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Started By
Message
Got the ATV bug, need some help deciding
Posted on 8/14/19 at 8:55 am
Posted on 8/14/19 at 8:55 am
Joined a place this year where a fourwheeler is going to be pretty essential. I grew up riding a timberwolf and have been on a few bikes since then but it's been years since I've owned one.
I haven't quite made up my mind if I want to go new or used, I'm mechanically inclined just don't know what a money pit looks like in an ATV. Using it for hunting so major needs are reliability and 4wd. Not all that interested in top end speed or deep mudding, just need it to be hard to get stuck.
What should I be looking for in a used bike? What are the issues that I should just run away from and what's not so bad? See a lot of "smokes a little when first started" and "top end just rebuilt" when looking. Brakes are a common issue, along with electrical/ignition. All that is pushing me towards buying something new but hard to justify the cost on something that will probably only be used for hunting.
Beyond condition, there's choosing a mid-sized or big bike. Most brands have a 350-400 bike and a 700 bike, what are the practical differences in performance? I may pull a drag but mostly it will just be me and some gear and hopefully an occasional deer. Biggest concern is having enough power to turn some tires that will allow me to get through the occasional mud. Have settled in on yamaha and honda as brands to look at but open to suggestion. TIA
I haven't quite made up my mind if I want to go new or used, I'm mechanically inclined just don't know what a money pit looks like in an ATV. Using it for hunting so major needs are reliability and 4wd. Not all that interested in top end speed or deep mudding, just need it to be hard to get stuck.
What should I be looking for in a used bike? What are the issues that I should just run away from and what's not so bad? See a lot of "smokes a little when first started" and "top end just rebuilt" when looking. Brakes are a common issue, along with electrical/ignition. All that is pushing me towards buying something new but hard to justify the cost on something that will probably only be used for hunting.
Beyond condition, there's choosing a mid-sized or big bike. Most brands have a 350-400 bike and a 700 bike, what are the practical differences in performance? I may pull a drag but mostly it will just be me and some gear and hopefully an occasional deer. Biggest concern is having enough power to turn some tires that will allow me to get through the occasional mud. Have settled in on yamaha and honda as brands to look at but open to suggestion. TIA
10
Posted on 8/14/19 at 9:03 am to TheDrunkenTigah
A Honda is pretty much always a good choice. If I wanted a manual shift bike I’d get a Honda. I’m not a fan of Honda’s automatics, just my opinion. I have an ‘04 Yamaha Kodiak that’s needed very little work done to it since I bought it new. Most all of them will serve you well if you take care of them.
A 400-500 cc is just fine for hunting. 700 cc four wheeler isn’t really necessary unless you are doing a lot of stuff like four wheeler food plots. I’d stay away from smaller than 400 in a 4x4. Mine is a 450 and I’ve never felt like I needed more. I use it sometimes to pull a boat and launch it.
A 400-500 cc is just fine for hunting. 700 cc four wheeler isn’t really necessary unless you are doing a lot of stuff like four wheeler food plots. I’d stay away from smaller than 400 in a 4x4. Mine is a 450 and I’ve never felt like I needed more. I use it sometimes to pull a boat and launch it.
This post was edited on 8/14/19 at 9:09 am
Posted on 8/14/19 at 9:16 am to TheDrunkenTigah
I have a 2008 suzuki kingquad 400 and have had no problems. My son flipped the front end in a pond. Pulled it out, turned it over changed the oil and it started right up. The only thing is the speedometer doesn't work anymore. It is not too heavy so if I do get stuck, I can pick it up and move it over a little at a time.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 9:20 am to TheDrunkenTigah
Honda Rancher with the strait rear axle and foot shifter. FTW
Posted on 8/14/19 at 9:37 am to upgrade
quote:
If I wanted a manual shift bike I’d get a Honda. I’m not a fan of Honda’s automatics, just my opinion.
All I'm really familiar with are foot shift manuals, but it seems pretty rare nowadays, at least on dealer listings. I have read honda automatics can be a little too quick to upshift and leave you wanting more low end. Is it something to avoid?
Posted on 8/14/19 at 10:10 am to TheDrunkenTigah
Get a sxs
Posted on 8/14/19 at 10:17 am to Kingpenm3
Maybe down the road but not interested in a sxs right now, just doesn't fit what I need to do.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 10:22 am to TheDrunkenTigah
quote:
I have read honda automatics can be a little too quick to upshift and leave you wanting more low end. Is it something to avoid?
I don’t have a lot of experience driving the Honda autos, I have driven a couple. And yes that is what I’m referring to. Again, this is my opinion. I was against the belt drive atvs when they came out, but they really won me over. The engine is always kept in a good rpm to make the power you need. Mine gets used in some deep swampy shite and my belt has never slipped.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 11:39 am to TheDrunkenTigah
Tried and true...Honda 450 electric shift been rolling for 17 years...not one mechanical issue during this time
Of course do the maintanence...change oil, spark plug, battery and one set of tires
Of course do the maintanence...change oil, spark plug, battery and one set of tires
Posted on 8/14/19 at 11:48 am to TheDrunkenTigah
I'd keep an eye on FB marketplace for a bike that's a few years old. You could pick up a nice used bike for a couple grand. If you have time to be patient just keep looking there and I personally would never buy one that was snorkeled. I would lean towards a Honda personally, but I have friends with older Yamahas that are very dependable too.
I know a guy selling a 2007 Polaris 800 for $2750 if that's not too big for you. It only has around 100 hrs and 500 miles on it.
If I were in the market for a bike I'd seriously consider buying this one.
I know a guy selling a 2007 Polaris 800 for $2750 if that's not too big for you. It only has around 100 hrs and 500 miles on it.
If I were in the market for a bike I'd seriously consider buying this one.
This post was edited on 8/14/19 at 1:34 pm
Posted on 8/14/19 at 12:39 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
What kind of dirt (mud) will you be on? I have a 4wd700 and we have ground that turns to pudding when it rains.
It stayed stuck all the time. A buddy has an old (2002 I think) Kawasaki Prairie 300 2wd. It goes anywhere and rarely gets stuck, but when it does he can get off and just pickup rear end and lift it out of the rut and keep going. Seen him hauling 2 deer and with his 12 year old son behind him.
And my 700 gets stuck almost every time I ride it. Might be time to downsize.
It stayed stuck all the time. A buddy has an old (2002 I think) Kawasaki Prairie 300 2wd. It goes anywhere and rarely gets stuck, but when it does he can get off and just pickup rear end and lift it out of the rut and keep going. Seen him hauling 2 deer and with his 12 year old son behind him.
And my 700 gets stuck almost every time I ride it. Might be time to downsize.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 12:55 pm to REB BEER
quote:
I'd keep an eye on FB marketplace for a bike that's a few years old. You could pick up a nice used bike for a couple grand. If you have time to be patient just keep looking there and I personally would never buy one that was snorkeled. I would lean towards a Honda personally, but I have friends with older Yamahas that are very dependable too.
This is almost exactly what I plan to do but people are proud of their shite. I know most will list high to keep the tire kickers away but not uncommon on FB or craigslist to see used bikes listed in the same ballpark as new. Obviously dealer is gonna have taxes and fees but at that point it's almost worth it to just have a new bike that I know hasn't been sunk.
That polaris is a good deal, just not so sure I need that much four wheeler. Haven't ruled out a big bore but the more I hear opinions on it a 400 size that will load easily in a truck bed is probably going to be more for me.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 1:06 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
Yeah, it’s more bike than I’d probably want too. I have a 2004 Foreman 450 and have never needed more power than what I’ve got.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 1:42 pm to lowhound
quote:This. The big ones are too heavy, sink, and you can't yank them out of ruts
Honda Rancher with the strait rear axle and foot shifter. FTW
Posted on 8/14/19 at 1:43 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
The best deep woods ATV ever made is the Honda Big Red 250ES 3 wheeler.
If I were hunting deep woods I would seriously consider buying one.
If I were hunting deep woods I would seriously consider buying one.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 2:13 pm to weagle99
Until you flip it over backwards. Been there done that.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 2:30 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
Ive considered selling my 07 camo rancher 420. Its 4x4 with a wench and rear rack. Kids just ride around the yard with it now. Just had a tune up, replaced bearings and new tires
Posted on 8/14/19 at 2:34 pm to sonoma8
email is my td username at gmail if you decide to put it on the market, I'm not in a big hurry until it gets a little closer to bow season.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 3:29 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
Will do bud 
Posted on 8/14/19 at 3:33 pm to lowhound
I have the Honda Rancher with the foot shift. Found it on FB for 3k with 55 hours.
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