smokinbarrel, out of the three choices you mentioned, I'd go with the Kodiak 450.......it has a locking front differential, which, believe me, helps when you get stuck. There have been times on my Grizz where the only reason I was able to get out of the situation I was in was because of the locking front differential. I highly recommend it. Yes, IRS stands for independent rear suspension.......also highly recommended in my book, although quads with straight rear axles seem to be a little more stable on steep side hill inclines......just my opinion. If you can wait, take the time and save up a little more money and get the 450 or better yet the Grizz.....you won't regret it as long as you don't get a lemon, which could happen with any brand, (especially Kawasaki). If you have any more questions please feel to ask or you can I.M. me. I also believe you're right about Polaris being less than dependable. I've read more bad things about Polaris than any other brand. Plus they're heavy and a little more expensive too. Good luck.

 

I was always the manual only guy in the past, I said I would never own a rubber band quad. Well I now have an auto, a Praire 650. Trust me, auto's have come along ways and are much more dependable and the belts will last a long time if you take care of them and use the proper range.

Out of the quads you listed, the Rancher has a real rough riide, my friend has one and he always stands up to drive it. The Suzuki is nothing special. The Kodiak 400 is OK but the 450 is much better. Take a look at the Kawasaki 360 too, it might interest you. Also the outlander 330 and 400 are nice quads, they look funky but are great quads.

 

Yea the suzuki's are nothing special, they just keep winning all the shootouts.....

 

lets see Eiger has won all the shootouts its been in, the ozark is the best 250cc (in its class), the Vinson was ATV of the year, and lets not forget the badass Z400....................."suzuki is nothing special" maybe you mean blue light special Kmart style.....

 

Ramg66:

Suzuki is nothing special compared to the rest of its class, talking about the Vinson here. It doesn't have a locker, the ride is OK and the power is really good. While it has to compete against all quads 500cc's and larger it really needs a locker to compete. If you look in my sig I do own a Z400 so I know its really good. I'm not ******* Suzuki or their quads just how the Vinson compares to the rest, it offers nothing special.

 

I prefer a semi auto because I like choosing what gear I want to be in instead of a machine doing it for me. To each his or her own.

 

Ram66 & bbertram- What about the Suzuki Eiger 400 4x4? Would you consider this ATV over the Vinson? I was quoted $6000 for a Vinson today, and $5400 for a Suzuki Eiger! What a rip-off! The Suzuki Eiger should be $5300 MRSP. This guy was a *******! Man, I'm tempted to travel in order to purchase at no hassle prices out-the-door! Man, I can't stand salesmen!! Anyway, I believe I'll go with the Suzuki Eiger, Kodiak 400/450 (depending on price), or the new Rancher AT, if it is priced right.

 

You should be able to get the Eiger for a better price, I got mine with 4x4 for $5100 Out the door, the Kodiak 450 is better but for the price I would get a praire 650, you know what I mean?

 

manual shift, i wouldnt go any other way (maybe es)

 

Just quoted.....Suzuki 400 4x4 Auto 2002 @ 4800.00.
Just quoted.....Honda 450 Foreman ES 2002 @ 5699.00.

The Honda seems High?