ATV shopping
#7022122
10/20/20 11:45 AM
10/20/20 11:45 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007
WI - Wisconsin
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I haven't owned an atv in 25 yrs, but am thinking of getting into it (now that I have more property). Also, I'm near a lot of atv trails (the groomed trails are mostly loose sand, as they get used so much). Years ago I had a Suzuki, I think in the 250 range. It seemed plenty fast. Now, I see only Kawasaki (Brute Force) & Arctic Cat (Alterra) make an atv in the 300 range. Apparently guys are going bigger & bigger. I guess snowmobiles are the same way. I'm the type though that loves my old 440 snobil, so maybe I'd be plenty satisfied with an atv that isn't top of the line (I want a name brand tho). Are there problems with 300 class models? I'm not looking to haul out elk, plow massive driveways, or ride over-aggressively with a large group. I don't want a kids toy though. The price difference is big between a 300 & a 400+. The 300's come with what looks like a decent rack (front & back) that could be used for trapping/hunting. They're shaft driven automatics & seem like a decent rig. I see pros/cons, but am curious if the 300s are becoming so rare because there's something wrong with 'em. Maybe they lack power, clearance, or something else, I don't know. As for getting by without 4WD, I could probably throw chains on if I encountered real issues. I imagine it might suffer in snow, perhaps why they aren't popular. I could be wrong but I recollect back in the early 90s the 300 class was popular.
Last edited by AJE; 10/20/20 11:51 AM.
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: AJE]
#7022126
10/20/20 12:00 PM
10/20/20 12:00 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 15,586 MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
Trapper7
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 15,586
MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
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I have a Honda Foreman 450. I have never had any issues with it except I had to replace the muffler which never wore out, but a part broke of it broke off. The power these ATVs have as amazing.
I don't care how nice the hand soap smells, you should never walk out of the restroom sniffing your fingers.
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: Line Jumper]
#7022439
10/20/20 06:32 PM
10/20/20 06:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007
WI - Wisconsin
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Those two look like 2wd and only the front is independent suspension, good work horses at low speeds. All wheel independent suspension saves on the body when the speed increases. Correct, they are 2WD. I'll ponder the suspension topic. The good news is I don't plan on driving like a wild man.
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: AJE]
#7022448
10/20/20 06:38 PM
10/20/20 06:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,649 se SD
rags57078
Humorist
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Humorist
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,649
se SD
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I have a 2016 450 Arctic cat Alterra I like it , I added the plow kit and use it on the driveway , I use it ice fishing also
Off in my own world
Fish on !!!!!!!
47 years in this game of trapping
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: AJE]
#7022458
10/20/20 06:49 PM
10/20/20 06:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,103 7mtns of CENTRAL PA
GROUSEWIT
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,103
7mtns of CENTRAL PA
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How big r ya? How many traps, stakes, equipment, etc. ya gonna haul at a time? What kind of terrain ya gonna trap? How many miles ya gonna travel each day?
NRALIFER,PRPA LIFER,HUNTER,FURTAKER
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: AJE]
#7022501
10/20/20 07:31 PM
10/20/20 07:31 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,779 Northern lower Michigan
Feedinggrounds
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,779
Northern lower Michigan
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In my opinion, and just my opinion...Honda is the only choice for me. A 2005 Rancher and the wife's 2006 Rancher. I sat thinking, other than 2 batteries at the 10 year mark that's about it.
you're only allowed so many sunrises... I aim to see every one of them!
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: AJE]
#7022556
10/20/20 08:21 PM
10/20/20 08:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,426 Missouri
ol' dad
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,426
Missouri
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I would look strongly at the Honda Rancher 420cc 4x4. Small enough to get around easily in the woods but more power than you'll ever need.
ol'dad
"I season my food with hunger"
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: AJE]
#7022607
10/20/20 09:04 PM
10/20/20 09:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 17,692 Central Oregon
AntiGov
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 17,692
Central Oregon
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Honda or Yamaha .....for reliability
Report a post club - Non member
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: Providence Farm]
#7022665
10/20/20 09:42 PM
10/20/20 09:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007
WI - Wisconsin
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Have you thought about a side by side? I have both and prefer the side by side for most things . I don't have room to store a side by side in a garage and can't currently afford 1. GROUSEWIT- I'm 6' 185#. Terrain on my 130 acres is some hilly, some flat (generally wooded, with an increasing amount of mowed trails); snow covered in the winter months. Our public trails are somewhat rocky but sometimes all the offroad traffic turns them to loose sand (mud, after a heavy rain), though the county and state are working hard to reduce soft spots. It's rated to pull 500# but the Arctic Cat 300 I'm interested in has a rear rack that is limited to 100#. I don't plan on overloading it with traps. As for mileage in a day---not a lot. I do have a snowmobile with a rack that I can use if the snow gets ~deep.
Last edited by AJE; 10/20/20 09:44 PM.
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Re: ATV shopping
[Re: AJE]
#7022666
10/20/20 09:43 PM
10/20/20 09:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,563 Worley, Idaho
Machias
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,563
Worley, Idaho
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I went on a bear hunt a few years ago in Northern Alberta. My outfitter has used about every make and model. The conditions up there are pretty harsh, constantly getting stuck, hauling heavy loads, lots of rough miles. He won't buy anything other than a Yamaha. Said none of the other models could make even one full season without being in the repair shop. I have a Yamaha Kodiak 4X4. Thing is an amazing workhorse.
When things are Grim, become the Grim Reaper! Fred Moyer
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