Hi everyone, I just joined this forum as I am in the midst of making a decision on a new quad. I have pretty much decided to go with a new 2011 Brute Force with an ITP 14" rim/26" tire package. My biggest concern is ground clearance with this machine. I have ridden the Grizzly, AC 700, and Polaris 850. The performance of the BF v-twin sold me initially. However, I am having 2nd thoughts solely based on the ground clearance difference here. It is pretty substantial with the the BF only showing 9.7". Does anyone have any input for me? I am really not into the deep bogs and just want a machine that thrills with speed but will hang with other brands through the tough stuff. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

 

First ask yourself why is ground clearance so much important to you?
I have a 750 and I've never had any problem with the ground clearance. And I don't do mud bogging. Higher ground clearance means, higher center of gravity. Fast turn on high CG machine will give you more than a thrill that you are seeking. Everything must be balanced.

 

Don't let the numbers fool you. My 2012 BF has 9.4 Inches of clearance. My previous quads three 650 Outlanders had 12 inches of clearance. I have approx 12,000 km's on my Outlanders on the trails we ride and I know the rocks I will hit every time out. On my new brute force I have not even brushed against the same rocks. I have not bottomed out yet. And also I had 27 " Zillas on my Outlander and on the new Brute I have 26 " Zillas. The Outlander squats more than the Brute. The Brutes have great ground clearance....not an issue.