Which 4-Wheeler?
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URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8957
Printed Date: December-25-2024 at 9:37am
Topic: Which 4-Wheeler?
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Subject: Which 4-Wheeler?
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 9:11am
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Rather than cry over a spilled lake(L Lanier), I thought I might get a used 4-wheeler and do some exploring. This area became Lake Lanier in the '50s after the completion of Buford dam. the Corps did an extensive survey and then purchased the land between 'here and there' and below a certain elevation. Anyway, there's an old community down there that is starting to rise again. The grandstands from the old lanier raceway have already made the local paper and who knows what's to come.
My question is which one to buy? I have a fair bit of experience with dirt bikes from years ago but none with these. From what I've seen, I think I want the rancher type with 4wd and the storage racks. I'd also like to have room for Ms. Buffalo, and I don't even know if these are set up for two people. Are there any particular makes or models that are known for their quality? Thanks in advance! Greg ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Replies:
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 10:48am
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Greg they advertised one last night on TV, it had fuel injection and power steering, i thought it was pretty cool, i dont remember who made it though ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 10:52am
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I'm sure that is nice, but it's out of my price range. I'd like to find a decent used one for < $3000. I saw a polaris on craigs list for $2350, but I don't know anything about polaris. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 11:11am
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watch e-bay, right before x-mas everyone dumps thier toys for extra cash and its the time of the year to buy one ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 11:15am
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Greg
Polaris makes nice sleds but I've not heard good things about their quads. I'm on my second 350 Honda Rancher and it's been great. My first one, a Honda Fourtrax, which was stolen 2 years ago, I got for free. It was owned by a local snow ski resort and was driven hard. It lasted them 10 years and I had it 5. I know someone will pipe in about Jap crap, but they make a great Quad. You shouldn't have trouble finding a good one for under $3000. Steve ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 11:24am
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Thanks Steve. I was wondering if 350cc would be enough. It must be if you got the same a second time. Plenty of room for 2...or not really?
Thanks again ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 12:00pm
| Four trax are good reliable quads. A good friend of mine has one and my neighbor has a 4x4 that I used to take back in my woods. He also had a polaris both ran and worked good. Polaris quads have a lower resale or they did when I used to look at them so you can probably come up with one of those cheaper and theres always arctic cat. Either way you look at a quad they really arent made for passengers because of the back fenders soo Ms. Buffalo will just have to get comfortable haha. 350 should be enough power they will run like 55 or 60 on the road. |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 12:03pm
No kidding? I used to have a car that would barely go that fast! LOL Thanks ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
phatsat67 wrote:Posted By: 05 210
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 1:14pm
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I worked on metric bikes for 10 years.Honda Rancher 350 is a great rig for the money.Probably the best bang for the buck.I would only consider the Honda or a Yamaha as far as reliability and fit/finish.The Hondas are usually more complicated to work on,though.I have always owned Yamahas and had zero complaints ,but recently fell into a 2003 Polaris 600.It has all kinds of power and tons of clearance,but it is a complete POS compared to a Yamaha or Honda.If someone gave me a free Arctic cat 4 wheeler,I would return the favor and give it to someone else(no offense to anyone who owns one.)
Used ones usually hold there value very well if they are taken care of,so be careful buying used and paying too much....The powersports industry is upside down and some of the new ones can be bought very reasonable with low or no interest financing,full warranty,new toy smell,etc.Be careful and do your homework....There is nothing worse than taking your wife out for a ride and having to walk out of the woods! Mike ------------- http:/diaries/details.asp?ID=2219" rel="nofollow - Air Nautique 210 Team 640 hours, not 1 regret |
Posted By: waveman
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 1:18pm
| I would go with the Honda. My dad has a Polaris and I have a Honda and we have had them for 6 years. The only difference now is that the Honda has not had any problems whereas the Polaris will not run. Polaris makes a decent 4wheeler, but the quality is very poor. |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 1:47pm
We're gonna ride the shoreline and look for old CC's!  I found a .22 pistol when I was a kid looking for money-back bottles. 
Seriously, thanks for the info. These last few posts have what I needed to know. How is the industry upside down? You almost said I should buy new...are there any major tech improvements since the 350 rancher? Or maybe I should ask if there are any features that are 'must have'? Thanks again! ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: 05 210
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 2:05pm
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Looks like new ranchers have gone up slightly in price.They least expensive 4 by 4 version is 5400.00 retail.5 speed w/auto clutch.I've ridden the electric shift models and don't care for them.Personal preference.They are also no longer 350cc,up to 420cc now.My guess is the dealer margin is about 1k.So if you can find a left over 06/07 (the 08's are out)you can probably score a deal.There is probably some incentives/rebates to the dealer as well as possibly a kickback at the end of the year.If you can find a starving dealer with several on hand,i would guess you could purchase new in the low 4k range.Maybe more than you want to spend,but an option if used ones that are in nice shape are fetching in the 3-3500 range.Unfortunately fall is the worst time to get a deal on a 4 wheeler...new or used.
Mike ------------- http:/diaries/details.asp?ID=2219" rel="nofollow - Air Nautique 210 Team 640 hours, not 1 regret |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 2:50pm
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BuffaloBFN
I bought my 350 Rancher 4x4 as a last years (2005) in December of 2005 for $3999 + the prep and tax which took it up to about $4700. The local dealer had some great end-of-the-year deals. Like the others have said, it isn't made for two people, but we occasionally run two. I can probably top out at 40mph, but have not needed the top speed. I have a plow for mine for plowing our go-cart track on the lake. It's a great running machine, and like 05 210 stated, Honda and Yamaha make very dependable off road machines. I don't think the Fourtrax that I had could be stopped with a grenade. Steve ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
Posted By: boat dr
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 3:24pm
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I agree with Steve on the Four Trax, BULLET PROOF. Without a doubt the most trouble free 4 wheel drive ever.....
I have a 1999 300 Camo version Four Trax and have replaced tires and brakes, oil and one spark plug. there were a ton of them built and resale is low,smaller motor.The 350 did not have any more power just more weight. In La. you can pick on up for chump change ,the hunters gotta have the biggest baddest to chase Bambie......... ------------- boat dr /diaries/details.asp?ID=4631 - 1949 Dart /diaries/details.asp?ID=1533 - 1964 American Skier |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 4:19pm
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Thanks Doc, with you backing up the info already posted and knowing that you don't pull punches, I think I'll be chasing a honda!
Thanks again all. I knew asking here wouldn't be a bad idea! 
Wish you'd show off that pen I sent you. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: 87BFN owner
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 5:41pm
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That's funny that you guys don't like the Polaris. I hate their sleds but their 4 wheelers are great. Everyone I work with has a sportsman 500 or better. I had one myself until I traded it for a ranger pick-up truck. Needed a small around town truck for doing bids on jobs. My uncle now has my sportsman and it has been trouble free for over five years now. It ran well over 50MPH in four wheel drive. ------------- |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 6:24pm
| honda 250r...wont regret it |
Posted By: 05 210
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 8:06pm
No....but his wife will  . I had a quadracer 500,my wife wouldn't get on the back if I paid her....must have been my WFO riding style.Amen
Mike ------------- http:/diaries/details.asp?ID=2219" rel="nofollow - Air Nautique 210 Team 640 hours, not 1 regret |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: November-10-2007 at 10:00pm
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best quad ever built imo..second is the quadzilla..
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Posted By: boat dr
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 12:13am
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Thanx for the gift, what a fine work of art.....
Hope the tools I sent are as good ------------- boat dr /diaries/details.asp?ID=4631 - 1949 Dart /diaries/details.asp?ID=1533 - 1964 American Skier |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 12:32am
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Jim: What "jobs around town"?...You ain't making enough gas money working for Ford?
john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: Root
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 1:16am
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1994 fourtrax that I bought for my youngest boy 4 years ago and I restored it. Still going strong today.
some bearings may wear out, but the motor will last forever. Thats why they quit making them. They are better ones out there now but this was a good one in its time. Oh and when my boy raced dirt bikes we called him BULLET. This was christmas day.  [/IMG]
 [/IMG]
------------- RootRacing |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 10:30am
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Greg, you opened up some memories with the money back bottles, i wonder how many guy's on the site remember them? ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: Barracuda
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 10:54am
Is that like the .05 deposit on cans and bottles? If so, we've still got em here.(MA, ME, VT, CT, NY, maybe even MI) ------------- Former: http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=759" rel="nofollow - '86 Nautique http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=507" rel="nofollow - '65 Barracuda |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 11:01am
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Michigan = $.10 ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 11:08am
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nowadays its for recycling i think, back then it was to re-fill and use again, i think we go 10 cents per bottle, but you could throw 2 bucks in your tank and go all day ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 11:18am
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Boat Dr., they're perfect!
Root, That's a good looking Honda...no way you love your son. And Honda made an engine so tough they quit making it? Do you know the name/type of motor and last year sold?
Eric, I still have the radio flyer we used and the red ryder BB gun I carried. We were about 10 and traded the .10 cent bottles for go-cart tires and pinball. I later found out that an antique store next to the gas station was picking through our turn ins and was reselling them. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 11:28am
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i wonder if these younger guy's on the site will be telling thier kids...i remember when i could fill my tank for 60 bucks for gasoline ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: 87BFN owner
Date Posted: November-11-2007 at 2:28pm
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Jbear to answer your question I run my own lawncare and snow plowing business. Plus last year I got into installing real estate signs. I do this all on the side from working 60-80 hours a week at ford. I still can't figure out why my wife says she never sees me. ------------- |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: November-12-2007 at 9:28pm
| whos filling their tank up for 60???i wish it was only 60...im gonna start going to your gas station eric...cant wait til the summer time prices for the boat...time for a secong job to pay for the gas i use around this house |
Posted By: 87BFN owner
Date Posted: November-12-2007 at 10:53pm
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I fill my escort for about 30 bucks. I used to be able to fill it for 12 bucks. How crappy is that. Ryan don't feel bad it costs 140 bucks to fill the tank on my 79 F-250. ------------- |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: November-15-2007 at 11:45am
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those Arabs sure are living the good life, you ever see a show on Dubai? in Saudi Arabia?
they made thier own Island in the shape of a palm tree with i think 32 miles of coastline ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: November-15-2007 at 11:22pm
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We have an 01' Bombardier Traxter XT, since new we have not had a single problem, it will run thru quite a bit, rides very soft thru rough terrain and will push snow very well, has kept both our ice rinks clear for the past 6 winters. It has the electric shift which I could do without but overall a very good Quad. If you plan on riding with 2 people 500cc would be the minimum I would look for if it is a 4x4.
And yes, I do remember returning bottles for cash when we were kids, they always had wear marks, or rings, on the glass from being recycled. 
------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: November-16-2007 at 12:50am
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Real nice quinner...you have your daughter out in the dark and cold pushing snow.
Man do I miss that. Not. john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-16-2007 at 8:56am
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jbear, LOL!
Thanks Quinner and everyone who has helped to educate me on this. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I feel much better about finding what I am looking for. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: November-16-2007 at 10:38am
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Quinner
That is a nice rig you've got there. Where are you located? I agree about the electric shift. I've used both and I like to control the shifting, especially when pushing snow. Those pictures get me jacked for the upcoming winter season. Just got our seasons passes for the local ski hill (snowobarding really) and the quad is ready for duty. My kids got a little go-cart about 7 years ago and one day when the ice wasn't good for hockey, I tried the go-cart. What a blast. Now, between us and our friends, we have about 10 carts that we race around a grand prix style track I plow. I miss the boats during winter, but I would also miss the cold weather if I was down south. Maybe when I get older I'll change my mind. Not Steve ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: November-16-2007 at 12:28pm
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its funny because my buddy needed temporary storage for his qaud for a couple weeks and it wound up here, its a Honda Foreman ES, 4wd, power steering, I was back up some steep inclines last night with it, there were steep enough that i couldnt walk up them, this has electric shift and is a little tuff to get used to, all in all i have no complaints about it, its very torquey. I do like the power steering ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: November-16-2007 at 2:58pm
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Tull,
I am in the North Burbs of Chicago, we keep 2 rinks going all season, 1 on the lake and 1 on the pond in our neighborhood, we handle the plowing and a couple other neighbors handle the resurfacing, we pump lake water to resurface the rink as needed so we usually have very good ice. Prior to the quad we used snow blowers, what a PIA that was, the quad knocks out what is close to a regulation size rink in about 20mins. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: November-16-2007 at 11:59pm
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tull; enjoy yourself, as I know you do, as much as you can while you're young....never know for sure how you'll feel about stuff when you get a little older. I am always amazed by how much I have changed the past few years...when I look in the mirror and am really honest with myself.
Just live by your signature line, which I love, and you'll be fine. john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: jon4pres
Date Posted: November-19-2007 at 7:05pm
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I know it probably does not fit in your budget but my dad just picked up a yamaha rhino and it is by far the most comfortable atv I have ever been on with 2 people. His is a 660 with an aftermarket computer and it is pretty quick for it's size.
------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1801&yrstart=1976&yrend=1980 - 82 2001 jon4pres@gmail.com Fort Scott Kansas |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: November-20-2007 at 7:58am
That sounds like a serious machine...dare I ask how much?!!? ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: jon4pres
Date Posted: November-21-2007 at 2:19pm
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I don't know what he paid for his but I think new they are around 9k.
It is a serious machine. He got custom wheels and what look like tractor tires on it. The other day we drove it through the pond deep enough that the floor was full of water and it never lost traction. I was pretty critical of it being a side by side machine but my expectation were blown away the first time I drove it. Very fun, but expensive. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1801&yrstart=1976&yrend=1980 - 82 2001 jon4pres@gmail.com Fort Scott Kansas |
Posted By: Pelican
Date Posted: November-23-2007 at 12:03am
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I just picked up a Polaris Ranger 700XP - it's a side by side - seats three across (1 fat Pelican and 2 little kids - but each w/their own seat belt). They run $10,500 new plus tags and tax. I found an '08 on craigs list for $7,500 firm only 120 miles from home - bought it on the spot - only 6.9 hrs on it. Scary. it has a dump body and really moves. I ordered a plow set-up that is manufactured by Bo$$ - now we won't get snow in New Jersey till 2012 and I'm more afraid the lake may not freeze either. The last time I spent money on a snow blower it sat for 2 years before I needed it.
I like Polaris, but agree Honda's are terrific. Their side-by-side "Big Red" does not come out till next summer and I needed something this winter. I have a Victory Kingpin motorcycle (also Polaris) and it's been awesome. ------------- Pelican from Greenwood Lake, NJ http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=184803425/PictureID=4003976019/a=75860500_75860500/t_=75860500 '54 Atom |