Whats everyone think of this quad? My buddy is considering buying a new one. Anyone have any experiences with them? Also, how is full-time 4WD compared to push-button?



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I had a BB 350. I didn't like the full time 4X4 one bit. Besides being geared way too low, I liked everything about the quad but the full time 4X. I sold it 2 months after I bought it.

 

They are a very good utility quad. They are geared pretty low, which some people don't like. It doesn't bother me, but I don't race or ride really fast. I use mine for hunting and just general riding. They will go about anywhere. I live in Louisiana and I have had mine in some swampy places so bad that I was afraid I wouldn't get out, but I haven't had any problems going anywhere. Full time 4x4 will prohibit you from doing donuts and such, but is reliable and has less components to break or wear out. Steering is remarkable light on the Big Bear, and it has a very tight turning radius. The 400's are a big improvment over the older 350's. And if you search the forum, you won't find many messages about Big Bear's having problems. They are a good simple machine, and very reliable.
Kman

 

Kman- I see your from Monroe. I'm from Crossett, AR (about 45 miles above you). I also ride a 2000 Big Bear, what are some good places to ride around the Monroe area? Done any mods to your Bear?

 

BigMud2000,
Nice to meet you. I've been through Crosset a few times, good deer hunting up there. I mainly ride on my hunting club and on my Dad's farm over around Oak Grove, if you know where that is. I did go on a ride around the Tensas river in some swamps that was a lot of fun. I haven't really modified my bike yet since I just got it last fall. I have the Yamaha skid plate, other than that it is still stock. My next purchase is a good set of tires, I just haven't made up my mind which ones. Vampires are too rough riding, I'm thinking maybe Outlaws or Mudrunners. Haven't made up my mind yet. Do you have mud tires on yours? I am interested in your snorkel intake too. Have any pics? My email is Keith_Welch@msn.com. Good to talk to you.
Kman

 

I had a 2000 Wolverine for a year and I have had my 2000 Big Bear 4x4 for about four months. The Wolverine was more fun to ride and faster but the Big Bear has more low end power and is far better in the mud. It also handles the big tires much better due to the lower gearing. So far, no problems. I have had very good experiences with Yamahas. I have sank them in the water several times and ridden them very hard but they just keep going.

 

Kman- No, no mud tires just yet. I've been trying to decide for a while which tires to go with and I think I've about decided on the 27" Bi/Tri Claw Magnums. Real good mud tires, smoother riding the Vamps or Outlaws, and a little bit cheaper the than the other two. Plus at reccomended PSI they're a littel taller than the others. Talked to several guys that had them on their Bears and said they pulled 'em pretty good...
I'm working on getting some pictures and I'll get some closeups of the snorkle setup and post them where you can see 'em.
have you ever ridden around Lock 6 or three beach? It's way out in the woods between Bastrop and Crossett, pretty good ridin' out there...

 

No, never ridden there. If I get my Bear set up with some good mud tires I may ride in the big Make a Wish ride down here this spring. Have you heard of that? It is down around Hebert somewhere along the Ouachita River in a swamp. I think it is around 20 miles of mud and water, and once you get in, it's no turning back. It separates the men from the boys, and it all benefits the Make a Wish Foundation. I have several friends who ride in it every year.
I'm still not sure which direction I want to go with tires. I have thought about the Titan 589's but not sure yet.
Kman

 

I have a bigbear 400 2001 i love it it does need a 6th gear but as far as handling i think it is far better than the kodiaks (that should get things going) the shocks are harder and dont give as nice ride as the kodiaks but it handles heavy terrain and jumps better with out bottoming out ,it is also more stable on turns,not knocking the kd because it is funner to ride and a 2wd option is nice for the hard packed....if they had 2wd and a higher gear they would not be stuck with the "all utility " thinking.I put a pipe,filter,jet kit on mine and it now keeps up with my buds kodiak 400 up till it runs out of gears then the kodiak smokes it.

 

You can buy the Warn 4-2-4 kit for it to make it go into 2WD. That should make riding it a little more fun.