That's a side-by-side. Atv's with that are above are considered utility.

 

Well, to nit pick, that is not a utility ATV. A utility ATV is what has been talked about throughout the thread. Rhinos are a side-by-side or UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) UTV and Utility ATV are 2 different animals... I know, kinda confusing, but I dont make up the terminology

 

As for which utility ATV Id go with...Grizzly, hands down. Raptor-based 700, EFI, powersteering, diff locks, cant argue with that. Plus, as far as looks (lets face it, looks DO matter!) its at the top of the heap. There may be bigger, more powerful quads, but for the best all-around package, thats what Im getting (after a Raptor 700R)

 

You don't say what you plan to use it for mostly. I think that may have a significant imapct on the decision or recommendations. I live in the mountains and am fortunate to get to experience not only all kinds of different riding situations and terrain, but also true "utility" work. I personally have a Polaris 600 twin and love it. It also does snow plowing duty, wood cutting and yard chores. The Polaris dealer is a friend and how I ended up with mine, but there is also a Arctic Cat dealer local and a Bombardier dealer local too so some of my friends have ended up with different models of those ATV's. We'll go out on some big rides in the Rubicon or other places and there will be a lot of people with different rides and their strengths or weaknesses really come out. Based on that and having ridden and tried a bunch of bikes in some gnarly situations, my opinion runs like this: Overall, I like the Can Am 800 best with the Can Am 650 right behind. The power those things put out are unreal and head and shoulders above everthing else. The 650 is as fast or faster than the biggest of any of the other makers. Suspension and traction and handling is terrific. The downside to those are the racks which are just kind of basic. The polaris 700 or 800 is next in my book just because it does everything so well. It is smooth and comfortable. Comfort matters! Ride a long day in rocks on a brute force and you will know what I mean!! The best racks and storage in the business. Not the fastest, but very smooth and still fast. Great traction. I have to mention traction over and over because in the rough, those that can hook up and those that pretend to is the difference in keeping up and enjoying your day or falling behind and being frustrated. And we do laugh at and make fun of the guys who "dude, why you having all that trouble getting up and down that little hill" it. The only thing I don't like is the price and the weight. The new Griz with the power steering is next. Nice bike, but not wrenching the handlebars around gives a huge difference in how you perceive the bike to ride. Good power, decent suspension and comfort. Arctic Cat big twins, (I'm not sold on the big single) gets a nod here for a good product. Not terribly fast, not a great high speed handler, but it is a worker and nimble at slow speed in the rocks the supension is soft and good for slow speed-- not so much for high speed fireroading and handling. Hondas, Suzukis and Kawi all have strengths and weaknesses after those. They have good products-- not knocking them here, I just don't like them as much as the others. (sorry for the long post)

 

My Grizz 660 has taken all I've thrown at it very well... My only real issue with it is the dang hitch had to be welded back on a few times... spends alot of its time pulling jetskis or small boats in and out of the lake now ... Front Locking diff and low gearing is a must for that work!

 

I guess I did forget to mention what I was using it for. Mostly camping, hunting, fishing, snow plow duty and general play.

 

I think power steering will definitly help you out, no doubt about it, along with the excellent clearance of the grizzly.

 

artice cat thunder cat

read up on its it freaking crazy

 

ATV brand threads... kind of like truck brand threads...

Any hoo... I have a 2006 Polaris Sportsman 700 EFI... I LOVE IT... I use it around the house (couple of acres) deer hunting, banging around in the woods etc... It was about fifth down on the list when I decided to buy one... First was the Kaw BF 750, Second was the Yam Grizz and like I said way down the list was Polaris. Well through MUCH research I ended up with a Polaris... go figure... well like I said I'm VERY happy with my purchase. Here's one of the best places I found for really good information.
http://www.highlifter.com
Click on THE MUD HOLE and go into FORUM...

 

If deep snow plowing is something you are going to do frequently, I don't think I'd go with the Rincon (even though I own one).

I'm sure it would handle light snow occasionally, but I think it was intended mainly for fast recreational trail riding, and the machine really shines there. (Honda should flog whoever there decided the Rincon shouldn't have a low range).

If pushing big snow was a big part of the quad's duty, in Honda I'd think about Rubicon or Foreman, but then you would have the rougher ride and less ground clearance of solid rear axle (not a big deal if you don't ride in trails strewn in big rocks).

If you are only pushing a foot or so of snow occasionally, the Rincon might work OK...

Anyhow, from what you have said, I'd still say the Griz 700 should be on your short list.

 

Right on the money. The Grizzly 700 would be the ATV I'd get if I were to buy a new one because of its quality and abilities. I believe the only other big bore ATVs out there with manually locking differentials are the Kawasaki Brute Force models, and those require you to hold down a handle to have it locked, unlike the Grizzly which only requires the push of a button and it's on until you press the button again. It may not be the fastest of the bunch, but its capabilities are far better overall if you're going to be riding in any technical terrain such as rocky areas. If you're just more into "leisurely" riding on pretty flat terrain, any other would work fine. I'd personally still want to know I had the capabilities if I needed them, though, and the power and speed would still be more than sufficient for anyone's needs.

I hope you do realize, though, that something like a 450-500cc ATV is all anyone will ever need, larger than that it's just for the power and speed. Also, for those of you saying, "Pick the Outlander 800!" let's not forget the new Arctic Cat Thunder Cat 1000. According to Dirt Rider it's the fastest and most powerful production ATV (of both utility AND sport) ever, and I don't doubt it. But then again, if you're a true diesel addict and want an ATV that will reflect that, there's the Arctic Cat 700 Diesel.

 

I got the Honda Rancher 350 in 05...but if i had to get a new one.....I would go Artic cat.I do use a plow and it works great for me. I needed a little 4 wheeler due to space on the bike trails.we make and ride!



P.S. here is a pic. of my friends 200 dollar 4 wheeler.and he has around 1400 miles on it so far!

 

I spend a lot of time in the rocks and have ridden the Griz on the Rubicon as stated above. I can't agree with your comment really. The Griz is great for its power steering-- gotta love that I don't care who you are. Its power is plenty good enough too. The suspension is not nearly as good as Polaris or Can Am. It can beat you up in the rocks and sometimes question your confidence on stability on some of the hairier sections. The Griz is very good-- just not as good. FWIW-- the outlander 650 I think is a better machine than the 800. More nimble and still a lot of power. The 800 can get you into trouble too fast. For the some folks that think 400 is enough... well, sort of... but you are really cutting yourself short in elevation for power; even in low range you cannot get around nearly as easy as the bigger engines. I like the twin cylinder models over any single because of the smooth delivery of power in the rocks and willingness to rev on the flat. My.04 worth.

 

Aint nothing some wheel spacers and larger tires can't fix. It all winds down to personal preference. I've been through many atvs and the ease of servicing the grizzly is second to none, especially since the rear shocks are now behind the a-arms(and not in between them). And a secret mod has been found that allows you to turn the fuel-mapping up and gain some extra (very noticeable power). I wouldn't mind having a can-am or arctic cat, but where I live they just don't exist (dealerships).

 

It's just up to personal preference, I suppose. And hell, I have a 20 year old FourTrax 300 and it's well known to be a capable ATV and I agree with that. It also depends on the rider and their skill level. Lets not forget weight is a major factor, as well.