Weighing Options for new UTV Looking for reliablily and functionality

[ita47]

I currently have a 2011 Polaris 400 H.O. that has fewer than 300 hrs on it. My buddy bought it new and I bought it with around 100 hrs. I use it around the farm and to get between two properties that are about a mile apart. I am tired of dealing with the choke when its cold or even cool out. It starts fine and runs ok if your driving but until it gets completely warmed up if you pull up to a gate and get off to open it will die. And because of the choke my wife has a hard time with it. Before I got the 400 I had a 2013 polaris 500 midsize that was fuel injected but aways ran rich and foul plugs. I had it at two different dealers and neither one could fix it. So I sold it and bought the 400. My father in law has a 2015 Polaris 570 midsize which is fuel injected and it is hard to start and cranks more than it should. Needless to say I am done with Polaris and ready to sell mine and move on to something better.

I have been looking at the Honda Pioneer 700 and the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX. I was disappointed to learn the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX engine is built by Hysun and not Kawasaki, but that maybe a non issue. Maybe I'm missing another good option that I haven't considered. The main thing is getting something that is bullet proof reliable. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[Travis]

Kawasaki made the 695cc engine for the MX.

 

Of course, I'm partial to kawasaki. I haven't  killed my mule yet. Don't know if i can. It's been a great machine, for being 22 years old.

BUT, that being said Honda makes a good machine as well.

the main thing i would consider, is dealer support in your area. It's not IF it breaks down, It's when.

[klm]

I would never recommend a Massimo,  my 500 has had every other issue but it runs better than that.

[Joe Breaux]

according to our local dealer, Kawasaki is using KYMCO engines not HISUN on smaller machines.. I understand your frustration with cold starts and poorly functioning chokes on carb models, but it does not have to be that way.. I have 2 Hondas with carbs and no issues with cold start chokes in years

[ita47]

Joe you are correct it is Kymco that builds the engines for the MX not Hisun, my mistake. That still isn't very reassuring, my brother in law had a Kymco four wheeler several years ago and it was a piece of junk.

I have been doing a lot of reading and I think I have eliminated the Honda Pioneer 700. Not only did many of them have cam issues but it doesn't have a high/low range for the transmission and only 3 gears and it doesn't have turf mode for the rear end. The Honda Pioneer 1000 sounds like a much better machine but it's out of my price range, at least the new ones. I do like the Can-Am Defender, I have read a lot of good things about them and the Rotax engines seem to be very good. I am also still interested in the Kawasaki Mule both the MX (Engine manufactured by Kymco) and the FX (Engine manufactured by Chery). I was surprised that Kawasaki wasn't building their own engines. I am going to the Four State Farm Show this weekend and I'm hoping to be able to check them out. 

[Joe Breaux]

good luck. Stay away from Massimo , take it from me.. Worst company in the business. 

[ita47]

Looks like I am going to pass on the Four State Farm Show. I looked at the vendor list and it doesn't look like there are going to be hardly any side by sides there. I only found one dealer with a booth and it's a small booth inside so they couldn't have much. I was hoping there would be several dealers with all the different brands on display so I could see them all in one spot. Doesn't look like it would be worth my two hour drive each way to go. I guess I will have to check out my local dealers if I want to see them.

[klm]

Good luck on your search, I would like to know what you decide on.  Like you I am a farm user, two properties about a mile apart, gates to open, fence to fix, cows to check, never know what I will be doing, always carry a chainsaw and fencing tools. Anyway what I want most is reliablity.  I have swore off any Chinese UTV's but that CF MOTO 600 sure looks good.  Where are you located?

[ita47]

1 hour ago, klm said:

Good luck on your search, I would like to know what you decide on.  Like you I am a farm user, two properties about a mile apart, gates to open, fence to fix, cows to check, never know what I will be doing, always carry a chainsaw and fencing tools. Anyway what I want most is reliablity.  I have swore off any Chinese UTV's but that CF MOTO 600 sure looks good.  Where are you located?

I'm in S.W. Missouri about 20 miles from Springfield, MO. Where are you located? My side by side is used for the exact same things you described. My number one thing is also reliability. Through my research I'm leaning toward the Can-Am but I haven't seen or driven them or the Kawasaki's in person yet. I'm not in a hurry on trading so I am going to take my time. I think I'm going to wash my Polaris Ranger and get it cleaned up and try to sell it.

[Joe Breaux]

On 5/17/2023 at 9:52 AM, klm said:

Good luck on your search, I would like to know what you decide on.  Like you I am a farm user, two properties about a mile apart, gates to open, fence to fix, cows to check, never know what I will be doing, always carry a chainsaw and fencing tools. Anyway what I want most is reliablity.  I have swore off any Chinese UTV's but that CF MOTO 600 sure looks good.  Where are you located?

Dont know about their CF Moto SXS, but my CF Moto  ATV is outstanding.. C-Force 600  4X4 automatic, w/power steering and Engine braking system..  unstoppable 

Edited May 21, 2023 by Joe Breaux
brain fart

[klm]

North Central Missoouri near Macon.

[ita47]

The wife and I went to look at side by sides this morning. First we stopped at the Honda dealer. The Pioneer 520 is way too small, the Pioneer 700 is missing a dual range transmission and turf mode. We did like the Pioneer 1000’s, but didn’t get to drive one because they were all sold. We got to set in an extended two row version and start it though. They said it would be 6-8 weeks maybe longer to get one in. They added us to their no obligation, no money down order list, so when one comes up we are in line for it. If we don’t want it no problem.

Next we stopped at the Can-Am dealer and looked at the defender HD9, which they had several in stock and we got to drive one. Very quiet and comfortable and I like the power steering. That dealer also had a CF Moto 600 which was surprisingly nice, they didn’t have the 1000 in stock, we also were not able to drive one even the smaller one.

Next we stopped at the Kawasaki dealer but we did not like any of the Kawasaki’s, so those got crossed off the list. They maybe tough and have a good warranty we just didn’t care for them.

The CF Moto had a lot of extras included and a nice price that’s 3-4K cheaper that the Can-Am or Honda. We like what we saw with the CF Moto but I don’t think I can bring myself to buy Chinese, and if I did and had problems with it I would kick myself for not spending the extra to get either the Honda or Can-Am.

The Can-Am and Honda are about the same price when I optioned them out, except the Honda didn’t have aluminum wheels. I’m torn because there are things I like about both the Can-Am and Honda. We are going to think it over for a bit and I’m also going to keep my eyes out for a gently used Can-Am or Honda. If nothing pops up then we will buy a new one. As for which one we are undecided at this point. I will try to post updates as we go. 

I also need to get my Ranger all cleaned up and serviced and get it up for sale.

 

 

[klm]

Perty much my thoughts on CF MOTO, really like them but......

[Joe Breaux]

well, after my  Massimo nightmare, I was skeptical.  But I talked to the chief mechanic at their  biggest dealer about CF MOTO before buying one of of their ATVs. .. He owns one and stands behind them and more importantly, the Factory stands behind the warrenty.. by the way, its 2 years warranty not one year  like everybody else.. I ve had mine since October, not a single issue , starts instantly, hot or cold, and the first Service was included free.  I will say it uses a little more gas than my Hondas but its also bigger and WAAAAYYY  faster . Just my opinion  of my own experience with the brand.. and no, I dont get commission..lol 

[ita47]

Well I haven't bought anything yet, but my wife and I are definitely leaning toward the CanAm Defender. We have gone back and forth with the CanAm and Honda. We don't really like the rear windshield options for the Honda as they are expensive and look wierd. The rear windshield for the CanAm is easy and looks good. A rear windshield is a necessity because of the dirt roads we drive on, without it you get covered in dust. I also carry a lot of tools and fence supplies on my side by side. Currently on my Ranger I have them in buckets in the bed, one they take up bed space and two they are exposed to rain, dust and dirt. I really want a place for that stuff that isn't in the bed in buckets. The Honda doesn't have much storage at all, the small glove box and that's about it on the base model. I don't think it has any shelves below the dash and the base does not have any storage below the seat. The CanAm has some large boxes you can get that fit under the seats, a larger glove box that is removable, lower shelves below the dash and a couple of other open spots to stick things. I think both the CanAm and Honda's are good machines with the Honda possibly having the edge in reliability but function for us i huge. The CanAm also comes with some extra's like aluminum wheels which the base model Honda doesn't have. 

As for the CanAm I have been looking at the HD9 which is a 65HP V-twin engine, but I like the price tag of the single cylinder HD7 better. The HD7 has like 50HP which is enough for what I do but that engine was just released in 2022 so it's hard to tell how it will hold up over time. CanAm's V-twin engines have been around a long time and seem to be very reliable. I have driven a CanAm DPS HD9 and I am going tonight to drive a used DPS HD7. I guess I will see if I can tell much difference. I'm not sure if the HD9 is worth the extra $2300. Decisions, decisions.

[klm]

what is it they say, good quality hurts once, bad is forever, or something like that.

That Can Am sounds like what I need.

[ita47]

21 hours ago, klm said:

what is it they say, good quality hurts once, bad is forever, or something like that.

That Can Am sounds like what I need.

Agreed.

My wife and I went last night and drove a slightly used (1210 miles) DPS HD7 and got to drive another new DPS HD9. This dealer we visited had much more room for us to try them out. The HD9 has lots of power! I will say the HD7 isn't bad but you can tell a difference when you nail it. I'm sure the HD7 has all the power I would need, but its still a new engine and not much information about it.  Apparently the HD7 has a different clutch The salesman said he hasn't seen any problems out of the HD7 which is a good sign. We have a couple of dealers in the state that have a bunch of XT HD9's and a couple are willing to discount pretty good. I got a quote on a blue XT HD9 for $17814 OTD. The XT is a little nicer with a factory roof, front bumper, under seat storage box, nicer seats and factory winch. I'm sure there are some other differences but those are the maine ones I see. I will have to add front and back windshields and a light bar, but that's easy to do. 

[ita47]

After much research, travel to different dealerships, and a few test drives, we made a decision. We put a deposit on the Blue Can-Am Defender XT HD9. It will probably be a week or so before I will be able to go pick it up though. I checked with several dealers here in MO and no one else even got close, so I feel I'm getting a pretty good deal on it. If you aren't familiar with the Can-Am's the XT models come with a roof, front bumper, aluminum wheels, nicer seats, a winch, under seat storage box, full skid plate, and a few other things from the factory. We decided not to get the factory glass windshield because of the cost ($1110) and for fear of breaking it. I saw the RAD accessories windshield and it's real nice and supposed to be one of the best hard coated polycarbonate windshields on the market. I plan to get the RAD front and rear windshields. I also plan to add a light bar to the front bumper. I also ordered a rear view mirror from SuperATV.com. I attached a stock photo of the XT. I will post some actual pictures of mine once I get it home. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.

[ita47]

My wife and I made the 1.5hr trip and picked up our new CanAm Defender XT HD9. So far I really like it and I'm happy with our decision. I also got the new front and back windshields from Rad Accessories. I chose the light tint on both. Super easy install as they come assembled just twist and lock. I also installed my SuperATV rear view mirror. I also removed the door nets after I took these pictures. The power steering is great and for a 975cc engine it is very quiet. I still plan to add some of the under seat storage tubs, a LED light bar on the front bumper, maybe one on the top of the windshield and a couple of pod lights on the back of the cab for rear lights.

[klm]

Wow! what s beautiful machine!  Looks like it checks all the boxes.  I'm with you on removing the door nets, I'm in and out too much to be opening and closing doors.  How about seat belts, do you have to have them fastened? Keep in touch with us, I want to know how it's working out for you. 

[ita47]

Thank you, we really like the blue. As it comes you have to have the drivers seat belt fastened or you are limited to 12 mph. I bought an aftermarket plug that overrides that though. The seat belts are still functional but don't have to be fastened. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174020197053?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=pNVMY2sORL2&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=XCNG0edfR7G&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[Joe Breaux]

very nice  .. but seriously? $1100 for a windshield? ouch 

[ita47]

46 minutes ago, Joe Breaux said:

very nice  .. but seriously? $1100 for a windshield? ouch 

Yeah crazy isn't it. That's why we decided to go with RAD Accessories hard coated poly windshield. The front one runs $584 and the rear is $408, so total less than just the front glass from CanAm. Check them out, quality products and made in the USA https://keepitrad.com/ 

[Joe Breaux]

I dont need any, mine came with  the poly type included..  But, I  do remove it for 9 months of the year.. its too hot here . need air flow when its 110 degrees .  Yours looks great, enjoy it.. I hate to see one that nice covered in mud tho!!  After a day on the trails here , you cant tell what color mine is.   lol Hope you have years of trouble free use and lots of fun 

[ita47]

I listed my 2011 Polaris Ranger on FB Marketplace and sold it in one day, and I got almost 3k more than I paid for it. What a blessing! That helped bring the price of my new Can-Am down quite a bit, and made my wife happy. She loves the new Can-Am, she even named her Betty Blue, lol...

I got the factory fender flares for it when I bought it but they weren't installed. Went to put them on Saturday and most of the bolts were missing. The hardware bag was open but they weren't in the box. I contacted the dealer and they are sending me the hardware. I still plan on adding a light bar to the front bumper and possibly a turn signal kit because we live on a lettered highway.

[klm]

Great!  Man you are living right today.  Even got the wife happy.

I don't think a light bar on the front bumper would last me very long.  My front bumper gets used.