I'm looking at buying a mid-level quad. I recently have been riding a friend of mines 06 Kodiak 450. I really like the machine but am wondering what kinda problems have been had with that model. I also like the Rubicon i have several friends with them and they love them, but i want something with a good riding suspension. I know the Rubicon is tough, but i wish it was independent. I used to have a 03 AC 400i. It just didn't have enough guts. I put 26inch Mudlites on it but it lacked power on bottom end. I could still out mud my friends cause most of them ride Honda formans and rubi's. But i had 14.5 inches of clearance so i could go through alot even with the lack of power. The arctic cat just feels big and clumsy. Thats another reason i like the yamaha. And i would also like something with a diff lock. I'm not bias against diffrent brands, ex. polaris. Mainly i just trail ride and like to climb hills, and ride hard with my friends sometimes in the winter at our cabins. Which ever wheeler i get, i'd like to put 26 inch tires on again, probably mud-lites cause they great tires so keep that in mind also. Anyone with any suggestions would be great. Thanks

 

try the suzuki vinson 500. mine is the auto version, love it! best handling 500 out there - hands down! it doesn't have IRS but still rides pretty good w/ the adj shocks on ALL 4 corners. lacks a locker but goes VERY well in mud and snow-wouldn't let that influence the final decision. most people will never need one anyway. as far as permance goes, if its not #1, its a very close second (but to what?) best of both worlds sport & utility! just DO your homework B4 buying!

 

Yeah i heard that Suzuki's are amazing handlers. I will ride one. No joke there, and i don't mind a straight axle as long as it doens't hammer you like a honda. Straight axles slide really nice in the corners!

 

You should take a look at the BF 650i. Independant all around, amazing power, and not at all a high asking price. In between a vinsion and a polaris 500.

 

I think you should try an 06 AC, mabey a 500, to check out the difference in handling from 03 to 06. You might be suprised!

 

Yeah, i've heard AC's newer models are something amazing, i'd like to try the 700 AC but just for the thrill, cause i'm sure it would be awesome, but once again, their using someone elses motor, but i like AC chassis

 

Does anyone know if the new Rubicon has Independent around it?