So I'm trying to figure out which quad would be better for me, and I'm sure someone can help who has been there before.

Let me start with a little background:

I've previously owned a 2000 WR400 and enjoyed it a lot. I also like to take my 2000 Wrangler out 4 wheeling a lot. I'm not looking to ditch the 4 wheeling hobby all together, but I'm trying to get a few of my friends in on the hobby, and they're not going to go for bikes. We've all talked about quads, and even my girlfriend is interested.

I live in Denver, CO, and I've been thinking for a long time that the wolverine is the best machine for me. My only concern is that it won't have a low enough 1st gear or enough ground clearance to do the rocky stuff that I will inevitably encounter. I will of course be in the "Rocky Mountains" [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] I don't hunt, and don't plan to. I don't motocross, and don't plan to. I'm just looking forward to something sporty, and I realize that the wolverine is more geared towards sporty, but how much faster is it than the Big Bear? Also, how much different are the suspensions? Like I said, I'm not going to be mxing it, but some jump capabilities are a must [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]. I guess I'm thinking a long day on the machine would be more comfortable on a utility, but the wolverine would be lighter, therefore faster, and better handling. I just don't know how much of a difference there is. The other question is altitude. Since a lot of my riding will likely be at 8000 ft +, I'm somewhat expecting a utility which has more torque to handle the altitude and climbing of mountains better. Would you agree with this?

On another note. I'm definitely stuck on a 4WD. I'd like to be able to handle the rocks and snow with ease. I expect that my buddies that aren't as into performance as much will all get utilities for the cushy ride.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Mike

 

My Dad has a big bear and my girlfriend has a wolverine. The big bear is more of a work quad. The wolverine ride is alot better. They will both have the same ground clearance if you put 25's on the wolverine. 1st gear in the wolverine is low enough to pull the quad over anything. The only time it doesn't have a low enough 1st gear is when you bury it over the tires in muskeg. The wolverine jumps OK The big bear is like jumping a tank. Hill climbing is about the same on both machines. I ride out in the mountains between about 3500 and 7000 feet.

Mike

 

Extremely helpful reply!

I do have a few more questions now after today's research...

I've found that only the Kodiak 450 and Grizzly 660 come with lockers. I would expect that lockers would be a HUGE advantage in the rocks and snow and mud all alike. Can you get aftermarket lockers for the Wolverine or Big Bear? It's somewhat tempting to get a Kodiak 450 instead of the Big Bear to get the lockers stock. But then again we're heading totally toward a complete Utility quad if we go that direction.

I've talked to a few salesmen today, and they were trying to tell me that the Utility quads will do better for a long day on the trail as far as comfort. They're also trying to talk me into an auto transmission. I can't stand an auto tranny in my car, but maybe it would be different for a quad. I just want to be in control over how my engine revs and I don't like to have a computer tell me what gear I should be in.

 

I would go with the wolverine, its faster, lighter and smaller. And its easier to handle.

 

Auto tranny is quads are the same as the trannys used in sleds. The kodiak/grizzley my have a smoother ride because they have independent rear suspension, they would have more ground clearance too. I think highlifter makes a locker for the wolverine. I used to always ride manuel shift quads before a bought my brute force, I had the same thought about auto on quads, but I drove the demo and didn't seem to mine it. The engine is never screeming it seem to be in the power all the time. You can go into mud and down have to worry about shifting down to make sure you don't power out. The best thing to do is see if you could try any or all of the quad out and see what you like the best, just tell the salesman you wouldn't buy a car without test driving it 1st

Mike

 

Dont know if you've seen this, but I posted about almost the same question a while ago here is a link Hope it is helpful.

 

Mr. dumbass,

1436 wow you post alot, I thought I posted alot and you have 5 times what I do. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]



Thumper,

If you truly want something sporty with 4x4 you can shift yourself go with the wolverine. The bigbear is more of utility work machine, it has more lowend, but I don't think that you would be dissapointed with the wolvy low end. My 25's are kinda heavy and 1st still spins them plenty good. I don't know much about the whole elevation thing. As far as hill climbing is concerned I have been quite satified with its manuverability and general ability to climb over obstacles.

 

Again, I appreciate the replies. FYI about elevation. I've been told that engines lose as much as 25% of their power at elvations like mile high. I don't know if it's really that drastic or not, but just what I've been told. I know I thought my jeep was belemic when I first moved here. I'm totally used to it again, and when I drive a car a sealevel now, they're all fast [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

[quote]
Originally posted by: MNWolverine01
Mr. dumbass,

1436 wow you post alot, I thought I posted alot and you have 5 times what I do. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]



Yes, I will admit I'am guilty of being a post ho. Sorry.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]