California Max

[calitundra]

I have 2 honda atv's but with 2 little kids I need something we all can all enjoy. I would like to get a max iv but here in CA 6x6's are far and few between. I have never riden in a 6x6 and can't find any dealers near me (northern CA). I am mainly looking for something that I can go in the forest with. speed is not a big factor. Can anyone give me an opinon on why these utv's are not popular in CA? Are there any disadvantages of 6x6's over say a yamaha rhino? Does anyone know where i can test a max in Northern CA?

Thanks
John

[Raleigh Trainer]

I know this is heresy here, but after owning my Max for a few months, I've found that they do indeed have their limitations over ATVs or UTVs. They are indeed a niche vehicle, albeit one with quite a passionate following.

An amphibious ATV can go a lot of places that a regular ATV or UTV can't go (or at least without a lot of modifications), but stock ATVs and UTVs are a heck of a lot safer and more comfortable once you get some speed going. After all, you can't compare a suspension with 6-10" of travel, adjustable rebound and compression dampening (ATV/UTV) to one with ZERO travel where you can only adjust air pressure (AATV).

CA has some of the best sand riding in the country, and AATVs are no sand rails, regardless of tire choice.

Also, ATVs and UTVs are much better rock crawlers. In fact, I couldn't imagine tackling boulders with a boat-shaped body and skid steering.

So, I can definitely see why AATVs are not as popular as the Rhino overall. All this said, my Max is still the best vehicle for the type of riding I now do (slow speeds, tight woods, mud and creek crossing). A Max IV would be a great slow speed family vehicle, which no high production ATV/UTV can claim.

If you are at all mechanically inclined, you don't need a local dealer for service as these are extremely simple to work on. I don't know how warranty stuff might get verified, but really, I don't know what could be done too wrong at the factory that can't get fixed with a minor adjustment.

I would see if someone near you owns one you can try (you will probably already get an offer if someone on here is close), and contact Buddy Moore at MidWest ATV (Midwest ATV). He had the best prices of anyone, and your vehicle would be shipped to you straight from the factory as it rolled off the assembly line. Brandon Price at Maximum Off Road also has a great reputation here (Your Nationwide Max ATV Dealer), though he quoted me prices well above what he has listed on his website (and well above Buddy's quote), instantly disqualifying him for me.

[Mike]

I would agree with most of that except for the safety part. AATVs are by far much safer than ATVs and side by sides. Particularly AATVs with a roll cage and seat belts.

[Raleigh Trainer]

I guess we won't see eye to eye on the safety thing, but I certainly feel safer going over washboard at speed on an ATV than in my Max II. The ATV just glides right over them, and the Max is so uncontrollable and bounces around so much that there is no way to keep any speed. So, when I say that I think an ATV is safer at speed, I mean because you don't need belts or roll bars to keep you safe if you have control of the vehicle.

Plus, Rhinos (and other sport-oriented UTVs) not only have full roll cages, but they have doors, bucket seats, and three point belts to keep you in should you roll. I'm not sure how much use a bench seat with lap belt would be if you rolled a Max IV at its top speed of 24mph (has anyone actually done this on here to chime in?), but I've seen UTVs after doing the same thing at what were probably higher speeds than that- the vehicles look ugly, but their occupants made it out OK.

Of course, you'd end up spending much more to make a Rhino family friendly than buying a stock Max IV, and no UTV can keep you dry crossing a mud pit or a creek, or float. Maxxes are way cooler than UTVs and huge fun to drive.

I love my Max, and I love finding things to challenge it. In fact, I'm heading back to Busco Beach on Saturday with some 4-wheeler friends (I hope to take a video camera). However, I know that a UTV will eventually join my Max in the garage once my daughter is big enough to enjoy it. Which is best for you depends entirely upon your priorities.

[lewis]

ATV/AATV

I think the key word unless i am off base is family orientation. Not knocking anyone's machine or type of recreation. I started riding 3-wheeler in the early 80's and loved them. Had a few nasty spills but when this occurred i was pushing the envelope. Bought my children 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers to ride. Never did i allow them to ride without adult supervision, BUT i was always concerned about not being able to control all the situations that they would get into. This just being the parent part coming out. Later on the 3-wheelers were banned and 4's became the norm.

There was a fatality as Busco recently(prior to our group ride in October) where a rider/driver was ejected from a Rhino/Razor. Just because machines have safety equipment doesn't mean people always use it. This gives machines a bad reputation.

I am not sure but i don't think a standard off the shelf Razor or Rhino will do a lot of rock climbing without at least some modifications made to it. I certainly would not take my small children on one of these excursions. No matter what i drove, i don't think i personally could not take the pressure of the safety concerns. Then again this is my opinion.

My opinion.
Had i known that an AATV was available this would have been my choice for a family rec vehicle, using hindsight i would suggest this even more. People use machines differently according to their taste. Going fast is ok, but slowing down to smell the flowers is great when the kids are on board. I have hauled a lot of children in my Avenger and they love it. The machine is always full and ready to ride.

8x8 seem to be more suited for the family(more than husband and wife). Not knocking any machine. It seems to ride smoother has more carrying capacity. You can install a rear seat and still have room. Roll over protection can be added which some recommend and others don't. I as i have stated earlier have an Avenger and it suites my needs fine. The reason i bought the 8x8 was for extra people to ride and have fun.

This is just my 2 cents

Rock Doctor has a lot of video of his Conquest in action and he carries his children and a (ton=a bunch) of supplies. Check them out, they are great.


Lewis


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[Jedon]

I have a MaxII in Northern CA ( Nevada City ) and love it, less as a toy than a workhorse around my 100 acres in the woods. I tow a little trailer, get around the property, go through snow, plow snow, chase cows off ( They free range in adjoining Tahoe National Forest ) etc.

[RKlingborg]

I now of no MAX dealers but there is a Argo dealer. Northern California is a big area I live in San Jose area, but hunt up by Senora and play on the forest roads. talk to Mary at points west agro there up in Marysville. http://pointswest.argoatv.com/

I have played on Pismo Beach and there was a group there that liked my argo couse it was something there wifes could drive and take there kids out in to the dunes. As for rock climbing my Agro climbs like a billy goat, I can go were only the lifted Jeeps go, couse thats were the park range make me play in the off road parks, and I've only seen rinos on the road. Im alwas looking to get out. so if youed like to go for a ride and your not to far away email me at rkklingborg@msn.com.