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Discussion: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
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SovietPrince |
Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 20 2012, 2:18 PM EDT
i have a few ideas in my head, one of which was getting a motorcycle. i took to wanting a triumph sport bike but, since i would EASILY kill myself on one of them, i thought about an ATV. its never been mentioned all that heavily and, i have next to no knowledge on them. i dont want a golf cart looking one, just a standard trail running ATV. obviously i would like some cargo options, if anyone knows much about them, educate me please. I have the feeling they get good MPG, but i could be wrong. at any rate, i'd like the best balance of cargo capable, MPG, and price. give me a few options thanks -SP Do you find this valuable? |
Sharpie41 |
1. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 20 2012, 8:50 PM EDT
"i have a few ideas in my head, one of which was getting a motorcycle. i took to wanting a triumph sport bike but, since i would EASILY kill myself on one of them,DON'T get an Arctic Cat, my dad had one and it was a POS. Suzuki's are okay and I've heard Yamaha and Polaris (Aussie SF use Polaris) are good too. MPG is much better than a car, and may only be a little worse than a motorcycle. You can get attachments for the rear and front racks as well as the side panels and to go over the tank, plus many can tow a trailer. Do you find this valuable? |
BigLoki |
2. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 20 2012, 9:13 PM EDT
Depending on what you want to try and do with it. If you get a workhorse version (like an old "Quadzilla" or something) they are likely 4x4 and **** for MPG. IMO 4x4 is unnecessary in a quad, because you can simply lift the back and get unstuck.I considered quads also, but nearly zip for protection, and a generally loud method of travel made me re-think it. I am looking currently at the XUVs. Generally the same deal, with more protection and a side-by-side seating. Many use cargo netting, which in my mind could be easily replaced with wire mesh, and not raise an eyebrow due to the nature of use. Just a thought. Do you find this valuable? |
nightcreeper78 |
3. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 20 2012, 9:27 PM EDT
Honda makes pretty good ones. I have a Rancher trx 420 es. I would recommend a manual shift. I have had some problems with the electronic shifting module here lately, but other than that it has been a good running machine for the last 5 years. It is fuel injected so no matter the altutude and temperature you can jump on one and start it with the push of a button. It's water cooled, 4 wheel drive and done everything I've asked of it, including pull a rank of wood on a trailer. It weighs around 600-700 lbs so they aren't hard to man-handle either. They make 720's and I think some 920's, but they are too big to get through the woods here.PS:Artic Cats are hard to start. Do you find this valuable? |
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SovietPrince |
4. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 12:55 AM EDT
i like the brands sharpie reccomended(mostly because i can walk to a couple of the dealerships if i wanted to)okay so not 4wd/awd. what size am i looking at? i saw the majority of newones ranged from 420-520 something i think.in the size thing that i have never understood. i would like to look for a used one but they tend to be..smaller than what im seeing as new(and i like the look of the new) could just be my eyes anyway, looking for a place to mount stuff up front, as well as the back, or be able tohave a second seat(although that's more of a... luxury. i want cargo space) and it is my understanding that i won't be driving it anywhere but non-roads. almost doesnt justify the need to make a bill but, I WANT. LOL Do you find this valuable? |
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Sharpie41 |
5. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 1:12 AM EDT
What terrain and weather? Yes 4WD if it's harsh. Its the engine size, 420 is 420 CC, displaces that much water.You obviously want an Off-Road and not a racer? Off roads have racks up from and at rear, you can also get a second seat to go on the back rack but you lose much of your cargo. Where do you live? Do you find this valuable? |
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Sharpie41 |
6. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 1:13 AM EDT
Night: easy to start, but they're PsOS
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SovietPrince |
7. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 1:33 AM EDT
dude, i live in florida, anyplace i'd go is flat. and if its not, its partially flooded. only weather i could reckon is rain. and yeah, i'd rather not a second seat. Do you find this valuable? |
shlog3131 |
8. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 9:18 AM EDT
"DON'T get an Arctic Cat, my dad had one and it was a POS. Suzuki's are okay and I've heard Yamaha and Polaris (Aussie SF use Polaris) are good too.Totally agree here, Artic Craps are nothing but trouble when it comes to thier 4 wheelers. My dad and grandpa have Hondas that run beautifully even though they are both 10+ years old. My uncle has a couple Polaris and they run pretty well too. If I could choose any it would be a Bombardier or a CanAm. They both make big rugged machines that can take a lot of abuse and hold some decent cargo. Do you find this valuable? |
Frag-12 |
9. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 9:35 AM EDT
MPG is relative when comes to (4) wheeling. I bet it is better than a commercial 4x4 and more stable than a motorcycle because of (4) wheels. Like a motorcycle, you are exposed and at feeding level so you probably want to keep a handgun or bullpup rifle (Keltec RFB or KSG... lol) handy and/or you can carry (1) armed person on the back on one side and cargo on the other and/or carry cargo in the front.Do you find this valuable? |
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SovietPrince |
10. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 11:19 AM EDT
"Like a motorcycle, you are exposed and at feeding level so you probably want to keep a handgun or bullpup rifle (Keltec RFB or KSG... lol) handy and/or you can carry (1) armed person on the back on one side and cargo on the other and/or carry cargo in the front.ill have that covered once i can purchase one of these things im not all that concerned about shooting at someone while on a damn atv. they start shooting, im either gunning it orstopping. and if i stop. you dont want me to stop... Do you find this valuable? |
Medusa374 |
11. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 11:28 AM EDT
Wouldn't an ATV make an awful lot of noise? Wouldn't noise attract raiders/ the hungry/ sick scared people with no supplies? How would you make sure nobody ***** with it while you're "away?" Are parts for it common/lying around/ easy to get in FL? Maybe you should buy a bobcat, so you can bulldoze their asses :3 there's always more construction sites...
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SovietPrince |
12. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 11:32 AM EDT
"Wouldn't an ATV make an awful lot of noise? Wouldn't noise attract raiders/ the hungry/ sick scared people with no supplies? How would you make sure nobody ***** with it while you're "away?" Are parts for it common/lying around/ easy to get in FL? Maybe you should buy a bobcat, so you can bulldoze their asses :3 there's always more construction sites..."where i'd be able to ride this thing, there shouldnt be anyone. and if there are, i was probably going to kill them. Do you find this valuable? |
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Frag-12 |
13. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 11:51 AM EDT
""Wouldn't an ATV make an awful lot of noise? "@Medusa - http://www.atvsilencer.com/index.php ... ;-) @SP - Each to their own but I rather have something to return fire while gunning it or charging the near ambush either via ATV (run them over and shoot them if I can) or on foot. Do you find this valuable? |
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Sharpie41 |
14. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 11:57 AM EDT
"Wouldn't an ATV make an awful lot of noise? Wouldn't noise attract raiders/ the hungry/ sick scared people with no supplies? How would you make sure nobody ***** with it while you're "away?" Are parts for it common/lying around/ easy to get in FL? Maybe you should buy a bobcat, so you can bulldoze their asses :3 there's always more construction sites..."They're really no louder than a motorbike or most cars. Plus you can get silencers for them. Do you find this valuable? |
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SovietPrince |
15. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 12:26 PM EDT
"@Medusa - http://www.atvsilencer.com/index.php ... ;-)thanks for that silencer link. now i know i wont have to worry all that much. also explains why the terrorists in medal of honor didnt hear me when i was on that atv. anyway... i'd get something like a machine pistol. MPA 11 or something. or just a glock with a 33 round mag. LOL Do you find this valuable? |
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Frag-12 |
16. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 21 2012, 1:46 PM EDT
My ATV will be a mustang. Horses have been successful in America for millions of years and only disappeared from the US fossil record for 7,000 years before they were reintroduced by the Spanish. Mustangs are already acclimated to extreme conditions , very intelligent, and from what I understand on average very loyal to their owner\rider. Horses can be desensitized to things that scare them. There is one Youtube of a trainer who rode the mustang on a rocky platform (a normal horse would want to get off), stands up on his back (the horse was wild when the trainer received him), and then whips a bull whip around the mustang (Indiana Jones' whip). The horse does not flinch once and no the trainer was not hitting the horse with a bull whip or the trainer would have been flying through the air with a very rough take off and landing. Before learning more about them, I thought they wouldn't make a very good #1 horse choice. Further research has changed my mind and I will probably adopt one from BLM once I refresh myself back to an advance riding level, ready to become a trainer, and the budget to own a horse or three.Do you find this valuable? |
KeithB1982 |
17. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 22 2012, 12:49 AM EDT
I've had several ATVs, Hondas are by far the most durable. A Honda engine is pretty much bulletproof. I would go with a foot shift manual version if I was concerned about being able to work on one mechanically. Currently I have a Foreman 500 Rubicon and a 420 Rancher AT. Hondas are shaft driven, not belt driven. Arctic Cats are tough as nails. We have an '03 250 that my kids have ridden for several years. It has taken a lot of abuse and still runs well. Polaris makes a good ATV. Can Am and Bombardier are the same ATV, Bombardier Recreational Products did a name change for the ATV line in '06. We had an '06 650 and it came with both Can Am and Bombardier name plates. We had no problems with it, but traded it in '09 for a Polaris Ranger 700 XP LE. The Polaris Ranger is the bomb for bugging out. It is like a mini pickup truck, but goes anywhere. Seats three, has a tow hitch receiver built in and can be inclosed easily. These are UTVs not fancy golf carts. In Florida I would recommend 4WD in either an ATV or UTV. Low lying terrain is prone to flooding, plus there are swampy areas where the 4WD is a necessity. Forget about picking them up and moving them around, most ATVs run 600 lbs plus, with mud creating a lot of suction the rascals are tough to get unstuck. Winches are very useful with an ATV, they don't have to be $400 Warn winches, cheaper winches work about as well. I have a cheapy on my Rubicon I bought from Rocky Mountain ATV and it pulls well enough that I hung my Rubicon from a tree with it in order to drain all the water out of the tailpipe when my daughter swamped it. Do you find this valuable? |
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Medusa374 |
18. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 22 2012, 11:48 AM EDT
"They're really no louder than a motorbike or most cars.@Sharpie41- I have an ATV that we use for hunting. I know that they make noise.. Especially when in a QUIET FOREST with no other people around. (where others would be post apoc) That's what I mean. @Frag-12 I didn't know those thingies existed. Thanks for the info. Does it come with a tomato slicer? :3 @SovietPrince LOL medal of honor reference... you're totally not a mall ninja. XDDD </kidding> Do you find this valuable? |
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SovietPrince |
19. RE: Thoughts on an ATV/4 wheeler
Jun 22 2012, 12:25 PM EDT
"@Sharpie41- I have an ATV that we use for hunting. I know that they make noise.. Especially when in a QUIET FOREST with no other people around. (where others would be post apoc) That's what I mean.that's about the majority of experience i have with them.... well, riding. i've worked on a couple. Do you find this valuable? |
