ATV's - couple questions

[Iowa_Buckeye]

There may be more Polaris machines on the used market because more of them have been sold. Just like you'll find many more used Chevy's in the paper than you will some lesser selling foreign model. Make sense?

I have a 2000 Sportsman 500. As for issues, one ripped up drive belt (after I had lent it to someone who was probably in high gear when he should have been in low), a bad CV joint (because the boot got torn and I did not fix it), and right now the speedo does not work. Not too concerned about that one though......
So far it has been a good machine and I love the independant rear suspensoin.

 

[SEMN]

All good thoughts and ideas....
Hondas: Owned numerous. Expensicve but usually worth it. Downside depending on model is most are all time 4 wheel drive. Very dependable like stated by others.
Polaris: too wide, heavy and sluggish. I ride with all polaris guys and when in tight spots, they have to manuever a lot more to get around. Plus side is made in USA, very affordable and lots of options.
Can AM: if you can afford one, buy a Honda instead. Weak frames, issues with electronics and drivetrain from experience with friends and guys i ride with.
Yamaha: my personal choice. light weight, skinner than most others which is nice in the woods. Price is competitive. Ive had 6 yamaha utility quads and had awesome luck with all after beating them a little and minimal maintenence. Just sold my Grizzly 550 couple weeks ago to buy a Rhino.
Kawasaki/Suzuki: my experiences(numerous)= junk.

EFI vs Carb: EFI is nice if you ever head west in elevations as they self adjust with no jetting needed. Also start and run better in the cold. Other than that, i see no real advantage over one or the other...Except like stated before, if EFI has issue, its generally going to cost twice as much and carbs are easy and quick to rebuild/fix.