice; Polaris.
