I'm also in the market for a good ATV.
My choice is going to be a Honda, not because it's "better" than the Yammie but because of the ability to shift gears manually unlike the Yammies clutch/belt system. Most ATV's use the same system almost exactly like snowmobiles use.
The Honda's use a transmission that is very similar to a car.
No belts to slip or wear out and the ability to stay in a lower gear when hauling something heavy.
I know my Yamaha sled (RS Venture GT) is very difficult to put along @ slow speeds.
We had a pair of older Honda quads up @ the lodge I worked at that still run great even after 30 years!!!!
OH, and my Yamaha sled is now 8 years old and runs like a top!!!
Have never had any issues at all.