Buying a Quad for the first time. I go out with my friends all the time so i can ride one pretty good. Looking for a Utility one so i can go hunting and through the bush. I still want some power to it so i can rip around in the snow and tow people on sleds behind.I live in Chilliwack, BC Canada so theres tons of mountains and stuff out here.Ive been looking at the Honda Rancher 4x4 ES and a Yamaha Grizzley 450 4x4.
Ive heard Honda is better reliable.
Any advice or recommendations would be great. Thanks

 

Since it's your first one I'd look around for a used quad. Sounds like you are correct in looking for a 400 class 4x4 - that should fit your needs.
The thing is, once you ride for a while you will get a better feel for exactly what type of quad you need & want. Riding for a while is about the only way to figure this out. If you buy a used quad, you can resell it if you need to move up without loosing too much money to depreciation.

Jaybee

 

well ive rode alot, just not sure whats good for me and how to tell with the specs.I know this a dumb Questiong but Whats the diff between IRS and no IRS

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: 1LO64

well ive rode alot, just not sure whats good for me and how to tell with the specs.I know this a dumb Questiong but Whats the diff between IRS and no IRS</end quote></div>


You haven't rode much if you don't know the differance!
SRA has very little ground clearance, easier to slide around turns, outdated on a utility atv.
IRS has twice the ground clearance, smoother softer ride.

A 400-600 atv is a great choice, IMO the Yamaha is a better atv than the Honda.
Make sure you take a good look at the big 3, Artic Cat, CanAm and Polaris. IMO they offer a better atv than the cookie cutter Jap atvs.

 

Hey, I am originally from Chilliwack! Haven't been back in quite a few years though. Don't really miss the rain. A lot different than So. Calif. desert....

There are lots of choices in the 400-450 class. I like the intermediate size machines, vs the huge fully larded monsters that many of the big bores have become. I'm a manual transmission guy, so that (happily!) limits my choices to just a few machines. My Ranchers have proven to be superb machines! Very sporty stable SRA ride, descent suspension, and great handling. Lots of posts from folks with ES shifting problems, so check that out before you make a final decision.

Some bigger tires (but not so huge that they ruin the sweet handling) will get you some extra ground clearance. I'm running 25" ITP Holesht ATR's for winter, and I have 8" of ground clearance. The IRS machines I ride with, have 10".

I can see the advantage of IRS in some situations. We did a snow ride in the local mountains last weekend, and the IRS machines (including a Griz 450 and 660, and a couple Polaris machines) had a few extra inches more clearance and could go a little farther...but ultimately absolutely nobody was able to make the trail, no matter what they were riding. The price you pay for IRS is a considerably heavier machine, and some body roll which isn't the hot ticket when you are off camber.

 

thanks for the replies. keep them coming

 

you cant beat the ride of independant rear suspension in my mind.. Depending on terrain you are going to be riding.. if this bike is going to mountains or rocky terrain then i wouldnt buy a solid rear axle ( not to step on any toes but theres more old hondas tearing up the trails than any other make and that says alot to me on who makes the best atv's)

 

So i went to the dealerships today and have 2 quads in mind. I'm leaning more towards the Suzuki 450 KingQuad instead of the Yamaha 450 Grizzley. I checked the Specs and theres not too much difference. Anyone have any info. on which they think is a better ride?

 

I believe the Yamaha 700 EPS is the best ATV overall. I am getting one in the near future.

 

i compared them on a yamaha- suzuki dealers website it appears that the suzuki is fuel injected ,has approx. 30 more cc's and a bit more fuel capacity than the yamaha. i would pick the suzuki just because of EFI, dont have to mess with changing jets if heading to altitude.. i like the green with black wheels ( looks tough)..