Hello! I need some major help here...My husband is turning 28 on July 15th and I want to buy him an ATV. He has wanted one for a very long time, so this is going to be a HUGE deal. Even though he really wants one I don't think he understands a lot about them because when I ask him questions about what he wants he really isn't able to tell me. Because he works 60 hours a week I really want to surprise him with something great...So I need HELP! He is 6 ft tall, and weighs around 240-250. He had mentioned that he wants at least a 300...does that sound about right? Also, I leaning towards buying something used from one of the major brands (Suzuki, Honda), as opposed to something new from a no-name brand. What is everyone's opinions on that? What is the big difference between the major four anyways? I have about $2000 saved. I am willing to possibly finance the remainder, but I prefer not to. Lastly, we live in Northeast Ohio where it's often cold and rainy. While I don't think he needs something to navigate big boulders, I do think he will need something capable of dragging his a$$ out of the mudd. THANKS for any help anyone can give me!!!!!!!!

 

Well, JFrazee I guess the first big question is if your looking for a Utility style or a Sport style wheeler? To me the Sport style are more fun because I like to cat around and go fast. Others like utilities because they use them for rougher, slower terrain. Because I cant help you on the utility side if your looking for a sport I would suggest a 400cc class. They are not hard to find used and not much more expensive. He won't be disappointed with the extra power it will give. Me and my bro both bought 2002 Honda 400EX's for $2500 a piece. The 400EX is a very popular and apparently high selling atv. There are ton's of them out there. Everyone will agree that they are rock solid and reliable. I have also heard that the suzuki LZ400 is a great quad also. Good luck on your search and hope to see your husband on here soon when he get's ready to spend some cash modding his new wheeler!

 

I'll give you the utility viewpoint. He's a big guy so I'd also suggest at least a 400cc size. Suzuki Eiger, Honda Rancher etc. All major manufacturers sell something in this popular size range. If he's into cruising and exploring and would like to stay a little cleaner and dryer on a ride, then the utility will work better for him. Also, if there is any chance that he wants 4wd then utility is the only choice save for a couple of sport 4wd's that are available. For $2,000 you will have a hard time finding a full sized bike - $2,500 to $3,000 would be a better range to find a three to five year old 4wd bike. 2wd's will be cheaper. As far as choosing one - while it may not be as much of a suprise you might want to consider letting him make the choice. Sometimes what it takes to find the 'right' ATV is to sit on one and see how it feels. I would be just as thrilled if my wife came up with some kind of creative way to let me know that not only does she want me to get an ATV but that she has also saved up the money to buy it. Then we could go shopping for it together.

How about an ATV magazine wrapped in Victoria's secret trappings? ;D


Jaybee

 

big guy needs a big bike....i'd say finance....2,000 won't get you much....500 or larger would be the way to go for a man his size. also beware of the 69 and 89 dollar a month deals, after awile they turn to 200.00 a month.

 

Agreed the $2K isn't going to go very far in the new quad dept. AND the finance deals with really low opening payments, tend to go way up and not at good interest rates either. --but...$2K is a REALLY nice down payment if your heart is set on new. However, consider this -- like a new car, you're looking at 20-30% depreciation the minute your name is signed to the title. Further, 2K is a lot more than most peolple that buy new quads walk into dealers with as a down payment. Without knowing what your husband's tastes and wants are, its hard to say which quad he would want. My 20 years experience riding tells me experienced riders that like to go fast on trails and dunes prefer sport quads. Less experienced leisurely riders tend to lean toward utility type quads as their first 'wheeler. Either way, at your husbands size, a 400 is probably the minimum engine size I'd recommend. Lots of really good used quads are available, and anyway you cut it new or used, you deserve a wife of the year nomination for even attempting a gift like this.....

 

For a guy that big 400cc is way too small! Again sport go with a 450. 4x4 Go big. $2000 down should keep your payments down, and a good intrest rate. I have never complained about having too much power. Don't under power him or you'll have to hear it evertime he rides.

 

I will agree that a 400 would be the smallest I would go. I would also have him go with you to look since he may feel the quad is to small or under powered for him. The next big thing would be sport or utility. I prefer the utility since there is a ton of mud where I ride and my Buddy's always get stuck on the sport quads if there is no way around the stuff. For a utility you are going to need more than $2K for a decent quad. For the sport quad you won't have to add much. I would recommend sticking to the major 4 Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki since they tend to require much less work to keep them running.

 

I think it's great that you're buying him an ATV for his birthday! Here's my 2 cents-

Buying an ATV is a big investment, but you'll get years of fun out of it. Good luck. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I would recommend sticking to the major 4 Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki since they tend to require much less work to keep them running.



I wouldnt go off of this statement either. As for the "major 4", its silly. I agree on a major brand, but those 4 are NOT factually easier to maintain, thats just his/her opinion. You can include Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Can-AM also to look at. They are all equally as reliable and i even think better that most of the above mentioned.

 

I also recommend that you get him involved since he has not told you what he wants.