I've been thinking about switching from my 2-up ATV, to a UTV (side-by-side) machine.
Anyone do the switch lately & any regrets? If so, what are they?
Thanks,
Big Mac
I have never owned an ATV. I bought a new 2006 Mule 610 many years ago and just upgraded to the Mule Pro MX. They are about the same length but the Pro MX is 8 inches wider, weighs 500 pounds more and the engine is close to 700cc when the 610 had 400cc
The Pro MX plows snow much better and gets around in the woods fairly well but any ATV would be more nimble
I have both as well. I mostly just use the atv for yard work. My honda pioneer is awesome and I use it for everything. The pioneer is mainly up north for 8 months and used everytime I'm there. It's used as a workhorse when it gets home too. It depends on your wants and needs I guess. I call them tools and not toys.
switch last year from my kaw to a CF Moto, got rid of the CF Moto and went to a Ranger 570, feels better for my hips but at times do miss my Kaw, in the long run the UTV is better for me as we take camping trips with the machines
if you like running off the path mudding , fast running stay with the ATV , but if plan on trips with the machines the utv is best buy as it has more storage area. Both have advantages and disadvantages , it be up to you what you like and want to do.
This looks better than the Shredder to me because I'm older... https://youtu.be/EaDE0RiEgdc
Called a Snowdog
I have an ATV that I like too much specially while going for an offroad drive with my friends. One of my friends also likes to drive newly evolved ATV vehicles.
While our last outing we saw an awesome crossover ATV called DTV shredder which is a mix of snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing and jet skiing. I rode it the whole day & I found the experience was very thrilling as the DTV Shredder is very fast. It was one of a kind experience to drive DTV shredder & I am looking forward to buying it. In my opinion, every ATV enthusiast should try it once.
I'll agree with the general consensus of intended use. My family's cabin has a pole barn with 8 units in it currently. Ranging from an old Yamaha 350 Big Bear, 2008 450 Grizzly, 2006 660 Grizzly, 2010 & 2012 700 Grizzly, 2007 Honda Rancher 420, 2010 Honda Rincon, and a 2014 Can Am Commander 800 XT.
For trail riding or adventuring I prefer handle bars to a steering wheel. As has been mentioned I think they're generally easier to maneuver and get in and out of places, especially if you have an ATV with electric power steering. The UTV on the other hand has much better creature comforts. A windshield alone makes the UTV a joy during hunting and ice fishing season and if you pop for any type of enclosure system (soft or hard side) and a heater there's no comparison.
If I'm forced to choose one I'd go UTV solely based on my opinion that they are more comfortable during fall and winter time use. Keep in mind my point of view is these are a utilitarian vehicles and not a fun time entertainment toys, although they can be used as such. Also, track systems are available for a wide variety of units these days.
Edited to add, It's also an opinion of mine that big ATVs are more off-road capable, not sure if that's the right word. If you're big into spending lots of time off the beaten path stick with your ATV.
I recently sold my ATV and got 2 UTV's. We started trail riding and went with Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail model. They are not so much for utility use, but actually riding. They are only 50" wide, I think my ATV was about 45-48 so not much difference in that regard. Longer though obviously.
Pros - Seat belts, roll cage, easier/safer for small kids, foot pedal vs hand throttle, more comfortable for long trips, sitting position like a car.
Cons - Longer, heavier, louder.
If I were to use one for hunting I'd probably choose an ATV though, I just don't use one for that anymore.