I was in the same situation as you, having never owned a SxS before. I had always ridden on 2 wheels but wanted something that I could put to work on a mini-farm and take out on trails from time to time. Before I made my decision (and I considered every brand available), I read information on all the prevailing discussion forums. I looked for signs of owner satisfaction and dissatisfaction. I understand that the forums may have a high concentration of owners coming for help with a problem and I realize the Viking is too new to have much of a track record but I still read all I could. Next, I visited the dealerships nearest to me to get a feel for the different makes/models, and to drive a few. For me, the combination of the research and the test drives made my decision easy and I didn't second guess at all. I bought an EPS Viking just last month and I'm nearing my 20 hour break-in maintenance. It was a great decision and exactly suits what I was looking for. I enjoy the seating for 3 and the low end torque available from a motor with a proven track record. I like the position of the motor behind the seat/under the bed for ease of maintenance and I like many of the extra touches that include guards around the CV boots to prevent corn stubble from tearing the boots. Now I'm looking forward to some custom touches to further suit my needs.I am really considering the Viking for my first SxS purchase. I would really like all feedback to other opinions. The viking is leading for me but would like any input.
. I like the size and comfort of the Viking's cab. The ride is also good in my opinion. And the bed is a nice size, not dinky like a Teryx or Mule 610. The viking is also fast enough to bounce yourself off of the trail and into the trees! And I like the hill decent of the Yamaha cvt. What I don't like about my Viking is vibration at idle, which smooths out with some throttle; and the cvt could be a little quieter. Other sxs that almost got my money where the Honda Pioneer and the Polaris xp900. I liked the Honda's smoothness, quietness and the auto transmission.I am really considering the Viking for my first SxS purchase. I would really like all feedback to other opinions. The viking is leading for me but would like any input.