I have narrowed down my search for a new ATV to these 2 machines. I am mainly going to trail ride and camp with it. I want to be able to climb anything that gets in the way, do mud and water crossings, and be comfortable all day as well as pay less than $5000. I have always been a Honda person so I initially lean toward the Rancher. But the BB has a lot going for it including more power. Anybody out there have firsthand experience with these 2 machines? BK

 

My friend has a 99' Kodiak witch is almost exactly the same as the new big bear, the ranchers stomp it flat in top speed, hill climbing, high speed stability, low speed turning ect. I know the big bear is a little better than his Kodiak but the rancher is still by far the best choice. For $5,000 you can pick up a 2wd rancher new off the showroom. The rancher is easily by far the most fun to ride and is so comfy you never get tired

 

BK: Ah, If you get a Rancher for under 5k, your doing good. IF you want a cheaper quad that your going to get less out of later the BB is your quad. But I'll tell you this, the BB will not go where the Rancher will, and will not perform anywhere near the Rancher. I to when looking at smaller quad thought the BB and Rancher where good picks. Then i rode them both and noticed that the Rancher is better compared to a Y2Kodiak. IT flat out is a better machine than the BigBear. It is better than the 450's. It in some opinions is better than the Y2Kodiak, IT might get beat in the straights, but the AP diff. works a heck of alot better than the Yamaha diff. in all situations. Just my two cents worth.

Good luck

 

My friend has the Big Bear 4x2 with a winch.
He can go through mud pretty deep because of the high clearance and with the winch on his, he can practically go anywhere a 4x4 can go. But the 4x4 would be nice.
Are you getting a brand new or a used??

 

Unless the prices went up, you should be able to get a 4X4 Rancher(not an ES, though) for $5000. I paid $4995 for my 2000 model in April, 2000. Another big advantage of the Rancher is it has great ground clearance, but still maintains a lower center of gravity than either the Big Bear or the Kodiak.

 

man 5000 for 4x2 I paid 4300 for mine brand new off the floor.

 

I've had both. Trust me go with the rancher.