Hi guys!! I'm brand new to this forum and have a couple questions for you guys. I have a Banshee with pipes and filter etc, nothing crazy. I ride alot with my buddies in Silver Lake Michigan Sand Dunes and in Indiana at the Badlands. I plan on going out to Wisconsin this year to run the snowmobile trails out in Balck River Falls. I want to get my Girl friend an ATV also to ride with us sometimes. I'm a big fan of Yamaha and will only buy Yamaha products. I was wondering if the Grizzly would be a good machine for her, or would the Wolverine 450 4X4 be a better choice? She is about 5 ' 7 and 140 pounds. Could the Wolverine make it through the soft sand dunes up in Michigan or no? What would be a better ride for her? Any advice or expierence would be appericated!! Thanks guys!

 

84 views and no responses!!! Come on guys.

 

I can only speak for the Grizzly. It has racks, so can carry plenty of gear, independent suspension, so it rides nice. The new ones now come with EPS, if that's important for you. I like the versatility of a utility quad, though I've never ridden one in sand. The IRS is what really sold me on it. Going from a solid axle quad to independent is like night and day.

 

Thanks Rancher! The wolverine rear suspension doesn't look to great with that soild axle. I'm leaning more towards the Grizzly. Do you think the 450 would be enough power to haul my fat a$$ around, if I decide to take it on a trip without the GF? I'm about 220 pounds currently, hoping to drop some weight tho.

 

I took my 95 350 Wolverine to Michigan sand dunes a couple times, did just fine, so I'm sure the 450 would be just as good if not better. If she likes staying clean, the Grizzly would have much better splash protection with the full fenders and floorboards. Both run the Ultramatic transmission, so the drivetrain is similar. IRS on the Grizzly is a big plus for ride comfort, if she isnt comfy, she may stop riding with you !! Solid axle is definately more sporty feeling, easier to slide corners and whip donuts in the sand ! So each has its pluses and minuses, let her sit on both and see how she likes them. They now offer EPS in the 450 Grizz, so that might be a deciding factor as well, a rutted up sand dune or rocky trail wont yank her arms around and tire her out from a long day riding.

 

Thanks 95wolv that is some good advice!! Eps didn't start until 2011 on the 450 model, I wonder how much of a difference non eps would make? Trying to get away cheaply without spending 6 or 7 grand on a 2011-2012. Hoping to get a nice 2008-09 for like 4000 grand...

 

You're welcome ! I have heard the new frame style used on the 700 and 500 Grizzly make them steer very easy, even without EPS, maybe see if you can find a good 550 used, they are basically a 700 with a smaller motor, while the others are just Kodiaks with different plastic, except for the new 450s.

 

I would get the Grizzly because it has IRS. Besides a better ride it gives you more ground clearance. You'll appreciate that in mud or on rocky trails. My solid axle quad would get stuck on things my IRS didn't even touch.

 

So I just bought my wife a 2011 Grizzly 450 with EPS. We took it out for a little while today and all I can say is WOW. It handles great and rides nice. the EPS is awesome!!!. It is very smooth. I ride a brute force 750 but needed one for the Wife. It was a great choice. For your GF I would definetly spring for the EPS it is awesome!! I got the grizzley for $6000 out the door.

 

The Grizzly is definetly not a slouch as far as power. I know of people your size who ride them with no complaints. I find that mine steers easier without EPS than my Eiger, but if you can spring for it EPS would be worth the money.