Looking for a new ride

[mrdlschmidt]

Was looking at getting a new wheeler and was looking at the Polaris Ranger 500. Any comments on the bike? What do yall think?

[Predator]

Well, I bought a 2002 Honda Recon this summer. It's pretty rough, but it was a good deal and it runs pretty good. I just need to put a set of rings in it, cause it's smoking a little bit (okay, a lot.)
In my opinion, you can't beat a Honda. I have heard a lot of good about the Polaris, though.

[FaTbOyE]

Sounds like a good choice, have looked at the new ones but had to get a Honda rancher due to the trade terms. Like Honda and Polaris makes a great bike! Haven't herd any bad things about them.

[crackshot]

Im a huge yamaha fan9used 2 race em) but for a 4 wheeled drive atv you can not beat the suzuki 700 or the 750 fi machine, have had one in my basement for a long time... its not mine but i use it,..... way better than the other machines i have had the privalage to run....

[Predator]

Yeah, Suzuki always did make a good machine. Those big 4 wheelers cost a fortune though. I can't see spending 8 or 10 thousand dollars on a 4 wheeler. Mine cost me 550 bucks.

[mrdlschmidt]

I have a 99 yamaha big bear. Has served me well over the years and has hauled a many a deer. Still use it and going to keep it. Just wanting a side by side model now since my son has started tagging along now with me.

[ned]

I dont know about the Ranger model, but my buddy has the '07 "Sportsman" 500 model and has put a new driveshaft in it each of the last 2yrs. We were on a ATV trip over Labour Day weekend and of the 6 bikes, 2 broke down (Polaris -electrics and Can Am-driveshaft). No problems with the Yamahas, Arctic Cats though.

[Predator]

The biggest thing I see with the shaft drives (especially the Yawnmahas) is the rear ends. And the rear ends will be okay if you maintain them and KEEP THEM OUT OF THE WATER. The rear end fluid needs to be changed every year at least, and more often if they're exposed to the sort of treatment you see in Ned's picture. Eventually the seals will leak, and water will get in.

[bertman]

My brother has a Polaris and he had a wiring issue cost him 400 dollars to fix.Yamaha 660 4x4 has been the best for us.No problems.

[FaTbOyE]

Getting my Oldest son into hunting this year also but the trails I run are to narrow for a UTV. They look a lot more comfortable and the dump bed would be useful in many cases both at home and hunting. If you look at it as a tool and not a fun buggy, it should last you a long time with many, many uses, no more wheel-barrels, strong enough to get your truck unstuck, kids can joy ride in it, just for a couple to think about. If I had the choice and the fact I use it as a tool and not a boat (as in an above pic, LOL! Looks fun though.) I would go with a UTV.

[whitetaildwn]

I swear by the Honda Ranchers, Weve had them for years and they run for ever. I've done more plastic work on my quads then I have motor work.