Buying an ATV Questions and suggestions about what to buy, financing, insurance, etc.

What to buy?

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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 08:13 PM
  #1  
DFWATSON's Avatar
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Weekend Warrior
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Default What to buy?

I am loking for a used atv. I am 27, 6'-3", 230lbs. I have been riding Harleys for years so I know how to handle a heavier bike. I am looking for something just to have fun with on weekends. Mainly trail riding and in the snow, no racing. All of my friends have Warriors. I have ridden them and they seem pretty good. I was also looking at the Honda 400ex and the Suzuki 400. I am partial to the Honda but it doesn't have reverse. I would like to have reverse but if the Honda out performs the Warrior by far I will go with the Honda. I know the Suzuki has reverse but I am having trouble finding one in my price range. I think I am too big for a Honda 300ex. What do you guys think.
 
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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 09:50 PM
  #2  
kawasaskirules's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

try a prairie 650 or 700 great sport and utility atv test ride one and u will llove it
 
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Old Oct 13, 2003 | 10:01 PM
  #3  
TurboGuy's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

I'm about where you are right now - I'm 6' and 225. The 300EX seems too small for me, too. I really like the 400EX, especially the left over '03's that can be found at $800 less than '04 Z400's. For that kind of savings I can do without reverse. I posted a reverse question in the Honda forum and the majority say it isn't necessary on a bike as light as the 400EX. So I'm at peace with that now.

But today I stopped by a local dealer and looked at the Yamaha Wolverine. It's a sport - utility 4x4, 5 spd auto clutch, 350 cc, rear rack, shaft drive with reverse. It's a nice bike and according to the Yamaha site, weighs in only 100 lbs more than the 400EX and is 100 less than full utility rides. But Honda's have such exceptional reliability and I'm just not clear where Yamaha is in the quality rankings. The Wolverine, though, has a nice balance of sport and utility and, like you, is what I'm looking for too. New '04 Wolverines are going for about $300 more than the leftover '03 400EX's.

I'm not sure if this helped you or not. I'm so confused by all the choices that it is getting more difficult to make a decision on which one to buy!
 
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Old Oct 14, 2003 | 11:05 AM
  #4  
smallboots2fill's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

Just a hello from another connellsville person. After I buy one of these suckers maybe I'll see u around[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
 
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Old Oct 14, 2003 | 11:14 AM
  #5  
smallboots2fill's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

lol, I'm just figuring out how to use this site. I am 29 years old and weigh 105lbs. Small and Mighty though[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I am looking to buy a quad that will splash me through the mud and the muck. Not looking to race, just get really dirty. Want something that deffinitely has reverse and looks good. Need some power to get me through the mountainous terrain. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks
 
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Old Oct 14, 2003 | 11:53 AM
  #6  
z400nate's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

what would your price range be? im guessing that it is around the 4000 mark? if so, then ya the 400ex would be the quad for you, you cant really find a z for that price, but you wont be getting the reverse and a little newer technology. But the ex is still a great bike for a person like you.
 
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Old Oct 15, 2003 | 10:42 AM
  #7  
BigBearFX's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

sportsman 700 twin
 
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Old Oct 20, 2003 | 12:20 AM
  #8  
lilred300ex's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

smallbootstofill. I am assuming, that, like me, you are of the female persuasion? If you just want to kick around I would suggest something in the 300cc range, maybe with 4 wheel drive on demand? I have had a Polaris Trailblazer, a Recon, a 300ex and now a Polaris TrailBoss. Because of my age, I went with the automatic. I never run into mud around here, so i don't need a 4X4. Not too many hills around here either. My husband has a 400ex, and that thing goes great up the hills but stinks in the mud. Gets stuck almost everytime. We also have a 700 V-Force and that thing is terrible on the trails, but a blast on the straitaways. Good luck finding something to suit you and welcome to the connection.
 
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Old Oct 23, 2003 | 03:19 PM
  #9  
TexasPsycho's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

i'm 6'2" and most of the quads i rode felt to small until i tried the Bombardier DS650. it's big and has plenty of power. the main thing is i don't fell like i'm setting on something that is going to break.
 
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Old Oct 23, 2003 | 10:27 PM
  #10  
maddog56's Avatar
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Default What to buy?

Originally posted by: kawasaskirules
try a prairie 650 or 700 great sport and utility atv test ride one and u will llove it
Originally posted by: bigbearfx
sportsman 700 twin
Cmon guys. If you are going to post stuff that far off the map, just keep it to yourself.

The 400ex will easily outperform the warrior. they handle better, are faster, and, imo, are much more comfortable. The main thing that you sacrafice is reverse. I have ridden bikes w/ and w/o rev and youd be suprised how little you need it most of the time. There are those situations where it becomes a great assest, but those are very few and far between.

btw, you can find used 400ex's loaded to the gills with aftermarket parts and only a year or 2 old for 3-4 grand.
 
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