Re: What to look for in an ATV?
I'm on my third ATV. I've now got a Grizzly 700 FI EPS. I've had a 2004 Yamaha 350 4x4, and a 97 Honda 250 2wd.My 700 Grizzly is quieter than my old standard shift 350.
The '04 only broke down once...the air intake boot came undone. The '97 Honda has had its share of carb problems but that's expected. The clutch also went out about three years ago.
When getting an ATV, make sure it will fit in the back of your truck unless you plan to leave it there or have access to a trailer.
When I went shopping, I looked at reliability, durability, size, weight, power, comfort, etc. When you really get into it, you'll find the real players are Honda, Polaris, Yamaha and Kawasaki. Suzuki, Arctic Cat, and the other guys are kinda like the Brownings of Precision rifles.
My research yielded these conclusions:
Kawasaki has the smoothest and most powerful engine.
Yamaha seems to have more torque.
Yamaha has the best automatic transmission out there. Honda has the worst. The Honda may be smoother and somewhat quieter, but it is more prone to catastrophic failure. The others just require new belts.
Polaris has the most comfortable seat.
Yamaha and Honda will fit in the bed of a swb truck.
Polaris has the best lighting.
Polaris has the most ground clearance.
Yamaha is lightest in its class.
Yamaha handles best.
Yamaha has the best 4x4 system.
Yamaha has a great extended warranty available.
Yamaha claims the best record of reliability, which I believe.
Yamaha has the best brakes as well as engine braking.