Hello everyone i am new to the forums and i hope to be an active member for a long time, i have read many threads and this seems like a great community it all areas.

I am currently looking to buy my first atv and i am torn on what to get. I am not a newbie i have ridden atvs before so i would say I am a novice rider, usually rode sport quads ranging from 250 to 400. I have also rode some utility 4x4s. I am torn between what type of atv to buy i mostly ride trails, some open fields and some trails can get technical. I do not care for mudding just not my cup of tea. I like the way a sport quad rides as in the fun aspect. Being able to power slide and whip around corners is fun some light jumping some fast riding. On the other hand it is nice to have 4x4 and get through places easier then a sport.

I am debating a few makes and models and would appreciate any input..
1. Can am Renegade - i think the 800 would be to much for tight trails and i think the 570 would be more up my alley...any thoughts

2. Suzuki ltz400- rode this quad a lot before and i enjoyed it

3. Raptor 700- is this quad to much power for someone with my experience and is it to much power for trail riding and tight trails. i do not want to be stuck in 1st and 2nd gear all day. that is no fun i rode a 660 raptor when they first came out and it was 2nd gear all day i dont know how the 700 compares.

4- Honda 400x - this is my last choice a few buddies ride them and if i hear them say just buy a 400x one more time with out giving me other options im going to wear ear plugs all day around them.

Thanks for all the help...P.S. im 6' 1" 210 lbs if that makes a difference

 

Ok after much discussion with a bunch of friends i decided i want a sport quad and narrowed it down to 2 choices the raptor 700 and the ltz 400. i hear the raptor is easy to maintain and a good trail rider i just worry it might be to much for power for the first bike i buy..any thoughts?

 

1) The Renegade is a great choice if you want 4x4. It is closer to a utility than a sport quad in handling and what not.

2) Z400 is probably THE best all around sport quad. The balance of handling, power, and suspension is about perfect for most recreational riders.

3) Sounds like you have enough experience that the 700 would be fine. The 700 is a refined 660, better suspension and handling. Big torque that let's you stay in just a gear or two in the tight stuff, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

4) 400x, another great machine. Has been around for 17 model years now, and is proven. The Z beats it in power and suspension, yet the Honda still sells well. Nothing wrong with this choice as it does everything a proper sport quad should.

 

The 850 (Replaced the 800) and 570 are the same ATV just with different motor displacement. 2016 Can-Am Renegade® 570 ATVs


They are really just a Outlander utility with no racks and sporty plastic. Same chassis, motor and drivetrain. 2016 Can-Am Renegade® 570 ATVs

The thing I do not like about ATV with chains is there is never much more then 3" ground clearance below the back sprocket. There are to many hard rocks on the trail taller then that so the sprocket will take a beating.

These two pics should never meet.

 

Thanks scooter86 your the only person to say the renegade doesnt handle like a sport, everyone i have asked just avoided the question. I Figured the z400 would be the best choice i just didnt want to be half way up a hill and be like man i should have gotten a 700 you know what i mean. Do you recommend buying new or used. For example there is a z400 buy me if its still available its a 2012 special edition just had first service has low hours already has skid plates hmf exhaust slip on and nerf bars and 5 yr extended warranty asking 4700 obo. Or do i go new

 

That's because its a Utility with no racks. Polaris does the same with the new Scramblers.

Yamaha could put sporty plastic on a 700 Grizzly and call it a 700 4x4 Raptor and join the club.

Sporty plastic and racks removed do not change the handing of a ATV.

 

New or used is up to you. Extended warranties generally aren't worth what you pay for them, to easy for the company to get out of them when something big goes wrong. Not sure how a 2012 would have just had a first service plus the goodies, sounds a little fishy without more back story. Quality skid plates and nerf bars are essentials for a sport quad imho. That deal could be good though. New is probably better if you are not interested or able to do your own work. Sounds like you have some buddies to help with maintenance? Would be good to have one help look over any used purchases too. Personally I don't mind new or used if the machine has been taken care of.

 

I fully understand this a no go for a sport bike,we dont really have to many trails that are like that around me. The worst i would have to worry about is ruts and the occasional downed tree. Everyone i would ride with has sports so i would not even tackle that rocky trail myself alone you can get in a pinch quickly on those even with a 4x4. thanks for everyones help it really does go a long way in the purchasing department.

 

Here is the used one from private seller..... 2012 suzuki ltz 400

here is a used one from a dealer....
LOOK!!! 2013 Suzuki LTZ400

 

Well, since its a 2012, I guess you get a 2 year warranty since its 3 years old. Z400's are so cheap used that you can find one a bit older for less than half that. Might be able to find something like this 2004 Suziki Z400 Add a new set of tires and you're good to go for under $2000. They might be a little more expensive where you are but around here, $2500 will get you a very nice used z400.