Side by side opinions

[Ofdscooby]

Gonna be looking at a side by side soon. Something used I can’t justify new I won’t use it enough. I’m thinking a Polaris General but I’m open to options. It needs to be a 4 seater. I don’t know much about makes and models, reliability, or any known issues. If anyone has any pointers it would be appropriated.

 

[NBK]

Haha, when I first saw your post, I thought you were asking about double guns. I got excited.

As for UTVs, Honda has the reputation for being the most durable, while Can-Am and Polaris have the largest aftermarket support. Honestly, all three are very good these days, and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
Between our elk hunting group and a friend who owns a 65,000-acre ranch, we've got a pretty good sample size of real-world experience. The general consensus among all of us is exactly that: Honda for durability, Can-Am and Polaris for accessories and customization, and all three are solid choices.

 

[ilovesprig]

Mike,

My SIL has a Polaris Xpedition...The thing seems bullet proof and pretty comfortable...He said to make sure to get the enclosed cab............

 

[Snake Charmer]

Haha, when I first saw your post, I thought you were asking about double guns. I got excited.

As for UTVs, Honda has the reputation for being the most durable, while Can-Am and Polaris have the largest aftermarket support. Honestly, all three are very good these days, and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
Between our elk hunting group and a friend who owns a 65,000-acre ranch, we've got a pretty good sample size of real-world experience. The general consensus among all of us is exactly that: Honda for durability, Can-Am and Polaris for accessories and customization, and all three are solid choices.

Totally agree ....

 

[Bobevans]

My main advice is don’t let it change your hunting habits for the worse. Hate seeing all the UTVs rolling in late and leaving early, seem to make people hate the golden hours for some reason

 

[BOWUNTR]

Get a Tacoma... quieter, more comfortable, less expensive, more cargo space and will go anywhere a side by side will go... Ed F

 

[HATCHET1]

I haven't worn a pack in years...no road ..no problem!!

 

[The joel]

Mike,

My SIL has a Polaris Xpedition...The thing seems bullet proof and pretty comfortable...He said to make sure to get the enclosed cab............



View attachment 67021

Dude this!!!!

 

[Ofdscooby]

Get a Tacoma... quieter, more comfortable, less expensive, more cargo space and will go anywhere a side by side will go... Ed F

I was looking at a Samuri for a hot minute. They used to cheap and easy to find not anymore. I do love tacomas. Just bought my daughter one for college.

 

[180ls1]

Haha, when I first saw your post, I thought you were asking about double guns. I got excited.

As for UTVs, Honda has the reputation for being the most durable, while Can-Am and Polaris have the largest aftermarket support. Honestly, all three are very good these days, and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
Between our elk hunting group and a friend who owns a 65,000-acre ranch, we've got a pretty good sample size of real-world experience. The general consensus among all of us is exactly that: Honda for durability, Can-Am and Polaris for accessories and customization, and all three are solid choices.

I'll second this. I know a guy with 25k (probably closer to 30k now) on his Honda, they are bulletproof.

The tech and comfort/performance will not match the Polaris/CanAm. Pick your trade-off I guess.

 

[JakeSCH]

I own a SxS shop in El Cajon, they all break. All of their engines are pretty solid, it is the other parts that break more often.

In the last year we have done 2 honda trans, 1 can am trans, and many polaris transmissions. Honda is great because it is direct drive with no belt to worry about. Clutches wear out on the other ones and a belt failure while out is terrible (have a spare and tools).

I wouldn't hesitate to get any of them with lower mileage, just get them inspected thoroughly first. My personal choice for hunting would be a Defender, though I have not messed with the Expedition much.

**EDIT** CFMOTO is a wild card, supposedly they have improved but I do not have a lot of experience with them. I also like Kawasaki Mules (you can get 4x4 with locking diffs and they go anywhere too).

 

[TJD123]

I've been kicking around getting one as well. For all the owners out there who don't use them much out side of hunting season. Do you have any issues with them after they sit for months at a time. I'd be a bit hesitant to have a car sit for 9-10 months then use it. But maybe this is different?

 

[JakeSCH]

I've been kicking around getting one as well. For all the owners out there who don't use them much out side of hunting season. Do you have any issues with them after they sit for months at a time. I'd be a bit hesitant to have a car sit for 9-10 months then use it. But maybe this is different?

Gas, batteries, oil, and tires can all have issues sitting around for a long time. A little prep work and it sitting around for 10 months is no problem. Issue is that most people do not take the required steps and wonder how things "magically" stopped working.

Battery going bad will likely be first, but fuel going bad is most expensive. Changing oil before / after storage is best for longevity. Tires are likely fine but can get flat spots if not checked occasionally or put on jack stands.

 

[TJD123]

Gas, batteries, oil, and tires can all have issues sitting around for a long time. A little prep work and it sitting around for 10 months is no problem. Issue is that most people do not take the required steps and wonder how things "magically" stopped working.

Battery going bad will likely be first, but fuel going bad is most expensive. Changing oil before / after storage is best for longevity. Tires are likely fine but can get flat spots if not checked occasionally or put on jack stands.

to prevent this stuff how often would you say to run it? around the block every 2 weeks or so? more less

 

[HATCHET1]

Just start um up every now and then...some dudes keep a charger on there battery while stored...never had an issue with mine...but that bitch gets some use!!!..working smarter not harder!

 

[Echo]

I own a SxS shop in El Cajon, they all break. All of their engines are pretty solid, it is the other parts that break more often.

In the last year we have done 2 honda trans, 1 can am trans, and many polaris transmissions. Honda is great because it is direct drive with no belt to worry about. Clutches wear out on the other ones and a belt failure while out is terrible (have a spare and tools).

I wouldn't hesitate to get any of them with lower mileage, just get them inspected thoroughly first. My personal choice for hunting would be a Defender, though I have not messed with the Expedition much.

**EDIT** CFMOTO is a wild card, supposedly they have improved but I do not have a lot of experience with them. I also like Kawasaki Mules (you can get 4x4 with locking diffs and they go anywhere too).

Any recommendations between the Can-am Defender XT HD10/11 or the Kawasaki Mule Pro FXR 1000?

 

[ilovesprig]

Just out of curiosity....Why have Jeeps fallen out of favor compared to SxS's?...My daughter just sold her 4 door Jeep for $24,000...It seems to me that it offers so much more than a SxS for an equal amount of dollars....Doors come off, top comes off, towable, and possibly wind shield drops down (newer models)..........

 

[HATCHET1]

Here's my old girl...90 wrangler straight 6 manual trans...pure dominance...I love her