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.

I just recently purchased a new 2016 Yamaha Viking VI Ranch Edition. Was also concerned about noise levels for fall hunting, so having one of these installed before I pick up the new UTV. Quite an improvement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjTXvxh8rE4

A friend has one of these for hunting, can't beat it for quiet:

http://www.polaris.com/en-us/ranger-utv/ranger-ev-polaris-pursuit-camo

Running the yota in a group of 4-wheelers and side by sides this year, the first thing you notice was the lack of noise from the yota. I never thought about it before that, but now I'm wondering the same thing as you.

I was also surprised by how much more fuel a 550cc wheeler burns compared to a 22re.

Lots of obstacles to over come yet, but I think this is where electric ATV's will eventually shine.

External clutches and belts on so many of the present rigs don't help with the noise thing. I would imagine multi-cylinder engines to reduce the needed size of individual cylinders would also help. Of course that gets into more weight and expense, and torque loss - which isn't desirable in 'small', light rigs.

You can help a lot by going slow. miles

An electric plugged in to a quiet Honda generator on the rear would take you a long ways.

Yes, except the vehicle cannot be charged while running. It has to be turned off.

I wonder who thought that one up. Hybrid cars charge as they go as do some electrics with auxiliary motors just for charging.

Running a generator to keep your electric vehicle going. There is a joke in there somewhere, and I think it might end with "...you might be a redneck.".

If you want to go that route, you'd be better off just repowering the ATV with one of the smaller Honda engines and a more elaborate muffler system. Multiple energy conversions aren't going to help - nor is a Honda generator going to be quieter than the direct powered ATV of similar horsepower anyway.

bad boy buggies has a hybrid utv that looks interesting. The 570 ranger is noisier than I would like it to be, but sure is fun.

One of the hunters on my lease has one-does not recommend it.

I ride a Yamaha Rhino 700, a couple of friends ride Polaris 800 and Razor (whatever the name is), and another rides a Kawasaki side by side. All are loud.

The quietest are the Can Am Commander 1000 side by sides. A couple of hunters I know have these machines, and when they ride past our campsite, the sound is similar to a very small car. But I like mine better, since I can't afford one of the Can Am machines

This is a good website to look at if you are planning to buy a side-by-side. All the data about your machine, compared to the rest, is shown:
http://www.utvguide.net/utv_comparison.htm