Need expert advise!

[Skeeterbaymac]

I need some opinions.  I have three 2003 Yamaha ATV's.  They have never let me down.  However they are rough riding. My wife and I are looking for a new ATV that is easier on our back when we do long all day rides.

We are really into trail riding.  We average over 5000 miles a year on them.  We also use them a bit on the farm and they get used for rough work during hunting season which is a month long.  Other than the farm work and hunting season, all our riding is done on nice groomed trails (old railroad beds mostly).

We have been looking at the various side by sides like the Rino and the new Artic Cat.  From looking at them I would think they would be a little better for the trail riding (smoother) than the regular ATV's.  We have had good luck with the Yamaha's but the Artic Cat has a 3 year warranty.  We trade them off about every three years, as we put so many miles on them.  A neighbor has a polars 700 ATV and the ride on that is great. I do know we don't want one with the lawn mower/B&S engines in them (cub cadet and ect). they don't go fast enough for the trails.    So I am kind of lost as to what we need or what would work best for us. ATV or UTV (side by side) and also what brand is the most reliable.  I hate to get 100 miles from home and have to walk.

 If it was a new tractor I was looking for I wouldn't need advise, but I don't know that much about ATV's.  I do the oil changes and tune ups, but I just don't know the in's and out's of them. There kind of a jump on and go thing around here.

So does anyone got any good advise or opinions on  what I should look for or which model they think is the best.  Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[oldandslow]

I have a 2000 Polaris Expedition and I love this thing. It is like riding on a big pillow. The ones with independant rear suspension (all they make in utility models now) are even smoother. Only mechanical problem I have had is the battery gave up after three years. Grandkid rolled it once but nothing was damaged. If I ever wear this one out I'll buy another Polaris.

[markc]

Since you want some speed and trail riding ability in a side by side that leaves you with Polaris Ranger models and the Yamaha Rhino models.  Can't comment on the AC Prowler as it is a bit too new to say that it will be dependable.  

Both the Ranger and Rhino would fill the bill for you I think, but since you already have faith in Yamaha, I say go with the Rhino.  It now comes in 2 models and a few variations of each.  There is the Special Edition which has blue plastic and crome roll cage,  or the Camo models, or basic green!   The green and camo comes in the 660 (grizzley 660 motor/tranny) or the 450 (Kodiak motor/tranny set up).  

There are lots of accessories for them now, so you can customize them to suit your riding conditions or preferences.   My hunting partner has the Rhino 660 and I have the Rhino 450.  Both are great machines, and only top speed is the difference between the 2 models, except for the $1500. savings for the 450.

[Skeeterbaymac]

Thanks to both of you  for replying:

Markc:  The Mule and the rest don't have ATV motors? (no speed). I didn't know that.  I had only looked at the cub cadet and the rhino I heard about the A.C. but have not checked them out yet.   We don't go real fast about 20 25 is the norm. But our trails are such that you could get right out and go.  Some times we get a hundred or more miles from home and want to get back before it rains or before dark so we do run them along about 35 or 40 mph or more.  What's the top speed on the 450?

[old geezer]

I personally don't have any experience with any of the machines you're looking at, but I spend a lot of time on several atv forums, and read a lot.
The following comments come from strictly what I have read.

Haven't read anything about the speed of the 450 Rhino, but the 660 version will run out about 45 in stock form.  There are CDI mods that you can buy to get the speed up to the low 50's.  I would assume the other models would be about the same.

One item you need to ask about is are they legal or practical for your area.  The Rhino measures out about 56 inches wide, and the Prowler slightly over 60 inches.  Some state laws doesn't classify these as "ATV's", and they may be too big for some trails.  Something to think about.

Good luck and have fun with whatever you decide.

[Two Bears]

Polaris ATV's are the smoothest riding wheelers out there.

[Sourdough]

I have four herniated disk, so a smooth ride is essential for me.  I sure do like my Kawasaki Brute Force.  Real smooth ride, plus lots of power.

[Paladin]

go try them all and take the one ya like. I prefure the fuel injected engines they start and run well. they don't gum up like the carbarated ones after sitting for a couple of weeks or so.

[BradM]

I need some opinions.

I agree with the post saying Polaris is the smoothest riding machine out there.

Skeeterbaymac, here is a website and forum all about side-by-side utility machines to help you decide.  http://utilityoffroad.com/forum/

[markc]

To answer your question, no the Kawasaki Mule, the Bush Hog Trailhand, and some of the other golf cart based side by sides do not use an ATV motor.  They use an industrial motor some see as little more than a glorified lawn mower motor.  I think they are way better than that, but then again, its an opinion.   The top speed so far I've seen from my Rhino 450 and from a couple others bone stock is 36mph.  The 660 is around 41 MPH stock.   It doesn't take much to make them faster, if thats what you are in to.  

I only have experience with one Polaris ATV and it was smooth riding for sure, but hard to steer.  It was one of the earlier 500cc 4X4 models though.   Thew forum link Brad M posted is a great site.  I am on it about every day.  It is mostly side by side vehicles...

[Skeeterbaymac]

Thanks Guy's for the info and the referal to the site.  I am not into speed as my wife and I are pretty well past that type of stuff as well as the mudding thing.  We like to run the trails about 20-25 normally. But every once in a while we get so far away from the house and forget that it's getting late or bad weather sets in and we need to step on it to get home. We do get them in the mud a bit during hunting season, deer/bear. But thats about it.  Most of the time they never see the 4x4 locked in.  We did get on a 660 rhino the other day and the wife liked it.  But I am not sure it's the best we can do for ride comfort. We will have to make up our mind by the first of May as our backs can not handle another season of 12-18 hour days on our current atv's.  Thanks again for all the help!

[BradM]

I'd take a hard look at the Polaris Sportsman 500. A very comfortable machine. I've owned three of them.  :grin:

My thinking is having handlebars on a smooth machine (like a Polaris 500) to hang onto and a well padded seat to straddle will be much better for a person's back than being bouncing around as a passenger in a side by side utility machine.