ATV's - Which Brand is the Best?

[NaturalBornKilla]

I am looking at purchasing a used ATV, problem is i havent sat my azz on one in 20 years and haven't paid very close attention to how the brands stack up. I will be using for trail riding only, most likely in the mountains. I have heard that Honda is the way to go then I've heard that Can-Am is the machine to have. Just wondering everyones thoughts.

[leeaspell]

They are all good. I had a 2006 Yamaha 450, great machine. Got a 2012 Polaris 500, so far so good. Just stay away from ones with huge tires and snorkels.

[huntinstuff]

They all have pros and cons

I like Honda because I like the reliability, and I know how to fix/maintain them so they run like they should.

My son had a Polaris and it was a fine little machine too.

Buddy swears by Yamaha.

Our Hondas have never let me down. I use mine on cutlines, dragging out game, dragging out my ice fishing stuff, a little trail riding and I rarely use 4th or 5th gear.

I know nothing of mudding or racing them.

I have a trx420fm 2008 with 8100 km on it. No motor or tranny issues. It is still light enough that I can still manhandle it if I get stuck. The big machines are just too heavy and high up for me. The 420 is low enough i can grab the back rack, lift and slide the machine to the side, maybe 3 inches at a time. Enough to get me unstuck, or around a root on a trail or such.

[mxz1997]

They are all pretty good but I believe the Japan units(Yamaha, Honda,ect) are a bit more reliable. For me, independent suspension and diff lock are a must. After going from a standard to automatic, I will never be shifting gears again. You don't want anything with mods and rule of thumb is smaller is more reliable. Eg 450 vs 800.

[Buzz]

You mentioned used....if you can manage to buy new..the 2014 Honda foreman just came out with front diff lock. Would be my first choice.

[honda450]

Now I will throw you all for a loop. I got Honda's and Polaris's too, but no more Suzuki's. At present this is my baby. Kawasaki 650 Brute Force. I love er. hehehehe.

But I recommend a Honda for you.

[cochlan]

I will put in another Kawasaki vote. I have a 2012 with the electronic power steering which is another option that is very handy. I would also recommend getting a machine with fuel injection and the independent suspension. I've had other Kawasakis and the fuel injection makes a huge difference for starting in cold weather-my old Kawa would not start in anything below -10 C, this one -30 C no problem.
On a Honda note, my dad has a 2001 Honda Foreman 400 with the electronic shift and no independent suspension with over 10000kms that will start at any temp and the only thing he has ever done is change the oil once a year. Its a slow, rough ride but absolutely fool proof and might be a nice option to get you started back into riding.