Use on a machine is viewed differently by just about everyone. Therefore opinions are like buttholes, everyone has one. Back in 2008 I bought my only new machine. An Artic Cat 500. My comparisons were all farm use, probably harder than most would do. All my neighbors had a scrap yard of beaten up polaris machines. They obviously were the cheapest options but the parts reflected it. The Kawasaki and Hondas all ran strong. The honda was like a bullet proof motor but suspension parts failed quick. Kawi’s were king for use, but ride like brick.
I looked at the simplicity of Artic Cat and the beefed up swing arms. Also basic parts like bushings were cheaper. For thee price I went that way. No regrets. 14 years of pulling hay wagon, logging, plowing snow, elk hunting in the mountains, and all the hard use of a farm has proven to be a great investment.
I caught barbwire in 2 axels and tore up a couple boots. Ended up with dirt and crap in there so I replaced. Decided since I had it tore down, I would refresh it. New arm bushing, all new axels, and a few other minor things. Only significant work ever done.
Since then, added a 650, and another 500 to my collection. Both used and needed minor stuff. Been happy with them all.
Rest of my family has all gone Yamaha. They been through the mix of just about everything and we,ve seen it all. We’ve towed more Polaris machines out of the mountains than you can imagine. Would never want to depend on one that far back from nowhere. The Grizzly is by far the smoothest ride and so enjoyable for hitting trails and forestry roads. Payload on them suck. I’m, in the market now for a new machine and will go with a Kodiak 700. The Kodiak is beefed up for work and not trail riding. For my use, the heavier clutch system, gearing, and more heavy duty parts is worth spending the 1k less to get instead of the flashy trail stuff
