Ok, so my search to get my first ATV has led me here. Turns out a recent sale on the Honda Rancher ran out at the end of July, and now they have 2005 Suzuki Eiger 4X4s on sale. The ad here says that it includes "Freight and Set up"... What does that mean? Also, I have rode Eigers before, one was an auto and the other was manual, and both seemed to ride great, but what do you think? Would they make a good quad for me? I'm about 5'5" and between 124 and 136 lbs... but I need something pretty big, because my dad will be riding this too. I plan to do some trail riding, but mostly just riding around my yard. I have heard that Eigers are very comfortable and rider friendly, but what about the quality in the speed and power department?

 

The atvs arrive at the dealership in a crate. Some add a fee for "freight and setup" some don't.... I'm 6'2" 200lbs and it feels plenty big and had plenty of power before rejetting and even more now. Auto/manual just get whichever you think you would enjoy more. I got the auto and love it but plenty of people love their manuals just as much.

 

the eiger will be a good quad for you..my friend has a 03 or 04..he rides everywhere on it, it currently has just over 5200 miles on it and it is still running strong

 

What about the speed? I heard that the Rancher was sluggish, but what about the Eiger? Is it plenty fast enough?

 

Oh, also, I plan on getting the Manual version, is it shaft driven or anything?(sry if that was a stupid question)Because I might be doing some mud riding(probably nothing serious), and if it's belt driven, I'm afraid the belt might get wet and slip. Would that be a problem?

 

It is shaft driven. I have a 04 Eiger manual. Great bike. Top end I get around 51-52mph on the speedo. I also weigh 200 lbs. I am running 26 inch Mudlites, and have a stage 1 jet kit. Installed it to regain the power loss from bigger tires. I don't notice any difference in top speed from my buddies 450 Kodiak. My other buddy has a Grizzly and he doesn't leave me behind. Anyway how fast do you want to go on the trail anyway ? Fuel mileage is great in these machines. I have done trail rides in excess of 75 miles on the bike and still have not switched over to my reserve. I use mine for hunting and fishing. I pull a 12ft aluminum boat on my utility trailer with all my gear for the trip(food,beer,beer,beer fishing gear,motor gas tents etc.). The same trailer I pull the quad on with the truck. The quad has more then enough power to do this. My only suggestion would be to get a good set of tires for it if you are going to run in the mud. Good luck with your purchase.

 

The add actually staes +freight and setup so you need to find out what they are charging for this. AT this time with '06's getting ready to be released(unless they are already out) an auto '05 Eiger should go for no more than $4600(including freight and setup) and the only thing you should pay above this is the 5% VA sales tax. I would go for $4500 + tax for the auto if it were me.

 

Ok, help me to understand, is shaft driven the same as belt driven? I have heard that belts slip sometimes... would that be a problem? Also, I need some quick replies people, I'm going to get it tomorrow evening!

 

No, shaft drive is not the same as belt drive. FWIW, I've been in pretty deep water and havent had a belt slippage problem yet.

 

Got the Eiger! It is great! I'm still having a hard time adjusting to the speed though...