So I am getting out of my 2004 kawasaki 700 to get something newer and nicer, but I am still undecided on what. I have been looking at a newer arctic cat 700 or maybe a 06-09 can am 650 or 800, and since I liked my kawi I was looking at a new 750 brute force, but I can't really decide. things I know I want are fuel injection and independent rear suspension and probably 500cc or bigger and I want to spend about 5 grand. I like having a lot of power but not crazy like a 1000, and I for sure want a smooth ride. what are the good and bad about what I am looking at? what would be ideal? Need some suggestions!

 

Nothing wrong with any of the machines your looking at all good and reliable. Look at your warranty im pretty sure can am has the best warranty. But in the same sense they seem to be the most expensive to maintain.

 

Yes, all great choices. AC has really stepped it up with the latest offerings. Can Am and Kawasaki have been making good quads for a while. Try them out if possible.

 

I run a 2014 AC and have had 0 issues with mine other than its now due for a set of bushings after 4000km. The GF has the same machine and from the factory and missed in PDI the front belt exhaust clamp was loose and the rear snorkel tube was totally missing

 

my main concern with the can ams in my price range is they are mostly the years before they changed frames and I hear the old frames are very weak. That's a pretty big strike against for the money. I found a nice 800 outlander but that's kind of got me backing away from it.
How is the arctic cat's suspension?
I do want to go around and try out a few machines first but the reliability in the long run is a big concern that I can't really tell by doing that

 

The issue with the first generation frame is that if you hit a rock, root, or some other obstacle really hard with a front tire it could bend the frame where the lower front A-arms attach. Simple solution is to insert either a pre-made insert or other metals into the spar box frame. We found a high density plastic insert for my son's Renegade and I filled the box with 3-1.25x1.25" square box aluminum bars. Mine did come with the "fix" from the factory but I added the box aluminum bars for extra rigidity. Both frames have held up well even in harsh New England riding.

 

What's wrong with a 2004 Prairie 700? That has as much or more power than anything but the 800cc and up twin cylinder machines. A Brute Force 750 does have irs but its not any faster. The single cylinder machines like the Grizzly and King Quad would be a step down in power. The Arctic Cat 700 is a big single as well. Torquey but slower than your 700 because its a v-twin. You will need to get at least an Outlander 800 or Polaris Sportsman 850 to exceed the performance of what you already have. It is possible for 5 grand but its hard to find those high end machines in good shape for that price. I actually tried to get a Prairie 700 before I bought my Grizzly. I was all prepared to go buy it and he changed his mind about selling it, decided he wanted to trade for a motorcycle instead of a cash sale. Everyone seems to love irs and yes it does ride better but a solid rear axle quad is sportier and virtually bulletproof. Many newer quads now have power steering, that does make for a much easier to handle quad. I have ridden a Grizzly 700 with power steering. Its only slightly more power than the 660 but the power steering makes it so much easier to manuver. I guarantee if you do manage to find a newer quad for close to what you're looking for it won't take long to sell the 700. Those used solid axle v-twins do have quite a following.

 

its been a great quad and taken an absolute beating in the time I've ridden it, don't get me wrong, I'd recommend one to anyone here, but I just want something that rides smoother and has fuel injection so its easier in the winter. That's why I want the brute force 750, just a nicer version of it with all the bells and whistles. We typically ride for 8 to 10 hours at a time so that solid rear axle is rough on the back, although it does drift better and I can really work it to get the quad unstuck, but its not a huge deal for me. I want to give other quads in the same class a chance too though, before I whip out the bills on something.

 

Brute Force would be a good choice. Kawasaki has managed to keep the weight down on the Brute Force so its close to the same weight as the Grizzly 700 and King Quad 750 but has more power than either of those. The Can-Ams, Arctic Cats, and Sportsman models are all quite a bit heavier. The extra power is somewhat cancelled out by the extra weight. I wish Yamaha would up the hp on the Grizzly and put a twin cylinder in it. If it had more power, it would have no equal in my opinion. The modest power increase from the 686cc single to the 708cc single is nice but the new Grizzly is also heavier so it probably barely makes a difference.

 

So I ended up buying a 2007 arctic cat 700, its the limited edition with fuel injection and its in pretty well new shape. I already took it mudding and it was great! I am sure that was the first time it seen mud, the plastic has absolutely no scratches and theres no dirt or mud up inside it anywhere. Pretty happy with it.

I'm also going to be picking up some 28" mudzillas for it!