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I may be in the market for a new atv this summer or fall. Let me know what some of you have and your opinions. Any info would be appreciated.

I have just gotten a new honda rancher es 350 4x4...I had a 300 4x4 for 5 or 6 years before it was stolen..As you can see, I am a Honda guy and would have nothing else..I think you'll find a lot of people are either Honda or Yamaha people and don't want to try anything else..My mechanic, who has no ties to either, said the Honda is a much better built machine..I do have friends who have Yamahas, probably bc they're cheaper, that like them..I think basically they're all good these day's it's just personal preference.

Mallardchaser has just been pulled out by Yamaha's a few times so he gets a little testy when this subject comes up. They are both good ones. I have seen the Yamaha's go and go year after year with no problems. I personally prefer the Big Bear because it is small and powerful, but the bigger ones ride well also.

feedcall: I figured I'd get a rise outta you about your yammmihaw...
You scare the ducks off when you come riding up, they see those big A-- goofy handle bars, the yamahas have... [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

I've got a Honda 450S, With a big tire kit and some super swamper tires. I have never had any trouble out of it. I found it hard to sip a cold pop and shift the ES, So I got the S, That way I can hold a cold pop and shift gears with my foot. It handles everything that Panther Swamp has to offer and then some. It is a very good bike, I would recommend it to anyone.

Hodgeman 'Brush-tough' in size '12'. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] They're easy to transport and relatively inexpensive but sometimes, they get 'stuck' (and one side will occassionally just come off, competely)......
'course everything else keeps going forward when that happens, and I usually end-up face-down in 'muck'. I finally had to buy one of those 'kits' that hold'em 'ON', tighter. One other drawback......top speed......'1'.

[ March 18, 2002: Message edited by: Anatidae ]

Honda 400 foreman.....hadn't been able to kill it yet. Last season, it hauled 2 adults, a 11 yr old kid, a dog, and pulled a 14 foot boat on a sled (filled with decoys, ducks--on way out, guns, other junk)

Hey Anat'
sounds like your ATV is pronounced like some Indian guys I know would say it "All Terrain Vaders" [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

Polaris is the bike for me. Been through He!! and high water on that bike, it will flat out go. The only drawback is that you must make sure your chains are tightened and lubed and if you go in deep water too many times your belt will start slipping. But I would rather have to take it in once a year for regular maintenance than to be literally stuck in a swamp by myself because my bike wasn't bad enough to get me out. I'm a fat boy, don't want to walk when I can ride... [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

My only experience is with a Honda 300. Have had it 7 years with the only maintance being changing the oil. It is in water more than out. I have turned it upside down with me under it and underwater. I simply changed the oil and it cranked up on the first try. I do not know what would stop it. It is not the biggest, fastest, or fancyest, but it simply works with no effort from me. I would have nothing else after my experience with it. [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

we have a Honda 400 that we bought new when they first came out (I believe it was in '96). We do a lot of work on the farm with it, as well as hunting. We have an odometer and speedometer on it for calibrations reasons in spraying. The odometer reads 6,800 miles.....That's no lie. And it still runs great, we have had it overhauled one time. It's one tough machine. Getcha a Honda.....Yamahas don't start when it's cold, Plus, they have funny looking handlebars!!!

I have a 92 model Honda TRX 300. I have abused this bike more than any other peice of equipment I own and it still is the most reliable peice of equipment that I have. All I've ever done is change the oil and spark plug. Only done that a few times!!! If I were going to buy a new ATV anytime soon, I would look for a few key features:
#1 4 wheel drive!!! Gotta have this one
#2 Shaft driven!! No belts to tighten up or have slip
#3 Honda, Honda, Honda
[img]images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]
JT

I've always been a Yamaha man, till I saw what a Honda Rancher 350 did this season. Gonna be trading for one pretty soon.

Do yourself a favor and ride all of them and then decide. The best place to go is Lake Hill Motors in Corinth. You will find your best selection and best deal there. Honda and Yamaha without a doubt are the best built machines. I say this because of their reliability and durability. I own a Yamaha Kodiak, and have been very pleased with its performance on trails, mud, hills, and rocky terrain. Don't go by word of mouth when deciding on a quad. Always ride them first because it all comes down to personal preference.

As a independent mechanic once told me,"I would be out of business if it was not for Polaris"

But for me I am a Honda, I have a 1983 250s Big Red and it has run with the biggest and best and run complete circles around all the others. And yes it does float. For duck hunting, I would not have any other bike,

Thanks for the info so far. Any additional comments would be appreciated. Does anyone have any experience with Arctic-cat atv's ?