Hello,
I plan on buying a Utility Quad for the winter to plow driveways with. Also, My little brother (12 years old, very weak) mentioned interest in riding it. Im sure it will be humongous on him however I need the engion and the big machine to do the work. Anyway, what my question is is which is the better deal:

*1999 Kawasaki KVF400, 4x4, at, high-low transmission, great condition, new 48 inch snowplow, $3900

*1999 Polaris Explorer 400 4x4 with winch, just serviced $3900

I had a friend who used to have an explorer and said it was awesome, had no problems. I have never heard anything about the kawasaki. I plan on having both a winch and a snowplow on there, so I will be buying one or the other. Also, anyone know the top speeds of these things? Your input will be considered greatly. Thanks

 

My dad has a klf 300 4x4 and it has been very reliable and is very strong. I'm sure a 400 would be that much better. This is a 4-stroke motor and has alot of torque.

Doesn't the polaris 400 have that crazy looking front chain drive and rear shaft drive. If its the one I'm thinking of it is also a two-stroke.
I drove one of those crazy things before I bought my arctic cat, and it just wasn't the bike for me. I felt it was more of a sport/racing bike that a utility bike. I dont know if it would be my choice for pushing a snow plow. I don't remember it having a high and low range either.

Guess I'd test drive both first and see which one you preferred. I'd go with the Kawasaki for one main reason. 4-stroke

 

The 99 Xplorer is a 2-stroke, front shaft, rear chain (concentric drive), true 4x4, selectable 2 or 4wd, selectable hi low range, utility quad.

I have owned, and still own an Xplorer. I ride mainly in the snow and have done so for 11 years. I have also plowed snow for 4 seasons with my Xplorer.(fantastic)

It is called a utility quad, but should be called a sport/utility. It is the fastest and peppyest 4x4 utility quad made(until the 650 kawa is released), even faster than the 2001 HO(not by much ). It also has the most ground clearance with 12" (measured under the skid plate)I have yet to see any quad, Polaris or any other brand, "outsnow" an Xplorer. It is also fairly light for a utility quad. (578lbs)

I see that your little brother wants to ride. The Xplorer is a very fast machine and therefore may not be the right choice. On the otherhand I see you own a modded out 400ex.

I cannot comment on the Kawasaki since I could only compare it to an older model 300cc and therefor would not be appropriate. Kawasakis have always been very dependable good machines, but the ground clearance and true 4x4 of the polaris will easily out perform them in the snow.

I believe with the gradual banning of 2-strokes (they already discontinued the 400 scrambler) that your resale value will increase if they discontinue it in 2002. Only you can judge which quad is right for you so "PLEASE" test drive both.

 

Ok, thanks for all of you input, I appreciate it alot. I am stilll not sure about which quad to buy, I will definately have to test drive each. The whole 2-stroke thing bothers me, I have not had good expieriences with two strokes. Do you guys know either of their top speeds? And also, which of the two is bigger? (taller, bigger, wider, longer)

 

I'm not into top speed anymore, so I would not really know. My best guess would be in the mid 40's to mid 50's for a KLF 400 4x4. Maybe someone else could give you a better idea. The polaris I test drove would fly, I'd say it would have a definite advantage in the speed dept. and the amount of time it takes to get there. I was wrong on my previous post, the Polaris did indeed have rear chain drive and front shaft drive. I knew it was a setup that I was not used to seeing.

Good luck.

 

Xplorer = 60mph+

 

i heard the kaw goes 59

 

Hey,
I am almost definately going with the kawasaki, would i be able to put a 60" blade on it without any problems? Also, what would be a strong winch to put on it? Thanks

 

Hey i know this is a stupid question, but is there a third headlight up and around the handle bars on the praire 400 4x4? thanks

 

The Prairie doesn't have a headlight on the handlebars but you could add one pretty easily. Warn makes some pretty good winches and they are fairly simple to install too. I don't think i'd want a 2 stroke for plowing snow, 4 stroke is where it's at.