My wife and I are considering buying an ATV to join friends on their week-end camping trips. I am looking for info such as what are the better ATV's, size, price and any other important items I should look for. I have only looked at 1 model so far, a 2009 Suzuki KingQuad 750 that the dealer is asking $9000.00 for. Any info or suggestions are apreciated.

Jerry [b]

If you and your wife are riding to go camping, a 2 seater is the go.
That will limit your choices and make it easier to decide.
They are all good, except when they break-down, and they all do.
Maybe do things the old fashioned way and set a budget first.
Then see what's available. Adjust your budget if needed.
Then go for it.

Thanks Aussie,
My budget is in the 9 to 11 G's but I am also considering used, just a lttle gun shy of unknown defects or damage. Definately want the 2 seater.

Budget will be adjusted once the TAXMAN lets me know how much he needs!

Jerry

I'm not really sure exactly how much new is over there. But yes, new is the better way. A lot of used and abused machines out there.
Our budget was fairly limited and we bought the CF MOTO 500A. I've had very little in the way of problems. It was about 1/2 the price of a Polaris, CanAm or Arctic Cat here. It came standard with mag wheels, tow-bar and winch. I still have not needed the winch.
It goes where they all do, just as easily and as comfortable. It has turned out to be a good thing. So good in fact, with the money we've not spent, we've just ordered another for my wife. I didn't see that coming!
I've got it in my mind that there is other makers who offer 2 seaters. Any of the brands I've mentioned will certainly do the job. Whichever brand you get, will have fun poked at by the other brand riders. Part of the outdoors fun.
I believe that the dealers over there are sweetening the deals a bit. Global Economic Thingy. That may help you guys too.
500cc is quite adequate we've found. My speed alert ( finger in ribs ) goes off enough.

So far I love my Polaris's and all our friends run Polaris. if your looking for normal relaxing trails a bit of 4x4 fun look at the Sportsman 300 and 400. they are cheaper with all the extras a full size has.
We love ours! you can't get my wifes hawkeye(the 2007 name) away from her. And they go everywhere AND MORE that a full size does.

honda forman 450 are very reliable and i have had mine in some pretty sticky spots and still got out. not bad priced either. just my 2 cents. i am currently running my 2008 argo 750 efi more than anything else carrys all and goes any where but price is not for the faint of heart. was a life long dream to get one and still paying for it LOL

accord1991 wrote:

Thanks Aussie, My budget is in the 9 to 11 G's but I am also considering used, just a lttle gun shy of unknown defects or damage. Definately want the 2 seater. Budget will be adjusted once the TAXMAN lets me know how much he needs! Jerry

Accord1991 ... if yer gonna get a 2-up machine (ya know, one you & the wifey sit on together ) ... also look at the 2-up Can-Am. My younger bro has one & that machine is sweet. Can-Am's may be a little pricey, but they are good machines. (From what I've seen anyway)

I'd also get the 800cc machine. One reason is, you'll have that extra power if ya need it to get out of some mudhole (with the wife on the back), pull a steep incline, or plow thru the snow together. And the Can-Am has some excellent engine breaking fro going down steep inclines.

Yes, you may say, "I don't plan on getting into any mud, any snow, go up or down any steep inclines (I'm not talk'in really steep ones, OK) .... but if you go off road, and ride any ATV trails, you'll run into all of that & more. (Water crossings, going over rocks & logs, etc)

And get a winch ... someday you'll be glad ya did !

That's my 2 pennies worth anyways ... have fun choos'in a ride & post some photo's of whatever machine ya buy

Thanks for all the feedback, I like the look of the Can-Am models too, so I'll have a look at them as well.

Jerry

I got a line on a pair of 2007 Can-Am Outlanders, a Max 650XT and a Max 500XT. Both have 2 up rear seats and front and rear bumper brush guards and warranty good until August 2010. They come with the trailer for $5500.00 complete package, they appear to be in excellent condition. I will go look at them tomorrow.

thats a great deal ! Sounds almost too good.

If your wife is going to drive, consider power steering as most of these things are a bit of a beast to drive when you get tired.

Bgray115 wrote:

thats a great deal ! Sounds almost too good.

That has scam written all over it be careful. As far as 2 up riding can am is the answer. I have owned bot a polaris 2 up and now the can am, it is a far superior machine, but you pay for it in the price.

Right on Mudbob, it was a scam, they are all over BUY/Sell.com, I had 3 fraud email returns. I'm gonna keep checking with local dealers. Still like the Can-Am, my brother in law has a 2008 500 and he swears by it.

Thanks again for the heads up Mud bob, if I would have been foolish enough to fall for it my dreams of riding would be done.

What do you think of the 2009 Rubicon, local dealer has a deal o one.

Rubicon is a great machine but I dont think your wife would like riding on the back of it compared to a 2 seater machine. Trust me on that one!! Apples & oranges