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I bought a new '04 Big Bear (2wd) last month and I have found that I pretty much hate it. I don't know what to do... I just joined, looking for opinions and suggestions from those with experience in this.

Issues with the Big Bear:
1) 2 SLOW, 2 SLOW, Oh! did I say it is TOO SLOW!!
2) Tips easy

Options:
1) Buy a mod kit and hope it increases speed. Anyone have experience with this?

2) Sell it?

3) Trade up, but to what?? We have a grizzly and I LOVE it, LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! But A) the grizz is too expensive and a little too big for me and B) I can't see having 2 of the same machines.

It's all about the money. I hate losing all the money if I trade, the depreciation is almost a grand at one dealership (Just on the bike not to mention what i lose in T/T/DF, etc). They are saying 20% when you take it off the lot... is that even right?!

So if I were to trade up - what would you suggest? We aren't specifically brand loyal. We have Yami, Kaw, Suzi and Honda. My needs are (in order of importance):
1- Only want a Sport Ute
2- Speed. The big bear so far only does 32ish, I need something 45ish. I get left in the dust by a grizz and blaster. I don't need to go as fast as them, but i at least want to be able to stay close enough to taste their dust- lol.
3- Price - I don't have a specific budget, just want the best bang for the buck

being a 4x4 is not necessarily a must.
being an ox, as the BB is, is not a must either since we have the grizz.
We ride simply (ditches, around the yard, pavement, trails, mountains, mud- nothing too extravagant)
I was looking at the '05 Kodiak 4x4 - anyone have one yet? I like the idea of irs- but I don't know if it's what I need either.

Any suggestions and opinions are greatly valued.

Thanks!

 

Well, you have a lot of options...

You could get a more sport oriented bike like a Z400. That will get you speed and it will handle trails very well. As long as you are not deep mudding or hauling loads then the Z will probably be more friendly to you (My wife luvs the Z).

You could get a Prairie 700 if you want speed in a utility but, that is bigger dollars of course.

The Kodiak is a good bike. My neighbor has an 04 450 and is pretty happy with it but, he is feeling the lack of speed himself so, he is looking to get a sport bike to go with it. (He did have a Suzuki Quadracer 500 so he may not be the best judge).

mx

 

When I first saw the thread title, I thought of a quick response. I was going to say to give it to me. Then I saw that you are writing about the Big Bear and I don't even want it. So my tiny pitiful joke went out the window.

Anyway, I wouldn't trade. You'll lose too much money on a trade in. If you really want to get rid of it then you should sell it.

I wouldn't bother sinking more money into it. You'll have more invested and may not like it any better.

I would consider the Kodiak 450 (422cc). It's a nice package with disc brakes, independent suspension (on 2005), and a locking diff.

Try advertising the BB and see how people respond.

 

trade it in get a eiger little cheaper faster nicer and is good quality.

 

Get a p 700 then the grizz and blaster will be eating your dust [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]