ATV Florida Forum

General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: FORDFANZ on January 06, 2010, 05:25:53 PM



Title: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: FORDFANZ on January 06, 2010, 05:25:53 PM
IAM LOOKING AT A HONDA RINCON OR FOREMAN
A POLARIS  800
OR A YAMAHA GRIZZLY 700
I HAD A 01 GRIZZ LOVED IT  NEVER HAD A PROBLEM  JUST LOOKING FOR INPUT
THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY
IAM REALLY WORRIED ONLY ABOUT  BELTS
WHATS YALLS OPINION THANKS
 ;) ;)


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: AintSkeered on January 06, 2010, 06:22:17 PM
Keeter has a Polaris 800, it has a belt. He carries a spare belt, changes it in the field within 20 minutes. When he gets any water in the CVT box, he just stands the bike up on end to drain it. You could just loosen the bottom CVT cover screw to drain it, if you had no help or had no tree to winch it up with. Or, you could snorkle it. 


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: bugmanjr on January 06, 2010, 07:11:28 PM
I have 3 sportsmans and never get water in the CVT box unless it goes over the gas tank.

The new sportsman is the best bike out there followed by the grizzly in my opinion.

All three are great bikes.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: IXIswamperIXI on January 06, 2010, 07:38:27 PM
I have caught myself in this same debate.  I consider myself harder than average on my fourwheelers.  But I also consider myself above average on maintaining them and servicing them.  My Honda is 10 years old and I have only put  one set of bearings and two sets of brakes, and it will crank up at the turn of the key.  My Polaris is 2 years old and I have put an axle, all wheel bearings, and the tranny rebuilt which amounts to about $2000.  I love the Polaris but it has cost me a lot more to keep.  The rincon has the best tranny for sure.  All in all... <sigh> I still don't know... Sorry


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: AintSkeered on January 06, 2010, 09:11:12 PM
Sorry, but, you cannot be harder on your ATV if you've only change brake pads twice in 10 years! Can-Am Outlanders have had the greatest market share gain since 2006. Keeter's 2008 Polaris has been holding up well and he likes riding in mud and upside down in deep ditches. 


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: digginfool on January 06, 2010, 10:26:17 PM
I love my Outlander.  Only complaint is noisy brakes when wet.  Belt did slip once out at RR last spring when the water got deep.  I was in the Rhino so I didn't see how deep the wife took it.  As far as my Kawi, never missed a lick in the 8 years I've owned it and most of the miles were in the Holeylands.  I think swamper hit the most important point; maintain them properly, don't abuse them and they'll pretty much last forever.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: Chevy1500z71 on January 07, 2010, 12:12:16 AM
iv worked on em all, they are all pretty good really besides polaris. its not that polaris flat out sucks, they are just odd to work on at times and its hard to get parts, alot of times youl find yourself scratching your head on the way some things are put together on them. i think yamaha generally builds the best motor, their motors are built to a higher quality from what iv seen vs honda, just my opinion tho. i guess i woudlnt mind any of them beside polaris, but i tend to find myself leaning towards yamaha most of the time. i personally dont like the rincon tho, the grizz feels much better ergonomically, the rincon feels like a cow vs the grizz to me, i also would stay far far away form anythign with an automatic transmission or even just the electric shift.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: IXIswamperIXI on January 07, 2010, 08:39:24 AM
Sorry, but, you cannot be harder on your ATV if you've only change brake pads twice in 10 years!  

LOL I haven't had brakes since about the third year (hard to remember) I just have rode without brakes.  I know there are a lot of people harder than I am... I think I am just a little above average.   ;)


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: gearhead400 on January 07, 2010, 09:49:57 AM
Sorry, but, you cannot be harder on your ATV if you've only change brake pads twice in 10 years!  

LOL I haven't had brakes since about the third year (hard to remember) I just have rode without brakes.  I know there are a lot of people harder than I am... I think I am just a little above average.   ;)

who needs brakes anyway.

I love honda, I think they make great bikes from sport to utility. Reliable, powerful, and fun. With that said, I think out of those three, I'd take the grizz, then the honda, then polaris. I agree with the can-am though, those things are beastly! I think if I were buying a ute I'd be going can-am.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: gearhead400 on January 07, 2010, 12:16:19 PM
Your in luck, dirtwheels has a shootout between these three AND the can-am in this months issue (feb)


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: FORDFANZ on January 07, 2010, 02:52:43 PM
Your in luck, dirtwheels has a shootout between these three AND the can-am in this months issue (feb)
thanks  Ill  have  to get  that  !!!!!!


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: FORDFANZ on January 07, 2010, 02:54:11 PM
thanks for  all  the input   I  rode  a Polaris  800 and  a  Grizzly  today   man  I  really  am  torn   I  need  more Help  !!!!!


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: ganny76 on January 07, 2010, 03:18:18 PM
Get the Grizzly.  I ride with lots of folks.  Some have polaris's, some Honda's and some of us lucky ones bought Yamahas.  The Polaris's are great riding and great through the mud.  Problem is, they are in the shop more than the trail.  In the shop A LOT.  The Honda's are tough as hell, but just not made for anything extreme.  Not much ground clearance compared to Popo or Yamaha.  You get it all with the Grizzly.  From heavy work load to extreme trails, the Grizzly will do it.  I am sooooo glad I ended up getting a Yamaha.  I did not research when I got mine.  Just had a chance to get a decent deal on a quad and bought it.  I got lucky it was a Grizzly. 


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: FORDFANZ on January 07, 2010, 03:29:17 PM
Get the Grizzly.  I ride with lots of folks.  Some have polaris's, some Honda's and some of us lucky ones bought Yamahas.  The Polaris's are great riding and great through the mud.  Problem is, they are in the shop more than the trail.  In the shop A LOT.  The Honda's are tough as hell, but just not made for anything extreme.  Not much ground clearance compared to Popo or Yamaha.  You get it all with the Grizzly.  From heavy work load to extreme trails, the Grizzly will do it.  I am sooooo glad I ended up getting a Yamaha.  I did not research when I got mine.  Just had a chance to get a decent deal on a quad and bought it.  I got lucky it was a Grizzly. 

How  old  is  your  Grizzly  ?  any  belt   issues  ???


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: FORDFANZ on January 07, 2010, 05:25:22 PM
Yamaha Grizzly  6999
honda  rincon  7300
polaris  sportsman  800  5999
I  know I  shouldnt go  buy  price   but  the Polaris  is  looking   good 
Oh  by  the  way  they  are 2009 but  all  are  new you  can  get  great  deals on  left  overs   ;) ;)


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: EIGER-MUDDER on January 07, 2010, 06:59:28 PM
grizzly dont have belt problems i have 30'' on my with everthing stock
grizzly are lot more relieable then any other atv out there   but if ur looking for
a 400cc  go with suzuki eiger  ... hope this help   


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: AintSkeered on January 07, 2010, 08:57:52 PM
Those prices look good, but, they're also going to hit you with up to $1K in dealer fees, shipping and several hundred more if you want an extended 3 yr. warranty and winch. Ride someone's Outlander before you make a final decision. You can pay up to several hundred more for it, but, it'll come with the 3 yr manufacturer's warranty, a winch, more power and better gas mileage than the Polaris 800. But, don't trust me, my River Ranch property co-owner owns a Can-Am dealership in Dania(Fart Lauderdale airport area), so I'm biased by the cost savings and minimum downtime due to any needed repairs.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: digginfool on January 07, 2010, 10:20:33 PM
Those prices look good, but, they're also going to hit you with up to $1K in dealer fees, shipping and several hundred more if you want an extended 3 yr. warranty and winch. Ride someone's Outlander before you make a final decision. You can pay up to several hundred more for it, but, it'll come with the 3 yr manufacturer's warranty, a winch, more power and better gas mileage than the Polaris 800. But, don't trust me, my River Ranch property co-owner owns a Can-Am dealership in Dania.the Fart Lauderdale area, so I'm biased.

Alrighty then.  Maybe I should make nice with my old buddy 'Skeered (seeing how his buddy owns the Can-Am dealership).   ;)  Just kidding.  Even though you are a socialist dog Democrat, I would ride with ya!


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: Chevy1500z71 on January 08, 2010, 09:36:29 AM
the can ams are something else. those motors are built right, first iv seen with hydraulic lifters like a regular car engine. and they have got some serious e power... they also cost some serious money.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: AintSkeered on January 08, 2010, 12:40:43 PM
Hey Dig, you sure you ain't a lawyer?


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: digginfool on January 08, 2010, 02:18:17 PM
Hey Dig, you sure you ain't a lawyer?

Rothstein's the name, cheatin's the game!   :D


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: pywacket1955 on January 08, 2010, 03:10:04 PM
We have 3 Foremans, mine has almost 5000 miles on it. The other 2 aren't far behind. We just got back from riding the trails at Windrock Tennesse. It was our 6th trip with these bikes. They will crawl over or up anything.  You can check out some of our pictures on myspace. Would never buy anything else. We also have a 86 trx350, motor never touched, 88 trx250x, 99 300ex and a 2000 400ex.

Link to my pictures: www.myspace.com/481972870

Good luck in your quest.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: ganny76 on January 08, 2010, 04:08:01 PM
Get the Grizzly.  I ride with lots of folks.  Some have polaris's, some Honda's and some of us lucky ones bought Yamahas.  The Polaris's are great riding and great through the mud.  Problem is, they are in the shop more than the trail.  In the shop A LOT.  The Honda's are tough as hell, but just not made for anything extreme.  Not much ground clearance compared to Popo or Yamaha.  You get it all with the Grizzly.  From heavy work load to extreme trails, the Grizzly will do it.  I am sooooo glad I ended up getting a Yamaha.  I did not research when I got mine.  Just had a chance to get a decent deal on a quad and bought it.  I got lucky it was a Grizzly. 

How  old  is  your  Grizzly  ?  any  belt   issues  ???


Has 300 hours and about 2000 miles and never touched it. 


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: Keeter on January 08, 2010, 04:33:55 PM
As Aint said I ride my bike,,yes actually ride it. I broke one belt due to me carelessness.  Water got into my belt cause again I was careless.  But when I get back from a 5 hour ride my arse don't hurt, I still pee yellow pee(no hurt kidneys), and I have slung mud ear to ear. BUT, the gas mileage SUXS..right Aint. 

AND Aint had a BRP 400 that had close to 2000 miles on it. and it was not babied. 

I give my seal of approval to the Polaris (except the gas mileage, the new ones are better).
The Canned Hams because I have seen them run long and hard.
The Honda ..ehh  simple design and when the wheels bog down there aint much power there to turn the wheels. The ride sucks. Same with the Yamahas. No torque.
Suzuki, noop, no torque and the ride is top heavy.
Brutes are nice but the electronics are fickle and loves to break axles. Lots of torque. Good bike.

Disagree all you want. Opinions and A-holes.. Ya know what I mean.  ;) ;)


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: FORDFANZ on January 08, 2010, 08:00:06 PM
I  was  on  youtube  and  there  are some  guys  floating  their  polaris  s  and  I  dont  seee  A Prob 
the dealer  is  here in  town  and  is  willing  to  toss  in  a  winch  no  dealer  fees  and such 
the  polaris  is  looking better and  better


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: birddog76 on January 08, 2010, 08:26:43 PM
Stay away from polaris, motors are good but the rest is a junk. Grizzly will last you much longer and honda will last for ever.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: digginfool on January 09, 2010, 10:45:39 AM
For whatever it's worth, we took a trip to Taylor Park in Colorado this past summer (which was absolutely amazing) and the first thing you notice when you get there is that Polaris absolutely OWNS the Colorado market by no less than 2-1 over any other brand.  Honda was next, Suzuki was non-existent.  Trust me when I say the riding out there is tougher than anything we see here; rocks, grades, altitude, rocks, sand, water crossings, bigger rocks.


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: FORDFANZ on January 09, 2010, 11:02:23 AM
For whatever it's worth, we took a trip to Taylor Park in Colorado this past summer (which was absolutely amazing) and the first thing you notice when you get there is that Polaris absolutely OWNS the Colorado market by no less than 2-1 over any other brand.  Honda was next, Suzuki was non-existent.  Trust me when I say the riding out there is tougher than anything we see here; rocks, grades, altitude, rocks, sand, water crossings, bigger rocks.
Dam n Diggin  I  noticed  your  Sig  you  got  a  little  bit of  everybrand  !!!!lol


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: digginfool on January 09, 2010, 01:44:19 PM
Aside from the trucks I buy, I'm not brand-loyal.  I buy what I believe is quality and suits my needs.  Plus, I can't ever seem to pass up a good deal.  ;)


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: FORDFANZ on January 09, 2010, 07:43:56 PM
Aside from the trucks I buy, I'm not brand-loyal.  I buy what I believe is quality and suits my needs.  Plus, I can't ever seem to pass up a good deal.  ;)
thats why  I am  looking  at  the  polarais  i  cant  pass up  the deal 


Title: Re: HONDA POLARIS OR YAMAHA
Post by: AintSkeered on January 09, 2010, 09:15:10 PM
5,400 miles on my 2003 Outy and still runs for bro-in-law.