I am thinking about buying a new big bear. I currently ride an 2000 SP500 which i love the ride , power, and awd. I am interested in the big bear for the air/oil cooled, foot shifter, mutiple 4x4 options, and overall simplicity. Any opinions on this machine would be great?

Thanks,

Jim

 

I've got an 850XP and love it to death, but if I was going to buy another quad to add to the collection (the 850 isn't leaving anytime soon!), I'd get a Big Bear 400 IRS for playing in the muck. They're stone simple, make good power down low (especially for a air cooled 400) and they run forever.

 

I have an 08 Big Bear 400 IRS...really a solid quad. I bought it brand new and intentionally chose this model b/c of the semi auto trans and simplicity of the air cooled system. The diff lock is great but I don't use it often. Like to play in the mud with mine and it proves to do very very well...put on about 700 miles last summer and had no issues...strongly suggest the Big Bear...mine is playing in mud in my avatar!
mudslinger2

 

Yep go with the Big Bear or even a Honda Rancher 420 if you dont mind adding a water cooled engine with EFI! I am a Yamaha guy but the Rancher 420 is a GREAT quad/engine with the great options that will last a lifetime!

 

I have a 08 bb 400 irs, good bike, but wish it had more top end speed. It's not as fast as most utility atvs. your looking at 45mph tops, and then it's wound tight. It's good for work and rough trail riding. Thats my opinon.

 

I never liked the BB's gearing, it will top out and scream at 45mph,and you will be looking for that 6 th gear that does not exists. You will be down shifting to go up hills that your SP500 can fish tail up.

 

The yamaha big bear will last a lifetime of torture...sure the top end is poor but unless your in long *** fields or roads it is fine. The only problem i ever find with the 350 and 400 yamaha engine the valve guide seals seem to crap out very early making the quads smoke a little bit here and there.. If you can get over that its one of the best machines for reliability and rock solid performance out there. I actually have a friend whos I would say pretty stupid LOL he actually ran ams oil gear oil in his engine all last summer because he didnt read the bottle LOL and his big bear is still runnin good =)

 

We rode at Hatfield McCoy this summer...we stayed along route 80...and we would ride the highway into town. Not that it is much better, but I was about topped out at 50-52 mph. The thing to keep in mind is that my quad has 1600 miles on it and that is the only time that top speed ever was a factor. I can tell you that the quad doesnt handle well enough to go much faster than that anyway. You need to slow down considerably before you think about turning!
Mudslinger2