First time ATV buyer

[jen]

i exploded one aftermarket belt on a rebuild of a 700 sxs  Yamha . Don't use aftermarket CVT belts LOL   /..... but CVT clutches are easy to rebuild.   

[Gwbarm]

So you have a Wolverine thats a nice ride, what problems are you having. I have never owned a Side By Side, i have an old Jeep CJ5 i use, so have not needed one.

[jen]

I am confused as I look at buying an ATV...Maybe I am overthinking this.

But Where is it made?   E.G the Tracker 600 is assembled in the USA; however it is essentially a Taiwanese product o Kymco.   Kymco is a huge mfg entity producing 500,000 vehicles a year.  Moreover, Kymco sells ATV part to Kawsaki, Artic Cat, et al mfg who use Kymco components including motors.

Indeed, people have found Artic Cat stickers on their Tracker ATVs.

My concern is twofold: 1. new / replacement parts especially tariffs may affect supply chain.

2. Discontinued models and availability of electrical schematics.

[WeeBee]

I would recommend staying with a Brand Name, No matter if it's New or Used!  Parts & Service are easier to find no matter where you're located!

[jen]

also there are only three (3) manual trans i have found...Yamaha Raptor 700R...

& 

Honda Four Trax 518 cc Foremaan

& Suzuki King quad

[WeeBee]

Just wondering if you want a "Utility" type ATV ?  The Honda Four Trax Foreman OR the Suzuki KIng Quad! I would go with the Honda Four Trax they been around a LONG Time Parts & Service are Everywhere BUT it depends on Miles, Condition, ETC.  

[Gwbarm]

Good advise!

[jen]

Actually  The Honda Four trax foreman is what I continue to go back to after looking at others.  It has the best price also.   However, The Yamaha has a bigger motor..........VVVRRRROOOOM!  but More moola$$

I like the Manual trans as The hills are so steep as I clear brush and I like being in control...LOL

[Gwbarm]

I would pick the Honda Foreman they have a reputation of being the best. I dont have one and never have had one only because they hold their value so well i would never pay that much for a used ATV that i really dont know its abuse level. I generally buy the ones that need saving. Buying new i would not have a second thought, Honda all the way.

[WeeBee]

1 hour ago, jen said:

Actually  The Honda Four trax foreman is what I continue to go back to after looking at others.  It has the best price also.   However, The Yamaha has a bigger motor..........VVVRRRROOOOM!  but More moola$$

I like the Manual trans as The hills are so steep as I clear brush and I like being in control...LOL

If the Honda has a HI-Lo Transfer Case it would be Ideal for Hilly Terrain as you describe?

Just now, WeeBee said:

If the Honda has a HI-Lo Transfer Case it would be Ideal for Hilly Terrain as you describe?

What Year is the Honda Four Trax Foreman ??

[Gwbarm]

I dont really keep up with the new models so much, 4 trax foreman is new to me dont really know much about it but its a honda im sure its good. Four trax is a name they put on their very first ATVs in the 80s.

[Chucksta]

Do you need a high / low transfer case for hilly terrain?  

Only if you're towing / pulling something really heavy. I only use it when snow plowing, or pulling logs, etc. When you're one up, regular range is all you need.  ( IMHO).

[WeeBee]

I agree though on hills with Wet Clay the low range has come in handy even with the Locked rear Differential & I also plow, skid logs with mine!

[jen]

My Yamaha SXS 700 has 4 x and lock diff.  I have had to use it in wet clay with water standing in the bottom when carrying two people and stone.   I saw where some ATV have lock diff but only front axle...????

Going to see the Honda dealer  this week ...But sometimes the salesmen don't know much...

[WeeBee]

FYI: Talk to the Service Dept about the Different Models you may be interested in as well they know better than Sales Dept.

[jen]

OK...So perusing the dealers inventory I see :

1. They have  513cc foreman and a 420 CC foreman .  HMMM same job-r do but one has bigger motor 

AND

2. The 513 CC has 12 inch tires front and rear; whereas the 420 CC has 11 inch rear AND 12 INCH FRONT

[Gwbarm]

Thats strange 11 inch rear and 12 inch front, i would probably go with the 518 although the 420 should have plenty of power. Sounds like you are getting a fair deal around here the 4 trax are going for arounf 8200 and the Rubican are close to 10000 

[jen]

Yes, I think the new Foreman ( love the name) with the 520 cc motor and 12 inch front and rear tires is my choice. Trying to finagle a winch in the deal.  

You neve know who you will meet up with on the trial.  I wonder if it is big enough to ride double? Should i get the padded back seat?

[WeeBee]

Definitely want a winch they come in handy for all kinds of uses besides getting unstuck!

[jen]

What about the rear seat?

[WeeBee]

Is the Foreman a 2 Up seat in stock form??

[Gwbarm]

Good choice, i think a winch would come in handy, if you are mud riding a lot it would be a valuable addition, if not, you rarely need it but when you need it you need it. Rear seats are nice if riding someone with you i never do but in your case you might and when not using it you can always take it off. 

[jen]

 "Rear seats are nice if riding someone with you i never do but in your case you might"  YOU MIGHT!   ... I'll  have you know that I am sure I can find some guy who would like to ride with me!...LOL

[Gwbarm]

Im sure of that also, but do you want him riding with you.

[jen]

Well///???? he would need to hold on tight.  ☺️  Butt  that seat on his machine with storage boxes looks nice.

[jen]

Maybe have the rider sign a wavier...?😄

[WeeBee]

Get on ,Hold on, Shut up!

[mikeexplorer]

On 7/23/2025 at 8:44 AM, jen said:

I am confused as I look at buying an ATV...Maybe I am overthinking this.

But Where is it made?   E.G the Tracker 600 is assembled in the USA; however it is essentially a Taiwanese product o Kymco.   Kymco is a huge mfg entity producing 500,000 vehicles a year.  Moreover, Kymco sells ATV part to Kawsaki, Artic Cat, et al mfg who use Kymco components including motors.

Indeed, people have found Artic Cat stickers on their Tracker ATVs.

My concern is twofold: 1. new / replacement parts especially tariffs may affect supply chain.

2. Discontinued models and availability of electrical schematics.

Back in 2017 Arctic Cat was sold to Textron. They kept the Arctic Cat name on the snowmobiles, but changed them to Textron for the ATV's it was a disaster. They also shuddered most of the dealers since their intention was to sell machines through big box retailers instead. Finally realizing their mistake, they changed the name back to Arctic Cat in 2020. Tracker machines are also made by Textron, this is why you will see parts cross between the machines. 

Prior to the 2017 sale, the smaller ATV's up to the 400's used some Kymco parts. The engines were Kymco design and the smaller machines were almost rebranded Kymco;'s My girl had a 2010 366 machine and a lot of the parts cross referenced to a Kymco MXU 350. Presently she has a 2017 Alterra 400 which looks different, but remove the plastics and it is nearly identical to the 366. 

Fast forward to 2025, Arctic Cat was sold again, back to the original owner and his plans are to bring the brand back to its roots. This is why 2025 models have been delayed. I recently picked up a brand new leftover 2023 Alterra 600 LTD which is a re-designed machine compared to my older 2012 450. (got a good price for it) The ATV is very different as far as the build. So far it runs well but I have a bit to learn for servicing it.

Mike

 

[jen]

Interesting insight...with tariff impact Artic Cat and Odes are gaining a foothold position.  However, PLL, Polaris is still the leader. Moreover, Polaris has the light military vehicle contract.  That's all I will say about that.

[mikeexplorer]

23 hours ago, jen said:

Interesting insight...with tariff impact Artic Cat and Odes are gaining a foothold position.  However, PLL, Polaris is still the leader. Moreover, Polaris has the light military vehicle contract.  That's all I will say about that.

2022 Arctic Cat re-designed their machines. I don't think they use Kymco parts anymore but are all done in the main factory in MN. 

My 2023 Alterra I bought last month is VERY different then any other Cat I owned. No more wet clutch, transmission is now separated from the engine. CVT has been moved more towards the rear. Thankfully you can download the service manuals for free.