Hello all first post here. First off I am 28 6ft 230lbs and live in northern Minnesota. I've been looking into my first atv for some time now and keep going back and forth. Here is what I'm looking at:

1. Automatic

2. 90% trail riding

3. Not into mudding

4. Light jumping

5. some "get up and go"

6. prefer a cvt, don't like so feel the shifting.

In the sport automatics i've found the renegade, kfx700 and wolverine. The renegade is to much $$ for me so that leaves me with the kfx and the wolverine. They are both about 500lbs and the wolverine has the 4x4 option, but its also a little smaller and not as much power. I like the look of the kfx700, but i'm wondering if i'm better off just getting a utility like the brute650. I've read that the 700 can be a little tankish for the trails, but can it really be any worse that a utility?? Then I'm wondering if I really need something with so many cc's could i have just as much fun on a grizzly 450, 400, 350??Any help is huge guys. Thanks, BrianD

 

Have you considered the Polaris Scrambler 500HO 4x4?

It's heavy too... but has 4x4, some cc's and is an auto.



I know that probably doesn't help much because it gives you another one to think about. I'm going through the same right now too.... But I figured you might want to consider that.

 

Yes I looked at the Scrambler also, but I think it is pretty butt ugly so that one got eliminated. My ideal quad would be a automatic Yamaha Raptor. It's just like sports cars, they are all 5 speeds, but I would be the guy with an automatic ferrari.

 

well i love my kfx 700 even though its a littlte heavy its goes through trails awesome very comfortable , does jumps alright and hill climbs excellent oh yea and it can go through a lot of mud if you really want it to

 

I'm extremely happy with my wolverine 450, especially after the pipe, filter, jets and hauck clutch work...its plenty fast for me. It is not a top end high mph runner like some sport quads, but it has great low end and mid range power. I top out a little below 60, but it gets there in a hurry. I love having the 4x4 option...I run in 2wd most of the time, but I would not have made it through quite a few situations without the 4x4.

I have read quite a few bad reviews of the wolverine, but not one of them has ever came from anybody who has ever owned one, or has spent very much time on them. Most people give it a look over, see that its an auto with 4x4 and no racks and write it off as a waste right away. Every person who has ever stepped over mine and went for a ride has came back with a huge grin...not one complaint so far.

From what you said....
"1. Automatic
2. 90% trail riding
3. Not into mudding
4. Light jumping
5. some "get up and go"
6. prefer a cvt, don't like so feel the shifting. "

the wolverine will be the perfect machine for you, unless you want more power...then look at the renegade 500 or 800, but you said the price is an issue...so the wolverine is hard to beat.

 

The Scambler 36hp will dust a Wolverine 26hp but im not sure what the price diff is between them. If your not into mudding than a 2wd 400ex or 400 Suzuki would be the way to go,but you have to shift.

 

I really want to line up against a scrambler, never seen one when I was out and about though. I looked at them when I was shopping for my quads, but I wasn't a fan of the styling...

 

I would take a shaft drive Wolverine over a Scramble still. I towed my cousins Scrambler home to many times because a rock on the trail bang off the chain or screwed the rear sprocket.

 

Thanks guys for your responses. The more I thought about it the more I think I would have just as much fun on a utility machine as a sport model. And the Wolverine is great and all, I just also want some face peeling speed so I think I'm settling on a Brute Force 650. Its got Kawi's crazy motor, looks cool, can take a small jump, and could use the 4x4 in the Minnesota winters. So I'm off to the Kawasaki thread to read up. Thanks Again.