Hi,

Want to buy an atv for my wife. Perhaps looking used. What we are looking at is a 4x4 that is in the lighter bore (and lighter weight) category but still has good power to weight ratio.
We are new at atv and there are so many models. (with motocross you have 5 bikes to buy from at 450cc and all have within a few HP of each other)
Seems that between engines in similar cc's for diff. manufacturers that the hp ratings are quite varied?
I race motocross on a CRF450R so I will only be riding it occasionaly or in the winter or with other atv friends. She has been out the the mountains on rentals and was doing quite well, but we think we should buy a keeper now instead of renting.
The big bores have high HP but we don't need outright top speed (plus they are more money), just some good grunt up big rocky climbs where you need to manouver around also. Some of the 400 -500cc's were listed at nearly 700lbs which seems quite heavy. If a particular model is stifled by exhaust or needs minor changes to wake it up that is ok too, I can handle a bit of mods.

We ride up in the rockies and occasional local trails. Looked at maybe a Honda 420 or a Polaris Scrambler so far? How is Polaris with regards to reliability?

Perhaps a Yamaha Kodiak 400 or the 350? The Can-Ams have decent power to weight but still not sure.

Thanks in advance

 

I would suggest checking out Suzuki Eiger. 400cc, nimble, capable, handles good, good in corners, fun to ride, feels lighter than what it is. Very reliable, good power to weight ratio. Not a racer but a fun sporty utility. And it will work if you need it to.

 

My new Rancher 420 has proven to be way better than I had ever hoped. First off, if you are in the mountains you want FI. Did several rides last weekend that started in the valley at ~4,000' and went up to ~11,500'. The Rancher handled tha altitide changes superbly. Still peppy and fast!

The Rancher is a nice package, becaue it's not to big and not to small. It will get the job done, yet it isn't the expensive hulking monster that the big bores have all become. Nice stable, agile little machine. Suspension is descent. Will even do rock crawling when it has to.

 

Rancher 420 for the EFI

Does she want Auto, or like to shift?

 

king quad 450 is alot better

 

Wolverine 450, its automatic, sporty and has 4x4, you can add racks to make it more functional too.

 

450 King Quad weighs as much as the 700. Too heavy, but nice motor.

 

I see the Wolverine is sporty has 4x4 and weighs around 520lbs. How does it do on slow technical climbs and the occasional muskeg / mud?

 

I rode my friend's Scrambler 500 a few weeks ago and it is very comfortable, fast and sporty. It is automatic if you like that and can switch bewtween 4 & 2 wheel drive.
I am new to quads myself and ride with MX dirt bikers but can tell you after watching my friend ride this thing while I was riding my wife's 250ex he was able to go up hills only one other dirt bike attempted and was consitantly ahead of all but one of our dirt biker friends.
Actually one of my firends, after riding the Scrambler that weekend, wants one for himself.
Sorry I don't have any experience or knowledge with any other 4x4 ATV, but he says he love his Scrambler.
BTW, he had a Pro Circuit Pipe and after market air filter.

 

The Renegade is 600lbs, but it has 62ponies to get itself out of any jam. Great atv, as long you dont mind gettin muddy/the price