I'm planning on purchasing a new quad to take advantage of the sales that are going on this month. I'm considering the Z400 and the Eiger 4X4 manual.

The fun side of me wants the Z400 for its handling and speed. The practical side of me wants the Eiger 4x4 manual for its utility. I really need both but can only afford one.

I plan on mostly trail riding but there are dunes here in Michigan and having the option to do some dune running would be nice. The question is, if properly equipped with sand tires, is the Eiger 4x4 a viable dune runner or is it simply too heavy and down on power to handle the sand?

Everywhere I look I see lots of pictures of sport quads in the sand all over the country but I have yet to see a 4x4 utility or sport utility quad on the sand.

 

they go in the sand but you will always be wishing for the sport quad.

 

In the sand you want a light, high revvvvving machine, and the Z is a good choice. You want to float along on the surface. You don't grapple for traction like on a 4X4. The heavy 4X4 will just dig 4 big holes! I know, I had the Rancher out in some dunes last weekend, and it's a dog!!

On the other hand, what do you ride the rest of the year? If you need a 4X4 for that, maybe you are better off with the 4X4, and just do the best you can at the dunes.

 

there are tricks to lightening up ur quad for the dunes. u can simply remove ne thing u don't need when ur riding. also, i've seen a guy at pismo with paddle tires on all 4 wheels and he climbed the hills fine. although, pismo is a lot smaller than most other dunes. go with what u would be riding most, if u need a 4x4 more, then get that. either way u will be happy.

 

Look at a Scrambler. It is both. You can get all the racks like a yute, it is 4x4 and it is very sporty. I had the very same dilema. I needed a quad to hunt and trail ride with, but wanted to keep up with my sporty buddies. There was no way I was gonna get two machines(I tried though). To answer your question though, the Eiger would probably do fine. I ride with guys with yutes all the time. As for riding in the sand you will always want bigger and faster. My friend has the v-force 700 and wishes it was a 1000ccs.

 

Hey, my Prairie runs just fine in the sand. I mean, it's not a jumper or a climber, but it goes right along and it's actually a lot of fun ridin' the dunes. Don't get me wrong, it's clearly designed for the dirt and it really excels there, but it can handle sand just fine. Of course, having two machines is the best way to go - a DS for the dunes, and a Prairie for the dirt - OH YEAH![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

our scrambler does fine also

 

me and my 2003 sp500 HO-- like the dunes also, just have to stay on it no lolly-gagging or you bog. even then that AWD on demand a flip of the switch a "wala" but i really like is towing the 2 strokes back when they break a chain or have other mechanical probs. even when one guy locked up his brakes to have fun with me . i just dragged him in....but i must be fair i havent rode a sporty but my trailboss is somewhat close and i do like the way i can lean into it and tight turns. maybe someday i can switch rides with someone and find out and they can try mine..

 

My grizzly does just fine in the sand... I have yet to find a hill I can not get up in 4wd..... I have pictures to prove it. Here is a picture of me doing the treeshots on the west side of Coos Bay.

http://12.224.97.170/web/Coos%20Bay%...DSC00961_2.jpg
http://12.224.97.170/web/Coos%20Bay%...DSC00963_2.jpg
http://12.224.97.170/web/Coos%20Bay%...DSC00976_2.jpg

And here is a link to all my pictures


http://12.224.97.170/web

-David

2001 Raptor
2002 Grizzly

 

Holy crap Oregon Yamaha! Those pictures were great! I've been having an extremely hard time visualizing whether or not a 4x4 would work in the sand. You have proved that not only can it handle sand but gigantic sand hills, too. Are you on the stock tires or did you replace them with sand tires?

These photos are making me lean back towards the 4x4 Eiger again. While it doesn't have the power of your Grizzly it is somewhat smaller and lighter and that may make up a little difference.

I like the Eiger because it is a mid-weight ride, has front disk brakes, a 5spd, shaft drive, the price is less than the Z400/KFX400 and has had excellent reviews. I guess I couldn't really go wrong buying an Eiger today and if I do more sand riding than trail riding picking up a Z400 later and give the Eiger to my spousal unit. Plus the $69.05 winch deal at the moment is a plus, too.

I appreciate everyone sharing their opinions with me. Others are still welcome to reply, too!