in the market for ATV for hunting/ice fishing/snow clearing driveway. (not sport mudding) is a single cylinder fairly standard and is it enough power? is 500cc plenty big enough?
I have a Sportsman 800, used it for snow one winter. It did just fine as long as it wasn't really heavy snow. If you go with a 500, you will want to plow mid storm. As far as ice fishing goes, I doubt it matters what size machine you get.
I just bought a new 450. I currently own a 93 350. It has 1100 miles on it, and it has done everything I ever needed it to do. I went with the 450(499 cc) for the weight and size to pull snow goose hunting in my trailer. So I think the 450 or 570 is plenty for what you will ever use it for. But heck, they make 1000's now!!!!!! I know I wanted something I could handle and my dad could as well.
I have a 450 Yamaha, on a mid-size frame. Pushes snow all winter, use all fall in the field, and cruise around in the summer with no problems. Put a second seat on it and use it with a trailer and it stores well in a 7x14.
I have 2012 500 HO and it does everything I need it to. I honestly believe anything over the 500 is a waist. They don’t have the weight to = the power and just spin the tires faster when pushing and pulling.
Kevin, I know this doesn't pertain to your question, but I bought one last fall with power steering. Oh man is it sweet. That might rank up there with one of my few really good decisions!!
I show the Yamaha in the field, set up for one or two people, and carrying in this case, a dozen canada full bodies, 48 5/8 mallard shells, 3 spinners, and layouts. Setup on the atv is about 4:00 into the video, and it shows how it fits in the decoy trailer. If I buy another quad, it will be the same one. The 700 Yamaha is too big for what I need. Even with the 4' blade, I can push snow a foot above it. I've had the ATV for 9 years, and put maybe $200 into it, other than oil filters and changes.
I don't own a Wheeler but when I did, I remember when 500cc rigs were the biggest baddest things you could get. I Grew up dragging heavy portables with two people on the rig and it was a big red 3 Wheeler ! Now days a 200cc rig is looked at as something that barely has enough power to move itself. bigger must be better?
