Question about the different ATV's?

Question

I am looking at buying an ATV. I see quite a few that are 2 wheel drive and also 4 wheel drive. I plan to do adult riding in the woods and not race but I would like to have the proper traction. My questions are. Is the same CC 4 wheel drive unit slower than the 2 WD? Is there any advantage to a two wheel drive. I'm thinking I want a Honda 650 or so with four wheel drive but I don't want to buy a dog or make a mistake. If you have any experience in this arena please let me know. Thanks, Dave

Answer 1

4 wheel drives the way to go.  Some have the option of locking the 4 wd in manually.  Many times i've been stuck with a polaris, and bam put it in 4 wd, crawl right out.  Also, don't buy a polaris.  My experience hasn't been good.  I know someone with a yamaha thats had the heck beat outta it, and i've ridden it.  Steering is great, faster than polaris, and more durable.  But if you want to use in the woods, particularly over logs and mud go 4wd.  I've got a 300ex (sport bike) that goes most places, but once stuck your either pushin, pullin, or rockin.  With a 4wd, just click into 4wd and bam....most of the time at least.  But if your mainly riding trails that are open and dry, a sport bike is great fun.  They serve two different purposes.  For pleasure i ride the 300ex.  For hunting and work i use the polaris, which still is fun, but not as fast.  Its got the racks, and winch, great features.  That being said, i've hauled deer on my 300ex with no problem, but the terrain wasn't treacherous.

If your looking at honda i can't say enough about reliability.  My honda is cold hearted sometimes (takes a little to warm up) but i've rolled in, smashed into trees, and basically beat the wang outta it.  Only thing i've changed are handle bars, obviously from rolling, and once bent a wheel.  But mechanically nothing else.  Its 11 years old and still running strong.