The best 4 wheeler

[ksp965]

I've owned fourwheelers for 16 years. I like what I have owned but have liked what I see in other makes and models also. I was just wondering, if you were hired to design the ultimate 4 wheeler, what features would you have it to be or have on it, or things you wouldn't have on it? Don't be bogged down in what is, think of some things that no one else has yet designed also.

[P. Beyer]

I'd like em' designed where they don't quit on ya 1.5 miles from the truck in a muddy Picked cornfield[;)]

Other than that, Built in High quality Bow holders on the front rack. Every set I've bought has been junk and slips, etc. Those mounting sets aren't "universal"[:(!]

"It makes no difference whether I got anything; it has to do with how the day was spent"

Fred Bear

[ksp965]

I would like a motorcycle type throttle where the grip turns to increase the gas flow, so that my thumb will not fall off on long rides.

[handgunner]

ksp965,
Check with Dennis Kirk, those are made as an after market. Mostly for sport quads, but it might be worth checking into. They have a web site but not sure how it's listed.

[steelslinger]

Would like to see the makers take note on the accesories most are buying and incorperate those into some factory variations. Hunting models with optional gun, bow, and stand holders. They could make mounts on their brand so their accesories would fit. The universal fit all accesories we deal with, as P. Beyer said, are not universal and most are junk.

Like the dump bed on the new Polaris

shoot em in the lips

[ksp965]

As I get older, fatter and stiffer, when I have all my hunting gear on it gets hard to mount one, specially when you are riding double. I would like to see an air bag suspension that can be lowered to mount and also to ride where you need a lower center of gravity, yet raised when you need ground clearance. The kids are already doing it at these car shows to their 4 wheelers just for kicks, why not for good use?

[handgunner]

I would like to see larger storage area. My ride is used for hunting, work, snow removal, farm chores, etc. The items used for specific reasons pack up nicely. It is the items that are always on my ATV no matter what I'm doing, that need a permanent place onboard. As for accessaries, I made a small receiver type plug that mounts under my back rack. Have built several items that attatch. Chainsaw carrier, cooler carrier, rack for 5 gallon bucket, treestand carrier. These items were built to fit, not forced to work.

[KnottCoArcher]

Some of the current features I like on 4-wheelers in production would be: The built in trunk under the front racks of some new polarises, the Multi Rack Platform for Arctic Cat (although the accesories are a little high at the moment), the Honda automatics without the belt, the 2-wheel to 4-wheel drive switches offered on most modles, the differential locks on some Kawasaki and Yamaha's, The v-twin motor Kawasaki builds.

Also while I'm thinking about it, a guage pod with GPS, a clock, an accurate fuel guage, and a tach. I'm not so concerned with the speed, but sometimes would like to know if I'm running the ATV to hard trying to get out of the mud or not or climbing a steep scary hill. I feel I have a good sense of that, but sometimes its just nice to know. Something else nice would be if it had a built in FRS radio, that you could plug a helmet mic and earphone into. Cell phone holders on the handle bars should also be standard.

I think an 4-wheeler with those options merged together would be great. With it made easy to change the setup for a nice leisurely summer ride, or far a deep woods fall hunt.

-Eli

[ez]

inventor's dream above....i'm sure we have some in the crowd and some ideas in the above thread to make someone rich......ez

[ksp965]

Sure, why not? Someone here may make a million, or the rest of us just find a better 4 wheeler. I like my honda's electric shift but can't see it at night. Why not have lighted shift indicators. and do something about making it easier to shift into reverse, while we are at it.

[quackrstackr]

How about some lighted buttons and switches, like the starter button and light switch.. etc, like they do in vehicles nowadays. Nothing like fumbling around in the dark in a pair of gloves trying to find the lights, high/low etc.

And some integrated designated tiedowns somewhere so you don't have to strap around the axle, hook to the floorboards, etc.

<b><u>5 Rivers Taxidermy & Outfitters</u></b>
http://www.5riversdux.com

Straight powder.......

[raktrakr]

gauges that actually show you approximate oil/water temps. i hate idiot lights! they're useless

[KnottCoArcher]

I have to agree with that.

The idiot lights are pretty useless.

I would much rather know how hot it is running, and make the decision myself on when it should be shut off. Guages that have the oil and water temp lights on them still so they can come on to give warning when you are getting into a good ride.

-Eli

[ksp965]

I like the durability of the plastic bodies but they fade out in no time.Tehn your $5-10,000 investment looks like crap. Would fiberglass with rubber fender skirts be a better answer?

[rosie38special]

Hello from the Hoosier state. Don't know if this should go on here or not and if I put this post in the wrong place someone please tell me. We are having a blizzard up here but I still have to get out and go to work. I used to live in Mt.Sterling, Winchester and in Paris Ky., from 1971 to 1985 and after my divorce I came home to Indiana. Your site looks pretty good and I'll catch you all later, need to get ready for work.

rosie38special

[rosie38special]

I just recently bought a 2003 Honda Rancher 4x4 and it is really great and a lot of fun to ride up and down on out 100 acre farm. We took it out on the road Sat and it did not slip at all, so I guess it is a keeper.

rosie38special

[rosie38special]

We have at least 7 or 8 in of snow up here. It is 6 here and Louisville temp is at 9. Don't seem to be so cold out when I let the dogs outside. But I will see when I have to go to work. Keep warm and be safe.

rosie38special

[ksp965]

Rosie, is your Honda the electric shift model? If so, how do you like it?

[Redneck]

I have a Honda Rancher Es. It has 1800 miles on it. I love the Electric Shift, it has never failed me. Also its nice when u r in water, u dont have to reach down in the water to shift.

http://chaser27.homestead.com/files/Redneck_3.jpg

[snareman]

I've got two 4 wheelers, a honda and a yamaha. I like honda's design for shifting into reverse but don't like yamaha's! On the yamaha you have to take a hand off a handlebar to turn a swith clockwise while shifting down at the same time. Honda's small red reverse button near hand brake is much simpler.

[ksp965]

My Yamaha has a reverse with a lock out on a lever located on the front fender. My wife's Kawasaki has a dial located on the side of the headlight. My ES Honda has the red button on the front of the left shifter. I don't like either very much. The Honda has the best set up but the button needs to be on the right handle bar as it is somewhat difficult to press and hold the button at the same time you are pressing the electric shift button when all are located on the left handle bar, especially when wearing gloves, like this time of year.

[rosie38special]

No it is not eletric start. When you turn it on then you shift with your foot. It stays in 4x4 all the time. We was going to get one that was digital but changed our mind. Question? Where do I get a book about gun laws for other states. When we go to other states to buy animals I don't want to leave my 38special at home. I feel better if it is with me. I have a personal pertection permit only for the state of Indiana. Thanks

rosie38special

[rosie38special]

Not really sure about the eletric start. You turn the switch on and press a button. Is that what you mean by eletric start? Sorry, Not sure on some things just know how to start whatever and if it don't sound right then I know something is wrong. When I take my Jeep or what ever car I have to be repaired I tell them what it is doing and then they start fixing the problem. My 4 wheeler does not have a pull start and the one my stepson has does have pull start.

rosie38special

[ksp965]

How about more lighting? Two beam for open fields and flood beams for forest trails. How about one of those remote control lights with a control on the handle bar?

[KnottCoArcher]

I really like those handlebar mounted center lights that some Honda's have.

I have two ATV's and niether of mine have that, and most of the time I wishing they did.

I have seen some spot light type deals that mount to the handlebar with a RAM mount, I'm somewhat nervous about having it on my 4-wheeler though. Especially during hunting season, afraid of being accused of using it to spotlight deer at night. Although it shouldn't be an issue as long as it was mounted to the handlbars.

-Eli

[rosie38special]

I was talking to my son and he said my 4 wheeler was a eletric start. Did not know what it was for sure. I just know how to start it and where to shift and make it go. Wish I had something like that when we was younger but did not have things like that I know of back then. Kids today tend to get spoiled really easy on what is out there. My son said you all would just have to overlook me cause I was just getting old. But he still comes and ask for advice on some things.

rosie38special