quad questions
 

ok for all the guys who own quads.

I'm looking to get a quad that I can use to hang my treestands with and get access to the way far reaces of properties. I'm gonna get something with 4 wheel drive and power steering. What I'm looking for is some info I looked at some hondas and I liked what they had to offer. So with all that said anyone got and imput for a good quat for around 8 grand ?
Ryan.

RE: quad questions
 

Power steering isnt needed on a 4wheeler and very few even offer this feature. And from what I've heard about the feature it actually makes it TOO easy to steer and can actually be more detrimental to your driving than beneficial.

If you're willing to spend 8 grand you can buy any 4 wheeler out there. If you're serious about buying one you need to shop around and you can find something that will get everything you need done and be 4 wheel drive for around $4500 - $5000... Spending 8 grand on a 4 wheeler is unnecessary.. Especially for a young gun like yourself..

RE: quad questions
 

Yeah I can see your point for sure. Some features are just ear appealing. What type of ground clearance is good most the lower end as far as price goes quads don't seem to have much in the way of ground clearance. I.e. 6 inches......

Like I said I'm not buying no race quad

Thanks.
Ryan

RE: quad questions
 

Polaris RZR 800 EFI and never look back. I've owned a bunch of quads and still have one. But since I got the RZR I've lost the desire to ride the quad, this thing is awesome and only as wide as a sportsman 800.

RE: quad questions
 

LOL....and how much wull THAT set you back?

I bought mine as a former year model (I bought an '05 in January of '06)....and saved almost a grand on it in doing so. I also bought a color (red) and saved v. camo (I was also told it would sell better if I ever sold it.....being a color in lieu of camo).

So....I bought a Suzuki Eiger 400 Automatic 4x4. I don't use it that much (500 mi. in 3 yrs) but it's a great little rig....and all I'll ever need.

Rob/PA has the same model. Plants his food plots with it.....and as far as I know he's never had an issue, either.

You'll spend a LOT less than $8K, also. I wanna say I bought mine for $5,100????

RE: quad questions
 

Yep. 400cc's is plenty. Smaller gets around better in the woods too. That Suzuki is nice. Buddy of mine has beaten his to death over the last severl years and it just keeps going. The Yamaha Big Bear 400 is a nice unit too and will do the job for a lot less than 8K.

Maybe even look for a good used one... Often, people buy them then hardly use them. They collect dust in the garage for a couple years then they dump them.

RE: quad questions
 

Depends on your terrain and your size too. I'm kind of a big guy so prefer the 500. I love my Polaris. I plow snow with it and everything. I've heard mixed reviews about the power steering being a waste, but I would like to try it myself on rough terrain.

RE: quad questions
 

in 2005 i bought a left over 2004 honda rubicon 500 with a plow. The wheeler listed at $8200 and i picked it up for $6100 because it was a left over year. I love this thing. I've had it for 3 years ow, all i use it for is plowing (it does a great job) and getting in and out of my deer stands. The only thing i may have done differently, is that its all time 4X4, no 4X2 option. But Honda makes a great product and you can't go wrong with them (imo)

RE: quad questions
 

The Arctic Cat 650H1 is more than you'll ever need for hanging stands, they're not fast (58mph on mine) but they have tons of torque. And they stopped making them in 08 if you can find one around, they are actually fairly cheap. I found a new one the other day with offroad tires and wheels for less than the price I bought mine new.... It has: push button 4X4, Lock-in/out front diff, electronic everything(gauges, buttons..etc), and 12" of ground clearance....not always a good thing when your trying to cut a donut...[&:]

Not Power Steering, Nor Fuel Injected... though they sound good and appealing, Im kind of glad I never have to worry about them tearing up.

I paid $5100 for mine also, after a trade in of my old'96 yamaha wolverine. And that was in Febuary of 2008, they were still hot. So it really depends on what kind of deal you can find, I was after a Yamaha 700 griz. But after getting offered this.... I couldnt pass it up. Just as Brandon, NChunterman, The place we got these from, if nothing else, will give you a good deal.

I guess this leaves me an awesome opportunity to plug some photos:D

RE: quad questions
 

after owning almost a dozen atv's in the past, i would say that honda is hands down the most reliable, but if your looking for a big displacement, my money would be down on the yamaha 700efi (has power steering) also quite a few of the 09 hondas are offering the power steering which is a very nice feature,but todays market in quads all seem equal, just test ride alot and get what machine you feel most comfortable on it all i can say, currently have a 99 honda foreman es 450 and it has been bullet proof since owned never had to replace anything as far as parts go

RE: quad questions
 

You know I searched for around three hours last night to try to find a review that was helpful. What a waste of time that was. Something I haddent thought of, It would be nice to be able to plow snow with it how many ccs would you need to do that safely? I'm gonna get something 4x2 with optional 4x4 and like jeff said camo aint nothing important. Anyone got any remedes for that?

Ryan

RE: quad questions
 

I have a 400 yamaha kodiak that I plow with, it is more than enough, it has 4X2 and button press for 4x4.I believe i paid $5500.00 for it new in 04.I have had it for 4 years and have had no major problems.Take a look at yamahas.

RE: quad questions
 

Yep. Never had any problems plowing with a Big Bear 400 either.

RE: quad questions
 

Reason I'm looking at the honda lineup is thie payments would end up being around 150$ after I fianance 8k these are rough figures however.

I'm gonna start a list of features I want.

Red/green
4x4 and 4x2
Plow
Roughly 400 cc's
Fuel injection (it gets pretty cold round here and my friends takes forever to start in the winter)
Decent ground clearance
Affordable

I can't really think of much else but I imagine I will. Are the automatic trannys all that and a bag of chips? I don't really plan to be going fast on this quad so top speed isn't an issue.

Ryan.

RE: quad questions
 

Yes.

RE: quad questions
 

dont let these jokers give ya crap... get that honda you want;) lol.... they jus came out for 09 with a rancher, its 420 cc, fuel injected, liquid cooled, power steering.. INDEPENDENT rear suspension. 4*4 an 2*4..... automatic an electric shift... i like the auto sometimes but sometimes i like to change gears to.. best of both worlds...... basically they took every feature there biggest most expensive has an put in on a smaller cc bike.... if i jus didnt buy one year ago i would be all over this new bike... but ill take to big a loss if i try to sell mine...

RE: quad questions
 

That sounds like an awesome unit!

RE: quad questions
 

Ive worked at a huge dealership for 4 years now and ive ridden everything under the sun and to be completely honest, all machines from the major manufacturers are great these days. The number of models offered simply lets youpick one that is fine tuned for your application. Power steering is a flawless addition to any quad, especially the big boys, that helps in all conditions and dramtically in tight conditions as well as with a load on the front. If you can afford it buy one with it, id look into the Yamaha Grizzly 700, you wont regret it.

However, for your applicationid recommend something smaller and easier to get in and get out. If you are going to be using it solely for hanging stands and getting the further spots of property, you definately dont need and 8 thousand dollar machine and i would lean to something smaller. As previously mentioned you can without a doubt find something suitable for 4-5 grand that will get the job done. If i was buying a machine solely for this kind of work, it would be the Honda TRX420, light, cheap on gas andreliable.

Good Luck.

RE: quad questions
 

If your talking Honda Hydrostat Transmissions, then Yes.

RE: quad questions
 

Bingo. I currently run 5 Honda quads and 2 Yamaha Rhinos at my camp. This year we had a 6th Honda there......500 Foreman ES with power steering. Absolutely the best driving machine I have ever been on. The only very minor complaint is that Honda never offered inependent rear suspension in its small models. Now that they do, no other brand of quad will ever sit in my yard again.

RE: quad questions
 

yeah your minor complaint i think was EVERYONES complaint... at least they now listened!

RE: quad questions
 

I have an 05 Honda Rancher. Just a 350 but it gets done what I need it to do. Right now though, I'm really looking at Kawasaki Teryx or Mule or something like that.

RE: quad questions
 

I have an "85" Big Red that my Dad bought for me in Dec. of "84", it still runs like new.[:-] I also bought a 300 4-trax in "95", I still have it and it runs like new.[8D]:D2 Blaster's, a 250R, a 250X, and a Quadzilla have all came and gone.

RE: quad questions
 

For the abuse I put them through and how reliable they are, I was willing to overlook that aspect.

RE: quad questions
 

So what would that quad run new exactly? Any guesses?

Ryan

RE: quad questions
 

im not 100% sure bout this but a guy that bought one here i think paid a hair over 6000 for it.... but dont quote me on that.... the price is a lil high for that cc bike but with all the extras on it i wouldnt be shy of dumpin the money on one... sure you can take the 6k an go to another model of atv with bigger cc's but your not gettin honda dependabilty.......

RE: quad questions
 

Would your guess be like after taxes and tags and all that?

Ryan

RE: quad questions
 

Am I the only one who'd buy a late year model (like Jeff), or better yet just buy a used one? Soon as you take that new bike home you loose a substantial amount of money in it, no matter what ANYONE tries to tell you. If you want the peace of mind of buying new, then pay that extra. If you just want a normal 4wheeler to take hunting and go anywhere...get a used, Honda at that. My dad has owned 5 or 6 different Hondas in my lifetime, not a one of them have ever seen a shop. Our Polaris, junk. Our Suzukis, junk. I'm a Honda guy, IMO their reliability can't be beat. We bought our last one new, a 06 Rancher 350, only got 4x2 though. Most people have absolutely no need whatsoever for a 4x4, they just want the decal. Unless you want to go doing some serious, and I mean SERIOUS, mudding or live on the side of a jagged mountain....4x4 is over rated. They don't handle as well, cut as sharp, etc. Ive had my 4x2 in some pits that I wouldn't dream of taking it, and made it out just fine....Just know how to handle a bike.

RE: quad questions
 

m7p--- yes after taxes

tembry- i like the 4*4 for in the snow ..get a foot of snow makes it hard for a 2*4... also like it for security reasons.. its there if needed.... i really like bikes with the option of 2wheel or 4 wheel.. best of both worlds

RE: quad questions
 

I forgot snow, lol...bear in mind, I live in KY. this snow you guys speak of, the most Ive seen in my lifetime was 5" or so, and it was down to 2" by the end of the day.

Like I said, there are certain situations which 4x4 is needed, but alot of guys simply don't and just think they do or want the 4x4 logo. For my area anyway. We don't have harsh landscape, mud pits can be gone around, and snow doesn't exist....yet 4x4s are everywhere.:D

RE: quad questions
 

It was little high but you and your buddy could have legally rode back to his truck and your deer wouldn't have a busted rack if you'd been using my RZR instead of the Eiger.

RE: quad questions
 

Rofl. You guys crack me up "what is this snow you speak of?" Hahaha we get a lot of snow here and I mean a lot of snow. So 4x4 is the way to go. Haha. Mddave I'm prolly gonna get that one your reccomending seems like its gonna have everything I need.

Ryan.

RE: quad questions
 

I have had my Yamaha grizzly 700 w/power steering for 1.5 years. Love it and would by another one. Have planted plots with it, hauled deer with it etc..... Great machine, great power.

Shane

RE: quad questions
 

If you weren't so far away, I would tell you to come on over and take it for a spin.

Shane

RE: quad questions
 

Temb, thats a little stretch there pal. Most 4WD quads are switchable to 2WD, so other than the little added weight theres really no reason not to have it, and it wont affect your handling whatsoever unless your comparing Sport/Utility machines. For a hunting rig, go 4WD, theres no reason not to.

I ride some pretty nasty conditions with a lot of 4WD machines and i can go pretty much anywhere they can. However my quad is useless for any kind of work, its simply a toy.

RE: quad questions
 

I'm going to disagree with almost everything you just said. If you are paying to much off the show room floor in this economy, then you need to learn how to deal a little better. I got a full 2 year bumper to bumper warranty with my NEW machine and I bought it for 1500 under sticker before I bargained for the free top and windshield. I've owned every machine you mentioned above and currently have a suzuki, kawasaki, polaris, honda, yamaha and have yet to find one of them that's junk. Let me introduce you to Preventive Maintenance. Try changing the oil and greasing the bearings once in a while maybe cleaning the air filter for kicks. Granted every company is going to produce a lemon, but it looks like you bought every lemon made except the honda's. A 2wd drive utility fourwheeler is plain ignorant. Try going over a half decent size log after a good rain without the front wheels pulling and get back to me. I'll take any peppy 4x4 and out handle you in any terrain, Period; but maybe I'm the one that can handle the bike.



Strike nice Z, that is my single most favorite 4wheeler ever. For fun, they don't make a better one.

RE: quad questions
 

LMAO. I dont really care if you bought it for 2k under sticker, try selling your bike for what you originally gave, you can't. Im just going from personal experience, we bought the suzukis (lower end models back in the 90s, to be expected) and they always had something wrong with them. The Polaris we bought was used as well, maybe the prior owner abused it, but again, it never would run just right. Every Honda we bought ran perfectly fine, never once have we had to replace parts.

Greasing bearings, changing fluids, checking air filters, thats all regular upkeep?? Not sure what you are implying, but someone who DOESN'T do this, well?? Introduce me to, seriously man, nevermind.

2wd ignorant? LOL You are the 4x4 decal type of guy I can see. Go over a log without the tire slipping? See thats what I mean, even if the tires slip, you can still make it over the log easily, goes back to handling the bike..or....go AROUND the freakin log:eek:...or gasp, even hop off and give it a push over it...Was the 1k+ extra you spent bumping from 2x4 to 4x4 really worth riding over that log? Dont answer that. As far as maneuverability, take a 2x4 and do a complete circle, measure the turn radius, take a 4x4 in same bike and measure turn radius, then come back to me and tell me how you learned that 2x4s cut sharper, equating to easier maneuverability in tight trails in the woods.

Im not saying 4x4s wont go places a 2x4 can't...im just saying for a HUNTING rig, you dont have to go those places...go around that mud pit.

On a tight quartered trail (what we ride around here)..I can take my ignorant 350 2x4 and run off and leave the bigger 4x4 400s in the woods trails. Now take me to a deep mud pit, and Id be off pushing while he is watching on the other side. Its all about knowing what you are going to do with your bike, and most guys just dont need 4x4, they just think they do.


So its back to, knowing what you want to do with your bike...want to go through 2ft of mud regularly or climb mt everest with yours? go with a 4x4....just want something to do light trail riding, go through mud rather easily, take out stands, etc (most guys hunting situations) save some money and get a 2x4. If it makes you feel more secure at night, buy a 4x4 sticker and slap it on.;)

RE: quad questions
 

Easy there boys I'm gonna get a 4x4 for the snow reasons funny to see you two bickering however you just gotta realize one has advantages and disadvatages the same as the others.

Ryan.

RE: quad questions
 

Tem you kill me. Again, I ain't push anything over a log unless it was a gift (freebie) in which case I'd make due. For the record until I purchased the RZR I always repeat ALWAYS rode a 2wd sportbike i.e. Z400 350 warrior as we both know are pointless as a "hunting" rig. I don't know where you hunt but my land owners don't like for me spinning up the properties that I hunt therefore I use 4wd when it's remotely questionable, that alone is worth the extra $1000 for 4wd. I try to kill big deer and I'm a heavy dude, there is no way you are dragging a 200lb deer up some of the steep slopes I hunt without leaving a few dead places in the grass. As far as mud pits and the such, why should you have to go around anything? They way you put it you might as well just drag it out to the road. Again, I'm sorry for bagging on ya, but I can sell my RZR right now for what I've got in it and it's less than 5 months old off the lot. I searched for a dealer that would forego a huge profit margin for future business and I left with a heck of a deal. Ask Aaron (buckmaster) he'll tell ya, this dealership don't play around they want your business.

Edit - Tem I just reread your whole post for the third time. I think we are discussing two different machines. I'm talking about a do all machine and you are talking about a trail riding machine. In which case I'd go with a sportbike.

Double Edit lol - no bickering here:D. I'm gonna call it a discussion.

RE: quad questions
 

Yea like I said, you do more than just, hang trails and drag out deer on normal trails with yours. If I am using it as a basic hunting tool, I dont need to go through mud pits and over logs, Ill take the less troublesome route around.

Now going out and just having fun rippin and roarin over and through anything in the way? bigger and badder is better.

MOST guys who hunt mild terrain dont NEED 4x4, its just a convenience in rare occasions...exceptions to every rule, I was going by terrain around here. There isn't a spot around I couldn't reach with a 2x4.