Don't get me wrong I love my Brute more than any other quad I have owned and other then the front diff problem it has been great. I didn't know at the time that trying to engage 4wd after being stuck in 2wd isn't a wise decision. I have done it several times earlier with success but I for one will not try to do it again. This quad is a blast and my son has a 400ex and I can hang with him most of the time........we have a good couple of 4 wheelers

 

hmmm...you guys have me a little concerned. I was totally sold on this machine but i only got to ride it in the parking lot. Out here in British Columbia, Canada we have a lot of rocky, very rugged terrain. we also get a ton of rain and i could see myself getting stuck and needing to use 4x4. I dont want to risk damaging the front diff and having a huge repair bill. What about using your winch to pull you ahead and get the front wheels spinning to engage 4x4? I'm new to 4 wheeling and just curious if that would work?

Maybe i should have another look at the Grizzly 660????

 

The Griz is great, it was tough for me to decide, however once you feel the responce and power the BF has, hands down I knew which one I was buying.

 

If you have a winch you should be able to pull yourself out even if you are stuck in 2wd. Especially if you have a wince, this 2wd/4wd engage thing is really not that big of a deal. Most times when going through the really rough stuff, you'll be in 4wd anyway. It will only be on a rare occasion that you may get unexpectedly stuck in 2wd. The BF650i is a good solid bike and will not disappoint.

Jaybee

 

Really this isn't that big-of-a deal. Once you get out riding u will see that you are worring about nothing. The Vtwin Motor is the way to go and the 4x4 system on the BF's/Prairies is well designed. I've been riding the Kawie Vtwins now since '01 and have had No-beef at all with the engagement of the 4x4 and that great front dif-loc.

 

iv had my 650 stuck with it not being in 4x4 at least 2 times, one time when realy bogged down in some thick bottomless mud like a mud pit! it would not go into 4x4 i had to use the winch because the 4x4 just would'nt engauge! i tryed for quite a while, my gues is the front wheels just couldnt move enough for it to lock in.but anouther time while trail riding in some deep ruts i got high centered and was able to get it to go in buy just aplying a small amount of power.but i usualy try riding with it in 4x4 if thers a chance it will get stuck. i find that the stearing is no difrent as long as the locker is not pulled but does any one else find the stearing just as easy as two wheal as long as the locker isnt on? iv got some friends with 660 yamis and iv had less waranty work than them and my electrical has never fludded like one of theres.and my fun factor is better they like riding mine when i let them!

 

yeah i got the bf 750i and i also blew my front diff out and cracked the case by putting it into 4wheel drive while i was stuck it also took out my right front axle. dont let me scare u though my brute has been great otherwise i just dont think its a great idea to be engaging the 4 wheel while spinning the wheels at all

 

I was washing my BF after my first ride and the front diff burst into flames. Luckily I was washing it, so I just put it out with the hose.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

what caused it to burst into flames???? was it an electrical fire?

 

My dads Twin Peaks has the same system. It is slow to engage, and I always make sure I wont be needing it before getting into something. Whereas with my Bruin if I get stuck all I have to do is hit the 4x4 button, and it instantly kicks in and I can get myself out. I love the power of the Twin Peaks, but it does have one downfall, and that is the 4x4 system.