Looking to buy a quad but having trouble deciding. I live on 200 acres (mostly farmland) so I'll need a quad to do chores around the farm. Mostly hauling wood, rocks, fertilizer, etc. so I think I really need a utility. However, my friends I'll be riding with in parks around the state have sport quads (400 ex, warrior, 300 ex) so I'll need something that will go everywhere they go and have fun doing it (tow their butts out when they get stuck!). I've heard great things about the prairie 650's sportiness but most of the people (salesmen, and friends) I talk with think the kodiak 450 would be a little better with these guys. It's a little lighter, more nimble, etc. What is everyone take here? What are the pros and cons to each for my dilemma. It has to get the chores around the home done but be able to play well with others! You all are the experts, let me know! Thanks for the input.
PH

 

Since wanna get the work done and still have a little fun,any of the 400cc+ plus should fit your need.There are some nice 300-400 cc likethe bayou and rancher and prarie.The lower than 300cc has some nice rides to,the bayou 220&250 and the beartracker and recon and ozark are all nice quads,ridden all exept ozark.If real tough work is involved you will want a dual range tranny.So for the most part that would limit you to above 350cc machines.AC and suzuki do have 2500cc and 300cc machines with multiple range trannies,but they can hardly be called sporty,but they are nice work and trail ride machines.Wiegh your wants with your budget and see where they meet.


If you are filthy rich any of the over 500cc machines will fill both of your needs

 

I think you will be happy with either the 650 Prairie or the 450 Kodiak. I rode the Praire. This thing is a beast, couldn't wipe the grin off my face. A different world from my 450 Honda. You will be able to keep up with your friends on this as well as pull your house across your farm. The 450 kodiak is supposedly the fastest 450 though I've never rode one, and it has every concievable feature. Since I am partial to manual shift I would be checking out the Vinson manual if I were buying right now.

 

p650 would definitely keep up with your friends. Sport-Utility is a great name for this one. DON'T go with the p360. Mine wouldn't keep up with a turtle. No, really, it had no power and when I would ride with the fast guys I was eating dust even though the throttle was wide open.

 

I agree.

Prairie 650. The best of both worlds.