Re: Best of the Big Utility ATV\'s
SVEMS,
If you are interested in a machine that will do the work required, yet be agile enough to do some playing once in awhile, You need to look at the Suzuki Quadrunner 500 4X4. This is by far the machine with the most low end torque that I have seen. Friends of mine have 2 '98 Quadrunners, and the one friend used to work as a logger and often times drug 16" X 8' logs without a problem. I myself have a '99 Grizzly, which is not known for its low end torque, but is an ass-kicker when you get up into mid-range and top end. DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER A POLARIS. If you need to do any thing that involves torque, or water, this is not the machine for you. The Polaris 500's are nothing but a nightmare when they get wet. I know, because my older brother has a '99 Magnum 500, and my parents have a '00 Sportsman 500, and my younger brother has a '96 Sportsman 500. For your needs, it sounds to me that you should look at the Suzuki Quadrunner 500. Make sure that it is the Quadrunner, and not the Quadmaster. The Quadrunner is the one with the 5-speed auto clutch, and the Quadmaster is the automatic. An automatic will not deliver the low end you seek. Honda is not the way to go either. The Foreman is too long to be nimble. First gear is too low, and second gear is too high to make up for first being too low. For reliability that may be the way to go. I don't know much about the reliability factor for a Suzuki, but from what I have seen, that is the route I would take if I were you.
I like 4-wheelers enough that I have looked at them all, and like to see what each has to offer. I am not claiming to be an expert, but if someone is looking for an opinion, I am ready and willing. I like to make recomendations to whomever seeks one, and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Jeff Anderson
SVEMS,
If you are interested in a machine that will do the work required, yet be agile enough to do some playing once in awhile, You need to look at the Suzuki Quadrunner 500 4X4. This is by far the machine with the most low end torque that I have seen. Friends of mine have 2 '98 Quadrunners, and the one friend used to work as a logger and often times drug 16" X 8' logs without a problem. I myself have a '99 Grizzly, which is not known for its low end torque, but is an ass-kicker when you get up into mid-range and top end. DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER A POLARIS. If you need to do any thing that involves torque, or water, this is not the machine for you. The Polaris 500's are nothing but a nightmare when they get wet. I know, because my older brother has a '99 Magnum 500, and my parents have a '00 Sportsman 500, and my younger brother has a '96 Sportsman 500. For your needs, it sounds to me that you should look at the Suzuki Quadrunner 500. Make sure that it is the Quadrunner, and not the Quadmaster. The Quadrunner is the one with the 5-speed auto clutch, and the Quadmaster is the automatic. An automatic will not deliver the low end you seek. Honda is not the way to go either. The Foreman is too long to be nimble. First gear is too low, and second gear is too high to make up for first being too low. For reliability that may be the way to go. I don't know much about the reliability factor for a Suzuki, but from what I have seen, that is the route I would take if I were you.
I like 4-wheelers enough that I have looked at them all, and like to see what each has to offer. I am not claiming to be an expert, but if someone is looking for an opinion, I am ready and willing. I like to make recomendations to whomever seeks one, and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Jeff Anderson
