4-wheeler buying

[uncleBuck]

Im about to buy my first ATV and with the research ive done ive narrowed it down to 3 choices. The Honda Foreman S 450, The Yamaha Kodiak 400, and the polaris sportsman 500. I was hoping some of u veterens could give me some advice. id really appreciate it. Thanks

[Mark Christianson]

I have a 1999 Kodiak, my Dad has a 1995 Kodiak, and to top it off........

the guy that has cattle in on my Dads property has a 1993 Kodiak with 6100 miles on it. Yes! 6100.
We were cutting wood last weekend and he came by on it to check the fence, and I looked at the odometer like I do every time he comes by.
They have never done any major repairs.
Only tires, brakes, oil changes and a set of Ujoints(or something like that in the front end).
I have a measley 700+ miles on mine, and I plan on running it into the ground.
Which may never happen.

[Ole1855]

uncleBuck,

i have a 1994 Yamaha Big Bear 350, it's been a great machine, I've never had a problem with it. There is one thing I would change if I had it to do over again though, I would buy one that didn't have full time 4 wheel drive, but that's my only complaint.

Ole

[Guest]

Wait until the middle/end of June.
The dealers will be cutting prices on '04 models because they will be getting '05 models in at that time. At least they were at Larson's & Bristows.
I bought a Rubicon at Larson's for a little over $5900 out the door. It was $300 to $400 cheaper than any other Honda dealership that I contacted.
The prices went even lower in July and August, but I needed to ride so I caved in and bought. It was tough to go through the spring and early summer without one.
Maybe you can't wait until June, if you can, you will save a few hundred $.

You really can't go wrong with any of your choices, so it is just a matter of which one you like the best.
When you buy one, try to get the dealer to throw in a good helmet.

Happy trails

[Big Fish Hunter247]

I just bought an 04 Honda Rincon about 3 months ago I love it the thing only has 600 miles, only thing I dont like is the 3 1/2 wheel drive but Its all good If you buy a honda watch out I have been haveing problems when you get it at a wierd angle it will stall the dealer says it part of the breakin but I think its way past the breakin but oh well life goes on.

Big Fish Hunter247

[Fisher Dave]

My 03' Kodiak 450 just turned over 1400 miles of serious riding(we go OFF road)..

We just encountered our 1st problem... We burnt out a headlight.

Great machines.. they may cost a few bucks more, but you get what you pay for. Be sure whatever machine you get has *true 4 wheel drive*.. or front differential locks.

[JEV]

I just turned over 900 miles on my '02 Sportsman 500 last night. I can't say how pleased I have been with this machine. Granted I don't do a lot of off roading with it, mostly stuff around the farm. Hauling wood, grading, working up the garden, and snow plowing. I do take it through some mud from time to time. I have never had a problem with it. Again it's my personal opinion that a lot of it comes down to maintenance. If you take care of your machine it'll give you years of service...

[uncleBuck]

Thanx for the help fellows i have decided to go with the yamaha kodiak. Did alot of research and took yalls opinion into account and decided it was the best bang for the buck, thanks again