I have a '07 kawasaki Bayou 250 (my first ATV). I had to run a hotter plug due to fouling, but other than that no problems. I change the engine and diff oil and pressure wash it after hard use. It has more than enough power for me and will pop wheelies in 3rd gear. Other than being a grown man (fat man) on a "kids" ATV I like it. I ride trails and an occasional puddle or two, nothing real tough.

IF I go big bore, which one out there will have minimal repairs and problems? I want to ride, not wrench.

 

The answer is: Any of the major brands. Really, the quality of current ATV's is really good these days. I cannot think of any of the major brand machines that you should stay away from.

As to getting a big bore, I'll play devils advocate and ask why? If you have been happy with your 250 then you will be thrilled with a full size bike in the 400 to 550 range. Sure, a big honkin' 800 will be faster and have more power, but it sounds like your kind of riding will not need that. The biggest difference to you will be spending between $5,500 and $7,000 for a mid-sized machine vs $8,000 to $11,000 for the biggest things out there. If you have the money to spend, then fine, but if dollars are any issue at all then take a look at the many great mid-sized machines available. In lots of cases, the mid-size quads have all the same features as the top of the line models, just smaller engines.

 

Go intermediate, 400-450 class. Big enough to do the job, but not huge pigs either. I wouldn't trade my Rancher 420 for a FREE anything else....

 

I see '05-'07 King Quad 700's, Rincons, BF 650i's and 750i's pretty regularly for around $4k. When I see Grizzly's they're expensive and rare locally. Currently there's a (confirmed no scam) '06 BF750i w/600 mis for $3800 with wheels and tires within 40 miles of my house. I see very few midsize ATV's and when I do they're about the same price. The Rincon's car type tranny and lack of a locking diff makes me weary. I'm leaning KQ (if I buy anything) for dependability. Are any of them as fool proof and maintenance free as my SRA Bayou 250?

 

Nope.

There is hardly anything that CAN go wrong with a Bayou 250. While the new crop of bikes are very reliable, lots of gadgets gives a greater chance of something going wrong. Still, something like a KQ700 will be a very reliable machine - so much more than what you have now.

 

this seems like a pretty good deal. My cousin got his 05 Camo 750 BF for 3700 with a winch and plow, 900 miles with GBC gators

 

seems to me like a waste of money. Not to put you ride down but i have to say a bayou is not that great of an atv to put money into. just buy a faster atv like a 350 raptor or if you prefer utility a 350 bruin

 

Not all 400-450 are small. The KQ450 has the same large chassis as the 750 KQ and a 500 sportsman has the same heavy chassis as a 800 sportsman and so on.

A mid size ATV with a Midsize chassis is like mentioned a 420 Rancher or 450 Grizzly,400 KQ and 400H.O Sportsman.