I am going to buy a new Yamaha 450 or a Suzuki Eiger. Have looked at all the rest and these are the final choices. I need to know good and bad on both. I am 59 years old and not a speed demon or mud runner. Really thinking I like the manual transmision I can get on the Suzuki better than the belt drive Kodiak or Suzuki belt. I am looking for the best ride in terms of comfort. Which of the two has the softest ride on bumps and such. I will ride sand and dirt with a trip to hard rock areas once a year. This is my first post although I've been reading the board for several months. All my riding would be considerd very tame. I am not looking to be the fastest or the bad guy. I drove Highway Patrol cars for almost thirty years so I've been there and done that.

Thanks

 

The price for the suzuki is good but out of thoses two I would go with the Yahama I've heard nothing but good things about them. also I would take a look at the kawa praire 400 or Honda's 400 model (there web site was down and i can't rember which one it is).

 

The Kodiak has two features that give it the edge over the Suzuki.

1. Locking front differential.

2. Selectable 2 wheel drive / 4 wheel drive - steers easier in 2WD.

If you are looking for the best ride then look at a macine with IRS (independant rear suspension). They are far smoother than a rear solid axel.