Anyone have one, any practical experience, any advice, anyone, anyone?

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Wendell Reich
Hunter's Quest International

Wendell,

I am far from an expert on ATV's, but after spending a week on them while hunting moose in Alberta, I learned a lot of things that I am considering while I am shopping for my own unit now.
Many of the other hunters in camp also owned ATV's and had much to say about owning them. The number one factor they all said is that if you live where you will be getting stuck in mud or anything else, the bigger units- 400CC or above, are HEAVY and difficult to muscle around.
The larger machines also use a lot more gas than the smaller 300-350 CC units. This can be a limiting factor in a long day or week of hunting.
We used 300 CC units and 350 CC units in hunting camp and the 350's had much more power than the 300's, but they used substantially more gas. We also got all of them stuck many times during the week, and they were all fairly easy to manhandle a bit to get them out of the bogs we were in. Several of the other hunters commented on how heavy their 500-600CC machines were in the same situation, making it difficult to get them out.

All in all, the 300's we road had plenty of power, even with almost a whole moose on the racks coming out of the bush- even though they weren't speed demons. The new 350 Rancher ES is supposed to be one heck of a machine- more clearance, good power, lighter, Honda reliability, and a new, stronger frame design. However, if you want more speed and stump pulling power, the bigger units are the way to go.
Just my humble opinion, for what it's worth- Sheister

Thanks Sheister. Ironically...

I have been on the phone with a few dealers today and have probably changed my mind to a Kawasaki Prairie 650.

Bigger is better right? This thing is the 577 T. Rex of four wheelers! I hunt in sandy/rocky country, the 650 Prairie weighs only 9 lbs more than the 500cc Honda.

I will pull an implement with it to plant my food plots and I think the 650 twin will do it nicely!

Opinions? Experience? Anyone?

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Wendell Reich
Hunter's Quest International

I just got back from Colorado, where I used my Honda Rubicon for the first time. I have owned 8 other Honda ATV's, from the 300 up to the 450 ES, that I sold to the Rancher that handles the hunters where I hunt in Northwest Colorado. I thought you could not improve on the 450 ES, but I was wrong. The Rubicon is an awesome machine. I had always put in a high altitude jet in the carburator of my past Honda's, the Rubicon has something that takes care of that problem. I hunt up to 9500 ft. and this year did not experience the missing of the engine usual to those that did not change the jet. The Automatic transmition is also a spoiler, all you do is give it gas and go, man it is great. It will also haul an entire Elk if need be. I ran circles around two other brand name ATV's that has more power but did not put it to the ground as efficiently as the Rubicon. They would spin the tires and loose traction. I like mine, good luck with yours. Good shooting.

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[This message has been edited by phurley (edited 11-21-2001).]

WWW.ATVING.COM should answere all of your questions,i have 2 polaris sportsman 500's. i like the automatic trannys and clutches. they have all the power that you could ever want i exceed the max load with no problems.

I had this discussion with an old friend over lunch today. We rode dirt bikes together 30+ years ago and now ride ATV's. Him a 400cc Honda and mine a 400 Yamaha Kodiak. He shifts, I have the belt drive. I can say that I wouldn't go over a 400cc unless it was for ranching/workhorse: 600-700 lbs v. 450. I used it for elk hunting in CO two weeks ago. Just to pack out game and only because this ranch had suitable terrain. I ride mine for fun, live close to a national forest, not for hunting. I can say that Honda and Yamaha are head and shoulders above the rest and love my belt drive. Most of my riding is cross county in old forest. The current issue of ATV mag has a good comparison of the 600cc machines. good luck and keep the bottom side down.

"good luck and keep the bottom side down."

There is some advice I can use!

I bought a Kawasaki Prairie 650. So please do not say anything negative about it!

I will be using it for "ranching" so to speak. Yea, yea, I know, I am a weekend warrior rancher who lives in the big city.

This thing is awesome! 43hp (I believe). If you had the marbles to do it, it tops out close to 70 mph.....I haven't the marbles anymore! Maybe when I was younger, not today.

Anyway, I figure it can pull a 5' tandem disc pretty well, so now I do not have to depend on the rancher to plant the food plots on time.

I appreciate the help. I think I will start a new topic...Implements for farming with an ATV.

Thanks guys.

Wendell

Ref the Rubicon...Just got back from a successful moose hunt here in BC Canada and used a brand new Rubicon. It is a fantastic machine..runs smooth, lots of clearance and pulled a field dressed moose 1/2 mile thru the bush without a hitch. The auto tranny performed flawlessly, I can't say enough good things about it. I have used the 350's and a 400 Kawie.all were good, but having been ex-infantry, anytime you can hitch a ride, it's great. The New Honda is a real fine piece of machinery.

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Congratulations on your new ATV. It has the most powerful motor out there, but some of the Honda ATV's have the most sophisticated automatic transmissions.

I am with Sheister about ATV's. When they are too heavy, they are difficult to control in the mud. They may have lots of power, but there is only so much the stock tires can do to get you out.

Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Arctic Cat are very popular up here. I see a few Polaris, too. Isn't Polaris having another recall on some of their ATV's? I think I heard that on the news today.

[This message has been edited by Ray, Alaska (edited 11-21-2001).]

Thnks Ray,

I do not get into mud much. Mostly sandy and rocky country I hunt with it. Needed it to cover distance more than battle mud and bogs.

I wanted a ATV big enough to pull a small implement for food plots. Wouldn't consider anything under a 400 for fear of tearing it up.

Sure this one weighs 606lbs, but the Honda 500 Rubicon weighs 600.

Got a good deal on the 650 too. Will keep you guys informed on how it handles "ranching".

Wendell

Being a polaris mechanic,and working on all brands the only advise I can give is buy a polaris!!

I was on a successful moose hunt in ontario where we used a polaris 6x6 to drag a bull moose quite a distance.Upon returning home I test drove a friends Rubicon and another Polaris then a Kawi 650 prairie.I bought the 650 prairie the next day and never looked back what an impressive machine.

[This message has been edited by Reloader 1 (edited 11-21-2001).]

Have you looked at theese?

http://www.rokon.com/products/trailbrkr.htm

[This message has been edited by Wstrnhuntr (edited 11-22-2001).]

Looks like fun! I will pass it on to my rancher buddy who was looking for something like this.

For me, it's just not suited for the job at hand.

Thanks.

Wendell