Hey i was wondering what atv i should get
i come from a dirtbike backround so im used to handeling weight and a manuel clutch i want a 2 wheel drive atv im thinking around 350-450 ccs nothing big i was seriously thinking about a raptor 350 but im not shure so if you guys could give me some pointers that would be great thanks
im 18 im 6'3" and 170 lbs

 

Skip that 350. It is based on the old Warrior, and that was the worst quad I ever owned.

The 400EX or Z400, would probably be the best bet. Both are good all-around quads that handle well. Both are also very reliable. The EX is absolutely bulletproof! Personally, I like the EX for tight trails because its engine doesn't mind being lugged down. The Z likes to rev more, so I would pick it for faster trails and more open country.

 

I've been doing similar research. Someone had linked this on some thread I was reading (and I've searched and gone back almost a year on a lot of the different forum channels!) It's a comparison of yamaha 350, honda 400, and suzuki/kawasaki 400. Take it for what it's worth, but some of the info seems to backup various comments I've read the past few days as well.

http://www.atvsport.com/output.cfm?id=960643

 

Depending on what bike you rode you may also want to look at a 450. You already have experience riding so a 450 would rpobably work well for you as a first quad. Particularly if you rode a two stoke MXer.

 

I have to agree with ajd; you've ridden before your not lacking in pucker factor.. As you transition to ATV's (being a competant young man) the power probably won't intimadate you.. What happens the first time one of your buddies beats you in any kinda competition? You'll be pissed; check out the 450's. I don't own one myself but have plenty of friends who do, and I've ridden them all (sand dunes So Cal). The stock 450's (Suz,Hon,Yam) are not as harsh, in stok form as you might expect, especially if you want to graduate to the power. But when you want it, it won't take $2000.00 to get it were you want to go (and how fast). They really liven up pretty quick with basic mods (pipe, K&N, Jets, Cherry Bomb, etc..). Less than $1000.00. Got to figure out what you want to do. I'm 6'2" 240#'s I find all the 450's short in stature and stability for MY riding, but everyone is different. Of the 450's I would choose the Suz 450r but I don't do woods. My bike is a 04 KFX700 taken to 796cc 11:5-1 compression, Crower Cams 254 degree duration, Dalton clutch, Port & polish, massive 44mm duel down draft Empi (Weber) Carb. HMF..ETC. I had to spend a lot of money to compete; you don't have too... Just a competetive old guy. Do what's right for you.... Have Fun & be safe..