4-wheeler advice please...

Okay so say you had around 5,000 to spend on a 4-wheeler give or take a bit.

What would you buy and why???

What is the best bang for the buck or a good reliable machine out there for this price, not necessarily new either...used would be fine but in good/excellent condition.

I'm clueless as to a good machine and am considering buying one.
8,385
Default Avatar
I am fairly partial to Polaris and Kawasaki. Most all atv's have automatic type trans. driven by a belt and variable speed pulley. The polaris Sportsman series of ATV's are a very reliable machine. The controls to shift the transmission are in easy reach. They also have more than enough power to pull attachments. I guide at a hunting preserve in the winter, and we use Kawasaki ATV's to plant the birds prior to the hunt. The Kawasaki Prairie 500 is an excellent machine and I feel the low/high/reverse shifter is easier to use than the Polaris. We also have a Kawasaki Prairie 700 and its always in the shop for hard starting, or no starting. It has had a lot of electrical issues and the dealer has informed us we aren't the only ones having the same problems on the 700. Hope this helps. Chris
12
9er
IMO get a HONDA and dont look back!!!

9er
12
TheGreatwhitehunter
Polaris makes a good machine.

I had a Yamaha Kodiak which I was happy with but the Honda's my firends have had are the best machines IMO.

Get a HONDA new or used Period. :thumb
12
MuleyMadness
Which Honda version is best?

I rode a Rancher recently, only thing I didn't like was the seat seemed hard and the suspension wasn't to great. Other than that it seemed like a sweet machine.
12
DeadI
I would go with either a Artic Cat or a Honda, we have both and love both of them.
12
9er
"MuleyMadness" wrote:Which Honda version is best?

I rode a Rancher recently, only thing I didn't like was the seat seemed hard and the suspension wasn't to great. Other than that it seemed like a sweet machine.
what rancher version did ya ride, AT or ES?

imo Polaris makes the best "ride" but me personally, i dont trust them. you might have to give up a little comfort for durability if you go with a honda but just like buying a truck, ride a few see what ya like and go with it

9er
12
MuleyMadness
Rode the ES version, Polaris is definitely a better ride IMO but I'd take durability and longevity over that.
12
Default Avatar
I have a Honda Rubicon, great wheeler. You cant go wrong with Honda, my dad bought a Polaris and the belt gets wet going in the snow or water and slips, also they get alot of water in the air filter. Kinda strange for Polaris? (???) Plus it doesnt turn as sharp as my Honda. He cant go were I have gone.

Honda;s just keep running. That my opinion.
12
Default Avatar
Honda or Yamaha. Can't go wrong with either imo.
12
Default Avatar
Definetly a Yamaha or Honda. Polaris makes the most comfortable ride, but I've seen too many people playing mechanic on them. Personally I am a fan of Yamaha but Honda motor's are bullet proof so it's hard to go wrong with them.
12
ABert
I'd get a horse myself. Much cheaper to fill up and will go places a four wheeler couldn't even dream of going.
12
one hunting fool
I have seen both Grizzly and Polaris roll where Honda didn't. IMO i would pay for stability and screw comfort. but by the power steering its worth every penny.
12
Default Avatar
Honda or Polaris
12
79Ford
So what does everyone have against the Yamaha Grizzly? Everyone is talking about Polaris and Arctic crap, but nobody mentions the awesome Yamah Grizzly???.... Sorry, I have just ridden alot of machines and dont really like either one. I have a 2005 Yamaha grizzly 660 and am completely in love with it. Smooth ride, powerfull engine with an awesomely smooth automatic transmission. Selectable 4WD with low range and a front locker. I love it and personally there is no other machine I'd rather have. Well, maybe the new Rino 700 EFI, but that's a whole lot of money I wont have for a while.
12
9er
"79Ford" wrote:So what does everyone have against the Yamaha Grizzly? Everyone is talking about Polaris and Arctic crap, but nobody mentions the awesome Yamah Grizzly???.... Sorry, I have just ridden alot of machines and dont really like either one. I have a 2005 Yamaha grizzly 660 and am completely in love with it. Smooth ride, powerfull engine with an awesomely smooth automatic transmission. Selectable 4WD with low range and a front locker. I love it and personally there is no other machine I'd rather have. Well, maybe the new Rino 700 EFI, but that's a whole lot of money I wont have for a while.
i dont have a prob with the grizz at all, they are a great machine as well, but until a Honda fails me i will drive a honda

9er
12
one hunting fool
"skyhawkbowhunter1" wrote:Honda or Polaris
 Honda
"79Ford" wrote:So what does everyone have against the Yamaha Grizzly? Everyone is talking about Polaris and Arctic crap, but nobody mentions the awesome Yamah Grizzly???.... Sorry, I have just ridden alot of machines and dont really like either one. I have a 2005 Yamaha grizzly 660 and am completely in love with it. Smooth ride, powerfull engine with an awesomely smooth automatic transmission. Selectable 4WD with low range and a front locker. I love it and personally there is no other machine I'd rather have. Well, maybe the new Rino 700 EFI, but that's a whole lot of money I wont have for a while.
 well me and my uncle where riding together he pulled along side of me to talk and before you know it he rolled. I don't know how we where on a fairly straight part of the Piute Trail. but he rolled and he was driving his new Grizzly. before we left i noticed how much taller it was than my Foreman. and felt a little like i could pulle it over if i leaned over on it. Try that on a Forman and see if you can
12
The Ox
honda rancher hands down. tough and reliable! not built to ride like a caddy but will not let you down
12
southwind
It could have been taller wheels and tires some guys put on as an aftermarket item. They are good for mud but IMO make you a little more subject to roll over when traversing rocky terrain.
12
Default Avatar
Honda rancher.
Manual shift, no extras, no bells and wistles. my family has owned a couple and the biggest thing we have had to do to them is change the oil and tires, they ahve been very used and abused with no major problems. They are much lighter then most other atvs, I have had mine fall threw crusted snow past the handle bars and got it out without any help. They also have enough power to go any where it is legal to take them, and the newer models bigger engins then the older ones and you can switch in and out of 4 wheel drive on the newer models
12