Author Topic: favorite atv (Read 3640 times)

jim · « **on:** January 12, 2003, 03:28:48 AM »

whats your favorite atv and why?
Ive got a polaris 425 expedition thats really hard starting in the winter. does anyone else have this problem with other brands ? iv'e heard the newer hondas are the same way. someone told me its common for the polarises.

dabigmoose · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2003, 02:36:15 AM »

jim
Do ya keep it outside and when ya park it do you make sure ya turn the fuel switch off.I use to have problems with water condensation from keeping some in the garage and taking them out in the cold back and forth
water would build up in the tank if it was not full and leaving the gas on will foul th plugs more often.Ya should also use a fuel stabilizer for long storage periods and check the air filter even if it looks clean they dont take much to create to much d/p.I have 2Honda ,2 Articcat,1Yamaha,and 2 suzukis and now we have one Polaris six wheeler that my brother in law just had to have because he dont like pullin a trailer so the wife seen it and had to have one for gardening and hauling fish from the site to the smoke house and snowplowing.Oh well Ill give it a try as the others were all used as hunting transportation and are not set up for hauling fish.But anyway it seems to have its good days starting and some tough ones It is new so I havent changed to another hotter plug yet
dabigmoose

markc · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2003, 05:37:35 AM »

favorite? All of em! Really I like so many of them I'm not sure which would be my favorite. I do like the Honda Foreman a good bit. I was told or rather I read that the Kawasaki Mule was gonna bit really cold natured, but so far it hasn't given me trouble starting in cold weather. Now it doesn't get that cold here in Texas, but I have started it up at the deer lease when it sat out in the light snow overnight and it started fairly easily and once I unstuck the tires from the ground, it did great. :-) Maybe yours just needs ot break in a bit.
markc

jim · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2003, 10:25:46 AM »

dabigmoose

yeah ive been keeping it in the garage and i don't turn the gas switch off , and don't have gas stabilizer in it , although i changed the air filter.
Ill have to try this.
thanks alot for the info .

jim

Lawdog · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2003, 01:39:39 PM »

Polaris Ranger Diesel 6x6. Really great when you want to take company or haul a big load of feed or carry lots of camping equipment. Lawdog

markc · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2003, 04:48:52 AM »

who makes that Polaris diesel? Think i read where Diahatsu (sp?) makes the one on the Kawasaki, and so far people seem to love it. Any idea who makes the one for Polaris? markc

prusch · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2003, 01:06:26 PM »

I have two Yamaha grizzlies-
One a 99 (600cc) and one a 2001(660)
Bought the 99 used and a year later bought the new one
Hope this dosen't jinx me but I like both and no major problems-
The 99 has a problem with spark plugs but that's it so far-
I knew the guys who had the 99-
They own a farm and use it like a truck-
towed a full hay wagon with it and kept it outside all year round-(Wisconsin)
The suspension on my new one is much better than the old one which is why wife ends up driving new one all the time-
I think she'll get new one as soon as I find a new job
Hate to say it but I'm not slim-
Both machines go and go with me on them-
Both do honest 60 and I still haven't opened the new one up-
Ok so even though I'm past 50 I still like an open field and the wind in my face-
If you get larger one be sure to get winch-
At 600 pounds nothing to pull out of mud or snow yourself
ATV not me--
Only complaint on ATV is tire price-
$300 plus to replace all four!!!!

Old Syko · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2003, 01:25:48 PM »

Prusch, I understand completely the need for speed even at our age. They say you're only as old as you act. I prefer my Prairie 650 over all others even though it was a hard choice between it and the Grizzly 660. I just don't care for IRS.

You need to find someplace better to buy tires! I buy from a local independant dealer who treats everyone right. Just bought 2 27-12-12 and 2 27-10-12 Carlisle Swamp Pros for $234 mounted on my rims. Look around for a local dealer that's not so greedy. These guys can still be found in the small towns around the country.

I am CAL......... · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2003, 06:54:01 PM »

Hey Prusch

, I love your reply to the wife. Beautiful,I am CAL......... :-D

TCShooter · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2003, 11:38:00 AM »

As long as they do what you want them to do they are all pretty good.

I own an Arctic Cat and it has a primer on it that I pull/push a few times and it starts right up every time! Mine sits outside under a tarp (when the dog doesn't pull it off and drag it away that is) and I usually leave the gas on unless I know I wont be using it for a while.

bullet maker · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2003, 07:06:50 PM »

Hi guy`s I`ve got a mule, 2510, and it starts up good once I joke it . Then I let it idle about 5 minutes, then its ready to go. We`ve had a below average cold here in Okla. there for about a week straight, it stayed about 12 degrees, with wind chill making it about -10. The Mule started right up, but I would have to let it idle for about 5 minutes, and then it was ready to go. I got 350 hours on my mule and yes it stayes outside in the weather with the only protection being the front porch of the house which does have a roof. Me and My other hunting partner had a blast 4 wheeling around in the snow.
bullet maker

Dogshooter · « **Reply #11 on:** May 09, 2003, 04:05:53 PM »

I have a Bombardier DS 650 and being the old f..t that I am, I still don't know just how fast it is but half throttle scares me to death.

Daveinthebush · « **Reply #12 on:** May 09, 2003, 05:11:45 PM »

I was told that when I move to Alaska not to buy anything until I saw what everyone in the villages was driving. Reason being: There must be a reason they all drive the same thing, someone probably already broke it and knows how to fix it, and someone probably already has the parts.

Don't own one yet but the over all favorite that I saw was the Honda 4-Trax. The just took the abuse and kept on ticking. The only problem I saw was salt water and sand. Not a good combination for any machine.

Rick Teal · « **Reply #13 on:** May 10, 2003, 12:33:46 PM »

The best ATV that I ever used was a 6 wheel Amphicat.

It was much like the current Argo or Max in that it was a true ATV, that could only be stopped by sheer cliffs - lakes, swamps and muskeg were never a problem. A zero turn radius and the stability a low centre of gravity afforded you could not only go virtually anywhere, but you didn't have to cut trail to do so. It was the perfect tool for the hunter and fisherman.

I currently use an old Kawasaki because I can't afford the price of the 6 wheelers.

Lawdog · « **Reply #14 on:** May 16, 2003, 10:57:05 AM »

markc,

Sorry for taking so long in responding to your question. I lost tract of this whole forum. The diesel motor in my Polaris is one that my son installed as part of a shop project in college. He got it from the local John Deere dealer. All I can tell you is this that there is a lot less room in the engine compartment now than before. Also it has a lot more torque than before. If you want more information on what was done PM me and I'll get my son to sit down and answer your questions. Since he got his BS degree in Automotive Engineering I don't even do oil changes anymore. Lawdog

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #15 on:** October 07, 2003, 01:40:22 PM »

Toughest of all time: Honda 300 Fourtrax

Most other catagories to be won by the 2004 grizz.......the 2002 had overheating problems and vapor cutout problems and the 2003 had the same problems and had really bad axle problems (changed axle manufacturers).

NorthernMich · « **Reply #16 on:** October 11, 2003, 02:57:54 PM »

http://minibikes.1afm.com/index.html

I passed over a 4-wheeler, won't go where this will

Hound_Dog55 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 12, 2003, 05:13:46 AM »

I have to agree on the Honda Fourtrax 300. Tough as nails. Not fancy just reliable.

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #18 on:** October 13, 2003, 01:30:09 AM »

That always was a tough atv to beat. I don't think anyone is ever going to make a tougher more trouble free machine. I have one that I keep around just for fun, mine is not stock though. Mine is bored to 355cc and pushes about the same HP and torque of a stock Rubicon. The 300 was a bad atv but you take it and give it as much power as a Rubicon then you have a monster.

1911WB · « **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2004, 08:49:51 AM »

My nearly new (200 miles) Honda Rincon is a little harder to start when it's under 40F (2 pushes of the button instead of 1). There is a primer button I could push once or twice to cure this if I wanted to, but it's really a non-issue.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #20 on:** February 17, 2004, 01:53:01 PM »

I'll have to go with my 660 Grizz, I've got only about 1800 miles on it though. I run through a lot of thickets and briars, and I did manage to tear one boot on the back axle. A trip to Auto Zone got me a universal boot kit for 12.50 and a hour later I was back in business.
It will run a honest 68 mph. on logging roads in eastern Okla. and I'm a young and stupid 62 yr. old kid. Digger

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2004, 02:54:14 AM »

Yea, the 660 Grizzly is a mean machine. I have one myself and it's a tough atv to beat. The power is unbeleivable.

DirtyHarry · « **Reply #22 on:** February 18, 2004, 06:53:44 AM »

This is my favorite, not my most usefull, but favorite

Sourdough · « **Reply #23 on:** February 22, 2004, 07:44:02 PM »

I have a Suzuki 4 wheel drive and the wife has a Honda 300 4 wheel drive. They are pretty good but when the going gets rough I take my Raidtrak. It has a 2 cyl engine, and 18 inch tracks. Clutch steering, and will do about 20 mph. Tried to post a picture but can't figure it out yet.

jimineez · « **Reply #24 on:** March 25, 2004, 03:31:32 PM »

Hey DirtyHarry, you read my mind! My favorite is my Suzuki Z400 sport quad. I can get to my treestand in under a minute! My brother has a Raptor like yours but black & red & Pop just got an '04 Grizzly 660. Both are very nice, but I'll stick to my 400 personally. Love those sport machines! I'll leave the chores to the JD tractor.. :-)

DirtyHarry · « **Reply #25 on:** March 26, 2004, 07:01:48 PM »

jimineez, I like the suzuki 400 alot, my buddy has one. I'm with you on the chores

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #26 on:** April 21, 2004, 06:05:44 PM »

I've got a 600 Grizzly. It will go places that I won't. The only mod that I have made was to install a set of Blackwater big wheels. The only problem I had is when I left it uncovered one night at camp during an ice storm. When I pulled the choke on it was frozen and I could not close it.
Otherwise no problems at all. I don't know how fast it will go. I had it up to 50 one time and got cold feet...seemed like it had a lot more left in it.
Later,
TnNuc

ercjr2001 · « **Reply #27 on:** April 26, 2004, 02:18:41 PM »

For what its worth. I have a Honda Foreman 4X4 (450) with ESP. It is a fine machine. I have used it in the marsh, ricefields, pineywoods and the Creek bottoms. I installed a winch 2500lb Warn. I can haul a trailer loaded with decoys, dog and my sports, etc. I have hauled box blinds etc. It is flat out dependable. The only thing I do not like about it is ( NO LOCKING FRONT DIFFERENTIAL )
Next machine I buy will have that locking front differential.
I use a honda rancher with Vampire tires in the field when I am in the process of performing GPS surveys for design. The honda are dependable. We have taken them through hell and back. HONDA NEEDS TO PUT A LOCKING FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ON THEIR MACHINES.

That's my two cents.

markc · « **Reply #28 on:** April 29, 2004, 05:17:07 AM »

anything about Honda's possible side by side coming out in 2005? I have seen concept design drawings, and am not really impressed. Sounds like if it happens, it will lean towards sport more than utility.
markc

Txmntman · « **Reply #29 on:** May 17, 2004, 05:50:30 AM »

You wrote"
I use a honda rancher with Vampire tires in the field when I am in the process of performing GPS surveys for design. The honda are dependable. We have taken them through hell and back. HONDA NEEDS TO PUT A LOCKING FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ON THEIR MACHINES. "

I agree, but there is also an alternative. WARN 424 is an aftermarket locking front diff that will fit Hondas. I have not used it, but have asked about it on several forums. All reports are very, very favorable. I did not put it on mine because I sold the unit and am in the process of buying a Polaris Ranger, but the WARN 424 has a reputation as a great unit, and they do have one to fit your Honda Foreman 450.