I would say probably a YFZ or 450R. The YFZ is the best handling quad out there though.

I had a V-Force for about 9 months and it was a fun machine. But it is heavy and handles poorly. It does have good power, however. I have a YFZ now but the V has it's advantages. However I like the YFZ a lotmore.

 

Keep in mind that you are in the southwest desert........you aren't an eastern trail rider! Advice from the easterners is nice up to a point, but they have no experience riding conditions like Ocotillo, Glamis, Stoddard or Johnson Valleys, etc., like you will be.............

 

Yeah I'm from New York and I just got a Raptor last week and I already know I wont be taking this beast out on the trails, you cant go slow up steep hills because you will flip over, you cant really go fast through trails because just about every gear the front end comes up and you wont be able to control it. It is an awesome machine though, I love it, luckily I have a Big Bear for the trails....