its that simple.
second hand. . 2009-2010.
450 is what I need. . independent diff lock etc etc
but which to go for?
more from a long term work horse viewpoint than a fun machine, but I fully intend to enjoy it.
I realise asking the Yamaha guys will be biased?
but I've asked in the Suzuki forum as well

 

I like the 450 KQ because it has a full size chassis (Same chassis as the 750KQ) while the 450 Grizzly is a smaller mid sized chassis.

You have to go to the 550 Grizzly to get the full sized frame with Yamaha.

A full sized chassis is better for work but a Mid size chassis is more nibble on the tight trails.

The 450KQ won this shootout in 2009. 4x4 ATVs Comparison Test Report - What's the Best 500 Utility ATV?

Suzuki bored the 450KQ out a extra 3.4mm to the current 500KQ later on. http://www.atvreviewnetwork.com/enth...e2=88102&go=Go

Except for displacement the 450,500,700 and 750 King Quads are all the same ATV.

 

I’ve no experience with the 450 Grizzly but have worked on a lot of 450 King Quads. The owners love them and they are very comfortable to ride. They are also exceptional for towing, and one person who has used both, recons the 450 is better on mud than the 700 as, with less torque, it is less likely to spin the wheels. However it has one big fault, the lower frame tubes are the weakest of any Quad I have come across. I recon 90% of those we sold have broken. They go under the rear anti roll bar mountings and at least three have had that bit of frame dangling on the roll bar when they came in for service. They also crack at the foot rest mountings, and some have gone near the oil filter at the front. Because they are so good otherwise, we still sell the 500 and, so far, no frame cracks on them, maybe Suzuki have beefed up the tube. Another problem with all the 450-750 models is a crappy fuel tank sender, as a spare, only available along with a new fuel pump and filter unit, some owners put up with not knowing how much fuel they have.

 

hmmm
interesting stuff.
leaning toward the grizzly due to size. . I have about 40 acres of woodland and the beamier the quad the more trees will be a problem
Also i am giving up on my 1994 kingquad 300 due to the unavailability of parts (i have recently been quoted well over £1000 for front drive shafts. . so things like the fuel sender are starting to look like a trend . .

 

My friend Has the 450 Grizzly . It will do anything you want. Nice ride with IRS, great traction with dif lock and high tow capacity of 1200lbs due to its low range.

Of course the KQ also has all of that.
I would let price and condition decide if your shopping for used.

I would not even count out a good used 500 Suzuki Vinson, almost the same ATV as the 500 KQ but a SRA rear end rather then a IRS. 2007 Suzuki Vinson® 500 4x4 Auto ATVs

 

I can't speak to grizzly's specifically but generally speaking Yamahas are lower maintenance than Suzuki's, IMO. My buddy owns nothing but older model (early to late 1990's) yamahas (quads, snowmobiles, jet skis and boats) and he hardly has to wrench on them other than normal maintenance. He has let his snowmobiles sit for two years because of lack of snow and starts up every time and has yet to clean a carb. Suzuki's on the other hand need a bit of tinkering but they can take a beating and ask for more. Both very reliable brands.

As for the KQ line-up, I would agree that they are very similar but there are differences, such as in the 450cc which does not have power steering while the larger displacement models are available with this option.

 

Grizzly

 

just found a 350 grizzly irs for sale locally.
almost £1000 cheaper than the 450
Wonder if id be £1000 worth of disappointed with it?

 

personally i'd go with the suzuki, mid sized ATVs just don't do so well if you wanna play in mud and even snow. they are also much more comfortable. i've had my 2013 KQ 500 for about a year and aside from a bad wheel bearing which was fixed under warranty about a week after purchase the only issues i've had have been due to snow and ice build up which are really my fault

also my opinion is biased but i kinda hate Yamaha, my neighbor has 3 and is constantly fixing them and when i was younger we had a 95 Yamaha 250 that spent more time being fixed then being rode

honestly i'd sit on a few before you decide on anything. it won't be the same but i'd go to a dealer or 2 and just sit on some different models

 

I have the 350 Grizzly but with the straight axle. Same machine but you will have a smother ride with IRS.

Even without a low range it rated at 1100lbs towing and does a surprising job. Its a 48mph ATV and it super simple, just not having liquid cooling eliminates a lot of potential problem parts a liquid cooled can have.
They do have a fan assisted oil cooler though.
The 3wd with no diff lock has hung me up a few times.

I had a 89 Big Bear 350 4x4 for years that was and is (sold to buddy) super reliable, since the Grizzly uses the same motor I,m hoping to have the same luck.