Most magazines talk about the KQ's twitchy steering. So it definitely is real. When I rode a KQ 700 once, I didn't notice it, but I could see how larger tires might amplify that. The power steering models are supposed to be better.

 

The new tires he put on had 3/4 - 1 inch tall lugs on them. Maybe more. Those tires ain't sliding easy! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Hope you don't mind me throwing something out.
As I read how this machine will be used (or not used), how about a 350/400 cc machine? It don't sound like he's going to need a cc monster.
My 250 Zuki 4x4 (1988, twas my first atv) went anywhere/everywhere I needed it to go.
For what it's worth, I have 2 neighbors with AC's. a 360 and a 400. Both have been trouble free.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: LT80

Hope you don't mind me throwing something out.

As I read how this machine will be used (or not used), how about a 350/400 cc machine? It don't sound like he's going to need a cc monster.

My 250 Zuki 4x4 (1988, twas my first atv) went anywhere/everywhere I needed it to go.

For what it's worth, I have 2 neighbors with AC's. a 360 and a 400. Both have been trouble free.</end quote></div>

I ride from 9000 to 14,000 feet in Colorado and up some some pretty steep hills.
You lose between 30-40% of your HP at 14,000 feet versus seal level.

 

LT80 said what I was just thinking, how about a KQ450? It has efi to adjust for altitude changes, and more than enough power for anything it seems you'd be doing.

 

He's saying you lose 30-40% of your HP though... So, riding a 700 would have the power of a 400-500 if his percentages are right. A 450 is all he wants, but he has to buy a 700 to get it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: JustRandy

He's saying you lose 30-40% of your HP though... So, riding a 700 would have the power of a 400-500 if his percentages are right. A 450 is all he wants, but he has to buy a 700 to get it. [img][/img]</end quote></div>

You are correct, the EFI cuts back the gas to match the thinner air and you lose power. An EFI motor does not make anymore HP at altitude than a properly jetted carb motor. I rode a buddies 800 Polaris out there for a week last year and we had to shift into low range to get up the steeper hills or you would just come to a dead stop if you tried them in high.

 

Better get the Thundercat then so you'll have a 700. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

I go from 700 feet to 3000 feet around here and I can tell a difference in power. Its a small difference, but its enough to tell something's different.

 

"I ride from 9000 to 14,000 feet in Colorado and up some some pretty steep hills.
You lose between 30-40% of your HP at 14,000 feet versus seal level."

That explains that. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

You fellas got to admit, it sure is refreshing to see someone doing their homework on what they need as opposed to making a uninformed decision and b!thching about it later. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Pitkin1

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: JustRandy



He's saying you lose 30-40% of your HP though... So, riding a 700 would have the power of a 400-500 if his percentages are right. A 450 is all he wants, but he has to buy a 700 to get it. [IMG][/IMG]</end quote></div>



You are correct, the EFI cuts back the gas to match the thinner air and you lose power. An EFI motor does not make anymore HP at altitude than a properly jetted carb motor. I rode a buddies 800 Polaris out there for a week last year and we had to shift into low range to get up the steeper hills or you would just come to a dead stop if you tried them in high.</end quote></div>

One problem with this statement is a properly tuned carb is just that for the elvation you tuned it at at so if you will be changeing elevations say 9000ft to 14000ft in the same ride the EFI will make up for that whereas a carb cannot. In a nutshell a EFI unit will run as good at 9000ft as it does at 14000ft not power wise but there will be no sputtering with the elvation changes!