"Mid sized atv??"

[graham1]

Hi folks, I am kicking around the idea of buying a used atv for hunting, plowing a little snow and doing a bit of trail riding.
I found an arctic cat 425 that looks pretty good.
My question is, it being called a midsize do you think it would be comfortable for a guy on a long trail ride? I'm about 5-11" and average build.
It seemed fine when I sat on it, but that could be a lot different than a days ride.

As always, I appreciate any advice.

[Lefty-Canuck]

I have a Kodiak 450, it rides quite nice.

LC

[riden]

I think the suspension is far more important to comfort on a long ride than size.

[fordtruckin]

I'm 6-1, 200# and ride a midsize quad with ease. I agree the suspension is probably more important. Whaty kind of trails do you intend on riding etc?? I'm a big proponent of solid rear axles like on the Honda Ranchers but many people find those too rough a ride.

[curtz]

You definitely want independent rear suspension, if it has that it should be nice on trails.

[graham1]

It does have independent rear suspension. I'm more into taking in the scenery than racing these days.
I was more concerned about it being physically smaller making it more suited to a smaller person.
I've never had an atv before. Just don't want to spend the money and it not fit me.

[Head Lice]

Originally Posted by fordtruckin

I'm a big proponent of solid rear axles like on the Honda Ranchers but many people find those too rough a ride.

Also a proponent of the solid rear axle machines.
The Honda line of machines are still gear drive ...... most/all others are using a belt.
If you're looking at used Honda machines with the solid rear axles, the older ones have dual rear shocks. Later ones are a mono shock set-up.
Still riding my '90 Honda 350 4Trax ..... bought new in late '89 ... solid axles front and back.
Also have a 450 Foreman S ......
Talk to an independent quad shop ..... what quads are in for repair more often. What is being repaired?
Kijiji is a good place to look .... be specific on manufacturer.
Stay away from anything that has been a 'bogger' or mud machine. They often have a modified intake and exhaust among other things.
Divide the kilometers by the hours shown on the dash. This will give you an indication of its past use. Not always accurate, but it helps.
A dealership is a good place to purchase 'take-off' tires .... they're often mounted on the OEM rims and new. Make a deal. The dealership is often overrun with them and glad to get rid of them.
Good luck on your search and purchase .....
Have fun !

[bat119]

I replaced my 2008 Honda Foreman with a automatic 550 HI artic cat its like riding on a cloud compared to the Honda. The Honda was a manual shift with the stupidest reverse shift I ever saw, an 8 hour day on that felt like somebody worked me over. The Honda was much quieter running the cat's metal belt cover transmits noise, never have run out of power pulling moose or dead tree's.

[dfarms11]

Originally Posted by Head Lice

Divide the kilometers by the hours shown on the dash. This will give you an indication of its past use. Not always accurate, but it helps.
Have fun !

Could you expand on this?

[Positrac]

Originally Posted by graham1

Hi folks, I am kicking around the idea of buying a used atv for hunting, plowing a little snow and doing a bit of trail riding.
I found an arctic cat 425 that looks pretty good.
My question is, it being called a midsize do you think it would be comfortable for a guy on a long trail ride? I'm about 5-11" and average build.
It seemed fine when I sat on it, but that could be a lot different than a days ride.

As always, I appreciate any advice.

A mid-sized 425 is big enough for what you are looking at doing with it. I’d take a second look at other makes in the same size though. Most all of the Arctic Cats that I’ve been around have had issues, especially when it came to wearing out bushings in the front end. To be fair, they were bigger machines and not the 425.

There is a reason you can get into an Arctic Cat cheaper than any other comparable sized quad. Buying used may not be a bad thing as someone else has taken the hit but when it comes to new whatever you save over a Honda, Yamaha, etc... will be quadrupled in the way of a loss over those same machines when you go to get rid of it.

Just my 2 cents worth...

[brendon444]

I would limit your choices to Yamaha and Honda for what your looking for.
Reliability and ease of ownership.
My choice would be the kodiak 450 or newer 700 (old grizzly frame).
Grizzly 550 or 700
Price difference between the difference CC is not that drastic. Dont limit to just mid size. Often frame size is identical.

I have a 2009 grizzly 550 for sale. Posted today and have few people interested in coming this week. Reason these quads demand more money.

Most high mileage quads you see for sale are always Honda and Yamaha.
Lots of 10,000km + .

[NCC]

I've had Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, and Can Am quads. The Can And are by far my favourite. More reliable than the Yamaha and Kawasaki. As reliable and way more comfortable to ride than the Honda.

[Fwee6]

I've got a 2009 Honda Rancher 420 4x4, with power steering.
Bought it a couple years old with under 300kms on it. It was an amazing deal.
** Power steering is an great option.

Like most Honda's, you can set your watch to it. Mine has been no different. It runs flawless. I upgraded to 25" Bighorn 2.0's, and a Warn winch. Otherwise, I turn the key and go puttin' around. Have never had a need/want for more power. Change the fluids regularly.

I have the solid rear axle, and don't have issues with discomfort at the end of a day. Surely a fancier quad with independent rear suspension would be smoother, but mine does the trick and them some for my purposes.

My 2 cents: If you're someone that needs to pin the throttle to the handle bar all the time, don't buy a Honda.

[6.5swedeforelk]

Originally Posted by brendon444

I would limit your choices to Yamaha and Honda for what your looking for.
Reliability and ease of ownership...


...Most high mileage quads you see for sale are always Honda and Yamaha.
Lots of 10,000km + .

That seems to be good advice.



I would certainly avoid Can Am and Arctic Cat.