I have heard a lot of complaints about the big bear top end. Yes it's true, it's not made to be a speed demon, but listen to this. I have a 2000 model 400 4x4. When I first bought it, it was pretty slow, but like everybody knows, it has enough torque to pull just about anything. When my friends bought honda ranchers they were blowing me away, so I had to ride it wide open just to keep in seeing distance of them. Eventually, it seemed like the bike just began to loosen up and I could keep up with them, I couldn't pass them, but I could stay right on their tails. Then I put 26" bear claws on it, a K&N filter, no jetting or exhaust changes, and it ran dead even with the ranchers. Oh yeah, I always run synthetic oil too, I honestly believe this stuff makes a big difference. Last night, I put on a 424 select, so I am anxious too see what kind of difference, if any, this will make on top end. I have found the big bear to be a very tough machine, because I definitely have not been easy on it. I have heard some very slow numbers on the forums, but mine tops out at 50-52 mph, or like I said, dead even with a 350 rancher, before putting the 424 select on.

 

Bear,

Let us know how you like the 424 system. I have been looking at buying one for a Wolverine. I would like some first hand reports on how smooth the lock in/out works and how the system holds up against sand and water.

~HoundDog

 

Dog,

I will let you know ASAP. By the way, nice raptor. I just got out of the sport bike ride, sold my kfx400, I loved that bike, but I decided I wanted to live a little longer and needed to slow down, besides, it's not as fun to ride'em if no one else your riding with has one.

 

Thanks for the compliment. My brother rides a KFX400. Very nice bike. I can understand your feelings completely. For cruisin down the river, I'll take a grizz. If I ever get out of the sport bikes, that's what I'll have.

~HoundDog

 

Hey dog
Got out on the bear yesterday evening. I really like the 424. It took me about 4 hours to put in on the bike. It feels like a very solid piece of equipment. When you get the cable adjusted correctly, you pull the cable out and it locks into place for 2x4 mode. You then push the release button and push the cable back in to lock back into 4x4 mode. It sure makes the bike a lot more fun being able to spin around and get sideways in turns. As far as sand and mud goes, I'll have to wait until my next big ride, probably within the next couple of weeks. The unit does appear to be sealed very well, so sand and mud shouldn't be a problem. Also, I didn't really feel like I gained much top end speed, maybe 1 mph, but I definitely got to top speed quicker.