ATV 2 Seater??

Thomas · Mar 4, 2007

Need your advice gentlemen.

When it comes to 2 seater which make would fit our needs...Automatic tranny,Stable enough to handle two.

Iam 6'1" 220lbs,Mrs. 5'7" 130 lbs,Both in our early 50's,Not looking for speed just comfort,Mrs. doesn't want her own ATV to ride.

I know its not a good idea to climb steep grades etc. w/passenger.

So far Honda ATV comes close to our needs,but it seem there something missing...I've visit 3 other different model dealerships and became more confused.

Thank you for your time.

Bob_Skurka · Mar 4, 2007

Wouldn't a side by side RTV be more comfortable than a traditional fore/aft seat on an ATV for the Mrs?.

Thomas · Mar 4, 2007

Morning Bob.
We consider that,but some of New Hampshire and club trails are to darn skinny in places to travel and talk about rough...yikes...I have gut feeling the Mrs. interest only 70% going back into the boonies.

radman1 · Mar 4, 2007

I am with Bob Skurka, a side by side would be more stable, comfortable, carry more gear easier and safer than 2 up ATV. Side by side would cost slightly more but would probably have better resale. The only downside of a side by side is the width which would make it more difficult on narrow trails.
Put a top on the side by side for shade and attach windshield if wanted. Heck can even put on a cab and have heat. Can get A/C if buy new Kubota RTV 1100 due out this summer. Side by sides will probably make the 2 up ATV market almost extinct if it wasn't for trail restrictions on width. Polaris is due to have a side by side this summer which will meet the narrow trail restrictions and will have excellent suspension.
2 up ATV's still have the problem of rear person visibility (esp if shorter), helmets or heads hitting each other and probably higher center of gravity.

radman1 · Mar 4, 2007

Thomas
The polaris side by side that may interest you for the trail restrictions is called the RZR and due out this spring/summer. 800cc, electronic fuel injected and has a small cargo area. It has lots of power and speed if desired. (Nothing says you need to go fast but it is there). It is more of a sport/trail model than some side by sides which are more utility oriented.

Thomas · Mar 4, 2007

Mrs. did like Kubota side by side w/cab setup....like to stick w/the open style.

I fail to mention anytime we wish to go on ATV adventure have to be trailer,we have single axle closed in motorcycle trailer and the the make you gentlemen are giving advice on will not fit.

radman1 · Mar 4, 2007

Thomas
The Polaris Ranger RZR is 50" wide. Is that still too wide?

radman1 · Mar 4, 2007

Thomas
The Polaris Ranger RZR is 50" wide. Is that still too wide? It also has a relatively low center of gravity.

darkday · Mar 4, 2007

What about the ranger ? I think those are supposed to be small too.

If your not looking for speed sidebysides are awsome. Much nicer to ride on and even if you don't get one that's really meant for utility you still have a bed with decent payload capacity. They can be quite handy.

SpringHollow · Mar 4, 2007

My wife and I really like our Bombardier 400 Max two seater (I believe they are now called Can Am). It is extremely comfortable and still fits down the trails. The passenger sits a little higher up so they can still see. I do not even mind being the passenger! Being actually designed for 2 people makes it much safer than throwing a second person on a regular ATV. We have never regretted our purchase.

ken

radman1 · Mar 4, 2007

darkday said:
What about the ranger ? I think those are supposed to be small too.

If your not looking for speed sidebysides are awsome. Much nicer to ride on and even if you don't get one that's really meant for utility you still have a bed with decent payload capacity. They can be quite handy.

The only Ranger models I am aware of is the polaris Ranger (500cc), polaris Ranger XP (700cc) and the soon to debut polaris Ranger RZR (800cc). Only the RZR will meet the 52" maximum width requirement required by some states for off road ATV use. The XP will go almost 50mph. The RZR will be at least that fast or faster and much more suspension travel. Not all side by sides are slow.
The yamaha Rhino will do 45+mph but is over 52" wide.

darkday · Mar 4, 2007

Wait I meant Rhino... Sorry stupid moment. But as you said it's to wide... Hummm

But that RZR does look nice.

archerynut · Mar 5, 2007

I have a Honda Rincon, while it is not made for two people, it accommadates my wife and I quite well, I even let her drive. For safety's sake I would go for a unit designed to have two people like the Can-Am (Bombardier) or the Polaris X2. Here's the link to the X2.
Polaris : ATVs : 2007 Models : X2 : Showroom

Tractors4u · Mar 5, 2007

Polaris has a couple of 2 passenger ATVs. I believe when you look at the model numbers they designate them as X2s. Polaris and Artic Cat are the only manufactures that have them they I have actually laid eyes on. They are slightly longer than the normal ATVs. The Polaris models are sort of convertible. They have a normal rear rack area and when you are ready to carry a passenger, you lock the seat on. It looks like a really nice set up.

bigdeer2000 · Mar 5, 2007

bombardier now called can-am makes an 800 extended length atv for 2 riders a friend of mine has the 800 standard length. its very fast and smooth.

escavader · Mar 8, 2007

The bombi [or canam]OUTLANDER IS A GOOD COMFORTABLE RIDE.So is the polaris from what im told.I even think ARCTIC CAT MAKES ONE.My friends have the outlander and its quite stable.It does get hung up a little quicker than a regular atv,because of the longer wheel base.You are quite right about an atv and not a side by side.Most of the trails in MAINE AND NEWHAMPSHIRE are not as suited for the wider units.As a working member of an atv club ,alot of landowners request we make bridges only wide enough for an atv or snowmobile,they do not want jeeps and larger buggies to access to their propertys.Therefor in constructing a bridge ,we RARELY EVER GO WIDER THAN 5 FT.There are areas to ride with the sideby sides ,paper company roads etc,but you will be limited.
ALAN

radman1 · Mar 8, 2007

Update. Saw an atv show the other night. Polaris Ranger RZR side by side will go 55mph. Wow that is fast. Too fast. I can't imagine having an accident in that thing at 55 mph. Who's going to make one go 60mph? 70mph? Someday I will be driving my truck and get passed by a atv or utility vehicle.

archerynut · Mar 8, 2007

That day could be any day now. There are some real speedsters out there now.

Thomas · Mar 9, 2007

radman1 said:
Thomas
The Polaris Ranger RZR is 50" wide. Is that still too wide? It also has a relatively low center of gravity.

Like the idea of low center gravity,plus it would fit in the trailer.

I check out this monster of Artic Cat Wednesday evening,just something about the model setup said its not for us....Polairs still first pick.

Thomas · Mar 9, 2007

darkday said:
What about the ranger ? I think those are supposed to be small too.

If your not looking for speed sidebysides are awsome. Much nicer to ride on and even if you don't get one that's really meant for utility you still have a bed with decent payload capacity. They can be quite handy.

Mrs. would really like a side by side,but I on the other hand kinda like basic type models...remember I know very little about the 4 wheelers but learning fast.