Posted: 11/11/2004 6:56:22 PM EDT
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Got a green light from the treasurer to get a four wheeler!!!!! What is the arfcom atv equivalent website? Thinking about the Honda Rubicon. |
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Three ATV web sites www.atvtime.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true forums.atvconnection.com/index.cfm www.atvflorida.com/ Buy a Polaris Sportsman, or you will wish you did  My 500s will go just about anywhere except up a tree.   
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Polaris comes with a rubber band to turn the front wheels, dont get it wet.  Seriously, any major name brand ATV manufacture will put out a good machine. It comes down to how much you want to spend and what your needs are. Answer this first and suggestions are a lot easier to make. I have the rubicon and I love it. No trouble with it at all. It routiinely gets sunk to my knees in black mud and water. The pic in echo6's post gives you an idea of what my Rubicon has ben through. Drum brakes is the only thing people can find to say bad about them. My drum brakes have not leaked yet and it is a 2000 model. HighLifter is another good site. Its more brand specific discussion and it can get pretty heated, but here is a lot of good information thre as well. Let us know what you get. Id bet that there are a lot of ATV owners here at ARFCOM. |
Superb choice. I have one and love it, not a lick of problems, it's strong as a mule and the tranny on it is unrivaled. Nothing I'd rather own, and I've ridden quite a few to know. BTW, there are good ATV sites with forums. www.atvnation.com is the one I like. BTW, my brother is a wrench for a big cycle dealer and they have dropped Polaris because of reliability and lemon issues. They've taken a bath on new machines that had major issues. He said they are the worst on the market for nickle/dime repairs, and guided me to Honda. Not bashing Polaris, they probably have turned out good machines and they make awesome snowmobiles, but I don't think they're the best choice. |
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Bubbatheredneck you live in the perfect state to purchase a Honda ATV. The best place to purchase a Honda is at Abernathycycles located in Union City, TN and I have to agree that you are making a good choice going with the Honda. |
| Try this place for a good price. They're just over the state line in Corinth, MS. |
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I think the Honda Foreman and Ranchers have selectable 2WD/4WD. Not sure on the Rubicon tho. Runnig on pavement will accelerate wear a bit, but probably not enough to make a difference. Full time 4WD can make steering a bitch, but Honda has a good differential setup, so they're easier to turn than say the Yamahas. I still like my Wolverine  Been thinking of the Suzuki Eiger. I"m not much for all the electric/automatic gadgets on the new machines, gimme a 5 speed any day.
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Correct on all counts. The Honda Rubicon can have a locker installed, if you want to switch to 2wd. I don't think it's necessary. If you take the overly cautious factory toe-out down to 1/4" or so, the steering becomes MUCH better on a Ruby. I don't wish for 2wd. often, but then I don't ride trails all the time, I mostly work with mine. |
you da man!!!! 2300 bucks cheaper OTD than my local "dealer"!!!!!!!! |
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I have a '01 Yamaha Kodiak, no complaints and it has gone through everything I asked it to. The only problem I ever had was my own fault. Learn your brakes really well before backing down a steep hill. A Yamaha bouncing off your body while falling backwards hurts.
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The new 2005 Rubicon will have selectable 2 or 4 wheel drive. I have been waiting all summer to get a new 4 wheeler and it will be a Rubicon. Here are some details of the 2005 Rubicon. Stolen off another web site. hopefully they will be hitting the showroom shortly. Details: Features & Benefits New for 2005 * All new SUV styling for a rugged, adventurous look. * All new 180mm front disc brakes with single-piston calipers. * New dual front disc brake calipers feature a patented built-in scraper system to remove mud and snow from inside the front wheel to help prevent build-up of debris between caliper and rim and ensure consistent braking performance. * Brake pads feature thick, long-wearing material with improved mud durability, feel and control. Pads feature internal scraper that gives audible warning when pad life is low. * TraxLok(r) 2WD / 4WD system enables the rider to shift between two-wheel drive and four wheel drive with a simple push of a switch. Quiet operation and smooth engagement are key features of the system. * Newly designed meter assembly for ease of use and high visibility. * New digital fuel gauge is now integrated into meter assembly. * New bodywork-integrated storage compartment. * Integrated carburetor heater capacity increased from 10 to 20 watts for improved cold weather starting. * New, larger 4.2-gallon fuel tank capacity for increased range. |
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Three words. Polaris, Polaris, Polaris. I'm a compulsive researcher before I make a purchase. My choices in order would be: Polaris -selectable drive, hi/lo REAL 4wd, great suspensions Honda -great motors and drive train Well, there are no other choices. Seriously, all manufacturers are quality oriented, some buy parts from others (Arctic Cat, Bombadier)...Just pick the set up you like best, one that is comfortable, and has features you want. Unless you are gonna pull logs through the woods, don't think you need the extra cc's. You'd be suprise how fast and strong a 330 cc machine is. Save the money for accessories. roy d (assuming you want a ute not a sport) |
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2nd for Banshee Here is mine still on the trailer a few minutes after sunrise. After coffee I was ready to attack the dunes. Speed is life! I haul that about 1200 miles to Glamis, CA to get to some real dunes.  I get by with alittle help from my friends...  BTW on the far side of those dunes is Boardmanville (the bar) Real fun getting there, a real challenge getting back. |
Just how in the hell can they beat the place where I was going to get mine by 1000 dollars? How far is that from Houston anyway? 
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Fixed it for ya!
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You're a compulsive reseacher and you picked Polaris? I've never been a Polaris guy. We took our six wheelers to Afghanistan for six months and it cost over 1500 a machine to get them back in running order. Granted that's a harsh environment but those things were dogs. I would have like to seen how a Honda did over there. And that's from a Yamaha guy... With that said, you're right on the money with the 330 thing. Everyone seems to think they need the biggest badest thing on the planet. You have to think about what you're going to be doing with the quad. Grizzleys and Recons cost a hell of a lot more then your midsize quads. They're heavier also. My wifes Rancher will go anywhere a Recon can. Dg84 Here's what my wife and I put around Alaska on... 
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Ain't that the truth. The Honda extended warrantee was about $550. My local guy was pushing an $800 one that was "much better than Honda". Yeah, better for who??? I do the like the 05's but the $700 off deal on the 04 Rubicon, plus the $300 price increase from 04 to 05, well, it aint worth $1000 to me to get the 05 over the 04. I have heard two different stories on the 05 Rubicon. One said plastic is only difference, the other said all that other stuff...2 or 4 WD. etc etc. |
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My dad just bought one of these bad boys! www.suzukicycles.com/Products/LTA700XK5/Default.aspx Specs Engine: 695cc, DOHC, four-stroke, single cylinder, liquid-cooled Bore Stroke: 102.0 X 85.0mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Fuel System: Fuel Injection Lubrication: Wet sump Ignition: CDI Transmission: V-belt CVT automatic with high/low range sub-transmission, 2WD/4WD/4WD front differential lock Final Drive: Shaft Drive Overall Length: 2120mm (83.5 in.) Overall Width: 1210mm (47.6 in.) Overall Height: 1220mm (48.0 in.) Seat Height: 860mm (33.9 in.) Ground Clearance: 260mm (10.2 in.) Wheelbase: 1280mm (50.4 in.) Dry Weight: 272kg (602 lbs.) Suspension Front: Independent, double A-arm, oil-damped, five preload settings Suspension Rear: Independent, double A-Arm oil-damped, five preload settings Brakes Front: Dual hydraulic disc Brakes Rear: Sealed hydraulic disc Tires Front: AT 25 x 8-12 Tires Rear: AT 25 x 10-12 Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 liter (4.6 gal.) Color: Yellow, Green, Red Here is LittleDozer on Paw Paws 4 wheeler!   Now this is no kids toy here! It is a man sized 4 wheeler with plenty of power!  Low end torque is no problem for this fuel injected 4WD with locking differentials. BigDozer66 |
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I love my Polaris Sportsman 500. It has a liftime warranty on the rubber band that drives the front wheels, but fortunately I haven't had a problem with it. You have to make sure the housing stays water tight. I never go muddin' much. My ex father-in-law had one of the 2-strokes. That thing would scream! I have had my 4 stroke up to 55 on pavement, but I think it's generally a bad idea to go that fast on it.
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I was not exactly clear, more like 1900 or so. My "dealer" wanted to sell at 900 warrantee instead of a 550 Honda one. |
Hey, if ya decide to buy from these guys and you need to overnight, IM me and I'll consider giving up some couch space or something, I'm about 30 minutes south of them...also I might be able to haul your bike back for ya if needed, if ya aint TOO far... I've bought several two and four wheelers from these guys, they have folks from all over the country up there all the time. I've been there when they've sold 40 or so 4 wheelers on a Saturday so they do volume business. |
My local dealer must have pretty good prices as his was $100.00 less than Lake Hills on the Yamaha Grizzly 660. It was the other one my dad was considering when he decided he liked the Suzuki more. BigDozer66 |
thanks for the invite!! It's is only a couple hours away, easy afternoon drive there and back. gotta luv ARFCOM
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Dont leave out the grizzly 660. I love mine and am glad I got it. A buddy of mine is getting rid of his rincon becouse mine just leaves his in the dust in every aspect. All are good quality machines and driver ability is there biggest downfall. Look at every option before purches. The grizzly IMHO is the best bang for the buck.
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| I've got an '88 Honda 300 4WD that still runs good. Sure, I've had to replace a boot or two and had to replace the CDI Module. Overall, it still runs great to be as old as it is. I use it on the farm checking timber and for duck hunting. I would certainly recommend a Honda. Just my 2 cents! |
I know what you mean. One of my hunting buddies has an 88 Honda on his farm. His experience with Yammy sucks. Polaris has the best ride, but major crap after 3 or so years. Honda seems to win on longevity. Never hear about 89 yammies or whatever. Don't want to buy one every few years!! |
No lie, I just looked at a 750 kawi BRUTE FORCE. WHATA MACHINE!!! I like Artic Cat and Kawi myself but they are all pretty damn good. S.O. |
Congratulations on your purchase! Sounds like it was properly broke in! 
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