Which is better, 4x2 or 4x4? I am about to buy a new Rancher, but I can't decide. I know it depends on how you ride and for what purpose. I would like to know everyone's opions on the subject. Which to you prefer and why?

 

I bought the 4x4.It is not a Honda but im happy.I just go out in the mountains and hills and ride.Haveing a 4x4 lets me go places that i want to go that a 2x4 cant or wont.If you do get a 4x4 make sure you get a winch asap.I walked out 4 miles after i got stuck the first time out.Im going to buy anouther quad here soon, it will be a 4x4

 

Well, we need to get one thing straight...a 2 wheel drive is known as a 4x2,4 wheels with 2 wheels driving not a 2x4, which is a piece of lumber.That said...my first quad was a Suzuki 250 Quad Runner 4x2 and I never found it lacking in any terrain which I had to deal with. I used the machine in several search & rescue missions in very difficult XC travel.
I now have a Suzuki KQ which is as you know, a 4x4 with some 30 forward speeds & the chief difference between the two machines is that with a 4x4 one can afford to be less particular and pay less attention to his riding and to the hazards encountered. If the cost differential is of no concern, a 4x4 would probably be the wiser way to go if for no other reason than increased trade in value.

 

Buy a 4x4 or preferably a machine that has shift on command. If you ride at all, you'll appreciate 4wd. If you never get stuck your not riding.

 

Dorian:
Like others said, it depends a lot on what you plan to do with the machine. For just simple trail rides here and there, a 4x2 would be OK, however if you plan to do any "serious" four wheeling, you're probably better off with a 4x4. If I were you, I'd choose one with selectable 2 wheel, or 4 wheel drive, if price is of no major concern. I really like this feature on my '00 AC 500 Auto. It allows for simply 2 wheel drive on trails or gravel roads, etc., yet when I get off the beaten track, start hill climbing or anything of a more difficult terrain, just throw it in 4 wheel, and nothing to worry about. Low gear is also a great feature, as it allows you to crawl over anything and everything in your way.

Also, if you ever plan on mounting a snow plow, definately go with 4x4. Any time you start adding equipment such as plows, or even rear blades, discs, etc., the more traction you have on the ground, and the more wheels pulling, the better off you are. Personnally, for the type of stuff I do, I would not own a 2 wheel drive truck, let alone a 2 wheel drive atv. Anyhow, hope this gives you something to think about.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Mike

 

HOT SHOE CV,First off,No stock King Quad has 30 differant forward speeds.You have Super low range,Low range,and High range.In either of these selected ranges,you can shift 5 times.My math comes to 15 differant speed ranges.You also have a selection of ''TRACTION ACTION'' 2wd,4wd,or diff lock.In diff lock,you must be in low gear.All others,you can use any range.DORIAN,You must decide for yourself what your really going to be doing with this quad.For everyday casual trail riding,2wd will work.However,in time,you may want to start exploring other terrains you never thought you would,and that is where 4x4 rules.Just knowing that 4x4 is there if I want it,is a big releif.Good Luck====BILL