I'm looking to buy a manuel 4WD ATV in or around the 400 class for general trail riding and just time out in the mountains. The ATV's I've looked at, at least on paper, are the Suzuki Eiger 400, Kawasaki Prairie 360, and Yamaha Big Bear 400. The Artic Cat 400 ACT may also be in the running. All are 2004 models. I'd appreciate any input in ranking these or advice as to the quality or performance of these models. I've ruled the Honda out only because my local dealer won't budge a cent off the suggested retail and acts like he could care less if I buy from him or whomever. The other dealers are willing to work on price some and are much friendlier.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

You cant go wrong with a Vinson.

Good reliable, no nonsense economical 4x4.

 

It all gets down to how the front diffferential works. Whether or not it locks, or has limited slip. All are about the same reilability, and should last as long as any of the others.
Bomb outlander would be another good choice, it has an excellant front differential, a hot rod motor, and last time i checked, it has a 3 year warentee, where the rest have a 6 month warentee. I believe they are also discounted from list price. But its an automatic only.
I think that only the kawasaki has a manually locking front diff, the rest are a version of limited slip.

 

Of those four, the Eiger will have the 'sportiest' performance. The P360 is the only one with a front locker, but it's only an automatic, not autoclutch.

I looked at these choices a couple of years ago (including the Rancher) and went withthe Eiger. Not regretted it at all.

Jaybee

 

Bing, the Vinson is more engine and price than I need [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Hondabuster, I missed the Kawasaki being only available in automatic. Thanks for pointing that out.

It looks like the Eiger and the Yahama may be the two best choices in what I'm looking for. I wish I could find a good online review or current magazine out with reviews of the 350-400 class.

 

Not that the other makes would not make a good choice, but just because one guy is a jerk, you may be making a mistake by overlooking the Honda. There are dealers all over the country to buy from...

As for style of machine, it has a lot to do with the type of riding you have planned. You can go with independent rears, or solid rear axles. Personally I feel the independents work better if you are rock crawling a lot... but the solid rears work better on flats and slight off cambers.

As for shifting gears.. each to his own...you will still have an auto clutch either way. I'd be looking at other features too, like disk brakes versus drums... and don't overlook the ability to lock and unlock the front end, or the ability to shift from 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive with the thow of a button. It makes a BIG difference... These are features you will find on the upper machines, but they are starting to filter down to the smaller units.

Lastly, the most important thing to think about is getting it serviced... you have to be comfortable with the dealer, and know that the service BEGINS with the sale, not ends with it...