Side x Side (UTV) Brands

[ndbuck09]

I've searched for this but wasn't finding any discussions about it utilizing the search function. I'm curious if there is any consensus on UTV or Side by Side brands amongst the community here? I'm going to be buying a used side by side and honestly, it's probably going to be an older one given my budget. That said, Polaris seems to have the most units out there, but are they good? Do they hold up after thousands of miles? I've always been a Yamaha ATV guy and have to from the early 2000's that still run like a top. I've been trying to find Viking's that are decently priced but much less used units out there.

That said, what brands do you think have the least amount of problems when these things get down the road thousands of miles?

 

[browtinebull]

got a holdover model 23 defender HD10 CANAM. put a thousand miles on it in one year. See used ones with 10k or more around. Awesome accessories. Was a honda buyer but the cabs are crappy. Dealer says he sells 10:1 more defenders

 

[270quest]

My yamaha RMAX 4 1000 has been awesome for two years I have owned it - has a 10 year belt warranty from the factory so obviously they stand behind them. Had a yamaha 4 wheeler before that and it was trouble free. May not have as many aftermarket options like a polaris, but if I am buying one, IMHO Its hard to beat the japanese brands. Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki...

If you have the money, the new kawasaki ridge looks very enticing

 

[Customweld]

I've searched for this but wasn't finding any discussions about it utilizing the search function. I'm curious if there is any consensus on UTV or Side by Side brands amongst the community here? I'm going to be buying a used side by side and honestly, it's probably going to be an older one given my budget. That said, Polaris seems to have the most units out there, but are they good? Do they hold up after thousands of miles? I've always been a Yamaha ATV guy and have to from the early 2000's that still run like a top. I've been trying to find Viking's that are decently priced but much less used units out there.

That said, what brands do you think have the least amount of problems when these things get down the road thousands of miles?

There was a pretty nice RMAX on Boise's marketplace that seemed pretty reasonable to me.
I've got a '21 Honda Pioneer 1000-5. It's a good machine and has the Honda reliability. I'm not a big fan of the DCT, it's clunky and out on the trail if you aren't in manual mode, is constantly shifting. The Pioneer's don't have much for ground clearance and if you want to run tires bigger than 28" you need to have a lift or forward a- arms put on. If I was to buy another one, I'd opt for the Yamaha or Can Am Defender. My uncle has a Ranger that is a defacto tractor for him and he beats the hell out of it. Other guys I know have had nothing but problems with their Rangers.

 

[SloppyJ]

Not sure what your budget is but full disclosure, I own zero. My in laws own 3 and I work on them for us. They had an original rzr and it was honestly a pretty good rig but it's limited by todays standards. They picked up a 2016 Can Am Maverick and it was a pretty good step up. From there they got a Honda Talon 2 seater and sold the Polaris and then got a 4 seater talon with the live valve shocks.

If I'm just riding around, the 4 seater with the live valve is the play. If I'm hunting, I take the Can Am or the 2 seater Talon. I like the chain drive system on the Hondas a bit better than the Can Am as well but their cargo area is beyond small. All of these are a bit sportier than what you're wanting I imagine.

The new cabbed rangers are really nice and offer a bit more functionality for a work type rig. I know a lot of people who had the older Teryx too that have had good luck.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I've been trying to find Viking's

I bought mine new in 2015 and its been absolutely trouble free outside of rodent damage to wiring and that's not the machines fault. Great utv if you dont need huge power and big dog suspension.

 

[wyosteve]

I had a '14 Can Am Commander and put 3800 trouble free miles on it. Now have a 2021 Commander which I bought primarily because the 2014 was awfully loud. Have ridden in Polaris Rangers and personally thought they rode rough.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Sent PM also

 

[wind gypsy]

I sure like the Pioneer 4 and 5 seater layouts. You can get cargo bed or 4/5 seats without having a ford ranger sized sxs to haul around. The engine/transmission/suspension on the other hand are not as enticing. The 700 is pretty gutless feeling. It's still probably the most enticing option to me for hunting/working vs a more plush, powerful, and bigger option.

 

[svivian]

Honda Pioneer or Yamaha RMAX would be my choice

 

[270quest]

My RMAX easily handled 4 hunters, gear, and a whole cow elk last year…only thing I did was adjust the shock setting to be a little stiffer.

 

[UKwildcatfan]

Love my Honda Pioneer 1000 three seater.
Talked with a dealer (a buddy) that sells different brands. I asked about reliability. He said let me show you. Shop full of Polaris that are in for repairs, 10:1 over the other brands combined. He told me he'd sell me whatever I wanted, but if it was him, stay away from Polaris. They advertise a lot more, sponsor more TV hunters, are less expensive, and have a lot more issues.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Polaris seems to get a lot of grumbling but I have owned several Polaris ATVs and have beat the holy hell out of them with no issues.

I currently own a 2025 Ranger XP 1000 crew but I haven’t had it long enough to give any honest feedback. Currently I just use it for chores around my property so no real hard use feedback yet.

One things that is annoying is surging it has at low speed. Not sure what is driving that.


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