I have been out of 4-wheelers for about 5 years but am looking to get back into it. My long time riding buddy has a 700 Sportsman. What 4x4 can I get that will keep up with him? The cheaper the option the better (as long as reliability doesn't sacrifice!). Other makers?

 

IDK if your looking for a sportsman type quad but IMO you should look into the Scrambler........its a great quad, fast and it still has the four wheel drive your looking for. thats just my opinion.....hope it helps.

 

why not get the same thing, maybe a good used one or maybe a 600 or a 500 sportsman? you will scarifice more then reliablility, maybe a good ride and stable at higher speeds when hes flying around and your bouncing around w/out the irs. just my 2 cents

 

I agree get a used 600/700 for cheap or a scrammy 4x4 500 HO, a 400 moded would be even faster!

Jim

 

If you want a utility machine, the 400 Explorer was made up to 2001. It's a 2 stroke 400 put in a utility chassis. Has high/low range, reverse, 4 wheel drive, and plenty of power to hang with the 700. With some clutch tuning, I bet it could beat the 700 in a drag race!

 

What 4x4 utility will keep up with a sp700? Well first are you refering to drag racing or in the mud and trails? Of course another sp700 will do the job, as mentioned. Also there is the sp800. Other brands, there is the

--Suduki King Quad 700 efi, it out run in drag race, but will not be as comfortable, and will not do as well in the mud.
--Kawasuki Brute Force 650 and 750, again will outrun, but nothing else.
--Bombadier Outlander 800efi, fastest quad available, has first year production problems.
--Artic Cat 650 and new 700efi, both AC and Polaris are USA brands, they are the heaviest, best in mud bogging, and have the most ground clearance, suspension travel in the industry.
--Yamaha Grizzly 660, legendary tried and true quad, will beat the 700 in a race by a little, very small and nimble quad, great price. I just baught an 06 Out The Door for $6200!

 

there again, all depends on what kind of riding your going to do. decide that then choose accordling to your stlye of riding and comfort. there all good until they break. lol.

 

ppope, Thanks for the details. I am looking to do some trail riding and (now that I am old) some work around my place (getting a plow and moving some dirt, pulling things, etc). I am leaning toward getting another 700, is there a year to stay away from or are they all similar/reliable? Thanks.

 

I wouldnt say stay away from any year as i have the first model year (2002) and its been a good machine.

Saying that if you can get an '04.5 700 EFI or even an '05 with all the storage i would go that way, but you'll be paying more.

You could get an 2002-03 for around $4,500-5,000k.

JIm