argo conquest to avenger

[thecartman]

Greetings all. Long time lurker, first time poster.
I have a 1994 Conquest that I have had since new and I have gotten the itch for a newer machine. I have come across a 2009 Avenger 8x8 with the 750 and most of the options I would want. Very low hours. But of course there is always the appeal of a brand new 2012 HDI. It seems like the only thing I would gain getting a 2012 over the 2009 is the admiral transmission. Is there anything else in the way of desirable features I would be missing out on taking the 2009? Thanks all

[foxvalley]

Not much more, but the new admial tranny is a very desirable feature in it's own right. I am really happy with mine. Why not split the difference, I believe I know someone who is selling a 2011 750 HDI EFI with 46 hours on it.

[Obsessed]

Most important improvement that was made in 2010 was the new heavy duty outer bearing and axles...being able to quickly and easly grease the outer bearings means that it will probably get done more often which will save some really big money over the life span of your next machine

Just somthing to think about :-)

[foxvalley]

Thanks Obsessed. Was that the first year they started putting the access holes in the rims for greasing the bearings? It sure is nice not having to take the tires off.

[Rock Doctor]

Personally, I am a fan of the older style trans. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but for my riding style/conditions, I do like the pre-Admiral.
Don't take this the wrong way though, for many users the New style trans is just the ticket, exactly what they want and need. (I also prefer the "Sticks" over the "Handlebars", but that is a moot issue in this particular case"

As mentioned by "Obsessed", the new upgraded bearings are a great improvement, although the "holes in the axles" are of no great interest to me.

At this point, I would be more interested in the '09 than a '12.

Noteworthy observation: " There have been times, and will be more times where I did wish I had the Admiral"

Important to keep in mind that this is nothing more than my own personal opinion, right or wrong.


RD

[lewis]

Have had all 3 style machines, 2003 Conquest, 2006 Avenger and the 2011 Avenger. All great machines and each have their plus and minuses. The older style trans are great units, tried and true. The 2003 and the 06 had the same style and worked great with no problems. The Admiral in the 2011 is taking time to adjust to since it works differently, so my style of driving will have to change. This has occurred each time i changed machines but that is the way it is.

Like Rock Doctor i liked the sticks best at first because i felt i had more control of the machine with the sticks, the 06 braking system was not as strong until i upgraded to the new brake modification and then i was happy with the control factor. The Avenger's power and higher stance was a plus. Adding the AT 189 tires was a huge upgrade and enhanced the machines abilities greatly....i recommend it highly, but.....they are pricey.

The 2011 Avenger has the new bearing and axles and this is a plus, but i only changed 3 bearings on the 06 the entire time i owned it. Power increased as i went to the fuel injection model and 5HP does seem to help. Transmission is very different and as i prepare to make the second big ride with the machine i will have more experience with it and hopefully get better. Getting ready to run it with tracks so i will get the feel of the machine and it abilities with tracks. Don't run tracks much where i am located but from time to time i will venture out and do some testing.

The zero turn is nice but i don't use it much, high gear is mostly what is needed to get through the holes we play in. I found that if you let the trans do it work instead of the braking system it works better. In the 06 to make tight turns you had to really apply the brakes hard to the desired side. 2011 low gear or get the machine transmission turning and the unit feels like power steering. On the trails even with 4 and 5 people when in motion the turning is effortless, a factor to get adjusted to. I like the Admiral but i must get adjusted to it's way of doing things. Note: If it preforms as well as the 03 or 06 i will be greatly pleased. Only time will tell. These are my observations and opinions and i hope this helps.

Lewis

[foxvalley]

The sticks do have great "feel" but it was so hard for me to steer in reverse with my head turned around, it might be different with hydro sticks. Now with the t handle, I can throttle and steer in reverse with one hand. As for the admiral, if there is a flaw , I am determined to find it. ie. my new posted video.

[thecartman]

Well, I do know that either the 09 or a 12 (maybe a 13 out soon?) will be quite an upgrade from my faithful 94 Conquest. I have many happy hours on that machine but I think it is time to upgrade. I can only hope the new one is as reliable as that Conquest. I will want some tracks this time, though.

[thorn]

I have gone full circle with Argos. I am on my 5th Argo since 1990. My last Argo was a 2006 Avenger and I sold that last fall and just purchased a "new" (22 hrs) loaded 2004 Conquest. I can tell you with only 10 hrs in the Conquest, that I like it better than my Avenger.

I like the laterals better for controls and having the low "G" tranny in the Conquest vs the H (high) tranny in the Avenger is night/day difference, esp. with tracks. My avenger was a dog at high elevation with tracks and the Conquest so far is not.

I had heat issues (vapor lock) and a loose idler sprocket that gave me fits (pulling to on side/brake fade) and cost me some $ to fix . I don't want to come across as knocking Avengers and the HDIs with 31 EFI motor is probably the bomb, but they are starting to out price themselves IMHO.

There is a reason that the Conquest was "top dog" for Argo for a dozen (?) years or so, with a cult like following in some of the harshest riding places (Canada/Alaska) on earth.

I think that Argo hit a near perfect balance of size/weight, power, and reliability with the Conquest.

One of the best Argos I had was a 96' Vanguard. It hauled me and a lot of gear/friends into the marshes and mountains and hauled out a lot of Elk, fish, and fowl out and I never had a single issue with it.

[North Country Tough]

Pretty darn happy with my Avenger no major issues,greatest improvement over the Conquest axle spacing for big rubber,that said tons of hours with Conquest/Bigfoot/Responce/8 magnum they were all good to me,but personally I prefer the Avenger.NCT

[thecartman]

These are exactly the conversations that are running around in my head. I can make a case for a new one or the 2009. Or even for keeping my Conquest. I definitely want to always have an Argo but maybe it is the spring air making me think it is time for a new one. Thanks for all the advice, keep it up please.

[foxvalley]

Hey cartman, I just went thru your pain, or exitement of the prospects of a new ride, just a couple weeks ago,and was 1 click away from a conquest, which i'm sure, would have been great. I had a 96 vanguard, the first ever experience with an argo, and part of my soul left when I traded it in,it worked that good for me. After reading all the posts, I think any argo you get will be great, as it's a great product. Somebody once told me,though,that buying the best only hurts once, (in my case, once a month)so if you don't want to wonder what the latest and greatest is,and can afford it, go for it.

[JohnF]

These are exactly the conversations that are running around in my head. ... keep it up please.

You don't have enough to think about.

I'd keep the conquest, update to HD bearings and update to the EFI kawasaki (29hp).

(and I probably will! )

[thecartman]

Updating my Conquest is an interesting idea but I think it would quickly run into major money. Not that a new or newer ARgo would not as well, of course, but then I am starting with all new. My current machine has been so good that I hate to disturb the groove but it is a 1994 and owes me nothing at this point and I am concerned that one day it will bre
break.
Oh, and foxvalley - I saw your videos and pictures of your new ride and it is making me want the brand new one all the more so thanks a lot!

[foxvalley]

Go for it!!! Life's to short, and you CAN'T take it with you.