Wondering what type of quad you would suggest I start researching and loking into. I want a bike that will primarily be used on the sand dunes. I'm a bigger guy about 275 lbs. I want a bike that I can hill climb and enjoy. Not into going real fast or jumping. My friends are real into sand quads and suggested I get a Raptor 700 or Honda 700, do I need that powerful of a bike? Would a 400 or 450 be enough for me? I have been riding a Honda Rancher 350 on the dunes the last few times out but struggle getting up hills and often have to turn around and get a running start. Let me know thanks!

 

listen to your friends- they are giving you good advice

 

Can Am renegade

 

I was going to mention the renegade- but then since he'll be doing more sand dune than hard trails I figrued the SRA would be better in the softer sand....? though I suppose with the correct tires, the renegade would be an unstoppable force in the dunes!

plus- he could probably buy 2 raptor 700's for the price of one rene 800 or 1000
(but I'd still choose the renegade )

 

Renegades can ride dunes with their stock tires. Sand paddles front and rear would make them pretty unstoppable in my mind.

 

I was thinking more of a sport bike. the renegades are real spendy! The quads I have looked at are the Raptor 700/660, Honda Trx 700/450, Kawasaki 450r, Suzuki z400. Big question with the 400 and 450's is if there powerful enough to get my big butt up steep dunes.

 

do any of your friends have a 400 or 450 that you could test out? i would think a 450 would have enough but i may be wrong, i would probably just get something bigger on the safe side! you can never have too much power!

 

In general, the 700 Raptor is close in peak HP with the 450 class. Either will work great on the dunes, but it really comes down to how/where you ride. The 450s are light and rev to the moon. Suspension is set up more for high speeds and jumping. They require a bit more aggressive rider to get the most out of them. The Raptor is a much more laidback powerband, relying on more torque vs rpm. I think your friends are spot on in their recommendations.

On a side note, this site tends to have a lot of guys that think the big utes are the be all end all. While you certainly can do a lot with a Renegade, sport quads rule in the dunes. Who wants to wrestle with 600 lbs of 4wd quad when you can slice and dice on a 400lb sporty?

 

I have never owned or ridden a sport quad only utility quads like my Big Bear 400 or friends Rancher 350 so the 700 is kind of intimidating not being a very experienced rider on sport bikes.

 

Don't be intimidated. Sport quads handle way better than utes. The Raptor actually has pretty comfortable suspension compared to a 450 for all day riding and slower speeds. It has the torque to put along but the top end to keep up with the 450's when needed.

In other words, think of your ute as a truck. A 450 is going to be that top of the line sports car, like a vette. The Raptor fits in more like a Mustang or Camaro. Good handling and some muscle to go with it. For someone that has experience riding already, the 700 is perfectly appropriate.