450/500cc vs big bore atv

[timekiller13]

I’ve used a Honda 350 for 20+ years now. From deer leases in NC to hunting in Colorado, it’s never let me down. I’ve piled 2 full grown deer and 2 full grown men on that thing at the same time and it chugs right along. It will struggle a bit on a steep grade with that much weight but it will still go. I’ve never seen the need for anything bigger for my purposes.

 

[K9kodi]

It's go fast compared to a Honda 420
I wasn't talking down on bigger machines by any means, I was just stating being practical can be affordable and fit certain people's needs.
I doubt many people need a 1000cc quad to haul a trailer 30 miles offroad or plan to go 60mph on dirt roads while hunting

I don’t disagree w you. Just keep this in mind. This being my point.

Speed isn’t the driving force behind extra power, it is the result. I get all my chores and activities done w my 570. I woukd love a bigger motor bc the engine works less hard to accomplish the same task which improves reliability and longevity. A larger quad also typically has a more stout suspension and a larger footprint. You are completely correct. A 1996 power stroke diesel when brand new would pull a 10k pound trailer regularly w out issue. A brand new 2026 6.7 diesel will pull that same trailer using less effort. That is my point n thst is egrrr my head goes

 

[Agross]

When we moved into the house we r in now, the people left us their quad. It was an 88 or 89 Yamaha Terra pro 350. What a neat little quad. Didn’t have any of the attachments, but I didn’t need em. Was a manual shift, no power steering, two wheel drive. It worked great for getting into tighter spots in the woods, but that’s about it. Here in Michigan we get a decent amount of snow, so the 2wd was a big issue.

Eventually I sold it, kind of regret it though, and bought a Yamaha grizzly 700, four wheel drive, automatic, with power steering. What a game changer. Do I really need the power of the 700, maybe not, but I don’t regret buying it one bit. In fact I love it. Power steering is an absolute must for me now. It has more than enough speed and I love the power. I have several different sized utility trailers I use and it’s handy being able to hook up the quad to move em around sometimes.

As others have mentioned, totally depends on your usage needs. I don’t think you would regret going a little big, but may regret going a little smaller. Definitely go power steering.

 

[Marble]

I have the outlander 700, with two seats. I like it a lot.

Comfortable, tons of power. I'd buy it again.

The electric steering has issues. Keeps blowing fuses. I just carry extra with me.

Sent from my SM-S938U using Tapatalk

 

[Blockcaver]

"Progressive" weight of the quads I've owned:

2002 Honda Rancher 350 electric shift (solid axle, carb, air cooled 5 speed "nimble, adequate power, rode rough, hard seat") = 535# dry weight

2004 Arctic Cat 400 (IRS, belt drive, carb, air cooled, "big frame, tall and underpowered, but plush ride") = 649# dry weight

2002 Honda Rubicon 500 (solid axle, carb, air cooled, auto "adequate power, rough ride") = 600# dry weight

2008 Honda Rancher 420 electric shift (solid axle, fuel injected, water cooled 5-speed, "adequate power, rode rough, loved the fuel injection for cold starting and high elevation use without re-jetting") = 586# dry weight

2013 Yamaha Grizzly 550 (IRS, belt with auto clutch drive, fuel injected, power steering, heated grips, soft seat, lots of ground clearance, "relatively small overall size, really like everything about the machine short of gas mileage is much lower than a gear drive Honda due to running at higher RPMs all the time with the auto belt transmission). = 648# dry weight.

Conclusion: If I were buying a new quad today, and I am not, I'd look hard at a Honda Rubicon 520 with the foot shift 5-speed transmission, power steering, IRS etc. Rode one a little bit while caribou hunting in Nunavut a few years ago. Had a great ride, soft seat, but still offered the low engine speed, great gas mileage and "putting around ability" of the 5-speed manual shift......way nicer than the old the Honda 450 Foreman solid axle that was my primary ride up there on the caribou hunt.

 

[K9kodi]

I remember the electric shifting Hondas. We beat the piss out of them. I love wn auto for the utility quad segment. Me, I do. Not for everyone I understand. The nice thing about clutches like Polaris n can am is they are cvt. They are always in the right spot for the speed, generally , due to the clutch plates opening or closing depending on rpm/centrifugal force

 

[24valve]

I’m looking to get an atv for hunting out west. Traveling roads/trails, hauling gear, meat, etc.. As well as using around the house. I’m struggling on deciding what size atv. I know many will say go big, but I’d like to hear from guys who’ve had both. Currently looking at the can am outlander 500 or 700. I believe they use same chassis and same basic motor.

For use in the mountains, I'd almost always rather have more range than more power.

The only reason to go 700 on a newer machine would be to run tracks, otherwise the 500 will do everything you need it to without issue.

 

[wapitibob]

My 2004 Polaris 500 has worked fine everywhere it's been, and it fits in the back of my F150 with the tailgate closed.