Currently have a Scrambler with about 5" of rear ground clearance. So I want IRS and a manual trans. Manual trans so I can have a durable quad that could take on taller tires.

under 500cc to limit the price.

The 400cc Big Bear fits the bill any others I should look at.

 

4x4 not sport quads

 

New models within the last three years.

 

525 Polaris Outlaw. Honda's new TRX 700.

Oppps sorry they are 2wd sports.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ryker77

4x4 not sport quads</end quote></div>

I think Cat has the only one. They sell a 500 manual with IRS. Plenty of guys pulling big tires on belt drives so I wouldn't shy away from them. Look at all the featured mud runners in the magazines, they are all belt drive.

 

500 Utility comparison.

Another 500 Utility clash

The 400 Big Bears is not in these comparisons but the even the 401cc Grizzly has more power than the 386cc Big Bear motor,and the 420cc Grizzly has even more yet.

All the most powerful Utility ATVs in there class are Belt drive now.

The 500 Foreman and AC 500 are the bigest 5 speed Utilities you can buy now and both are far from the top in power for the 500 Utility class.

If you look up Mud running competition results you will not see any 5 speeds up there in the standings.

 

I don't doubt that the belt drive work great. But I'd rather have the positve gear feeling. And I feel that they would be more durable.

The new Big Bear fits my bill. Simple air cooled engine, manual trans with a low first gear, simple speedometer, IRS, and good ITP tires.

 

Yes the Big Bears are very tough and reliable. There one problem is they are low geared over all the scream at 45mph on long stretches they would be perfect if they had a 6th gear. The 400 Suzuki King Quad/ Eiger 5 speed is another option, its a straight axle though, but it has a low range for grunt work and in High range can cruise at 50 smoothly.

AC 500 5 speed is another option, like mentioned above.

 

Even on the paved roads I only go about 35mph. On the dirt I just putt along and enjoy the mountains.

The Big Bear 400 and the AC 500 are on my look for good deal list.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ryker77

I don't doubt that the belt drive work great. But I'd rather have the positve gear feeling. And I feel that they would be more durable..</end quote></div>



Belt drive is more durable!!! and cost is soo much less, ever have to get a 5 speed trans rebuilt?