Author Topic: Which ATV to get??  (Read 3467 times)

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Offline robw

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Which ATV to get??
« on: January 02, 2005, 06:08:57 PM »
SOme of ya'll that know the low down on ATV's help me out.  I'm looking at getting a once in a lifetime ATV.  I say once in a lifetime because whatever I get will have to last the rest of my hunting life.  I'm not that old but since it will be used very little I expect that it would last me till I would have to give it up.  My problem is should I get a regular 4 wheeler or a Polaris Ranger or one of the other types of  mini truck like the yamaha rhino or kawasaki mule or what??  One friend says Polaris, another says Honda and yet another swears by Yamaha.  Help!!

Offline Graybeard

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Which ATV to get??
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2005, 03:30:55 AM »
I reckon all brands have their following of loyalist. I've owned two. My first a well used and somewhat abused Honda 250 Recon. Man that's been a tough machine as I abused it even more by hauling loads way heavier than it's designed to tow. Matt abused it by treating it like a race bike.

Still when it came time to buy a new one a few months back that like you might be my last I chose a Yamaha Bruin 350 after a lot of research and soul searching. I likely would have bought a Kawasaki Mule 4x4, 3010 I think is the model number except for price. I paid $3800 and change out the door I think. The Mule was gonna be almost $9,000 I think. Just couldn't justify the difference to myself.

I've personally heard too many Polaris problems for me to have bought one even tho lots of folks use and like them.


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Offline Daveinthebush

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Honda
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2005, 04:40:08 AM »
On the Outdoor Channel there is a show ATV World.  They have a web site where they rate the different machines.  Honda is usually on the top.

Out in the bush communities Honda is the preferred machine over all others.  Like 95% of all the machines are Honda.

If I ever buy one, just waiting for the $$$, it will be a Honda.  I own(ed) four different Honda products and the quality is excellent.
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Offline markc

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robw
« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2005, 06:26:11 AM »
the first thing you need to do is determine what you are going to use the ATV for?  Is it 100% hard work?  Is it pleasure riding, or a mixture of both?  Do you have the need, ever, to take a second person along with you?  That makes a big difference as in a regular ATV set up I believe only 2 manufacturers currently make a 2 seater.  

If you want or need a side by side seater with the bed in the back, then there are many models and brands now days as that market is beginning to explode.  There are the big 3, in side by sides: Kawasaki the original Mule which has evolved alot over the years since 1988, then Polaris which enterede a few years back and has several Ranger models, then the posrt oriented Yamaha Rhino model.  Now there are the Golf Cart type of buggies, some of which like Land Pride, make a pretty good vehicle.

So, determine what you need first, what you want next and then we can offer alot more help to you.  Also, determine your budget.  You will pay a good bit more for a side by side.  The trade off is the increased work and passanger capacity. The down side can be the decrease in off road ability, due to their larger size, taller, wider, etc....

markc
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Offline robw

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« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2005, 08:17:41 PM »
I would be mostly using it for just messing around on the farm.  I don't get into much heavy usage anymore, but I would want to be able to haul some stuff and carry critters around too.  Most of the neighbors are using John Deere's but then everything they drive is green.  I guess I'm the only guy on a farm that doesn't have a JD Gator.  But then I'm not really sure that a JD is for me.  I'll put it on a trailer and carry it on some hunting trips too so it won't just be living on the bean/corn field.  Another decision is how big of an engine to get.  I don't really think I need one of those 600, 650 or 700's.  I just want to make sure I have enough.  Might need to carry another human and some game critters at the same time and kinda like the side by side seating of the mini truck types.

Offline Smokem

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« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2005, 02:01:24 AM »
A 4x4 250cc is what I had and will buy again when the funds are there. Plenty of power and not to big for the woods.
Gun Control = Hitting your target.

Offline turkeyhunter

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« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2005, 02:42:43 AM »
If you have the funds and you want a workhorse, go with the Kawasaki Mule.  It sounds like you want a machine that will be dependable and get you where you need to go.  The Mule is a true workhorse.  It is not as fast as a regular ATV but it sounds like that is not a main concern.  It goes plenty fast for me and it is very dependable.  I really enjoy being able to seat 2 people and still have a bed to carry game or wood or whatever.
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Offline 264 WIN MAG

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Re: Honda
« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2005, 07:52:48 AM »
Quote from: Daveinthebush
On the Outdoor Channel there is a show ATV World.  They have a web site where they rate the different machines.  Honda is usually on the top.

Out in the bush communities Honda is the preferred machine over all others.  Like 95% of all the machines are Honda.

If I ever buy one, just waiting for the $$$, it will be a Honda.  I own(ed) four different Honda products and the quality is excellent.

Man, I watch a lot of ATV shows but have not seen one in a while where Honda has been on top...All the DirtWheels shootouts always has Honda in the behind because they are so outdated...

Honda used to make a tough machine, but times have changed and a lot of other companies are making machines just as tough, for less money, with more options...Also I would nowhere near say that 95% of all bikes out there are Honda...where we ride they are a dying breed...

Offline robw

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« Reply #8 on: January 04, 2005, 01:04:41 PM »
264, whats the choice then for reliability, power, toughness, and comfort.

Offline Old Syko

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« Reply #9 on: January 05, 2005, 04:06:25 AM »
Rob of the utilities (what you call a mini pickup) No. 1 for power, reliability and offroad use is the Yamaha Rhino which has origins in the Yamaha Grizzly.  If you can get by with less power and less off road ability you may want to opt for 1 of the Kawasaki Mules.  Even with less power and off road ability it is still at least as dependable as the Rhino.  From personal experience I've found they will all carry and tow much more than they are rated for.

If your plans include much offroading in crappy conditions start thinking more along the lines of a good 4x4 sport utiility quad with some tow behind and add on attachments.

Offline markc

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Don't agree old syko.
« Reply #10 on: January 05, 2005, 05:26:53 AM »
Can't agree, atleast not the 2004 model, that the Rhino is tops in all those catagories in a side by side.  They are certainly tops in sporty off road riding, but lag  behind in a couple of catagories compared to Polaris Ranger and Kawasaki Mules.   Comfort being one with their seat set up.  Not for pleasure riding only, but shorter riders seem to find them not comfy when entering and exiting alot, & their 1st year reliability rating is not tops by any means.  Most vehicles experience problems their first year, but the list of problems, some minor but irritable nevertheless, are ridiculous with the Rhino.

The Rhino at this time, comes no where near the reliability record of the Kawasaki, or recent Polaris Rangers.  The Kawasaki has been out since 1988 and although it isn't fast like the Rhino, it is still the benchmark of side by sides.  

It has a ways to go in my opinion, but it's record of sales and work ability is more than impressive.  I say that from owning one of the small ones for the last 4 1/2 years and researching the history of the full sized models for the past several years.   The problems come in when folks try to make it into something it wasn't designed for.

My opinions of the Rhino comes from 04 Rhino owners on another strictly side by side vehicles site that I frequent.  Out of the couple hundred Rhino owners, although most say they love them, their lists of problems is enough to keep me from buying one until they earn a better track record.  

My hunting partner owns a 2004 model Rhino and I am impressed with its off road ability, but not impressed with the cheapo ness of the bed, tailgate and lack of real work ability.
 Then again, the Rhino was not made for or marketed as a stricly utility veicle as the Mule is/was.  It is a good sport vehicle with some utility value.
The Mule is a great utility vehicle with some sport value.
I think the Ranger, especially 2005 model is a great vehicle in both sport and utility, but not many of us can or will pony up the dough for these vehicles which easily reach $10,000 in costs.

Good, tough and reliable 4WD atv would be Yamaha Big Bear, or Kodiak, Kawasaki Prairie 360cc or if $ is there 650cc,

Artic Cat 250cc 4X4 or 400cc 4X4.

Good luck.
markc

Offline Old Syko

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« Reply #11 on: January 05, 2005, 09:49:09 AM »
Markc that is what it's all about.  You don't have to agree with the statements I've made.  I'm glad you have a different opinion.  The only problem is that my opinion has been formed by personal ownership and use of both products I've mentioned and is not a reflection of someone elses opinion on the net.  Neither the Kawasaki or the Yamaha have been the cause of any problems I couldn't attribute to missuse on my part.  

Personsally I would steer robw toward a good big bore 4x4 sport ute since that is my prefference but since he seemed more interested in the utilities I chose to give a first hand honest opinion based on personal experience.

My only experience with Polaris utilities has been through friends and neighbors moreso than first hand so it's a road I choose to leave untraveled both in ownership and comment.

Offline markc

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Agree
« Reply #12 on: January 06, 2005, 03:32:55 AM »
the exchange of differening opinions is a good thing and I enjoy reading and sharing those.   I know you aren't much of one for ATV "reviews" but when I read the personal accounts from over 100 owners of a product and there is a trend in product failure, the same failures over and over again, then I don't need to spend my own money to purchase the product and experience, or not experience the same thing.  After all thats why there exist "Consumer Reports" and other periodicals.  Some may be biassed, but these guys love the Rhino but shared their experiences with the 1st year vehicle.    

Some of those problems were poor dealer prep, others were poor design.  I have driven a Rhino my hunting partner owns, and like I said, it is very off road worthy.  I was very impressed!,  But I just can't agree that atleast for the 2004 model, that it is as reliable as the vehicles that have been out longer and have no doubt worked out some bugs.  

If Yamaha has changed the problems and I am reading that they have addressed many of them, then the 2005 Rhino should be the awsome vehicle it was designed to be.  The main reason I wouldn't spend the $ on one, is that it isn't enough or a work horse for my needs.  

So, didn't mean to be too disagreeable on the Rhino.  It does sound like he would be better to buy a small size to mid size 4X4 atv which is why I listed a few for him.  

Just curious, but how many hours do you have on your Rhino now and have you experienced any problems like the leaking gas cap, broken rear axles or anything?   I thought you were a Prairie ATV guy???   Happy riding God bless.
markc

Offline Old Syko

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« Reply #13 on: January 06, 2005, 06:12:16 AM »
About 160 hrs. on the rhino if I remember correctly and as I referred to earlier the only problems have been self induced.  No leaks or broken axles just a cut tire with a bent wheel while crossing a spring branch full of sharp rocks.  The worst damage that's been done was a result of the neighbor running into it with his tractor.  Beer and hay points mounted on the back of a tractor make for a real poor combo.  He got everything repaired for me and now is going to buy the thing from me.  The wife wants to keep the Mule as it's better to her liking and we don't need both.  By the way, don't remember without going to look how many hrs. on the mule but it has worn out the original tires and they were replaced a while back.  No problems with it either.  Just add gas and change fluids once in a while.  It's the wifes to use here at home and I seldom get on it.

Yes, you're right about my thinking a lot of the Prairie.  At least so far it has been the best thing on the market for me but I've developed a curiosity over the new big bore Suzuki 4x4 and since no one around here close owns one I could use for a while who knows?

I also have my sons 87 Quadzilla and his limited edition YFZ 450 in the garage that I'm free to ride when I desire but I seldom need to go anywhere that quick.  Both of these things are modified and will run well over 100.  The YFZ has also been almost trouble free with the exception of being jetted way too lean from the get go.  Took about 15 min. to remedy.  

Let's face it.  None of these things are foolproof and some people are just going to have better luck than others.  As an example, a cousin of mine bought a new car off the floor and had the trans. go out before he made the 5 mile trip home.  I still feel the majority of problems we read about on the net are either self induced or exaggerated.  1 guy states a problem and 10 jump on the bandwagon.  When I read something that seems to be the start of a trend I check with a couple local techs I know I can trust and they check on reported failures nationwide and determine fact or fiction.

I still feel that robw would be well served by either the Mule or the Rhino as long as he has a good dealer.  There are a few Gators and Rangers around here but very little reliable dealer support.  That's why I've never tried one.  As I tell everyone who is a first time buyer, check out the local dealers for reputation and parts supply first.  The one thing Rob will learn regardless of which ute or sport ute he decides on is that he will use it 10 times more than he originally expected.

Offline NYH1

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Re: Honda
« Reply #14 on: January 08, 2005, 04:19:19 PM »
Quote from: 264 WIN MAG
All the DirtWheels shootouts always has Honda in the behind because they are so outdated...
I agree with you on this 100%!

Quote from: 264 WIN MAG
Honda used to make a tough machine, but times have changed and a lot of other companies are making machines just as tough, for less money, with more options...
I think Honda still makes one of the highest quality ATV's (or anything they make for that matter) out there. They are however more expensive then most of the other manufactures models that are usually better equipped any more capable. Their engine size, wheel travel, ground clearance, fuel capacity and that kind of stuff is almost always the lowest in their class. If Honda makes an ATV for the "300 to 400cc class" they'll make a 350cc (really a 320cc or so) instead of a 400cc (really a 380 to 400cc) that type of thing. Then they come out with things that are to technical like "electric shift" or an "automatic transmission" like in a car. Don't get me wrong some people really like this kind of stuff and rightly so! There are also people out there that are afraid of this stuff. Some of the other manufactures have caught Honda on quality as well.


robw, if you want a "side-by-side" ATV your choices are limited. I have never owned or even been on a "side-by-side" ATV other then sitting on one in the dealers showroom. I have however owned six "regular" ATV's, all four wheelers.. My first was a 1986 Honda 200SX. I can't believe the abuse that thing took! I got rid of that and then got a 1992 Honda 250X. I got rid of that and bought a snowmobile. In 1999 I bought a new 2000 Yamaha "Big Bear 4X4 400cc". I still have this and don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon. I got my wife a 2002 Suzuki "Ozark 250". My daughters both have Suzuki's. My eleven year old have a 2001 "Quadsport 80" and my seven year old has a 2002 "Quadmaster 50". I guess you could say my three year old son is all set for toys!
"ROLL TIDE". . .Back To Back. . .Three In The Last Four Years "GO GIANTS"  "YANKEES"

Offline markc

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Guess what
« Reply #15 on: January 10, 2005, 04:42:21 AM »
I read this morning posts from some guys who just bought the new 2005 Polaris Ranger XP.  Those things are going around $10,000 and believe it or not the heat from the mufflers are melting the seats, and one guys said after just 12 hrs on it, his even generated so much heat that the floor board was beginning to melt.  Another one with 220 hrs overheated when the water pump quit working.

The Polaris dealers have no idea what to do, and these guys are coming up with their own fix's.   Sorry but spending that much money on a new vehicle just to have something like that happen is crazy.  Don't these manufacturers actually field test these vehicles before they put them in the dealerships? The 05 Ranger 500cc also already had a recall for a defective steering column.  

oldsyko, I think your wife is on to something in keeping that Mule.  It certainly isn't the fastest side by side, but it sure does alot of work, and seems to be pretty much bomb proof.  

NYhunter, I love the big bear also.  Hard to beat such a proven atv, and I personally like the fact that you can still get a manual tranny.
markc

Offline John R.

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Which ATV to get??
« Reply #16 on: January 10, 2005, 05:15:26 AM »
I can't imagine that Honda is a dying breed. I have a 2002 Foreman 450 with standard shift. I have had zero problems with it and it is super dependable. There are more comfortable 4-wheelers out there, but you would be hard pressed to find a brand more dependable IMHO. The only thing my buddy uses his winch on his Yamaha for is to hook to the back of my Honda so I can pull him out of the mud holes  :)

Offline NYH1

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Re: Guess what
« Reply #17 on: January 10, 2005, 08:36:22 AM »
Quote from: markc
 

NYhunter, I love the big bear also.  Hard to beat such a proven atv, and I personally like the fact that you can still get a manual tranny.

I really prefer a "manual tranny" to the "belt drive auto's". If I was going to buy a brand new ATV it would be a Suzuki Vinson 500cc with a manual tranny.
"ROLL TIDE". . .Back To Back. . .Three In The Last Four Years "GO GIANTS"  "YANKEES"

Offline Special Ed

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« Reply #18 on: January 11, 2005, 04:48:33 AM »
I guess to explore another option, take a look at the Polaris 6x6 sportsman. It's basically a combo of the Ranger & a normal atv. I have a 99 model & IMHO you can't beat it. I have ZERO problems so far with about 2000 miles on the machine. The 500 four stroke is an excellent motor & provides plenty of power. Heap it up with firewood or throw a big 'ol whitetail in the back & go. Narrower width than the "golf cart" type atv's also, so its better in the woods. 6 wheels drivin' is better than 4  :)
Polaris also makes a "normal 4x4" that has a small dump box on the back.



http://atv.polarisindustries.com/atv/features.aspx?ModelID=9347DB8A-1BCD-45A2-A370-D09F61E5910B

Offline mrlizzzard

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« Reply #19 on: January 12, 2005, 01:35:52 AM »
As as an ATV salesman here's the truth about buying with all things considered,quality,resale,strength etc.

Buy at either end of the product spectrum,by that I mean either choose a side by side such as a Polaris Ranger which I sell many of.Or a small quad with 4x4 and locking differential.

If the reasons are not obvious here's an explanation:
         The side by sides are way more money but will haul people firewood, feed , deer blinds etc. it becomes handier than a pickup Rhino,Mule Ranger etc.I like Ranger cause it hauls three people ,faster stronger and locking front end.It's comfy has a big tank and a proven engine.

          That being said a 300,0r 350 with 4x4 and locking front end so that it's  truly 4 wheel drive not 31/2!!!! These small units are easier to park,load and store and will go anywhere that the large atv's go cheaper, faster, more manuverable.

            Do not buy a big bore atv!! they are big awkward and expensive,any 500 or 600 or 700 is  overkill,and within $1000 or so of a Ranger Mule or Rhino.On the small side get any brand you like just so it's true 4x4.Choose a brand you like and a close dealer.You will have either one for 15yrs if your at all careful

that's my opinion and my sales reflect it.

enjoy,
lizzzard

Offline mrlizzzard

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« Reply #20 on: January 12, 2005, 01:46:44 AM »
Now may I add a personal note: out of the sidexsides Polaris Ranger is stronger, faster,more clearance, carries three peeps and loads in a reg. pickup bed.Nuff said. On the small atv's which I reccomend  it's a shoot out.

Don't forget a little trailer behind it for decoys,game,tents,feed anything bulky or heavy,you can get one cheaper or make your own.This makes more sense to me than add on racks or loading options.

lizzzard

Offline markc

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Hey lizzard
« Reply #21 on: January 12, 2005, 08:03:07 AM »
I read a review with pics of the 2005 Ranger 4X4 and gotta say that it is a very impressive machine.  I really like the changes that have been made, and if the $ appears, it just might be my next side by side.  
I am so very fond of the Mule, but feel like the Ranger might be a great vehicle combining  sportiness with the utility ability.  Don't like the amount of plastic on them though.

  I also have been reading reports from new XP owners about too much heat and melted parts including the seats.  Have you sold any Ranger XP's yet, and if so have you had any come back due to the excessive heat from that large 700cc motor melting things?
markc

Offline Old Syko

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« Reply #22 on: January 12, 2005, 12:44:22 PM »
Well mrlizzzard all I can say is "Spoken like a real salesman" and yes I'll bet your sales record proves it.  What I try to explain to everyone is that there are many categories of atv, with each having a best to worst contingency.  What you're saying here comes across as Polaris utilities have it all covered and nothing else is needed.  Interesting concept!

Offline mrlizzzard

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XP info
« Reply #23 on: January 12, 2005, 04:22:40 PM »
I was going to buy an XP but it's just a tad faster than my 05 Ranger,it's got a nice storage box and it is a new tan color which I like.I like the injection which should be trouble free and maybe alittle more MPG. But for me it's not worth the difference. I sell Polaris-Yamaha-Bombardier

all the best,
lizzzard

Offline markc

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lizzard
« Reply #24 on: January 13, 2005, 03:47:02 AM »
you didn't say whether or not you have encountered the excessive heat from the Ranger XP melting the plastic seats, shields etc..   Yes or no?  Any word from Polaris on a recall?

I don't want to get into a tinkling match, but I can't see the Ranger 500 being faster or even more powerful than the Yamaha Rhino.  Don't they both produce around 30hp?  Don't they both top out at around 40mph?   I know the Ranger will out work the Rhino as it is designed for work, but in a side by side comparison, I believe the Rhino  would walk away from any other curerntly produced side by side  as far acceleration goes.   Since you sell Yamaha and Polaris, how about a test side by side?

Anyway, I do like the 2005 Ranger 4X4, except for the abundance of plastic as oppossed to steel used in the Kawasaki Mule.
markc

Offline mrlizzzard

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tinkling?
« Reply #25 on: January 13, 2005, 04:26:56 AM »
Hello Mark,
                    I thought my post was more clear than that,let me be clear now.There are only a few xp's in the field we have sold 3,maybe 2 no one has brought one back. for anything but accessories.I'll notify you when there is a situation.As for the rhino,ranger comparison,frankly there is no comparison.Polaris is smarter than Yamaha in several ways.
                     But I sell both and Rhino is a fine machine,that being said here's why I have a Ranger in my garage.The Ranger is faster not much but faster,you can take the chip from a Grizzly and put it in the Grizz and go 65 we don't do it cause it's not allowed but after driving one it is toooooo fast for the unit period.
                      Polaris uses plastic for it's bed because mixing steel with salt,rocks,chemicals weight,batteries will not eat the Polaris bed but it will destroy a steel one.Polaris has a bed made to fit a pallet,you'd be surprised how many industries buy it just for that.
                       If you hunt you have friends or one friend and a dog add it up ,three seats are better than one.
                        The ranger can go to 4x4 with a push of a button,Yamaha is catching up but any Yamaha changes are in fact info gained from Polaris.
                       What's wrong with plastic,my best gun stocks are plastic,why because it's lighter warmer stronger and less expensive.
                        Last but not least I have a Polaris video hauling a Rhino with the max load in the Rhino two people in it and still being under the load capacity of the Ranger.I would be glad to put  anyone in a Rhio,Yamaha is a great company,Polaris is made in the USA and as I said stronger, roomier, faster, great resale and the proven overall winner.
                        The Mule you say is done if you look at Kaw's website you'll see a Ranger with a Kaw's badge on it.what does that tell you?
                         Gator started this and when I trade with someone it's usually an 18mph mule or a bouncin low ridin chain drive two seater gator with a rusted bent bed

                          And Mark I'm here for the info the friendship and the love of the outdoors,not to sell a damn thing.Can we just get along?Let's enjoy this great forum with no tinkling?What atv do you own,bet it's nice I'd like to hear about it..

Offline mrlizzzard

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Which ATV to get??
« Reply #26 on: January 13, 2005, 04:52:25 AM »
Where I work we sell POLARIS YAMAHA BOMBARDIER utes. I like them all ,I have a Ranger in my garage.We also have sports days and chain'em up then the bull stops.The only rollovers we have had are Rhino's maybe it's just a coincidence. WE are the largest ute store in Ohio I think Rhino is super but sales don't show it.
all the best,
lizzzard

Offline Old Syko

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Which ATV to get??
« Reply #27 on: January 13, 2005, 05:24:35 AM »
"All just get along"  "No tinkling"  This ain't gonna be no fun at all!  Half the fun I have when riding is razzing the other guy about his brand, his young age, his truck, his dog or what ever else we can come up with.  And if he can't dish it back, we probably won't ride together much.

One of the main things I push when someone wants to buy is to check out the dealer for both rep and parts availability.  Mrlizzzard your dealership may well be one of the good ones but around here there is no Bomber or AC dealers within over 100 miles and the Polaris dealers are very poor.  In my opinion no dealer would be better than a bad one.  When any of these break, and yes they do break regardless of what they are or where they were built, they have to set for sometimes weeks or be hauled somewhere for repairs.

I have no use for plastic on my guns or the wifes mule either.  Just can't see a plastic bed on my pickup either.  Kind of like wrapping the prom queen in saran wrap.  Just a waste of plastic that ain't gonna last anyhow.

Offline mrlizzzard

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hahaha
« Reply #28 on: January 13, 2005, 07:56:06 AM »
old,
             maybe that's why you didn't invent the pick up bedliner,I wish I had.I'll also bet you have a rug or a mat or plywood in the back of that mule yur drivin,ride faster if'n ya wanta ride with me.
             Now I know where your comin from,we'll get along fine.
all the best,
lizzzard

p.s. get off the net and back to work

Offline markc

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Please stop poo poo
« Reply #29 on: January 13, 2005, 08:58:05 AM »
I thought we were getting along...

Like I said, really like the 05 Ranger, but here now, I check out the Kawasaki site frequently and visit a local Mule dealer in Houston,   There is not a Ranger on the Kawasaki web site anywhere.  Thats just nonesense.    If you think that the Mule is DONE, then lizzard think again.  If they were done then why did they jsut come out with 2 new models?  Not to mention the rumored 06 sport model.   Please post the picture of the Kawasaki web site with a Polaris Ranger wearing a Kawasaki badge.  I believe Suzuki and Kawasaki have entered a partnership including a rebadged Mule wearing a Suzuki badge and colors.  They did the same to some of their atv's.

Whats wrong with plastic?   Hmm, nothing unless you don't like the softness when it is baked in the hot summer sun.  Why hasn't the automotive industry gone to plastic beds I wonder???

I've not read many complaints about rusting Mule beds over the years, and they have had steel beds since what 1988?  Polaris had a steel bed, not too long ago right?  I have a plastic frame handgun, but it doesn't take the abuse in the woods the bed of my little Mule does.   They may be really good, haven't tested one out personally, but a plastic bed, and so much plastic on the floor boards, etc..???   Can't see it holding up.  not that many hunters are mixing chemicals and batteries in the bed of the utility vehicles are they?  There are a good # of chemicals that will melt that plastic faster than it will rust a steel bed.  It's personal preference I'm sure, but please don't try to convince me that a wide but not deep plastic bed is better than a deepre, but not as wide steel one that hs proven itself for around 16 years now.


Not to mention again that made in the USA Polaris Ranger has a made in Japan motor.  A good motor to be sure, but just as  Japaneese as the one Kawasaki makes.  Fuji/Robbins,  not USA my friend.    Lets see the Mule is built in the USA, from impored parts. Not too different than Polaris.


Again, I like the Ranger, but maybe due to it's size and a couple of other things, it isn't putting Kawasaki out of business.   Now, be sure before putting that Rhino in the bed of the Ranger that it has had sufficient time to cool off so the Ranger bed doesn't melt.  LOL

Late dudes.
markc