New Workhorse ATV

[Rider90]

My Mother has a loghome in Wisconsin, out in the sticks sort of area. She has two horses so she needs something to pull the manure spreader, needs something to help bring straw to the barn, and needs something that can plow the long gravel driveway in the winter. I told her an ATV is what she needs. She does some thinking, heads to the dealership, and brings back information on something sensible. You know, 400cc 4x4...It'll do the job. I ask her what the payment difference was on something sensible and something overkill? I head to the dealer and work on some numbers and the difference was next to nothing.

"Good News, Ma..."

Of course she sticks with her sensible plan :eek: A few weeks ago I got a raise at work so with some extra money to throw around today I offered to pay for half of the ATV making it half mine and half hers if she vouches for the more powerful toy.
Deal! :banana:

I'll be at work in IL but they're going to the dealership tomorrow to sign.

2006 Yamaha Grizzly 660 Auto. 4x4 Special Edition

- The Grizzly 660 Special Edition gets all-new aluminum wheels, red trim, special graphics and carbon-styled side covers.
- Highly evolved, liquid-cooled, five-valve, 660cc four-stroke engine and light weight add up to one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any utility model in the industry.
- Industry-exclusive, fully automatic Ultramatic® transmission is the most advanced drive system in ATV-ing. An automatic centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension for reduced belt wear, unmatched durability and confident all-wheel downhill engine braking.
- Industry-exclusive three-position On-Command® In/Out 4WD feature lets you switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD — all with the simple push of a button.
- Fully independent long-travel four-wheel suspension with five-way preload-adjustable shocks and 11.8 inches of ground clearance provide maximum control and comfort over rough terrain.
- Trick digital instrument panel boasts a multifunction LCD display with speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, hour meter, 4WD status, transmission position, clock and fuel gauge.
- All-wheel independent suspension, a thick, cushy seat and light handling make for a supremely comfortable ride.
Lightweight yet super-strong CAD-designed steel frame results in the lightest weight in the class — 600 pounds — which results in outstanding handling and performance.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/products/atv/500/grizz660.jpg
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/products/atv/500/grizz660_se_2.jpg
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/products/atv/500/06Grz660Grn-08-005-3.jpg

[DEFYANT]

Try not to have to much fun! Good luck

[jimlam56]

Try not to have to much fun! Good luck
And wear a helmet! Too many folks getting hurt on those machines. Looks good though!

[cyclopsram]

I would go with a John Deere Gator variant.. can be used as a tow vehicle and a truck and has a cab for foul weather ...diesel too.... Carry the chain saw and gas and bring in firewood and carry fence mending stuff and bales of hay etc...RAM

[Rider90]

Had a kickass time Saturday --

http://www.midwestpanthers.net/ATV/1.jpg
http://www.midwestpanthers.net/ATV/3.jpg
http://www.midwestpanthers.net/ATV/6.jpg
http://www.midwestpanthers.net/ATV/7.jpg
http://www.midwestpanthers.net/ATV/8.jpg
http://www.midwestpanthers.net/ATV/9.jpg
http://www.midwestpanthers.net/ATV/10.jpg

All in all I got stuck about 6 times, my step brother got stuck about the same amount, but he had better tires and a winch. Without that, and the 50 feet of tow strap, our quads would still be in the swamp - We ventured into one without many trees (Not pictured) It was fun jumping into the icy water and theres nothing like sinking to your knees in cold mud.

[Leadfoot281]

I have a John Deere gator (6x4, gas). Has been trouble free for 8 years. It sure isn't a speed demon, but you can't get it stuck, and I've never been close to rolling it.

[QWK SVT]

Nice toy! :2thumbs: Next ATV for me (won't be for a few years) will be equiped with >600cc. Is this your first ATV?

I have a 2001 Honda Foreman ES TRX450 (450cc, with a few generous modifications).
http://www.qwksvt.com/Other/ATV/Foreman.jpg

Do yourself a favor, and get a set of good tires - they make a huge difference. Now, the last time I needed to use the winch, it was because I got hung up on a hidden log, buried in a mud hole. Mine has a clutchless manual transmission, which I find helps a lot in the mud, as well.

Launches are fun!
http://www.qwksvt.com/Other/ATV/Wheelie.jpg

PS - When you're not just taking a lazy ride on a trail, wear a helmet. It's altogether too easy to get up to 40+ mph (you should be able to hit 60+ with yours). ATV's are NOT as stable as motorcycles, and need to be respected, like any other heavy machine.

[Rider90]

Nice quad. This is my second, first was a Vinson 500 that had too many problems. I had that thing on two wheels (Not wheelies, actually on the side) so many times I wore my tires down but everyone loved it. No roll overs, no accidents. I need tires, but not bad enough yet :cool: