ok here is the deal i'm 29yrs old always wanted a 4-wheeler and weigh about 200pds and have never driven one.. i've been looking on the net and am only getting more confused. I don't want to spend too much but don't want to kick my self 6mo from now on not getting one big enough. I started looking at the Ozark and Recon ES but don't know if these are going to cut it? mainly want something for trail riding, ice fishing, hunting, light yard work, etc... I now am looking at the Rancher 2x4 ES, and Big Bear 400 2x4. I know about zip on 4-wheelers and would appreciate any advice on what to get, or any other manufacturers who's models are compareable. PLEASE HELP...and thanks for your time.

 

I would take a look at the Suzuki Eiger 400 4x4, IN/OUT 4wd, Hi and Low range, great ATV and has won shootouts in mags. Mine has been great and reliable and very run to ride and has lots of power for a 400cc quad!

 

thanks i'm going out taday to start looking i'll have to check it out.

 

I bought my first ATV (2003 Suzuki Vinson auto) about 6 months ago so I can really appreciate where you're coming from. My advice:
1) read, read and keep reading the forums before you buy
2) all brands have their problems
3) wait until late summer for the 2004s or good deals on 2003s
4) you will need accessories so leave room in your budget. At the least you'll need new tires and possibly alum skid plates. Safe bet you will spend $500 in the first few months on extras.
5) I rode autos and manuals and didn't like the manuals, my opinion, but since this is your first quad I would go with an auto.
6) You want 2wd/4wd with a high and low gear, not just a 4x4 or 2wd. It makes a big difference being able to put it in and out of 4wd when you need it.
7) Look at your dealers service department, if the mechanics look like it was this or McDonalds's then go to another dealer.
8) There are an overwhelming number of options out there. Look at them all and take your time, after all shopping for toys is the fun part.
Good Luck.

 

thanks for the imput. I went out this morning and rode a Kodiak 400 auto and a Rancher ES both seemed great especially the kodiak (2 wheel drive). any insight for these would be great! i'm mainly looking for 2 wheel drive for what i will be doing mabey a set of tire chails for winter. The only thing is the Kodiak has a V-belt tranny, could this cause problems in mud or water?? thanks again looking forward to riding VERY SOON.

 

If your going to do nothing but trailriding a Auto will be the thing for you, as for me i do it all Trail, Mud, Water which the 5 speed comes in handy and more reliable. If your going in some deep water and your belt starts to slip which it eventually will, your not going to be happy and your ATV want be either when it drowns. So if your going to go in mud and water i wouldnt think to much of a Auto, im not downing Autos but the 5 speed is maintenance free.

 

If you are worried about the belt on the Kodiak because of water or mud then you might need a 4x4.
Two wheel drive will get you most places without a problem. In Swampy conditions and deep or slick snow a 4x4 could come in handy. You really need to read up on the different models. Make a list of the things that are important for you to have and a price you are willing to spend. The price will give you the best idea of what you can get. I don't think that you have to leave some money for add-ons in the beginning. You might want to add or change things later. If you did decide to get a 4x4. It would be nice if you could switch it in and out of 4x4. It's good that you have ridden a couple quads. Try to ride as many different quads as you can. Try to take notice of things like braking, handling, power, gearing,
etc... Also take notice of the layout of the quad. Where's the choke, brake switch and does everything look good. Sometimes it's nice to be able to reach the reverse on steep inclines without taking your hands off of the bars. Depending on how much you can spend, there are alot of different utility quads to choose from. I think that the Kodiak 400 and the Rancher 350 are both good quads but Suzuki also makes a couple nice machines. There is also a Kodiak 450 and a new Rancher 400 coming out. Every manufacturer of quads has something to offer. I like to be able to shift down on hills so I prefer a semi auto. You need to decide if you want a semi or full auto. The 350 Ranchers are selling at good prices and are reliable. If you went with a Honda 4x4 you could buy a part to allow it to switch from 2 to 4x4. The Big Bear is tempting because of what it offers for the price. But it would not be my first or sixth choice. Maybe you should buy used to get all or most of the things on your list. Buying the quad new or used is a whole new story. You really need to read as much info. as possible on the net or in magazines.
I agree that the shopping for toys is the fun part. Have fun and learn as much as possible. Then you will have more fun on the trail or in the yard.

 

Don't forget about Arctic Cat. Their 250 and 300 have manual shift, low and super-low range transmission. I'm 6'4", 250# and the 250 has plenty of power for me. My uses are similar to your list of uses. It's just not a speed demon. On my trails, I rarely even get it into 3rd dear in the low range. In super-low, I towed my wife's car up the driveway in the snow when she couldn't make it (she did help from inside the car). You mention hunting - the 250 is a very quiet ATV. Both the 250 and 300 4WD models can be shifted into 2WD (you need a $60 lever added to the 250 fo this).

I looked at those along with the Kawasaki Bayou, Polaris Magnum, Yamaha BearTracker, and Bombardier Quest. Since it was my first ATV, I had no brand loyalty, so it was a fair comparison. Polaris and Bomb were the most expensive. The best thing to do is compare features and price to what you want it for. I needed 4x4 and wanted a manual shift. I'll be using it to plow and trail ride along with stuff around the yard. It was clearly the Arctic Cat 250 that I needed to get (though the Bayou was a close 2nd). A couple selling points:

- twice the fuel capacity as the others,
- low and super-low transmission ranges (awesome power to plow),
- the 4x4 can be shifted into 2x4,
- Independant rear suspension,
- don't care about "top speed",
- Love the way it looks,
- $4030 out the door, brand new, delivered.

 

thanks for all the info everyone. I guess i have a lot of reading to do!! too many decisions... well having fun doing it and learning alot

 

Rosebud,seeing that you are from MA I think you should go with a 4x4 like Eiger said. JMO