Opinions wanted about atv purchase!
- Thread starter Bigcountry40
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Lumber head 75
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I just went through the research. Mine was based on used units but....
Honda - Considered the most reliable but also the least power in any class and uses old tech.
Kawasaki - Most like a sports and utility quad had a baby. Reliable but needs couple mods if you plan to get wet.
Suzuki - Reliable quads that have about the best overall reviews. If I were buying new it would be a 700 King Quad. Followed closely by a Honda or Kawasaki.
CanAm - Considered the best out by most as they have the HP and pushing tech. I wouldn't buy one as all service has to be done at the dealer. They make them so you cannot reset anything while doing work. If you are not planning to change your own oil then it is a great quad.
Polaris - They have the worst rep but also sell a ton of units. I know of three friends who have had horrible experiences recently with Polaris and their CS sucked. In all cases they had blown engines. Bad oiler pin (known issue). This was in all big bore engines though.
All the known brands make great machines. Just seems whenever I see or hear of a breakdown it is a Polaris. No matter what the brand if you use it rough and don't up keep them they break. That is where I see most issues anyway.
Honda - Considered the most reliable but also the least power in any class and uses old tech.
Kawasaki - Most like a sports and utility quad had a baby. Reliable but needs couple mods if you plan to get wet.
Suzuki - Reliable quads that have about the best overall reviews. If I were buying new it would be a 700 King Quad. Followed closely by a Honda or Kawasaki.
CanAm - Considered the best out by most as they have the HP and pushing tech. I wouldn't buy one as all service has to be done at the dealer. They make them so you cannot reset anything while doing work. If you are not planning to change your own oil then it is a great quad.
Polaris - They have the worst rep but also sell a ton of units. I know of three friends who have had horrible experiences recently with Polaris and their CS sucked. In all cases they had blown engines. Bad oiler pin (known issue). This was in all big bore engines though.
All the known brands make great machines. Just seems whenever I see or hear of a breakdown it is a Polaris. No matter what the brand if you use it rough and don't up keep them they break. That is where I see most issues anyway.
I bought a used Kawasaki 750 brute force 3 years ago have had zero problems it seems to be bullit proof and still scares me when I nail it[emoji3]
I also had a sportsman 550 for 3 years and never had any problems. When I go to buy a bike again, I will be buying the same thing.
I also have ridden plenty of the Kind Quad 450's. They are about half the size or the Sportsman (not really, sports and are BIG bikes...) and seem to be a real solid way to spend money. Those might be a bit closer to your price range.
I also have ridden plenty of the Kind Quad 450's. They are about half the size or the Sportsman (not really, sports and are BIG bikes...) and seem to be a real solid way to spend money. Those might be a bit closer to your price range.
All I have owned have been utility quads. Honda Foreman or Rancher. One Yamaha Kodiak. All 400-450cc. We have used them commercially for plowing snow or hauling firewood/deer for myself. I would highly recommend either. No recent experience with Polaris although my family has owned them and had many issues. There again, not recent. 10-15yrs back
I had a king quad 450. Solid bike that did everything I wanted it to. Not really sure why I sold it to be honest. It is for sure in your price range.
Beener is right about CanAm making it tough to do your own stuff. I was able to order parts from their site. I had one question along the way about one procedure. I called them and they said I had to contact the dealer. Of course, our dealer didn't know shit.
Anyway, love my CanAm. It has some balls, but they are pricey.
Beener is right about CanAm making it tough to do your own stuff. I was able to order parts from their site. I had one question along the way about one procedure. I called them and they said I had to contact the dealer. Of course, our dealer didn't know shit.
Anyway, love my CanAm. It has some balls, but they are pricey.
Solid quad. Right up there with the other Honda line of quads. Never heard anything negative about them. Doesn't JD have one?