I am getting ready to purchase my forst ATV and am having trouble deciding on engine size. Where do you see the difference between something that is around 400cc compared to something that is closer to 700cc? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Make a list of what your main uses of the ATV will be, such as yard or farm work, trail riding or deep mudding, riding alone, or 2 up, towing or plowing,etc. If you just want to run trails and light yard work, the 400-500 class is plenty, if you are using it like a mini tractor, pushing long driveways in winter, or hauling the family around, a 700 class would make the job much easier. Price is also reflected by size, so if money is an issue, the 400 class is usually 1-2 k cheaper, usually lighter, easier on fuel for longer rides, and will still haul a passenger quite well for and occasional 2 up ride. Now the fun part, go out and test ride as many as you can, and see which ones you like the best !! nothing like a free ride on a new machine, makes me want to start shopping myself !!
Just pick what you like, and you will be happy, dont let someone tell you that you NEED or HAVE to ride this or that, its your money and your life, get what YOU want, just take my post for a suggestion, not an order !!

 

X2 good advice.

 

Go big or go home.

 

Not sure about a 400 to a 700, but when I moved from a 450 foreman to a 500 H.O a good 10hp increase, long smooth gravel road hills that caused the 450 to go from 45mph to 30 with 2 down shifts,I could hit a 55mph and still be at 50 at the top without doing a gear change.

Would quess a 700 would hit the same hill at 60mph and still be at 60mph at the top as well.

For plowing and pulling,it was more about gearing ,as long as the 400 has a low range it will pull or push most what ever you need within reason. If you go over its limit it will just dig 4 rut and bury itself,not run out of power really.