I ride mostly trails, like donuts and handling in mixed terrain, both units are new 2000 leftovers, the Bayou 300 2wd for $3900 and $250 Kawasaki dollars, the Big Bear 2wd for $4300. I like the bears motor but 1st gear is not very usefull to me. NEED HELP

 

Get what you like, but--I think the Kawasaki has a semi-independent swing-axle rear suspension, while the Big Bear has a mono-shock swing arm (the Kawa is more nimble); the Kawasaki has a unique locking rear differential, and I think the Big Bear has 50 more cc's displacement than the Bayou.

Your own preference should drive this decision, I think you'll like either.

Tree Farmer

 

When you say that "first gear is not very useful" do you mean its too low? Becuase my 99 Kodiak was that way. It was a 5 speed, but first gear was a granny gear. I always took off in second. First was useful at times, but my Kodiak was a 4x4 and I used to get into spots where the granny gear was helpful. I can see how on a 2 wheel drive it probably seems too low. But then again you can always drive it like a 4 speed, like I used to do most of the time. Because of the 50cc difference in size, and because the Big Bear has a solid rear axle, I would go with the Big bear. I've been out riding a few times with the IRS set-up, and I'm not at all impressed! It sucks when you lift the two rear tires and the body falls at the same time. Can you say "ground clearence just disappeared and I'm dragging my undercarrige needlessly?" Just my 2 cents.

 

I've never seen or read about (including Yamaha's brochures) 2wd on a Big Bear. I know the Big Bear as being full time 4wd. In any case Yamaha is easier to get parts for than Kawasaki.

 

The open-type, rear differential on the Bayou 300 places it in a class by itself. It includes a locking feature that allows both wheels to engage the driveshaft to ensure maximum pull in "sticky" situations. When left in the open position, it allows for easy handling since each rear wheel can rotate independant from the other.