Hello all,
Yep another newbie with tons of questions [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]
I thought that I would come to the people who would know best! I have enjoyed the forum just lurking for a couple of days now and finally came up with a couple of good questions that are some what location specific. So here goes, and please be patient (some times I tend to ramble on).

I live on the east coast of central florida. A few of my buddies have 4 wheel atv's and really enjoy riding. I would like to get into this with them. The majority of riding will be in the mud and deeper water holes. I have decided that I want 4X4 with the locking diff. on the front tires. I'm pretty sure that I will need to snorkel the bike. I am also thinking I'll need to go ahead and get a winch. So far this is what my buddies have recommended for where we will be riding. The bikes I'm looking at are the Can Am Outlander 800R EFI XT, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI Auto. 4x4, or the Arctic Cat 700 EFI H1 or the mud pro (already set up for mud?) or any other bike along these lines that you all might suggest. Now of course everyone loves the bike they have, but I would like to know the pros and cons of each bike I have mentioned or maybe you guys have seen a certain bike always having a particular problem while in the mud or this or that. I would also like to know in you alls opinion which bike comes from the dealer more ready for the mud (meaning less I have to modify)? My buddies tell me that most everyone rides the Yamaha, Can Am, or Kawa where they ride, of course I am leaning towards the Arctic Cat 700, not sure why no one around here is riding them, is there a specific problem with them not performing in florida climate? Also why are people moving the radiators to the rack on the front of the bike? Is that a needed mod for AC? I want some thing dependable and doesn't need a ton of mods to hit the mud holes. Also, My wife will probably ride with me on occasion and since it will not be an every time deal I don't want to buy a 2 up bike. any suggestions for this? I did see a bag that attacheds to the back rack with a back rest and a padded place for someone to sit. Any body have any experience with these, comfy for a 120 pound female to ride on for awhile? I am sure I will have a ton more questions for you all, thank you for being patient and sharing your knowledge and experience. If more info is needed let me know! Any suggestions or comments are welcome!

Tbull[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I would say to get a Kawi but it is pretty mucj=h your personal opinion. Now on the box on the rear rack. You shouldn't ride on it but everyone does! Even I have! It will hold your wife just fine, BUT i would recomend getting the feet rest that bolt from the bottom of the rack to the floorboards! Other wise it will through her off and she will slide down on the seat veryeasy! Hope this helps!

 

Good info to know ATV24/7. Would you happen to have a link to the feet rest I would need to purchase? I will have to look at the Kawi again. Just wondering why you suggested, easier to snorkel, better in water/mud, more reliable over all?

Thaks,
Tbull[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

It is all going to be about personal choice ALL of those machine including the Kawi will do fine in the mud, the AC mudpro will be the best out of the box with no mods. THe reason people are moving the radiators to the front rack is ease of cleaning it and to keep the mud and muck out of it to keep it cool.

 

i really dont like artic cats..
i have only rode hondas and teh bruteforce800

i loove th feel of the bruteforce..

 

out of those id go with can-am IF you have somewere u can buy parts for it localy

 

rule out the can am as it doesn't have a true locking diff

 

Here is the link. It is the fender protecter with footrest. I suggested the Kawi for the power, locking diff, and sealed rear brake. The only problem is the radiator. It will clog up easy if you don't mount it on the front rack if you swamp it all the time.


http://www.kimpex.com/catalog.php?page=34&show=1

 

I say Kawasaki too. They've always been good mud machines. Can-Am is my second choice, GREAT ATV, but the visco lock only engages when the other 3 tires spin a few times. By the time that visco lock front diff. locks up, the other 3 spinning tires may dig you so deep, you can't get out without a winch. Mud Lites are good tires. I LoVe my SwampLites though. They are awesome in mud, clean very well, have a smooth ride on hard ground, and hook up great every where else!! Personally, I recommend Interco SwampLites over the ITP Mudlite XLs, but that's just my opinion. Just giving you another tire to look at!!

 

Thanks for all of the good suggestions! I have stepped back and started looking at the Kawi Brute force. I have a buddy who has been riding one for a couple of years and another buddy just bought a new one. They both love them. I have started to read about them and many people like them. they look fairly easy to snorkel.

ATV24/7 thanks for the link, I'm going to check them out. I was wondering though, is the seat on the Kawi big enough to hold me and my wife? If she is only going to ride occasionally could she just sit behind me on the OEM seat?

SuziOzark, I have been looking at the swamplites. they look good and seem to get good reviews. Do the side walls hold up well? Do they resist puncture well? I have heard some brands of tires blow out pretty easy! Also what size after market tire will fit the Kawi without needing a lift kit? And what is a good size mudding tire?

I know you all probably get tired of answering all of these simple newbie questions, But I thank you very much for the help, what a great resource this forum is.

The Yamaha Grizz has not totally been ruled out. I like the Can-Am but they are more expensive than the Yam and Kawi.

Thanks again,

Tbull[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]