4-Wheeler Advice

[sparetime]

I have never owned a 4-wheeler and Have some questions that maybe FM'ers can help answer. I'm posting here because its primary use is to haul my shack out on the ice.

The machine will be used only occasionally, I don't expect to put a lot of miles on. Maybe trail riding once a year, and weekend ice fishing trips.

Do I need independant rear suspension?

What is the minimum motor size you would recommend?

I'm sure there are as many opinions about Kawasaki vs. Honda vs. Polaris as there are Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge, and I can sort the brand issue out. Just looking for some pointers on what to look for an what to stay away from. Riding around the sales yard is just not enough to make an informed decision.

[iffwalleyes]

This is just me personally but I like Hondas. The one I have doesn't have independ suspesion. I use mine like you want to for pulling my house out on the lake. So really a independ supspension isn't necessary. It makes for a smoother ride though. I also think that you want at least a 350 motor. Depending on the size of your shack. A 400~500 size is nice though. As far as brand they are all pretty good now. My dad has a polaris and I have a honda and I like them both.

[EDT]

A 300 with a manual tranny would be plenty to just tow a shack around with. The biggest problem is putting some weight on it to get decent traction.

[deepportage01]

I use the Honda Rubicon 500, I really don't think you need IRS for a pulling/work AVT. Personaly I would go with 400cc or larger if it is going to be used mainly for work the last thing you need is not enuff power. What ever AVT you go with after market Hand warmers are a good thing to have ice fishing ATV...

Brad.

[GRAND DAD]

I have a Honda 450 and that's the onley thing I use it for one thing that helps is make sure you get chains they help big time

[Eric Wettschreck]

You do not need independant suspension.

I'd stay at 400cc or higher just for the pulling power.

[love to hunt]

There are pro's and cons to them all.

I purchased a polaris (500 EFI) and have no issues, and like the machine very much.

Polaris:

PROS.

Nice riding machines

Good quality (USA Made)

I like the EFI

Very strong

Reliable

CONS;

Heavy

Fuel hungry

Honda

PROS;

Very Reliable

Nice riding

Very nimble on the trails

Light weight

CONS;

VERY Spendy to buy and maintain

Not as good as far as traction compared to heavier machines

I have owned both makes and they both do well, I am not real partial to either and have not owned any other makes.

[sparetime]

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like IRS is not a necessity for work.

I am going to check on a few at the dealers and see where I go from there.

[mjhowe]

The soundest advice I can make is..."There no replacement for displacement"

Get the biggest motor you can afford...when its slushy or muddy or you have your fat buddy on the back...its the motor that matters.

All the current machines are as reliable as the next so brand loyalty isnt the issue. Where most machines fail is the rider asks the machine to do something it wasnt designed to do. I own a Grizzly 600...I always thought I never wanted something bigger than a 350. I rode several and in the tightest of trails, yes, the lighter machines are a little easier to ride...but when hauling an ice house, or even just riding thru heavy snow/slush, more tourque and HP makes the difference. (I am interested in Yamahas new electric power steering system tho...if you have ever hauled an elk camp in 15 miles, your arms are like rubber)

Before you know it, you will be using it to plow snow...or haul your buddies shack too...or pull the kids around the lake...dont skimp on the motor. Also anytime you are towing or pulling or plowing...use your low range. Its much easier on the belts and the motor. IR suspension is great if you ride a lot of trails, rocks etc but some machines can feel very tippy and even less confident in the rough stuff.

Even on the 600, I have never wished for less power or weight...but as Tim would say...

MORE POWER!