I've ridden four wheelers all my life, but I am debating what to get now. I stated on a Polaris 90, but outgrew that 3 or 4 years ago and have been riding my dad's Sportsman 500 since then. I think its about time to get my own machine because I'm sick of riding that bulky 4x4 and I want to get into riding more (currently, I only ride 3-4 times a year). I am stuck between a sport quad or a dirt bike. Here in Upstate NY, I mostly ride trails in my woods, which are very dense and rough. There are also dunes fairly close that I would like to get to but wouldn't go to very often. Mostly, I will be riding trails and in my backyard. So, what do you guys think? Would a four wheeler or dirt bike be better for my situation? Thanks in advance for any input!

 

Welocme to the forums.

Well, of course you go for a quad.

I've rode with guys on bikes. They almost always tell me they wish they had a quad for our terrain. We do lot's of hill climbs. When the bike guys have to bail they slide (uncomfortably) back down with there bike in hand. We usually just freeze and roll down. Much easier to take breaks on a quad as well, you have to hold a bike up.

Bikes get around in the dunes but, not near as well as a quad. These are just my immediate thoughts. I"m a quad guy so they are biased.

 

For sand and/or mud, atvs are the way to go. For tight trails, rocky trails, hills and speed (that is if you like going fast) than dirt bikes are the way to go.

I started on dirt bikes and actually prefer them, but a lot of places don't allow dirt bikes where I ride. Actually, a lot of places in my State don't allow anything anymore.

I guess it all comes down to your use or what you want out of it. I like going fast and atvs are fun to ride, but not fast enough for me. I will say though that my last 3 toys I have owned have been atvs.