Hey all.
Great board you have going here. I see lots of advice,and helpful info, so I'm hoping to get a little myself.

Been riding for many years now,but it was just a little 2wd Polaris Trail Boss. She gave up the ghost recently,so I'm in need of a replacement. So I set out a few Criteria. I need something in automatic mode..so CVT,or ES is a must. I'm thinking 400cc range,and I guess selectable 4X4 would be nice. It will just be for use around the farm. Pull small sprayer, the odd empty wagon, fencing, checking cattle, run about type of thing. But I like to have fun with it too. The ol 250 2 cycle was a quick little thing,and I liked that about it.

We have looked at a few. A slightly used '10 Sportsman 400. It's the smaller frame compared to the '11s, which I don't mind,as I'm not a big guy. I'm leery on the dry sump system on these..Thoughts on that?

Tried a new '10 330 Trail Boss. Decent little rig,but I'm pretty sure I'd like the 4X4 now,as the old one is useless in all but the smallest amount of snow.

Rode an 06 Yammy,300 Kodiak. I liked it,but it was higher mileage than we liked.

Today I found a great deal on an '09 Kawi, KVR (Prairie) 360 camo. I was very impressed with the features on this unit. Well built, I REALLY like the metal racking, bigger tires,sealed rear brake unit, emerg pull start. As I was riding it, 2 things were instantly noticeable. It seemed quite rough,and sluggish. Now, I don't need to really speed along, but it seemed to struggle to get to 50kms/hr. (30 mph). There seemed to be little difference in speed from high range, to low range. Seemed odd. Could there something there in the shifting? I could probably live with the roughness,and I suppose it might get a little smoother as the suspension breaks in,but any ideas on the speed? I know it's just a little 360..but ??

Thanks for the input.

 

Well lets see.

For what you are doing I would get a little bigger quad or at least one with more horsepower.

Maybe a Polaris 500? Can am 400?

Good and bad points about a IRS. I have a straight axel and wish I would have got an IRS. These old bones are tired and can't take much pounding any more. One thing is if you are towing something with a heavy tongue weight a straight axel is the way to go.

I have heard nothing bad about the dry sump. Nice to have in a way; but then again a wet sump is simple and fullproof. I have never had a dry sump even on one of my full out race motors.

One other thing to think about is service. Do you do your own or have a shop do everything? If you have a shop do it you better live near the make you buy.

If you are buying new I would look at the 500 class or so. If your buying used I would buy a 650 or 700 or so. When you work a farm or ranch you sometimes need power and weight to get the job done.

Another thing to keep in mind is a locker or auto 4X4. This will get the job done when others with an open front end will be stuck.

Good luck and good shopping!!!

 

If you want the ride of an IRS and the toting abilities of a straight axle look for a used Polaris Sportsman X2. It has a true 400 lb. rated dumpbox on the back instead of a regular rack. I use it constantly to carry wood, chainsaws, etc. What's neat about it is that the dumpbox has a passenger seat that folds out of the box for a 2nd rider. Takes all of 10 seconds. The IRS on this machine doesn't squat as much due to the stiffer springs but still articulates enough that it isn't as punishing as a straight axle. Front rack has storage underneath for straps, tools, etc. Give it a look. Other than the Polaris 6x6 there isn't a machine out there that will do it all as well as the X2. It's that versatile.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Yeah, that 360 would be a little underpowered for what I'd like. It does seem to be well built. The lack of adjustment in the front suspension is another consideration too.

The Can Ams seem like nice machines,but seem to be expensive here in Ontario?

Same with those X2s. Very nice idea there with the convertable seat,but I almost can get 2 decent quads for the price of a new X2. List price is around $11,000 CND from Polaris for a 550 X2.

So still in the hunt here. I something here on the line,but I don't want to jinx the negotiations yet..lol.

 

Sorry for the delay getting back here.

Found a very nice and capable 07 450 KQ. FI,and independent rear. Since I've been using it almost a year noow, I find the thing has all all the power I'll need, does almost 60 mph on stock wheels and tires, and is just as smooth as silk. Not sure about those reports of twitchy steering come from..I've had no such problems with mine. It came with the hand protectors and mirros. We added the bumper. I love it!

 

Looks very nice. Should do all you've asked it to do.

 

Nice looking quad but it's too clean! Go out and get it dirty! Nice field in the background!