I'm looking to get a sport quad. I already have a 03' Grizzly for hunting and such, but I want something that has a lot of speed and something I can jump on. I'm 6'1"and about 250.
I rode a buddie's Z400 and it felt like a toy, very uncomfortable. I mostly ride the trail's in the forest, but am wanting to do some dune's also. Which one is better suited to my need's?

 

I would think the ds. But thats just my opion.

 

Have you sat on both? You may find one much more comfortable than the other. The handle bars and seat are very different, for example, you may prefer one or the other.

Do you feel the need to shift? The KFX-700 is always in the right gear (might require a $30 spring change to optimize for your riding style), but some guys need to shift.

In terms of performance, the V-Force has more low end torque and will always get the holeshot, and will out accelerate the DS at the bottom. Then at about 30 mph the power advantage shifts to the DS and it will catch and pass the V-Force easy. The torque and horsepower curves for each predict this exact result and I've done this race stock for stock against my brother's DS-650 many times with always the exact same result regardless of who is riding what. My pink spring stretches this out but only delays the inevitable... the DS is simply faster at the top.

For me, the V has the performance where I want it, which is off the line and coming out of the tight turns. If you ride a lot where you never drop below 30 mph the DS has a power advantage above 30 mph, but if most of your riding is 20 or 30 mph or lower then you're going to get better response from the V.

THE DS has more suspension travel, and you're a big guy and you might bottom the V's suspension on the big jumps. I'm 175 and I don't bottom mine out, but I don't jump more than 10 feet or so.

Both quads are really wonderful in the dunes... we've blasted Pismo together and both quads go wherever we point them (I was able to have fun even before I got my paddles, although the paddles do rock).

Some people disagree, but reverse, to me, is really nice to have and I do use it. I don't like having to get off my quad, especially in the sand, and with the V I never have to, unless I'm helping my brother move his heavy *** no reverse Bomb.

You should really include the Raptor in the shopping spree... it's right there with the V and the DS, and the aftermarket availability is overwhelming. You should know that riding a Grizzly [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

V-Force all the way.. it has reverse and the DS is a big quad like the V with NO reverse.. have fun trying to get that thing turned around in the woods.. I rode a DS once. I wasn't impressed. it sounded good. but i didn't like the feel of it.. but thats me..

I love my V

 

I agree with flashturbo... I ride very often with a friend who has a DS650 Baja and we are always switching bikes. The V rules in the 0 to 40 mph range. And that’s where we do 95% of our riding (north east) and when we do get on a long straight away… he will pass me up, but there are only a few places were he can reach top speed of just over 90 mph. In the trails with a few turns there’s no keeping up with the V Force. The combination of heavy breaking into the turn… then gas hard on the way out is... lethal.

Both bike are very different and if possible I would try to test them out before…


RJ

 

Posting this kind of question in a Kawi forum you are bound to get some biased feedback. I would suggest posting in the "Sport QuAD" forum. Instead of telling you which one you should get here are some pros/cons of each. I'll let you decide. Also taking to people who have owned both is your best bet.

DS650
Pros - Fast (will outrun a V-force stock for stock)
- Suspension (very plush ride, great for jumping, 12-in of travel)
- Engine is bulletproof
- Great for larger riders
Cons - Heavy
- No reverse
- Wide for tight trail riding

V-Force
Pros - Lots of power (but won't outrun a DS)
- Reverse
- Auto tranny (if you don't like to shift)
- Great for larger riders
Cons - Heavier than a DS
- Auto tranny (if you like to shift)
- Suspension (Not in the same league as the DS)

 

Just buy both. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I've had both as well. If you want better handling get the V. If you want better suspension get the DS. If you prefer to clutch and shift manually get the DS.

 

That would be nice.

 

Thank's for the input guy's. The reverse on the V-Force has given it the edge for me, plus there is a Kawi. dealer not to far from my house. Thank's again!!