My brother is offering to sell me his 96 4X4 400 for 3000.00 The bike is in fair shape, with the usual scratches scrapes & road rash. The bike has the original tires (worn out) and the racks are a little bent up. I would be buying the bike for my wife to ride, so all I need is a reliable and user friendly machine.

I would like to hear from any of you who currently own, or have owned a 400 4X4 around a '96 model. What are the pros and cons of this bike?

Thanks in advance for any info provided.

 

My hunting partner purchased one and has been extremely pleased with it. I consider the entire Bayou line to be utility quads that are made more for work than play. Some may find the Bayou 400's full-time 4WD to be a negative.

In my own opinion, a lady might feel more comfortable with something in the 250-300cc class.

 

I've ridden Cochranton, Tour de Forest, Quads, On-the-Rocks! and the Little Fort Trail Ride with a companion on a Bayou 400 with MudRunners.

The 400 proved reliable and capable, with a plusher ride than 300's of the year you're considering.

As to ease of handling, I watched a 14-year-old girl handle one easily on the rocky trails near Tasker's Gap, George Washington National Forest.

Tree Farmer

 

Thanks for the info guys. Here is how it shakes out.

I just trailered the 4x4 home for the wife to test out. She doesn't like it. Too heavy to steer & manuver. She has her eye on a used Lakota at the bike shop. So I agree with the above post that a 300cc is better for this little lady.

I think she will be able to trail ride the lakota just fine since she used to have a Mojave before we had children. I think that she is more suited to a 2 wheel drive unit.

Thanx again for the input.

 

we went to pick up the used lakota at the bike shop this evening. We didn't buy it since it had a puddle of oil under it. Seems as if the drain plug was either loose, had a bad seal, or is cross threaded. Quite a leak. They had a very clean used honda recon there also for about 1,000.00 less. we might consider that bike if the lakota doesn't shake out.