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Quad advice, 4wd or 2wd?

2K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  Gogolen 
#1 ·
Hey guys,

We're going to get into quads since we had such a piss pore winter for sleds. I've never owned one and don't even know what to get. Both daughters are all set so I just need to concentrate on my wife and I. The only thing I have to go from is my riding style on sleds. I like quickness, speed and mild jumping. I'm thinking of a 2wd four stroke but am a little concerned about the smaller size (from what I've noticed) of the machines. I'm 6'4", 260 and dont want to feel like I'm riding my kids machine. I'm going to buy used machines to stick within budget since I'm buying three. I'm not brand loyal so make means nothing. Watcha think I should look at?
 
#2 ·
For a big guy, a ds650 would work good (as long as it is not to wide for where you will be riding). My neighbor has one and it is a blast.


4wd, go any of the 500 or larger ones (of course look to be sure it is not a lemon model).
 
#3 ·
Well all depends on what you intend to do with it, simple trail riding, or hunting/ice fishing too? If you intend on using it for anything other than trail riding look into a 4wd, trail riding only any sport quad 400 or bigger will suit you just fine. Being a larger gy I wouldn't even look at a honda as they just "feel" smaller. I'm partial to my polaris predator.
 
#5 ·
if you plan on trail riding i would stick with a bigger machine from a suspension stand point. I am 350lbs and ride a 750 Brute Force Kawasaki. my other quad is a 650 Prairie Kawasaki. its a night and day difference in ride. the 4 link in the Brute takes ruts and bumps like any Jeep. the prairie is a strut front and flat axle rear and power slides the corners well but hates deep ruts.

If I had to condemn any quad its the 4x4 Honda(300,450,500). they ride like crap. its a garden tractor without the mower deck. they do alright in mud and around the yard but you would hate it in the trails.

Polaris is the reason I have a new knee. the one lever braking is why I stood it on end on a down hill grade and got packed into a tree( stood up when the front wheels locked up at 5mph). I would never recommend one for that reason alone.
 
#7 ·
You can make most quads fit you with handlebar risers and the right bars. Just pick what you like keep in mind a 450 will be more maintenance. And for the sounds of it you will want a 2wd. I suggest a raptor 700 best big bore machine out ther IMO and I'm a big Honda guy. Or just buy my 08 Honda 450 that's for sale ha.
 
#11 ·
Thanks for the input guys. So as of now I'm entirely ruling out Polaris and Honda. I've researched the Can Ams and even went to the dealer to see them close up. WOW, what a machine! WOW, what a price tag! Even the 07 and 08's are expensive as hell with a couple thousand miles. Continuing the search and will be looking at the yamahas. Thanks again guys!!!
 
#15 ·
I bought a 2011 Renegade 800R and love it. Yes it's expensive but what a ride and what a rush! With 4wd to boot.

Now one if I went with a 2wd quad it would have been the Honda 700XX. Now I know it gets a lot of bad rap for not being as fast as a Raptor 700, but the independant suspension would make up all the difference in the world when it comes to trail riding. The only hard part is finding one of the 700XX's. They only made them a few years but you can find a nearly new machine for around 4-4500.

The independant suspension on my Renegade is incredible. I bought my wife a Suzuki LTZ250 and while it is a nice little quad- the ride difference is like going from an escort to one of the new Cadillac CTV's.

I have heard the KFX700s have nice power too. My vote would be for the 700XX for 2wd or find a used Renegade 800R if possible.
 
#16 ·
Second on the yfz 450... For a sport quad its fast and has great factory setting for jumping... Only down side is that it could use some handle bar risers. As long as you stay away from the earler years (04) there a great quad that will last forever. Just as a side note I spank all the other 450's at silver lake on mine...
 
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