Off Roading New Quad suggestions?

[GaryCarter]

I'm working my way around to getting a new ATV, and looking for input. I want a 4x4 utility quad, but one with power, speed, and handling. I want a machine that can tote a load and run the mud when necessary, but mostly fun to trail ride. Here's where I'm at so far:



Kawasaki 750 BF- #1 on my list right now because of a great power to weight ratio.



Polaris 800- yawn. Mostly because the last four were all Polaris and I'm ready for a change. And at 770 lbs dry I hear the Kaw. is faster? Plus Sportsmen don't jump or slide worth a darn because the suspension has so much travel.



AC 650 H1- only makes the list because it's got tons of clearance and wheel travel. Reputed to be the #1 mud machine. I'm thinking those same attributes won't make for crisp handling.



Honda Rincon 675- reputed to be the best handler around; light weight and well suspended. Not so hot in the power and transmission though.



Bombardier 800- king of the HP hill @ a reported 62... but I read negative reports on quality/reliability, and handling.



I guess I'm leaning more towards the "fun factor" with this next machine. I've got the Polaris Ranger when there's real work to be done in the woods.



Any and all input welcome!



Gary

 

[JOdell]

I am a HONDA man. I have a 2000 450 foreman S Plenty of power and fun to ride. More cc's don't always mean more power. Look at the Honda 500 Rubicon. It has a electric shift transmission as well as Auto. Friends that have those really like them. Happy riding. -Jason

 

[JJPage]

I have always owned Sport Quads( Warrior, Raptor ) until recently. At my age I can no longer take getting thrown down and it is hard not to play with that much of a toy.

I just purchased a 500 Suzuki Vinson and for a utility type quad I am very satisfied. They are available fully auto or with a manual 5 speed with an auto clutch, also you can pick them up brand new for $5500. 00

Yoshimura makes an aftermarket pipe and jet kit that really perks them up, and with the money you save on initial purchase it is not a bad way to go.

If you just have to have the biggest and fastest then this is probably not the quad for you. But if you want decent power and a very well balanced and easy to maneuver machine, check them out!

 

[CO Lineman]

I would look at the bombadier 800... Heard a lot of good things... Want some more info go to www.atvquadsquad.com There are some guys on there that own the 800 bomb and say it is the bomb... Myself I have the polaris 700efi and like it a lot but not much for fo rthe fun factor but should do well with my kids in the next couple of years riding around with me.....

 

[CUMINNTSTRKN]

Don't forget about the Suzuki 700 King Quad EFI. I have one and it's a great atv. It handles better than the Kawi and has comparable power. I can also go 100 miles on a tank of fuel.



Jim

 

[Dixie Dawg]

yep, the Suzuki would be my choice as well. I have a 2005 KQ I bought for my 110lb wife for Christmas, and it is an absolute blast. It felt the sportiest of the big bore's, yet was still strong enough to haul anything i could want. I really like my Polaris 800, but if I could only have one ATV it would be the KQ.



Unfortunatly the KQ is too big for her so she's going back to her old ATV, so I am probably gonna sell it. ($5900, with only 105 miles in case anybody's interested )

 

[Dieselnut59]

I am seriously looking into the Diablo quads I mentioned on another post in this forum. They have a 1100+ cc Yanmar diesel powered machine. The best thing is it is a quad and not one of the utility only machines like the Kubota RTV. As soon as I know more information, I will post it. They are made in UK but are considering shipping to or production in USA.

 

[Red Stroke]

I am a honda man also but they can be under powered with bigger tires ( I ride a 450s). Out of all the quads mentioned above my freinds have most of them, and we ride quite hard, the Kawasaki Prairie has held up the best with only front ring and pinion, and both CV as casualties, all others (big belt drive quads) have had many more problems. Highlifter has a quad forum, were these guys know there stuff you could post over there if you want some first hand feedback.

 

[McLaughlin]

Wierd, I thought the Yamaha Grizzly would have been mentioned. Is that just because it is "dated" and old hat or is its performance subpar? I'm thinking of getting a 4x4 ATV and was considering a Suzuki Kingquad or a Yamaha Grizzly.

 

[RSergeant]

800 polaris sportsman efi

I ve got a quad for sale if interested pm me its an 800 sportsman Wife wants a yamaha rhino so we can both go out. make ya a great deal.

 

[tractorseller]

Wierd, I thought the Yamaha Grizzly would have been mentioned. Is that just because it is "dated" and old hat or is its performance subpar? I'm thinking of getting a 4x4 ATV and was considering a Suzuki Kingquad or a Yamaha Grizzly.

I've got a Grizzly, so does my brother and some friends. Dated? Well, they don't have the EFI and they are single cylinder. I love mine. We ride them mostly on trail rides, great power, great handling (the best handling big bore utility out there IMO), has IRS and soaks up everything you can throw at it. I've ridden it at 8,000 ft elevation all the way down to 0 ft elevation and the performance is terrific.



For performance, reliability, and fun I think it's hard to beat. Yamaha quality is second to none, and no I'm not a dealer. Lots of choices these days though. Makes it tough to decide. I talked to a guy who has ridden both the BRP 800 and the Yamaha and he says the Yamaha is a far better machine (he's a dealer who sells both). BRP has great power, but lacks the handling and overall quality of the Yamaha.

 

[2broke2smoke]

i've got a suzuki king quad ...

put 1300 miles on it in 12 months ...

1300 hard miles ... getting a house site ready ... dragging tree tops ... hauling mulch ... running hard all summer ...



no problems at all



Sunday i rode my buddies 800 bomb ... whew boy ...



i don't know anything about reliability but that thing will smoke any 4 wheel drive and most sport bikes ...



0-40 was amazing ... if you had the coconuts to stay in it with the front wheels in the air

 

[TheWolf]

if your wanting sporty, i would have to say check out yamaha griz 660

 

[GaryCarter]

Went with the BRP 800. Could not resist the power. It did spook me a little at first, but after a little riding it's very controllable power. And lots of it. Roostertails on demand, wheelies when you want. Arm stretching acceleration and 77 mph top speed.

But you can still putt around at a walking pace, crawl over rocks and logs or just cruise at 15 mph. It's not quirky like some high performance engines.

I'm happy.



Gary

 

[tractorseller]

Went with the BRP 800. Could not resist the power. It did spook me a little at first, but after a little riding it's very controllable power. And lots of it. Roostertails on demand, wheelies when you want. Arm stretching acceleration and 77 mph top speed.

But you can still putt around at a walking pace, crawl over rocks and logs or just cruise at 15 mph. It's not quirky like some high performance engines.

I'm happy.



Gary

Give us an update when you've ridden it awhile (or maybe let your wife do it if you're incapacitated). I'm curious how it will hold up. Like I tell my kids, just because that power is there doesn't mean you have to use it. I don't listen to my own advice though. I use every bit of it every time I get a chance to open it up. The older I get the slower my reflexes get so naturally I need more power every year to compensate, right? :-laf



My Dad is 74 and he tried out my Grizzly last week to see if he wanted one. He's ridden a lot, but it had way too much power for him. He's going to get a 400 or a 450 because he said he wants to live a few more years.

 

[TheWolf]

how "big" does it feel though?, does it feel as though you driving a tank around?

 

[GaryCarter]

If you're asking about the BRP- it's 639 lbs; light steering; narrow racks and fenders. Drives a lot like a Rincon in the handling. Feels very light compared to what I'm used to (Polaris before).



Gary