I've been shopping......
 

I've been carefully comparing 4X4 utility's and I've pretty well decided on the Arctic Cat 250 4X4. I want a 4X4 and I'm on a budget - seems this is the perfect machine. This will be my 1st ATV, so I'm hoping to avoid any pitfalls. I'm gonna use it for Duck hunting, maybe take it to CO for deer season, plus just run it around for fun.
The dealer gave me an accessory catalog - owning an ATV opens all kinds of avenues to buy cool stuff!!!

He told my AC offers a $60 kit that allows the 250 to be selectable 4 wheel drive. Anyone had experience with this, and do you think it's necessary? Is this an installation that a reasonably equipped shade tree mechanic could tackle?

Thanks

I've been shopping......
 

I purchased my first quad by looking around and seeing what I thought was within my budget. I think that's 95% of us. But when you do learn enough about quads, you will also learn that you didn't buy the machine you really need, want or you generally should have spent a little more to get the bang for your dollar. For the dealer to offer you a kit to transform your new 2x4 quad into a 4x4 whenever you get ready, should be a "Stop Sign" for you to do a little more digging. It's your choice of course but your money is going to buy something to add later that you can get now a much cheaper price if you just stop, think, ask the right questions.
A 250cc. may carry your deer easily in Michigan but when you get to hilly areas like Colorado, is it going to be enough engine?
Why buy a two wheel drive machine when you can get a 4x4 with the same amount of power but do so much more on the ground?
If you're going to be on this machine for hours at a time, is it going to be comfortable or are your knees up in your shoulders?
Tires make a big difference too. If you know you're going to be using the quad for hunting, wouldn't it be nice to have a set of tires on it when you purchse the machine, that will take you where you want to go instead of waiting to get pulled out all the time? Pick the tire you like, tell the dealer to put them on before you buy the quad. You will pay a little more but you will be happy you did, if you choose good tires for what you plan to do.
Nothing wrong with two wheel drive machines but don't let the dealer talk you out of what you really want or need to do what you like most. Your quad is only an extention of your personality. If you're frustrated with your quad from the start, you're gonna be unhappy for a long time. Spend the extra cash to get something you can live with. There are some very good USED machines on the market too.
Starting to show my age... Nough said...
Chuck