[robg]

I'm considering one of these (used). Anybody have any experience with 'em? I'm wondering what changes may have been made from 2001 until 2004 (if any). I know in 05 they added the 2/4wd switch and disc brakes... but as much as I like the 05s, I can't afford one. I'd prefer an 01-02 in the $3000-4000 range.

Thanks!!

Rob

 

[stonemanrip]

I think Yamaha is less expensive to maintain than Honda. I have a Honda and a Yamaha, both are good products. I just have more faith in Yamaha. Just my opinion, and like a-holes, everyone has one, and it usually stinks. Chuck

 

[robg]

There's a specific reason for wanting the Rubicon -- the transmission, coupled with the fact that it's solid-axle. Though what will actually happen is when I find a really good deal on either a Rubicon or an 02-03 Grizzly, I will snatch up whichever one appears first.

Rob

 

[marine]

Rob, I can attest from personal experience on my 2001 or 2002 rubicon (not sure of year) that they are very very solid ATV's!

To answer your question there is NO difference in them from their initial release up until this last 04 release (04 supposedly had softer suspension). For 2005 they added traxloc (2wd/4wd) and disk breaks along with a "T" shapped seat for added comfort.

As for my story, when I purchased my grizzly I had gone to get the rubicon and had even called ahead and had them holding one for me (2004 model). Once I got there the only reason I decided on the grizzly was IRS, locker, and at the time 2wd/4wd switch, where the rubicon had none of these.

During my owning of the rubicon I rode it harder than any ATV I had ever had!! I had huge 27" ITP 589's and rode double everywhere. I was the idiot that when there was a mud hole I was the FIRST one into it wide open and ran WOT most of the time while shifting in the upper RPM's and sliding the thing in donuts ect. with those huge tires. I also used it to "make new trails" by running over 2-4 inch in diameter trees (this did crack the plastic on the front bash plate). I never had a single problem in the 2000+ miles I put on it. All I did was change the oil and that was it. The only reason I sold it was at the time I needed money for my wife to get a new car. The transmition is probably more soild than ANY on the market.

Does any of this make me want the rubicon over the grizzly....Absolutly NOT, because for the type of riding I do the grizzly is best for me. however, If i was to want a utility ATV for plowing, hauling, or general hardcore work (with strain on the drivetrain 24-7) then the rubicon has the BEST SRA with Hydrolic transmition on the market!

I hope this has helped Rob, but have you looked at a Rhino??? That is my next purchase and it is perfect for plowing as it weighs 1100lbs and has a dump bed for all your gear! It also has the exact same setup as the grizzly. However, STAY AWAY from the 2004 models as they were buggy from what I have read on many forums but for 2005 they fixed all the bugs (ie. air intake from above engine not below, and larger axles and added glove box door along with the wires for the tailgate support like trucks)

again here are some photos of my old rubicon right before I traded it for my wifes car..

 

[marine]

and the rear

 

[marine]

And my new truck (the toyota had WAY to many freaking problems) and my new ATV I LOVE the Grizzly!!!

 

[robg]

I guess my biggest question right now is about the ride quality. You've said it and I've read similar things on other forums that the Rubicon doesn't have the best ride quality.

For starters, I'm wondering just how bad is it? This will be a trail machine just like my Grizzly. I already planned to spend the money on Works Performance Shocks, plus I've heard of a Perfex kit or somesuch that's supposed to help a lot too. I know it'll never ride as good as the Grizzly, but I'd like to see it be close.

Rob

 

[marine]

Rob, I don't think you will ever get it to ride anything like the grizzly. It is a much stiffer ride. This is wonderful for hauling heavy things or lifting heavy plow blades, but when doing trail riding you will feel all the bumps. Honda supposedly corrected this somewhat with the 04-05 models by revalving the suspension however, it still isn't an IRS machine and is built for work duty and not trail machine. Therefore, the ride quality is somewhat lacking after riding on a grizzly you will never get that plush soft comfortable ride from the rubicon.

I have never used the works performance shocks so I can't comment on the performance changes they will bring. Basically if you want a work horse I suggest the rubicon, for a trial riding rig with a great ride get the grizzly...Some might disagree with me but opinions are like butt holes everyone has one...

Rob if you have any other questions please feel free to contact me!

OH!! also something to consider is the difference in ground clearance on the rubicon vs the grizzly....if you plan on using it for trail riding and want something good for rock climbing the rubicon is hindered with its ground clerance being lower than the grizzly.

 

[marine]

bump....rob you there?

 

[xtremegrizz]

Have to agree with Marine on the ride. Never had a Rubicon though but did have a couple of Ranchers. Compared to the Grizz the ride is like on a board. On the Rancher I could ride for about 30miles on the rail road grade trail and by the end my butt was so sore. Rode the same trail on the Grizz (rail road grade) and put on 70 miles plus with out any problems. Now this is the only IRS machine I have rode so all I can say is nothing compares to the Grizz weather it is because of the IRS or just the Grizz and how it handles it all.

 

[robg]

Hey I totally agree that nothing is gonna ride as good as a Grizzly. I've ridden a number of IRS machines and the Grizzly beats 'em all hands down in terms of ride quality. The Grizzly is a Cadillac for sure.

My old 03 Arctic Cat 400 was marginal in ride quality... my Rincon was very good, and the handling was outstanding. But the ride was still quite firm compared to the Grizz. I've ridden a friend's Sportsman 400 and it rides like a cross beween the Rincon and Grizzly, so I'd probably put it in 2nd place for ride quality.

A local guy whom I've spoken with a few times has an 03 Rubicon. I talked to him today and he seems to like the ride of his machine, so we're gonna go ride sometime soon, maybe in the next few weeks. That way I can really see what a Rubicon is like before I buy one.

Rob