Hi, I'm new to the forum but found some good info

So I'm looking to buy a used atv. I'm 30 years old 6"1 260lbs so I'm a bit of a big boy.

I think the two bikes that have caught my attention it an 05 polaris predator 500 tle and a 06 ds 650x.

I will mostly be riding trails but want something versatile, reliable, comfortable, power. I d like not to lose every race to my skinny buddies riding 400's.

What do you guys think I should lean towards and some things i should look out for. I'm trying to stay around the 2k price range.

 

Here they are side by side. 2006 Can-Am DS650® X ATVs
They both get good owner reviews. The DS has a roomier chassis for larger people.
If I,m reading the link right the Ds has no reverse?
Take it from me that will suck very quickly in real world riding, on a track I guess its no big deal.

 

thanks for that I think I'm leaning towards a Polaris I wish It was a little bigger but pretty hard not to have reverse I can see how that can be a pain....do you guys recommend anything else I would fit someone of my size

 

is there anything I should look for when buying a used ATV also

 

700 raptor maybe, im about your size and didnt really feel out of place

 

Look at the owner really good, and maybe look around to see if they have any riding photos on display. If it appears the owners other machinery is in good shape, it might be ok. If he's got a pic of the machine flipped over in a ditch, might want to run.......

 

you could try a Suzuki KingQuad 750, good power and they are actually pretty comfy also the price isn't crazy like CanAm

 

I think they stoped making the DS650?

 

you say can am is expensive , but a renegade base is 700$ more than a base king quad. and will likely out perform it in every way. i wanted a sport quad as well, but for size and other factors i went with a renegade not to mention can ams interest rates and almost half of anyone else.i got my mine for the same bi weekly payment as a 700 raptor. got the best of both worlds.

 

tonyc, welcome to the forums. Are you still looking for a quad? If you are looking at sports and all your buddies ride sports don't even bother looking at utes and 4x4s. They are heavy, expensive, and handle like a pick up truck compared to a nice sports car. Some members of this sight don't think you are having fun unless you can spin four big tires in a mud pit. I like that too, but it isn't the only way to enjoy atvs.

Now with your 2K limit it is going to be hard to find a decent big bore quad, but not impossible. First, my reverse disclaimer. It comes in handy, but you don't NEED it. You are a big guy, and will easily be able to lift and slide when needed. But it sucks doing that Scooter, and I agree. That is why I usually roll up a small hill, pull in the clutch, and roll backwards. Sounds lame but I am usually headed the other direction before other guys even get it in reverse. Then there is always the favorite spin turn(may not be trail approved in your ao, but generally no problem.)

In your price range, the big DS is a good machine. They are pretty reliable, but BIG. The fact they have been out of production a while now hurts, but a clean machine may be the right thing for ya.
Predators are nice, but beware if it hasn't been maintained. They tend to get ratted out quickly when not looked after. Pre '05 will not have reverse either.
400 class is the hot ticket at 2K. Both the Honda and Zuki are stone reliable, in current production, and readily available at that price point. Early Hondas do not have reverse, the Suzuki is more powerful/better suspension stock and capable of 450 class power(but you will lose some reliability.)
Honorable mention to the 660 Raptor. Good power and size for a bigger guy. They don't handle or jump as well as other sporties. Not exactly my cup of tea, but the price is right, upgrades are plentiful, and it takes a very healthy 400 to keep up in a straight line.

As for what to look for, make sure the bearings/bushings are tight. Pay close attention to the axle and swingarm bearings and a-arm hardware. Most people never change shock linkage bearings until they seize so look there as well. AS long as those things are not to far gone those are easy fixes though.
Check the frame for cracks, especially around the shock mounts and welds. Even cracks in the paint in these areas is a sign of frame stress from a hard life.
Pull the air filter if they will let you. I have walked away from a sweet deal before. Pulled the seat and saw the filter just laying in the airbox unattached. looked in the intake and there was crud like no other. Wasn't worth the top end/valve job I knew it would soon need plus whatever other maintenance had been neglected over the years.