Hey guys,
Don't tell the Polaris guys I'm over here but I figure you guy's would have a pretty good take on this. I own a fairly modded Predator and because I'm now turning 45, and not riding as I was even five years ago, I'd like to slow down a bit and smell the roses LOL. Seriously, the Predator is pretty "Hell Bent" and I have a hard time just puttin' around on it when I don't want to be screamin' all over the place. Someone threw a real good offer my way for the Pred and I've been thinking about the V-Force even before I bought the Predator. The idea of a sport shifting auto and a power band that shines in the lower part of the power band is sounding better and better all the time. I'm not sure what I'm asking, hopefully some of you will understand. For a rider thats alittle uncomfortable on a all out race quad, will I find the V-Forse more rider friendly? Thx, Putt

 

Putt
I don't know if you saw all my shootout topics about the Predator and KFX 700, but all in all, the performance of both are close. But where the Predator excels is on the track, the 700 wasn't much behind. The 700 excels on the trails, with the Predator somewhat close (needs more low end + reverse). But as far as I'm concerned, the FUN FACTOR goes to the 700. I am haveing a total blast on the 700. I even took it to the GNCC race in Penn. last weekend and had a ball. I'm just a youngster compared to you (36) but I'm having so much fun on the 700, I haven't even taken out my other 700 (Sportsman) yet. This quad has all the low end you need, and has a nice top end too. I don't think you will regret getting the 700. Now all I need is someone to buy my Predator.

 

Hey Puttnutt .... I with you. I am 52, and very heavy. I am not going to be on any
mx tracks !! But I love this quad. The tranny keeps the engine in the power band ...
always..... I can concentrate on picking a line ..... and keeping the front end from getting
to high [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Even this old / fat guy can run the trails with the big dogs .... or drive it to the post office and bank. Find someone tha will let you test ride .... let us know what you think.

 

The V is a great quad with a very good ride. You can put around when you want and also kick butt and scream around and beat everyone else when you want. You will not be dissapointed with the V.

 

Puttnutt24, I know exactly how you are feeling as I have been there. I never raced much but did ride an occasional hare scramble back in the prime of my dirt bike years. However I’ll be 50 in a couple of weeks and my body is not in the same shape as it was back in the good ole days, but I still enjoy spirited trail rides along with more sedate riding depending on the company I’m with.

I recently acquired a V-Force because I wanted more of a sporting option than either my Grizzly or Wolverine provided. I had been thinking of a Raptor for a long time but I’ve wanted something stable and fairly easy to drive in case my kids (nearly adults) would ever show an interest in riding. My son had always preferred his KDX-200 dirt bike over the other quads I've had until he rode the V-Force. Now his dirt bike doesn’t see much action (unless I’m on the 700).

I’ve also learned from experience that having an automatic transmission coupled with a powerful motor does away with some of the advantages manual transmissions have over the automatic. This is especially true in the V-Force configuration. The engine produces so much torque that it’s as easy as a big bore dirt bike to lift the front end over trail obstacles with just a blip of the throttle. With all that power on tap you can easily crawl along when you want to, but the engine / transmission combo is ready and willing to give you more (a lot more) whenever you want to use it. The power delivery is very smooth and predictable and it responds instantly to throttle input.

It makes a great trail machine and the automatic makes hill climbing a breeze. It has a lower center of gravity with its V-Twin and gas tank under the seat design and handles really well for a stock quad. There is no drive chain to lube and adjust. My only complaint is that it’s a thirsty beast and the gas tank is rather small. However there are after market tanks available that will add about 1 ½ gallons to your carrying capacity and that will make a big difference.

I think you’d be happier with the 700 simply because it offers you more flexibility with its big V-twin motor and one can get used to (and spoiled with) the responsive automatic transmission in short order.

Good luck!

 

Sold the Predator this morning guys. They'll be uncrating my green 700 on Tuesday, I'm looking forward to that first ride and review. Thanks for the input to all, Later, Putt

 

I just reread all the posts and wanted to say thanks again to all, especially you 2TV, very imformitive post, thx's again, Putt

 

Congratulations on your new quad! I am sure you'll have a blast on it. They do look very sharp and seem to be to everyones liking. Please tell us what you think.

 

Don't judge it by your first ride as you won't be able to keep the front end down all day. Once the clutch and motor loosen up it'll get easier to keep the front down and it gets much faster after its been broken in good.

 

That's the same reason I sold the 400ex and bought a Honda Rincon. It's nice not having to shift. At least it has been for the 66 miles I've got on it.