Quad/Wheeler Discussion


Palssonater

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Looking into getting a quad for next fall and I think I have my heart set on a Honda. I am still trying to decide between the Rubicon or Rincon. I think one of those and a tow behind trailer will make that trek to the secret duck spot that much easier. My main use for the machine is utility in and around marsh, swamp and MUD.

Has anyone noticed that Bombardier has faded in the ATV industry as of late. It seems that Honda and Kawasaki are storming onto the scene hotter than ever with their larger units. This is just what I have noticed as far as hearsay and advertising.

Polaris? I am still undecided. I have watched a few shows and they have not gotten very good reviews. Anyone tried the new 800EFI sportsman? I tried a few but was not as impressed as I could have been.

What's everyone think? What does everyone drive? Any pictures? I know there are a few mudders in here! grin.gif

Here's my dream machine with a 2" lift.

honda500.jpg

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

Either will be fine. I am a Honda guy tried and true. Will always have a Honda. But thats my choice. Buy what you want for sure. Have fun with it....

Here is a pic of my 2001 Rancher. I use it to hunt and fish with mostly. It has been a very good machine for me.

0978f7b2.jpg

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

Thr problem with the Rincon is no low range. You would have a hard time spinning those Outlaws with it. As far as ride comfort, the Rincon is hard to beat. I have a Rubicon with a Perfex suspension kit that softens the ride and it has been good for me. It has a low range which is a big help when using the machine for work. I do some trail riding but the majority of my use is for work and hunting like yourself and if I were to buy a new machine now it would be a Polaris Ranger or a Yamaha Rhino. For more atv discussion you can join us at atvnation.com. Here's my current ride with its trail shoes on.

13962Rubicon3.jpg

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

[ QUOTE ]

What's everyone think? What does everyone drive? Any pictures? I know there are a few mudders in here! grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Did somebody call me????????? grin.gifgrin.gifgrin.gif

2219mudbog3-med.jpg

I have a Kawasaki Prairie 400 (partially shown above) and a Prairie 650. The 650 has awesome power, but I can usually do just about as good with the 400 in the mud, and it just loves the water.

A couple of weeks ago, I rode with 2 new Polaris 800 (760 cc's) and was impressed with the power they had. Still got to pull them out a couple of times tho.

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

Now, that's a heckuva a picture! Right On! grin.gif

Looks like some of what we go through when we're heading to moose camp. Muskeg country.

I remember thinking that a machine with no low range would not suit me. I think my mind is made up on the Rubicon. I will keep researching as I won't be looking at buying till the end of summer.

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

Chiming in late as usual. smirk.gif

I own a 2004 Suzuki z250 (baby to the z400) which I love VERY much. grin.gif Last fall I put a spacer kit on the rear so the back tires sit as far apart as a z400. I also flipped the front wheels around so the front end sits a little wider. I'll try to get pictures of it this weekend so ya'll can see the lil beast!

It's pretty pointless to own since it's not 4 wheel drive... and my dad always seems to point this out everytime I talk about going hunting or if I have to ride his for whatever reason. crazy.gif It's still a blast to ride, 4 wheel drive or not!

Anyway - I have a friend with a Rincon and he loves it...... but am I wrong in thinking that they don't have as much ground clearance as other 4 wheel drives? Either way, that suspsension is NICE. Dads 4 wheeler is a Honda and he's had really good luck out of it the 5 years he's owned it. If I was gonna buy a new 4 wheel drive I'd definately take a look at suzuki, honda, or kawasaki. No polaris fan here..

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

2 buddies have Rubicons and love them. We're looking to trade in a Kodiak on one. Kodiak has been ok, but I didn't think is near as smooth as a Honda.

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

[ QUOTE ]

It's pretty pointless to own since it's not 4 wheel drive... and my dad always seems to point this out everytime I talk about going hunting or if I have to ride his for whatever reason.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hogwash. Mine is a 2x4 and goes everywhere except the mud my buddys 4x4s do. I do not care to ride in the mud, so I bought a 2x4. I have had my 2x4 in a couple places it should have not been for sure. There have only been a couple times I wish i had 4x4, but that it. So far it has not been worth the extra $1000.00 for it. I carry a come-a-long and strap with me when the going may get rough. I have never used it. Nothing wrong with a 2x4 at all if you use common sense.

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

[ QUOTE ]

It's pretty pointless to own since it's not 4 wheel drive... and my dad always seems to point this out everytime I talk about going hunting or if I have to ride his for whatever reason.

[/ QUOTE ]

2x4's are just fine. like Jim said, they'll go anywhere but mud. the bikes i drive are 4x4 on command, and i havent had to use 4x4 yet. as long as you keep out of the mud, they're fine. smile.gif

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

1984quad.jpg

My machine is a '92 king quad with some super swamper Vampire's for tires. It isn't a speed deamon, but it has been through alot and still going strong. I've done things with this quad (work) that prob. shoud have been done with a tractor. wink.gif

As far as the 2X4 vs. 4X4. For the most part a 2 wheel drive will get you where you want to go. However, if you ride any kind of distances or somewhere your not familiar with...you could come to something that a 2X4 won't do the job. Mud and snow are just some examples where you need 4X4. But I've been in situations where the hill we were climbing was very steep (almost too steep) and was twisting between trees. The ground was loose, we put our quads in low range 4X4 and rode up it. My buddy on his 2X4 couldn't get enough traction to climb it. When he had his speed up and making ground...he had to slow and down shift to get around trees...thus losing tractions and spinning out.

Another exmple is when we came to a ditch/creek that was about 3 foot wide and 2 foot deep. There wasn't much water in the ditch but it was a 2 foot drop and 2 foot straight up to get out. Again, low range 4X4 and moved slowly, we climbed our way down and out of the ditch. The 2X4 got in the ditch, but didn't have the front wheels pulling the quad up out and the back tires were just spinning. He eventually got acrossed, but it def. wasn't the safest thing I've ever seen done! shocked.gif

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

Been pretty happy with honda bikes. We considered the rubicon, but the foreman was priced better for us, and it also fit in the truck with the tailgate closed, so we went with the 450 foreman last year when we bought our new 4 wheeler. It also is a bit lighter which is better for us in the swampy bottom.

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Re: Quad/Wheeler Discussion

Bought my first quad in 2002 and love it. I shopped around and decided on my Arctic Cat 400 4x4. Liquid cooled with fan assist, good clearance, and can haul a load.

Take a look around and test drive a few machines from a dealership. Makes choosing a ride that suits you a lot easier.

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