What Gives?

The Rubi is an excellent bike. Hondas are definitely the most reliable. Having said that, you will have to decide if it's worth going to a different make to get features like EFI , IRS or a locking front diff in the class of bike you are considering.

Most people seem to agree that the Yamaha is probably the best of the CVT belt drives. Polaris is one that I would stay away from.

I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions. Probably would help if you could let us know which bikes you are comparing.

My first choice has been and still is the Rubicon, second would be a Grizzly but don't want such a large bike, and other than that I rode a Brute Force but it was not agile enough for me, and the dealer recommended a Can-am or a Suzuki Vincent.

The Vinson is a good bike, but it doesn't have many features. It's doesn't have EFI, IRS, Digital seedometer and display, or Auto tranny. I don't know much about the Can-Am I hear their fast.

QUOTE ("Caveman64":1cu36ahe)

Hey, one thing that is still a question in my mind. I have not purchased my quad yet, but will be soon. The problem that I have is that I have always heard great things about Honda. Like I always do I am researching my purchase, and I am finding a lot of information that suggests Honda is falling behind. I am not comfortable with the negatives of other manufactures. For example Yamaha uses belt drives, Others are not reliable, I don't need a 700 class bike. Could you all let me know what the deal is? Is the Rubicon a Good buy or could I do better for the same money? Thanks for your responses.

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the first thing you must do is to consider how you are going to use your atv.high speed trailriding or mostly working with it and sometrailriding..
IMO after owning both bomb outl400 and suzuki eiger 400 the honda rubicon is the best choise to make. i do 80%work(hauling wood and plowing)the rest is trailriding.

If you are considering the Vinson , check out the King Quad 450. Don't know how it will hold up but it seems to be a great trail bike in the class you are considering.

Thanks for the input, I am going with the Rubicon, I trust it, have had no problems with HONDA in the past and it is the one I am most comfortable buying.

I've always liked Honda anything, but the true test of a quad to me is let it sit for 6 months, then put the key in and try to start it,,,,,,both of my honda's start in the first or second turnover with little effort,,,,,,that's what I like.

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This is a Honda forum,so of course you're going to hear about the ones with problems,but I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Rubicon.I know of 3 Rubicons locally that have been very reliable.Two of which were abused and put through he!!.The third one(a 2003) has over 3500 miles of trail riding and not one problem.

QUOTE ("Caveman64":2q9f253c)

My first choice has been and still is the Rubicon, second would be a Grizzly but don't want such a large bike, and other than that I rode a Brute Force but it was not agile enough for me, and the dealer recommended a Can-am or a Suzuki Vincent.

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The grizz weighs in about the same as the ruby as well as the kawi! As for agility, they are about the same as well. Ruby has outdated drum brakes to. But engine and drive train is where the ruby shines. Also it has enough power to work hard. It will not through you back like a outy but this is what you need to take into account. Ruby is a great machine and I am sure you will not be disappointed

Have an 02 Rubi, love it, but none of these ATV's are without issues, Had the ECM go south in the middle of nowhere. Had to be towed out. Still looking for another used Rubi though. Non of the atv's turn as easily as a Honda unless you get power steering.
The suzuki Vinson is a good atv, can get in either manual or automatic and it does have a digital readout.
Nephew has an 05 Yamaha kodiak 450 (grizzly). Smaller frame, two small for an adult over 200lbs, great engine, suspension and drivetrain although the belt does get wet. Plastic skidplates, a log took care of these and the steering ends came loose, unofficial recall from Yamaha.
Friend has a 06 Polaris Sportsman 500, hate the 2wd/awd option. In AWD the rear wheels have to slip before the front engage. Wierd concept, I would have AWD/4WD for an ATV.
Arctic Cats and Polaris are getting to big to maneuver and CAN AM's have their electronics exposed in the rear.

QUOTE ("Caveman64":1rfy9m12)

Thanks for the input, I am going with the Rubicon, I trust it, have had no problems with HONDA in the past and it is the one I am most comfortable buying.

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I have 6600 miles on mine and NEVER any issues

I'd also recommend the CTE shocks
after a few more miles I'll have a review on them

Congrats on You New Ride

Ya know, I have hated polaris forever. However I just rode an 08 500 EFI and I think that I am going to buy it. I have always liked Yammers but the Grizz has a high center of gravity compared to the poopoo. In low the polaris is nuts, a lot deeper than my Foreman or my old 05 Ruby. Last time I rode a polaris was in 01 and man have they changed. I am not crazy about the 4x4 system, battery is exposed, and the wiring could be a little tighter but everything seems to be on par. Ride them all and make it a personal choice..

QUOTE ("Eric":2x0bo7l4)

Ride them all and make it a personal choice..

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Right there is probablly the best advise that has been given.

But as a honda man throught and through...I think the Rubi is the way to go. For me the issues at hand were simple because when I bought my Rubi there weren't too many other rides in the category. But for me personally...a solid rear axle is a must. It just makes a more stable ride on and off the trail.

The one thing that I have always noticed about Honda's is that they have more going for them than any other brand. Stability, reliability, resale, noise, and strong following what more do you need, I will post some pics when I get it, need to wait for tax time before I empty the bank!!!!!