ORIGINAL: J Bolt 7mm
I am current;y in the market for a utility quad. After hours of research this is what I came up with.
Honda: Lacking power, low range, and front locking diff. Expensive.Reliable!!!
Polaris: Nice ride, not the most reliable.
Yamaha: good quads, many options, I would buy one.
Suzuki: Best inexpensive hunting quad out there Eiger 400 (2nd choice). Small, good power, low range, manual trans. Vinson is a good pick also.
Kawasaki: Brute Force 650. Bog bore quad priced at mid level. Front locking diff, low range, big V-twin power. I'm buying this one.
Suzuki, yamaha, and Kawi are now almost as reliable as the honda. Remember this is just my opinion and others may not agree. Happy shopping. Did I mention the power of the Brute Froce 650, wheelies are fun.
Jbolt, I own a 2003 Prarie 650 and if FUN is also on the menu this quad provides. I'll admit it is overkill for pure hunting purposes and I'll be the first to warn someone that anything over 500 IS overkill IMHO. But when it comes to enjoying a good fast pacedride (off season summer only) this quad will getter done. I thoroughly enjoy putting her in 4wheel high& letting her breath down the windy logging roads- it's a real hoot. In 2wd there is less control at high speeds.
My next quad will be IRS though, my new lease is one rock after the other and IRS would be a welcomed addition.
BTW, my 650 has been flawless.
They are all good, but in reality the perfect quad for my new lease would be one of those old suzuki 250 or 300's(king quad) low slung with IRS.