Help me narrow my list down. I will use the 4x4 atv for 2 purposes, mainly pulling a harrow drag to keep the weeds off the beach at the lake. Softball size rocks and sand, silt. Also hunting which means mountains, swamps and putting it in the river boat to get where I need to hunt. Brief history. It will replace a suzuki 2wd 250 that finally died from over work and over heating. wuold not pull any added weight on the drag. I haven't decided on standard or automatic.
Choices: 2003 Eiger 400 4x4 $5400 out the door. 2003 Honda Rancher $5200, 2003 Honda Froman 450 $5700. 2003 Yamaha Kodiak 400 $5100, Kodiak 450 $6000.
I hear wonderful things about the eiger but how is the low range? Will the rancher pull well, and how low geared is second? If the forman had more ground clearence i would get it, but $550 is a lot to push out or unburry when your up to your knees in mud and and tussocks.
Thanks for the help and experiences.
P.S The ES or Auto is available for$200 more.

 

Out of your list, I'd pick the Foreman 450S semi-auto. The 2003's have been selling for around $5300. or so before tax and stuff.

I don't like the looks of the lumpy Eiger but it is cheaper than other 400's.
The 2003 Rancher 350 4x4 wouldn't have selectable 2 to 4 wheel drive.
The Kodiak 400 and 450 are good but I don't like the idea of belt drives.

If you don't mind the belt drive then the 450 Kodiak would be good with diff. lock.

Don't forget about the 2004 Rancher 400 with selectable 4x4. Oops! I'm expanding your list instead of narrowing.

 

Low range on the Eiger is ideal for work, in low you will have all the power you need. The weak link will be traction based on weight, which will be about the same for all the quads that you list.

I've always liked the ForemanS, it should work as well as the Eiger - the Eiger will be a better trail bike.

I'm old school, can't get used to belt drive.

Jaybee

 

I use my Foreman 450 ES, for farm chores, hunting etc. works great.

Check your prices, or search for better prices. I got my 2003 Foreman 450 ES for $5,099 out the door.

 

Thanks everyone. I'm not much worried about looks on the eiger. I do like its ground clearence over the formans, but hondas reliability is renound. I remenber reading in another forum the honda rides like a truck! I haven't tried them yet so it will be off to the dealers next week and see how the ride is. The rancher 400 AT sounded interesting but I understand it will be only 7.3" ground clearence or so, I don't understand why they would lower it after having 9" on the 2003 model. By the way what do you all think of the electronic shift on the honda, is it worth the extra 200?

 

I have the Foreman, it is built and rides like a minitank. I like the low center of gravity because I need to be able to ride around the sides of hills and make off camber turns with a sprayer on the back. I appreciate the safety and confidence it of low center of gravity and non-independent real suspension. High speed/trail riding may call for other preferences, but I rarely go over 20 mph.

And yes the ESP is worth the extra money. You get the thumb shifting, full floor boards and digital instruments.

 

Some of the dealers here have puurchased the last 2002 king quads which are pretty popular and have all the bells and whistles I see every one talk about I know they are only 300cc but with the low range and locking difrential plus independent rear suspension. I know they will be obsolete as that was the last year they were built. I can get one for around $5000.

 

I am curious why you bored over the eiger, was engine work needed or were you doing a mod?

 

Well we go through this kind of Topic alot, So Im just going to say I love my eiger and its been a great quad. Can't beat the price with features like, IN/OUT 4wd, Hi-Low Range (And Yes Low Range on this quad doesnt mess around). The 376cc engine is very strong and its quick, Believe it or not I havent topped mine out yet!!! I put my Vamps on and I dont go very fast speeds with these tires on, but I have heard many poeple say they can get 55mph on the Eiger and I believe it depending on your weight. Its got 9.3 inches of ground clearance so it muds good with stock tires, with my 26" Vamps it muds awesome!! You want go wrong with the Eiger. And by the way I love the look of the Eiger, I like the ram air look on the front, matter of fact I was thinking about getting some stickers made for it to put on it saying "Ram Air" on the sides of them like the Trans- Ams lol!

 

Are you only buying one of these on this list or will you look at others?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]