Lots of good choices there. I'd pick either the Polaris, AC, or a grizz. Do yourself a favor and make sure it has IRS, your back will thank you later.

 

mucka, I am a big feller myself (6'3"-300lbs) and own a Yamaha Grizzly 660, and is very comfortable for me. I think anything in a 500 or larger will satisfy your needs. Do you need 4WD? Nah. Is it nice to have? Heck yeah. I like to trail ride, and rarely have I had to use my 4WD, but it has bailed me out a couple of times. So just think of the terrain that you're going to be riding on. Good luck!

 

i agree w/ zorro make sure its a irs and you will have a better ride. i know in comparing my sp.800 to my friends bf 750 mine rides softer. mostly the shocks on the bf is stiff. i would recommend as well get at least a 500 or bigger so you'll have plenty of power to do what ever you want. if you do any mud riding get a 4x4 and a winch.

 

I'm a big guy too and I had to sell my 400 4x4 AC because it didn't have enough power. I've ridden 650 ACs, 660 Griz, and even the BRP 800 Outlander. For my two cents, and I've dumped over $50K into this quad thing, I'd go with a Yamaha Grizzly if you just have to have a utility type. Proven power, rides well, durable, and most importantly, you can get parts for it outside the OEM chain. BRP and AC parts are absolutely ridiculous. You have all kinds of resources on the Yamaha and I'll bet you'll just have more luck with it.

One word of advice though on buying used. Don't You never know how hard it has been thrashed. You can find discounts on new Yamahas from places like Abernathy and save considerable bucks over buying from your local dealer. I've even used Abernathy as a price challange to local dealers to match or get close to their price. I just bought a new 660 Rhino for $8200 which is about 200 over what Abernathy wants.

FYI, I switched from a 4X4 to a Rhino. Great decision. That thing is the handiest thing around the place we've ever bought. We also use it as a tow vehicle when we're drag racing to pull the Banshees back in. The wife can drive it and haul the cooler and the spare parts.

Be careful buying used. Take someone along that knows ATVs if you look at used ones. Being a novice is expensive!

 

I have found a 1999 Grizzly 600 used. Any thoughts on this machine? It has less than 1000 miles. What would be a fair price?

Thanks for all of the input so far.

Russ

 

Russ...I am a little over 6' and tip the scales at 336lbs. I moved in 2001 from Honda to Polaris cuz to me the Poo was the big guy bike. Great ergos, everything is where you want it, not cramped (even when 2 up), great ride & handling - just great bikes overall but best of all...it fits. I am now on a 2005 Polaris SP500H0 and am totally satisfied with all aspects of the quad. Lots of times we do 100 plus mile trips over some pretty challenging terrain and nothing to complain about whatsoever - other people on different bikes are fatigued at the end of the day but not me.

 

I don't know anything about the Grizz 600 so I can't help you there...I'd recommend something a little bit newer.

Remeber one thing, a 400cc ute isn't going to feel nearly as powerful/fast as a 400cc ute and IMO 400cc isn't enough for a ute, just not much get up and go. A Z400 is probably equal to a 750cc ute in the speed/power feel. Someone said the AC's are the biggest ATV's, their the 2nd biggest... the Polaris sportsmans are a bit bigger and heavier...their like a couch on wheelies.

A Polaris Sportsman 500/ (used 600) /700/800 IMO would be a very good ATV for a heavy guy, b/c I had a Sportsman and we had 3 full grown adults on it (~500lbs+) a few times and it kept on truckin the suspension can handle a lot of weight, more than a Yamaha, Zuki, Honda, or Kawi their frames are stronger and bigger. They have a VERY plush ride and are good mudders. If your going to plow you need 4wd, it's really a must if your planing on moving much snow, 2wd just doesn't get it done. A Sportsman can plow a lot of snow!

 

I would go with a DS650, if you don't want a 4x4..

 

You can't go wrong with any of the Outlanders. Very user friendly, sport/utility, IRS, most powerful engine in its class.

 

I'm 6 ft and 320 lbs, I ride a DS 650 and Love it to ride the Dunes......but not on the trails [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img] to wide

before the DS I rode a 2000 Grizzly 600 and wish I could have afforded to keep it and the DS. Great in the trails..Sold it last year for $3500. (pics on my picture page)

good luck!