Question for the engine guys: Is there any reason why the big companies like Polaris, Honda, and Yamaha couldn't make a 600-1,000cc UTV that was as quiet-running as your typical pickup truck? I mean, are there inherent attributes of those water-cooled UTV engines that make it to where they can't be quieter without huge losses in power? Seems like I've been around some touring motorcycles that had more engine exposure and bigger displacement than your typical Polaris Ranger, but were much quieter.
I ask because I hate the noise levels associated with UTV's during deer season. I'd buy one if it wasn't so dang loud. We quit using them on our place around September of each year and just use Toyotas and Jeeps with mud tires. A truck can almost sneak up on you, but a UTV/ATV can be heard from a half-mile away. Sure seems like a product need is there for us hunters, aside from some bolt-on silencer kit that makes little difference.
