I'm about to purchase my first Quad and am looking for a little advice. I've been looking primarily at Kodiaks, Big Bear, and Foremans. I do ALOT of hunting and I would primarily be using the quad for that....BUT...hehehe there's always that time between hunting season. Price does play a bit of a factor here too.
I can pick up a 4X4 Big Bear for $4875, a Kodiak for $6100, or a Foreman 400 for $5100. I'm really leaning towards the Big Bear right now....here's why and please correct me if I'm wrong(I'm new to this). If I'm using this quad in a timber then ground clearance is important. The Foreman 400 only get 7.3 inches of ground clearance, the 450 gets 7.7. The Big Bear and Kodiak both have 9.6 inches and according to tech specs they have a tighter turning radius. Based on that info I'm thinking that my best bet is to stay with a Yamaha.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

With any of those three you could not go wrong,and might that the Honda Rancher seems to be a very good quad,all magazine test have been very positive so far.

 

I would also look at the rancher, more ground clearance then any of the quads you mentioned. I bought one and I will be using it mostly for hunting. I also have an sp500, while it is a much smoother ride I do like the nimble rancher for in the woods and tight trails, plus it's more sporty. I think the big bear and kodiak are nice, but for a 4x4 es rancher, the cost was only $4900 . . . plus I get a front diff that is much better then any of the machines! - (except the polaris awd) Hope this helps you, good luck

 

dont listen to honda lovers, im sorry guys, 4x4 ranchers and formans that ride with my 86' 2wd 230cc suzuki quadsport are getting used to me pulling them out, its ridiculous, go for the bear, its a monster and will eat up any happless honda that gets in it ways

 

I had a 2000 Big Bear 4X4, I now have a 2000 Rancher 4X4, if I had to choose between the two I would get the Rancher. I like it a lot more than the Big Bear. Also, where did you get the price for that Big Bear? Mine cost $5,700 with tax, $5,300 before tax.

 

The BigBear has more ground clearance than either of the others that you mentioned. But, I agree with the other guys, look at the Rancher. It has the ground clearance, better trail handling and the improved Limited slip differentials. I ride almost every weekend with 2 Yamaha BigBears and two Yamaha Wolverines. The Rancher is a better mudder than either one. The BigBear does have more power.
And as far as getting pulled out by any 2wd. No way! Unless the 2wd stays on dry ground, waits for the Rancher to get stuck, then ties himself to a tree and uses a winch.
The BigBear is a good bike, but look into the Rancher and see what you think.

 

I know it's a great price. The dealership is in Ames Iowa. Another dealer in Indianola Iowa quoted me at 4995 which isn't bad either. Bothe said they wanted to make room for street bikes. I went to the Ames dealership last night...and they are limited on space..they also said they may throw in a helmet of my choice. Seems to me like they really want to make the sale.

Thanks for your reply

Kory Michael
DeSoto Iowa

 

hey kooky or whatever your name is what about Suzuiki you told us what you think of every other brand. I doubt you could pull my quad backwards on hard flat level ground with mine in reverse helping you.