dunes suck power, so the bigger machines help there the 4 strokes tend to be easaier to maintain, use less fuel.

 

For your size I dont think you'd be happy on the Yamaha 450. I am about the same size as you and when I sat on the Yamaha I felt like I was a horse jockey. It was the most uncomfortable I've ever been on a quad. The Gas Gas is fairly expensive and not to common, at least where I live. The TRX is awesome, has plenty of power and you can ride it for hours on end without getting sore. Contrary to what some people say I dont think it is unstable. Its called body english, if you dont use it on, any quad they handle like crap. I rode mine this Saturday for three hours in rough mountains/ desert and couldnt complain the least bit. I personally dont like the Raptor,Vforce, or DS due to their bulk but they are all valid competition and deserve equal thought. However since you specifically inquired as to the TRX, YFz, and Gas Gas I would say ride red. After all there is a reason you have done that most of your life[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

raptor would be my choice

 

i'm 6'1" and weigh 200lbs and i jus bought the honda 450R. i sold my 400EX in order to afford the new quad, and the only thing i miss is the lower first gear on the EX, but that don't matter in the sand. the honda is much more comfy than the yamaha for bigger riders, although u might still feel a lil cramped. with a good set of paddles, i'd definately reccomend the DS. i say with a good set of paddles cuz my friend's DS with his holeshots on would spin the tires a lot, but once he got some paddles, it made a world of difference. good luck with whatever u get!

 

YFZ--very fast with few mods, great jumper and slider, choppy ride and uncomfortable on long rides.

450R--not as fast as YFZ, better ergonomics for 6' + people.

DS--huge cadillac, very comfortable but heavy and not as good a jumper.

Raptor--very comfortable ergos and superior ride quality, good power but won't pull hills like a YFZ, very nice used ones can be found reasonably priced. Not as good a jumper as the 450's.

Gas Gas--made is Spain by cowardly French types pulling out of Iraq after bowing to first terror attack.

 

I can highly suggest the 450R. I came from a 426 ex. With many mods tothe motor and suspension. I rode the Yamaha YFZ, Raptor, and DS alot before making up my mind. I bought the 450R without ever even sitting on it. It lived up to every expectation I ever had. The Yamaha will feel cramped to you, I bet. I am 6'4 230. The Yamah feels like I am on top of it. It feels like the pegs are way too high. The Honda feels , well like a Honda. As far as people saying the 450's are not comfortable enough to ride all day, thats untrue. Both the Yamaha and the 450r are penty fine to ride all day. The Yamaha will winn ( by a slight margin) over the Honda in a drag race, but everywhere else, I feel the Honda has an advantage, with its suspension, torque, and handling.
I have ridden many 450's, Honda and Yamaha's, many different configurations, from pipes, suspensions, carbs, ect. I would not trade my 450R with a HRC kit, LRD pipe, for any quad I have ever ridden or even seen.

 

being as tall as you are you might not feel comfortable on the 400 or 450 class i would have to say the ds would be great for the dunes but it all depends on how aggresive you ride my buddy has a yfz and its got everything you could want for the dunes but its hard to say how comfortable it would be for you cosidering your rubicon probable rides like a catalac and the yfz got a dirt bike seat

 

You mean not even for a 1987 Quadracer? And some beer with it?? Come on man, I'm offering you a good deal here! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

How much beer?

 

I'm 6'5" 230 after riding my DS since early 2000 everything else feels too small but if your only considering 400 class I hear the 450R fits tall guys better, I sat on the 450 yam and it's just not for me