Some of you might recognize me from previous topics I've posted. This one, like the rest, are apart of my current quest to get a quad. I'm currently in the market for a sport quad. I'm looking for used quads because my budget is only $4,000. I've searched around already and have found that there are many decent quads out there for that price. My only problem is that I don't know which one to get lol. I'm 6'1" and weigh 150lbs. (I know, the tall skinny kid) so thats been a factor in my decision. I've done a ton of research on just about every sport quad out there, but still can't figure out which one is right for me. Do I go with the 450 class? Do I go bigger such as the predator and raptor 660 and 700? Do I get a DS650 and just go all out? I'm at a loss as to what to get. My style of riding would include mountains, trails (not too tight or anything), and old logging roads. I don't think I would be hitting the dunes at all unless it was a planned trip, considering I live in Montana lol. I'm very much into speed and would prefer to get something that already has a ton of speed in it so I wouldn't have to buy mods right off the bat to make it faster. Again, I'm at a total loss and ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

 

What I like about the 450's is that they are the "do more with less" machines! They are light, and have the best power/weight ratio. They make their power way up high in the rpm range, so these engine scream....but they don't like to go slow, so they are poor choices for tight trail riding. These engines can easily make more than 50 screaming horsepower...there is a replacement for displacement!!! All these engines need frequent oil changes, and can benefit from more frequent valve adjustments. If you are a purist...this is the only way to go!

A good article about 450 engine technology, and why they need frequent oil changes: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.belray.com/scripts/futurearts.dll?CollectBinaryData?loc=belray&coid=5 5180&moid=20156&fauuid=b6c30da5-6537-41d7-b921-64a4cf6d0144
">http://www.belray.com/scripts/...21-64a4cf6d0144
</a>

Avoid the Raptor 660. It is narrow, and carries its weight high up in the frame. It is overall not a well thought out design! The Raptor 700 is improved. It is a torque monster, but not as fast on top as its displacement would suggest.

Also, don't overlook the 400 class. These machines are the great all-arounders! The Honda is the ultimate tight trail quad, and the Suzuki is a great trail/open country machine.

 

Being raised in Mt and now living in Co I can tell you first hand you would not be happy with a 450 class quad the power band is just wrong for our type of riding like RR said get a 400 class quad or Rap 700 even the DS would work.

 

For that budget ($4,000) I would look at a z400... I've seen some nice ones for under 4k that you can tell were not beaten. Buying a used 450 would worry me more because they are usually ridden hard, and sometimes not maintained properly.....

I've seen z400 "grandpa" machines that look like they were used by someone just as a cruiser, you won't find a 450 like that. And while the Raptor 700 is nice I doubt you find a used one for under 4k. Plus the z400 is fun and reliable and with a few mods can be made much faster.

A 400ex would be another place to look for something fun and reliable in that price range.......

 

Look into a Polaris Predator 500.

 

There are actually some pretty new Predators for pretty cheap. I've thought about getting one, but have heard some bad things about them. Like they're heavy in the front so doing wheelies and such is difficult and they're slow. These are things I've just heard of and read in some ATV mag. articles. I've never actually ridden one though.

 

I know people give out some bad reviews on the Raptor 660r, but is every year a bad year? I mean, a lot of people say they're tippsy and narrow and tall, but are all the years like that? Also, what about a honda trx 450? All I know is that Honda makes some pretty reliable stuff so I wouldn't be too worried about that. I mention these two because I've seen some pretty affordable newer ones for sale.

 

The 400ex is probobly the better of the two choices but that is not to say the 660 is bad. I would not by a 660 to mx but they still make a good trail machine that you can fix up real nice! The 01 660 are the ones to stay away from as they had tranny issues but the rest of them are good quads! If you are a bigger guy the 660 will fit you better than the 400ex. You just need to look and sit on both and go with the one you feel most comfortable on!

I would also highly recommend the Suzuki Z400 That is a excellent quad as well even a little faster than the EX and it is water cooled instead of air cooled like the EX.

 

well I'm 6'0" and weigh 150lbs so I think I would like the 660r. I wouldn't be doing any serious MX racing or anything just mountain roads and maybe the occassional trail that I pass up. I love speed which is why I picked the 660r but I'm worried about stuff such as tippyness and stuff that I've heard about it.

 

Granted the 660 is not the best of Sport quad avail but there are ways to make it better such as longer A-arms, swingarm and such. If you are will to drop a little coin into a 660 they can become a real BEAST!