I am thinking about getting one of these two for my son to ride on the trails. I have a 450 Kodiak and he likes.

He wants a sport quad but we only trail ride so no racing quads for him. I want to know about the Wolverine on the trail. Is it like my Kodiak with different plastic or is it more like the 300ex? He wants to do small trail type jumps and wants a better suspension than my Kodiak. I think the 300ex would serve us just fine. He kinda likes the idea of the auto tran of the Wolverine.

Any opinions??

Thanks

Russ

 

The Wolverine doesn't have an "auto trans", but rather it has a manual trans with autoclutch shifting. You probably know that, but it just isn't clear from your post.

I like the (old 350) Wolverine concept....kind of a semi-sporty 4wd. The price you pay however is that it is big and heavy compared to a real sport quad (but happily still lighter than a ute), but if you don't absolutely need 4wd, what's the point in draging aroung 100+ extra pounds that is just going to get in the way and compromise handling???

The 300EX is a superb little machine. Probably the best tight trail quad of all time! Great handling and descent suspension. Chain driven, fully manual clutch....even though it is medium size and entry level, it's still a real sport quad!

 

It depends on which wolverine 350 he is talking about....the older 350 4x4, or the new 350 2wd...the old one was a clutch less manual, and the new one is a CVT. The newer ones are nothing too special in my opinion, I looked at one for my girlfriend and I didn't see anything that would make anybody want to buy one. The older ones are nice, but like mentioned above...full time 4x4 and not too sporty.

How old is your son, and how much experience does he have? Have you looked into the newer wolverine 450? Its not crazy powerful or extremely fast, but it has good power for trails, and is still small enough to be able to jump and have fun on....i would definitely recommend one of those over the wolverine 350 (at least the newer wolvy 350). The 300ex's are nice, but if he is really young and doesn't have much experience with quads, something a little slower with an auto trans may be a better idea.

 

Hey, you already have a full-on utility, so it's time to get a full-on sport quad to round out your stable!

 

To all,

I was thinking about one of the newer two wheel drive Wolverines. My son will be 16 soon. I wouldn't mind a 400ex or z400 Suzuki, but I have not found any kind of deal on a new one and all the used stuff that I have seen has been really used.

I have found many "new" leftover 2005 300ex around my area, that is why I mentioned them.

We trail ride. We don't need the expense or maintenance that a 450r race quad brings with it. He has been riding dirt bikes since he was seven years old. He rides my 450 Kodiak without any issues.

Thanks

Russ

 

I have a 2004 400EX I have been trying to sell. I haven't been trying very hard since it's such a great quad and fun to ride. I guess I don't really WANT to sell it, but I need to pay for a wedding.
Shoot me an e-mail if you are interested.
wildchilds74@hotmail.com

pics here...
http://www.speedzilla.com/foru...758-04-400ex-sale.html

 

I'd buy the young fellow that 400EX above if you think he is responsible enough to handle the extra cc's.
I mean it's not like he needs a new quad because he will WRECK it I'm sure... and the 400EX is such a step up.

The 300ex is also a VERY fine quad that's a little smaller and also milder than it's bigger brother... and it has reverse over that used 400EX.
(newer 400ex's have reverse now)

Yamaha also has a brand new Raptor 250 that you might not be aware of.
I'm really impressed with what I know about it so far... 313lbs 5spd manual clutch.

In any event, a manual clutch quad is what I would buy. I lean that way because I feel working the clutch bruises their overconfidence and makes them respect the machine more. Plus, he will thank you later for making him learn on a manual if he is and progresses as a sport rider.

 

Russ,

Although my 400EX is stock... If your son can show restraint (not common in a teenager) the 400EX is a sweet ride. If you have any doubts, stick with the 300EX.