What's really the best ATV 4X4 for Alaska?

[GrizzlyH]

:question:I have some long waited money coming in next month and of course pricing ATV 4x4's. Me like a dumb ars sold my Arctic Cat 2000, 500 a little over a year ago, cuz I was broke and needed the money badly. Now things are coming back into play for me now again. My son wants me to get a Honda (But I hate those puny axles on em sticking out the differential) but I'm leaning toward another Cat maybe. I know hondas run forever, but what good are they with bent axles is my idea. Sorry, I was an auto mechanic for almost 30 years and the honda axle system just doesn't add up for me for strength.
What I would like to get here is the pros and cons of all 2005 and newer machines and maybe some info on the Can Am 4x4's also. Overall width is critical if you hunt the Ferry area and need to get a wheeler across the bridge. 45" will rub going across and 46" will start tearing your fenders off if you don't drill holes in your fenders and wire em into the frame before you cross the narrow bridge. I've been seeing tons of machines for sale that are 3-4-5-6-7 years old and they want way too much money for the used crap. My son just bought a brand new Honda 420 last year for $6100 with the 4 year extended warrany from the dealer. How in the crap can people try to sell stuff on Craigs List that is 5 to 6 years older and want $4500 to $5900 for basically the same crap, with no 4 year extended warranty.
I got off track, I really could use some good input on what you folks think about the different brands of machines except maybe Polaris anything and Argo type crap...

[FamilyMan]

Right up yer alley: Grizz 700 with EPS and EFI.
Big improvement over the Yammie 660 and I think top of the line. You can find'm used on CL; I did. Mine had 150 miles on it. :topjob:

[GrizzlyH]

Right up yer alley: Grizz 700 with EPS and EFI.
Big improvement over the Yammie 660 and I think top of the line. You can find'm used on CL; I did. Mine had 150 miles on it. :topjob:

I been looking at the Yamis, but the 700's you think are the best? I can cut the fenders and rivet em back in a inch or 2 maybe as long as the wheels aren't over 45" wide to clear the bridge, but even 45" is gonna scuff the bridge rails hear and there.. I'm kinda leaning that way rather that buy a Honda. I just hate the rear axle on those things....lol

[FamilyMan]

I've not been across that bridge with mine, so take this with a grain of salt:

1) I thing the dimensions fit, stock.
2) the independent suspension people (like 700 grizz) have been ratcheting their the suspension tighter together to get across that bridge (making you narrower).

Lets hear from a 700 Grizz owner that has made it, and how. OK? Chime in now?

[fishingyoda]

I'd also highly recommend the 700 grizz eps

However I have no idea where and what this bridge is so I don't know if you'll fit. I've had mine since September bought new. Never had any troubles and I IDE it a good amount.

[EagleRiverDee]

+1 for Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS. I don't know the "Ferry" area but I know a stock Grizzly can make it across the bridge at Talkeetna but it will rub.

Positives for the Grizzly: Reliable motor, the battery doesn't drain when it sits for a few months, plenty of power, diff lock, engine braking, power steering, seat is comfortable, LIGHT WEIGHT in comparison to other big bores, the belt drive is bomb proof. Air box is right under the seat and so it can be driven quite deep into water with no problems. High ground clearance- I believe it's about 13". There are some newer ATV's that have higher clearance than the Grizz but I have yet to wish my Grizzly was taller so I'd say it's enough.

Negatives on Grizzly: Body panels riveted together with plastic rivets that have a tendency to break, weak spot in the axles that allows them to shear...but the only circumstances I've seen it happen is when the rider is hard on the throttle spinning the tires and then the tires all of a sudden hook up with traction. Location of oil filter is kind of a pain when it comes time for an oil change.

I'm a woman and have no problems riding my Grizz 700 all day long. The EPS makes it fun to drive and I don't feel beat up at the end of the day. We've ridden in every possible condition, terrain and time of year (including -20°F) and I never fail to be impressed with what a Grizzly is capable of.

[AlaskanSD]

I don't like the taller chassis of the 550 and up Yammies. That's why I like the 450 Grizz! And the 2011's have EPS - just picked up my wife a blue one.

Only negatives are I don't like how the body panels snap/lock together. They easily pop apart, and I wish it had EFI during the winter - it doesn't warm up for 20+ minutes!

[AKmud]

[AKDoug]

Cat has a new line of more budget minded wheelers. They have a 450 with EFI that WILL fit across railroad bridges with no modification. All independent suspension, low range, etc....

[Wet eNuf]

I got off track, I really could use some good input on what you folks think about the different brands of machines except maybe Polaris anything and Argo type crap...

So after ripping on Honda's, Argo, and Polaris, you ask which ATV 4x4 is the best for Alaska? I've heard good things from friends in the military about John Deere's Gator.

[Shoedawg]

I own two quads and use them for everything (Hunting, Fishing, Trail Riding) and all year round. I have a 2009 King Quad 400 and a 2010 Honda Foreman 500. The King is auto and the Honda manual. The Kings clearance is a little higher than the Honda's, but both run very well and clear objects pretty good. The Suzuki starts up a heck of lot better than the Honda during the winter when we go Ice Fishing out to Figure 8.

I am kind of torn on which one I prefer, I really like them both. I purchased the King brand new at Team CC in Wasilla for about $4,900, GOT A SMOKING DEAL, and the Honda we picked up at Seward for about $5,800 brand new.

Agree with others on people selling their quads for way over price and a few years old on CL. For that much you can get a new one, and you know for sure it hasn't been dumped in Jim Creek or rolled at Maud Road trails.

PS
About those snap panels. Zip-ties do wonders while holding them together while in the bush!

[ARGONUT]

you ask an open ended question about wich atv it best for alaska and knock out 4 brands of machines in one swoop. You don't want to know anything about "best machines for alaska" You want to know what people think about grizzlys and can-ams thats it why don't you ask a question comparing the two machines. Or take some time and look through the threads and find out for yourself the question has already been answered a number of times.

[Floridascuba]

I like the King Quad and Can-AM.

I have a Can-Am 500. I am either getting the King Quad or the 6x6 Ranger for the wife.

[1S1K]

The best is relative and impossible to measure. Make sure it has 4WD, winch, mud tires, IRS, and at least a 500cc. With that you'll be able to do most everything except float across a pond.

[justin262]

There all pretty good runners these days, especially the new ones. There are subtle differences between them. I have a 550 & 700 grizzly and I could absolutely not be happier. If I never drove these and bought Honda's or A/C instead, I'd probably be saying the same thing. Like 1S1K said, the best is impossible to measure. Don't get caught up in the brands.