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I would go with the Polaris. I have a 2000 Polaris 500 and the only problem I've ever had was the choke lever broke off 2 years ago in 20 degree weather. I get it serviced every August and grease it and check the oil for water after every duck season. I have put it in water and mud every winter (and summer sometimes) for 4 years and have only had the belt slip once, which happened to be in water over the seat. We were hunting up near Anguilla a few years ago when the Sunflower flooded and a friend of mine kept talking about this big ditch we had to cross and how we were going to have to park our bikes in deep water. He told me I ought to leave my Polaris at home, it wouldn't last thru all that water. Well, I just smiled, cranked my bike up and we all took off. Wanna guess who towed his bike home after we crossed that big ditch? I had to push his drowned bike out of the ditch and then tow him home. Now guess what kind of bike he was on: a brand new Yamaha.

Personally, I like the Honda.

Try this out though.

Go to the dealership that you are going to purchase your bike from and look in the service dept. Talk a little with them back there not letting them know you are gonna buy one. See what they say. Do this for both types even if you choose to buy from and individual.

If I had to pick one of the 2, I'd say Yammy

Hey AL,
From what I understand that (AC 650) is a good machine, only fault I have heard of is that the bracket for the rear brake lever (foot) is on the weak side and bends easily.

my only complaint with my yamaha 04 450 is where they chose to put the ignition box.... its too low in the rear..... go through some deep water and you may experience a lil "putt putt putt" had a guy show me how to fix it though... just rewire it to the box under your seat... stays dry there..... anyone else had your newer yamaha's do that..... sounds like it is running outta gas or has water in the line..... its just water hitting the ignition box though... the older ones have the box much higher and was not a problem.......

Yeah my Grizzly has done that a couple of times, it will sputter a couple of times and then go back to running normal. Good to know what is causing it. Thanks BeastMaster. If I'm not mistaken they also make an ignition spray that is supposed to waterproof stuff like that.

I also got to suggest the Honda. I got a 98 450es with 1'300 miles that has never been to the shop. If you are dead set on yamaha or polaris. Get the polaris. My brother rides one and loves it.

Hondo 450S or ES!

I got a 98 450es with 1'300 miles that has never been to the shop

Sounds like it's about time for an oil and lube job . (j/k)

no Honda comments... just dont like their 4-wheelers

I love how most of you just completely ignored his comment in the original post!!!!

Well, since you don't wanna hear about the Honda's. I'll just say that out of the 4-wheelers that I've owned and had around my various hunting clubs, the better of these 2 would be the Yamaha. In fact it's the only other 4-wheeler brand I'd consider owning.

Gordon

might i ask why

I have had a Polaris 400 Sportsman since '95, was a little worried about chain etc. But I guided and like the earlier post, had 3- 200 lb. men goose decoys guns etc. and went through thigh deep rice fields, no sweat.

I have had Honda, Timberwolf, and Grizz, all were good but these were lost to someone with the initials of BB.......guess who?
This Polaris is built tuff, no probs so far.