I have a Kawasaki 400 Prairie 4x4 lc. Very reliable and powerful for a midsize. Not fast, but will pull hard and make great traction (solid rear axle is reliable and strong), even without front diff lock. She's built to hunt and work, not race! Nice comfy ride for a solid rear X. Father in law has a 360 Prairie 4x4. No problems. Neighbour has had several Prairie's with no problems. I also had suzuki 250 2x4. Very reliable. 300 Kingquad 4x4's have also proven to be real tough workhorses. Around here in New Brunswick Polaris are known to have problems. Hondas have very loyal owners, but from what I have seen there are better choices out there. I tried both Polaris and Honda before getting a Kawi and don't regret my choice. Yamahas seem to be fairly reliable. Bombardier and Arctic Cat are pretty rare around here.
4-Wheelers
- Thread starter sbound
- Start date
- Location
- Prince George, BC
Honda's are the best always have been. My family has owned several yamahas, Hondas, Kawasakis, and a polaris. All the others except the Honda would require alot of service and mucking about. The Honda it didnt matter what you through at it they would just keep going. This holds true for both Dirtbikes and Quads. Yamahas are the worst in my opion as they constantly break down and are just a pain in the ass. I suppose it's just personal opion though like in cars or whatever some guys like Mopar some guys like Ford and both will tell you the other is junk. Also the service for Yamhas is rediculously expensive and the service sucks, at least in my area it did. Honda shop was always very helpful and had a decent rate.
Im a Honda guy and always will be, plain and simple.
Im a Honda guy and always will be, plain and simple.
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PE, the Traxter is still around.
Now it is marketed under the John Deere brand. Almost the same, better winch integration in the front bumper. If anyone wants a tough ATV that will outpull almost anything, try the Traxter. We have a 5' plow on it and even wet, heavy snow won't slow it down. Easy to get on and off it because of the stepthrough. If you want it as a work machine, get the one with the gear transmission and not the variable.
Ok, the ride is not as good as other machines, but it is tough.
K
Now it is marketed under the John Deere brand. Almost the same, better winch integration in the front bumper. If anyone wants a tough ATV that will outpull almost anything, try the Traxter. We have a 5' plow on it and even wet, heavy snow won't slow it down. Easy to get on and off it because of the stepthrough. If you want it as a work machine, get the one with the gear transmission and not the variable.
Ok, the ride is not as good as other machines, but it is tough.
K
SandRoad, I have a '04 Traxter Max ( 2 seater) and it is awesome; the only ATV I've owned. I think it is a measure of quality when John Deere incorporates the product into their line, which is known for durability, tough equipment and quality. Sadly, Bombardier seems to have moved away from the mechanical transmission in this model. Although I find the transmission a bit klunky(auto shifting) at times, I feel comfortable in setting out for a 100km run without any special preparation. Also, the on-the-fly option of either automatic transmission or manual electric shifting, is a desireable and useful feature. With a 500 cc Rotax engine and lots of compression, downhill braking is superb. The longer wheelbase adds to rider and passenger comfort. Seems even more comfortable with two on board. I suspect it will last for years. I would also recommend that if one has an opportunity to buy a used one, do it. The step-through seat design appeals to utility work on one's property when frequent mounting and dismounting is required. Also keeps me from accidently kicking the wife off! Mule
