Hey, everyone. Need some help. I've been bitten by the quad bug and am dying to buy my first ATV. But, in classic style, I want it all -- speed, beefiness, excellent handling. Clueless about where to start, except I know I like what I see when I look at a Raptor or a Prairie 650 V-Twin (pretty different from each other, I know).

Question is: Is there a way to have all of this (assuming price is no object), or do I have to choose between sport and utility?

Even if I can't have it all, what recommendations do you have for a female speed demon who's 5'7", 135 lbs.? I would appreciate any input ya'll can give.

 

The 650 will cure your need for speed. But so will the Raptor. If you want 4X4 then get the 650. I love mine. Do you get much snow? If so then get the 650. But either way it looks like you will get plenty of speed.

Daryn

 

Sounds like the 650 is the way to go for you FullThrottleChick!! Keep in mind the Raptor has a manual tranny, if that is a prob., I don't know.

Got pictures? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Hey, guys, thanks a million for your input! I checked out an article today, comparing the Prairie with the Grizzly 660. The 660 looks mean (which is what I dug about the Raptor), but I was much more impressed with the specs and performance review on the Kawi. I also really want a sportier ride -- seems like the Kawi is that, when compared to a lot of the other 4X4s.

Daryn, how long have you had yours? Any probs? How does she corner? We do get snowed on in the wintertime, but not nearly as much as you prob'ly do there in Minnesota! (I've heard stories.) However, I'd say the 650 is absolutely a leading contender.

stebob, manual tranny is prob'ly not a prob -- 'cept it could potentially slow my butt down a bit! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Sorry, no pictures at this time!
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I've also had my eye on the Baja DS650 and Suzuki's Z400.... Any thoughts on these?

 

Sounds like you want the best of both worlds. With a little compromise from the sport area and little from the utility, you would end up with a polaris scrambler. Don't laugh, its got speed and if you want 4 wheel drive. It is an auto, but so is the Kawi. Good luck.
Handling, is ok at best.But I still have a blast.

 

I just got my 650 back in March. But I have nearly 500 miles on her and she has not missed a beat. The acceleration is so incredible you will grin each time you give it the throttle. With the locking differential you will get through a lot of mud and then some.

If I were you I would discount the sport ATV's and go with a sport/utility type since you like speed and beefiness. This makes the 650 ideal for you. Believe me when I say I rode every 4X4 utility out there. The 650 always came out on top for my riding needs even though there are some very good ATV's out there.

Look in the Kawasaki Forum dating back to May 26. Lackdog writes a nice review regarding the Grizzly 660. Its non-biased and should help you out. I like the 660 a lot myself but its too tippy for my liking.

If you get a new ATV get some better tires. I just put on 27" Gators for hardpack and mud riding. Tonight I got to take them into the mud and all I can say is WOW!!!. They are incredible and the trail ride is very good also. But the Gators gave my 650 all new handling and a different look. I took some pics with my digital camera and hope to get them downloaded soon. But if you would like you can email me and I can get a pic or two sent to you. DUstanko@cableone.net.

Good luck!!

Daryn

 

Forgot to tell you. Cornering is excellent. With the solid axle it makes for a stable ride, especially in corners. Yet the V-twin power can pull that axle through the mud very well.

In the snow the 650 is the most fun. Its fun to go out in blizzards and just ride. I cannot wait to ride in snow again with my new Gators.

I live in a Culdesac right at the edge of the country so I can ride every day. I use my ATV for casual riding, long trail rides, and for hunting. I aerated my yard tonight with my ATV so I am starting to put it to work too. I am fortunate enought to have a 4X4 for a company vehicle so I can tow my ATV with me for overnights out of town. Makes for exciting evenings where western, ND summer daylight last up until close to 11:00 pm. Again, good luck!!

Daryn

 

Scramblers are nice rides, however the dependability factor would steer me clear. Granted, not all have probs., however, a friend mine has a Trailboss, another a Scram 400 and his mom a Sportsman 500. The Sportsman had to have the motor rebuilt after only 3 hours of riding time on it. The Trailboss constantly has my buddy turning wrenches on it for one reason or another. The Scram. belt gets wet and she just won't go anywhere for a little bit. Not too many probs. with it other than the steering stem bushing wore out in no time. Also, something to do with a sensor or something in the throttle housing went bad, causing him all kinds of grief. Not to mention the Kawi will out run them all stock for stock.

Regarding the Z400, it is a real nice machine. Too early to tell about it growing pains. Becareful purchasing a 1st year run machine. A lot of the '01 Raptor owner's can vouch for that.

 

Don't limit your choices to just monster machines though!! At you size and weight, a mid size bike might do you very well. For instance, I trail ride a 300EX (a mid size sport machine). Because of its smaller size, I can RAIL around corners, where guys on bigger bikes are just hanging on for the ride.

My point is, I can MANHANDLE the little 300 (I'm 5' 7" and 180 lbs), and make it do anything I want to, which is more difficult with a bigger machine. In the tight stuff, I'm faster than any of my buddies with bigger bikes (and I have WAY MORE FUN!!). Living in Indiana, I'm guessing you will be mostly trail riding (??). At you weight, you could rail on a Blaster!!

 

Good point YZ. I can "manhandle" my Lakota with the big boys, too. My buddies with the Raptor and 400EX CAN NOT leave me in the woods. Open field...well that's another story.

Sounds like you have plenty of options CHICK!!