I don't know why I started reading threads about the Trailblazer but from what I have seen the little quad has a great reputation for performance and reliability. What do you guys think about it for trail riding in a place like Michigans Upper Peninsula? I have been researching a few quads because once I move to Michigan I want to buy one. So far I have been leaning towards the new Rancher 420, the Ozark, possible the Warrior, older Wolverine or Rancher. Using a pipe from a place like Ritters can you tune the bike for lots of lower speed riding and hill climbing? My only experience with two strokes was with smaller dirt bikes and I can remember them fouling a lot of plugs.

 

I have Trailblazers, great suspension and seat, automatic if you like just cruising without shifting. That has its up and down sides, but overall I like it. There are a few choices to boost performance. They aren't speed demons but a pretty good all around fun machine. It is a "entry level" quad, but it is a full size machine. Overall, I really like it. I bought new 2006s, and don't plan on upgrading to a 400 or 450 immediately. I am not real interested in fast trail riding though, more for low fuel costs. Our snowmobiles are Indy 440s and 500s for the dependability and lower fuel consumption as well. my wife rides 25-35 mph most of the time, so high performance didn't come into the equation for us. There are 400s that are essentially the the same machine if you want more power. If you are climbing steep dunes or rocketing down trails you might want more power than the 250, but it has a great reputation for dependability. Like anything else, it depends on how much hard riding you do.

 

The Trailblazer is really easy to mod. Tons of mods frim mild to wild. These can be built to beat piped 400's. Places like ritter cycle, HPD, Hotseat Performance and AAEN performance will have the best mods. Even AZ badboyz has reed conversion and stroker kits to make these pretty sick. They are very reliable and can be built to your riding style. Just adding a pipe and clutch spring makes a world of difference.

 

dm1333,

Are you moving to the Upper Peninsula? If so, what city/town. I live in the Central UP.

As far as what to buy, 2wd will handle most trails here just fine. You will have trouble in sand and mud though with the wrong tires.

 

Sheepdog,

I'm moving to Sault Ste Marie in May. I'm in the Coast Guard and going there to run the small boat station. People here in northern California think I'm going to hell but all I can think of is snow, seasons and no more California! I'm tired of fog and rain all winter, bring on the sub zero temps! I have a lot of cross country ski stuff that doesn't get used here.

I want a smaller quad that will fit easily in the bed of my Nissan P/U. The lower price helps out too! I'm not really sure I need a bigger quad with 4wd, I have too many hobbies as it is so I'm not sure that I'll be riding a lot in mud or snow. I haven't ruled out a new Rancher, Eiger or Bruin 350 though. What brand of tires do you recommend?

I am pretty set on a utility though, camping, hunting and fishing can be a lot easier with a quad. I haven't hunted deer for the last 4 years, around here they don't get much bigger than a large dog.