i have this 2003 big bear 400 4x4 and since it's my 1st ATV i love it.i'm working on getting it back into shape but the times i did ride it , were awesome .i'm not into racing,or muddn , more into making my own trail through the woods and dealing with anything that i come across.like creeks ,hills and uneven terrain .would like to go on trail rides with others in the Forrest .not that i know anybody to go riding with yet .(haven't looked for anyone or group ). is this a good ATV and can i go on rides with others without being last or holding others up?i have never been on the trail with others,so i don't know the average speed a group will go in north Florida (Tallahassee area ).it has such low gearing in 1st and 2nd but it will move.making me hold on tighter and sucking up the seat with my "you know what" . i'm 6'3" and weigh 230 lbs.the machine feels strong to me.what do you think ?will this ATV do the job?is there anything i need to know about it ?your thoughts would be appreciated.
Heiko

 

I had a 1989 4x4 350 Big Bear, super reliable ATV I sold it to a friend years ago and he still rides with me. There geared low and will scream at at only 40-45 mph in top gear.

I don,t know how your trail are but our rugget trails in Northern Ontario ,Canada only allow a ATV to go 20 mph on average so I never held anyone up.

There is a guy in our group who has a 800 Outlander and can,t get anywhere quicker then a person with a 300 King Quad.

Now if you ride on wide smooth roads or trails that allow 50mph criusing you will be at a disadvantage,but I find that type of riding boring. Might as well just take stay in your truck on conditions like that.

 

I've had my 2000 big bear since it was new. I'm into exactly the same riding as you describe an it has taken everything I've thrown at it. It's got plenty of torque for hill climbs and mud holes. Mine has been in water over the fenders lots of times without a snorkel and has always kept going. You can't kill these things. I think you've got a great machine as long as you don't want to go much over 40, like was said above.

 

thanks guys for your input .but i have one more question .since it's geared so low,do i have to start in 1st gear or can i begin moving in 2nd or 3rd ?i just got this thing and i don't want to ruin it by starting in the wrong gear. thank you.
Heiko

 

You should have enough torque to start in second most of the time. But I always start in first. No need to put any unnecessary wear on the clutch IMO.

 

that sure makes sense.don't wanna wear out that clutch .but i do hate that 1st gear.many thanks for your help.
Heiko

 

Yea first gear is low but when it comes time for a tug-a-lug you'll be glad you have it lol

 

mine is a tank slow but will go anywhere iv tried to take it the first gear is low but hauling stuff or pullin your buddys out of what ever they got stuck in its great.