I'm new to the 4 wheeler world and am wondering what to buy. My brother and father have paid about 6k each on theirs, but I know that I won't be riding as much as they do. The only time I'll be riding is when I have time off from work and wife and can ride with them. I don't have any place at home to ride. So I am looking for something that is fun and cheap. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.


signed,
frugal atv wannabe

 

Tough question - depends on where you want to ride. You pay more $$$ for capability (4x4) and speed. Personal experience has been that Yamaha and Honda quads hold up very well. Can't speak for the rest, one way or another. Also note that quads hold their value very well, perhaps a little too well, so a used quad isn't cheap. What I saw last spring was - anything that was running good and no parts falling off brought at least $2k. 4x4 was another $500-$1k higher. And the prices just went up from there.

For a first quad, I bought a 91 350 4x4 Big Bear with a 96 engine in it a few years ago, and it's suited me just fine. Not the fastest, but it always ran when I needed it. I upgraded to a big bore last spring, but the bear went pretty much anywhere I wanted to go. Meant to sell the bear when I got the Arctic Cat, but never got around to it, and I'm kinda glad I kept it. Very reliable, nice to have if a buddy wants to go riding.

BTW: where do you ride in Louisville? I work there (live near Lex), but hadn't seen any trails.

--John

 

I have a couple of friends that have small farms ( 10 acres & 18 acres ). I think there is a "brickyard" off of Stonestreet South of the Gene Snynder Freeway, which is South or West of I-65.