Best hunting ATV?

O

Olazul

Inactive
Well, the title says it all. Yeah, yeah, I know.... ATV is a 3-letter word, however where I live there are many logging roads that are gated and do not allow 4-wheel vehicles but do allow ATV's. I use my vehicle already to scout for areas/overgrown roads that I will then walk looking for game and figure the ATV will only aid in that process.

I have just started researching them and seem to have run into a preference for Honda's and have been told the manual shift is the way to go.

Also motor size- I see alot of 300-350cc bikes. Now I've had 2-wheel "thumpers" before and I didn't think my Yamaha XT-600 was too big, but I realize this may be a whole different game.

What are your opinions? Also what type of accesories? Winch, hard rifle case, lock box? What is the best muffler silencer?

Thanks,

Olazul
 
Olazul - Since "M-1 or Leopard, Battle Tank" isn't on the menu, I honestly don't know; I'm not a hunter... I do notice an awful lot "majority" of Polaris 4x4's in these parts. Have NO idea if this helps.

Eric Howland
Savannah, GA.
 
there are many choices in 4x4 atv's

you have the big bore 4x4's 600cc to 800cc

and many in the range if 350 to 500cc

Yamaha has a nice lineup of 4x4 with reverse and cvt trans

all brands have their fans. just hit all the mfg web sites and see what is in your budget for what you want to do. Kawasaki, Yamaha, suzuki, Kawasaki, artic cat, polaris.

I would not get anyhting smaller than a 450cc. If I was to buy one I would get a motor with 600cc or larger with the cvt trans. with one this size you can pull a deer without any problem, plow snow and have a good time on the trails.
 
Have had 3 Polaris 500 Sportsman. Great machines. I've rode the 700 and it was a blast. Arctic Cats are pretty nice, too, but I've never owned one. I'm not impressed with anything Honda makes so we won't even go there. Whatever, I'd suggest 500cc or bigger, automatic trans and a "non-sport" model.
 
Oh yay! Motorcycles and what not are my other passion so I may be of some help to you.

There are a lot of options out there and a lot depends on the area you'd be going in. All of these atv's (even the little 250-300s) have enough power to tote you and your game around. Despite that fact the 5 of the 6 motorcycles I own are honda, I am fairly partial to the yamaha ATV's.

I'd go for something like this (kodiak 450 4x4 auto)
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/207/0/home.aspx

Mainly because it's lighter and will be better on tighter trails but will still pull more then you will probably ever have to. And I'd go for fullauto because it'll be easier on hills and the like. Just my opinion though. Oh, and I'd get a winch. It's a good backup if you want to go deep into the woods, and I would assume if the game went into a ditch or something it could help. Also, check to see what your terrain is like in the area. You're going to want the proper tires, thats for sure.

-Max.
 
No matter how hard you try, as long as you stay with a name brand you can't buy a bad ATV. This is because no one makes one. Each and every ATV will offer at least one thing that the others don't, so you really have to do your homework on what you want.

In my opinion a good hunting ATV does not have to be a big bore (over 500 cc) this is really over kill that cost more and you'll never really need. I would suggest something between 400-500cc, IRS is a must for the ride and excellent ground clearance, 4x4 is a given (3 wheel drive), a true 4 wheel drive is one with a locker that will allow you to lock all 4 wheels or the Polaris system is yet another ( either is a big plus and this leaves Honda out as they don't offer one). There is so much homework to do here, also consider weight, most stock tires suck and this becomes a factor in cost. I myself am a big fan of the automatic, you just can't beat them,your always in the right gear for anything. The big downfall for the auto is deep water ( usually over 2ft)

I believe today the best bang for the buck is the Yamaha Kodiak 450. It has all the bells and whistles and has a fair price. I just sold my big bore and thats the next one on my list.

kenny b
 
Thats two for the kodiak 450...lol.

Why is deep water a problem for automatics? Most are sealed systems, and I have even seen video of guys using PVC snorkels and oversized tires 'boating' through a river.... with only the handle bars and gas tank above water...

-Max.
 
Why is deep water a problem for automatics?
Click to expand...

As long as the system has no leaks you may go as deep as the vent system allows. On the Kodiak and its big brother the Grizzly the intake is under the front hood just under the front rack, this one rearly goes under and is not a problem. But the rear one is molded into the rear plastic just under the rear rack, this is the one that likes to take in water when the front comes up and the back squats, of course I'm talking deep water usually around 30"s or so. If you do that kind of water you need to snorkel it, but for the average quad rider thats extream. The water in the belt housing causes the belt to slip, as long as its clean water, you pull a drain plug and in a few minutes your good to go. If it's muddy water the silt and grit gets into the clutch, you really should clean and regrease in the near future.

I believe Yamaha's Ultramatic auto is by far one of the best, if not the best out there. Its bullet proof. I've had the Grizzly 660 the last 4 years and the only fault I found was it's size, it's just a little too big. The newer Kodiak is like a mini griz.

I would suggest to stop by some of the ATV sites, such as ATVTime, ATVNation, or one of the many others. The information available on these sites is top rate and from the horses mouth. You'll know exactly what you want before you walk in the door to purchase and you won't have to depend on some lame salesman.

kenny b
 
This is awesome! Thanks for the info gentlemen. To summarize- most of you prefer the 400-500cc class for their manuverability, and also all of you like the auto's.

I was looking at the difference between the 400ccish models and the 600ccish and on paper they are only roughly 2 inches bigger in all directions and only add about 8 inches to the turning radius and 10lbs of weight (yamaha). In the balance of power/size will I really notice the few inches or will certain circumstances necessitate a larger engine(like if I whack an elk)?


Also what is the best way to mount a rifle- front wishbone or hard scabbard and where on the bike. The terrain I hunt in is pretty densley forested.

Speaking of tires- any preference?

Also have you guys put on the muffler silencers or has noise not been an issue?

Thanks again,

Olazul
 
Artic Cat
Had to have the independent rear.
It's a 250 with a high and low range and it's 2 wheel drive with reverse. Got a Gun Rack in the front for Bows or 2 Guns. It's cheaper and it has yet to fail me with whatever I wanted to do with it.

If money was not a factor and I could get whatever. I would probally get one of those Mule things. It makes the most sense. basiclly a Golf Cart that can go anywhere and do anything.
Windshield
700cc and bigger
You step out of instead of climbing off.
Fits 2 people very comfortablly
4x4
Auto
Winch
 
Olazul, the bigger it is even if just a bit, the harder it is to ride on tighter trails. 10" on a tight trail could be the differance between having to stop and find a differant route between 2 trees or backing up and turning again. And manufacture weights ratings are NEVER true. There is probably about 15 lbs differance in just the motor alone, much less the added metal and plastics. The big machines are great, theres no argueing that. But the midsize ones due great and for the price differance you can buy a TON of accesories. A winch, plow, differant racks, tires...whatever ya need.

As far as tires go. On my motocross bike I prefer maxxis. Anything from Maxxis to ITP and the like are great tires, and most of the names will describe the kind of terrain they shine in.. I just did a search and a good looking all terrain tire is the ITP Terracross...

-Max.
 
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