Here is my situation. I'm in need of a new quad. I seriously think that the Eiger would offer me the best bang for my buck, but I don't know if I should spend the extra thousand on 4 wheel drive if all I really need is 2-wheel drive. Right now I own a Kawasaki Bayou 220, and it is simply to small for me. However, it is a 2 wheel drive and I've been able to go everywhere that I've needed to, so it makes me think that I could live with a 2 wheel drive Eiger. I mainly ride on trails, some mud here and there and in winter I ride on groomed atv/snowmobile trails. Will that 2 wheel drive be enough for me? I'm a college kid so any money that I could save would be great, but I also want to be happy with my decision in the long run. Tell me what you owners think about the Eiger and its handling in 2 wheel drive. Let me know what you think. Thanks a lot!

 

I think you've answered your own question. If your 220 can handle the trails that you ride on, the Eiger will eat them up, even in 2wd.

I've got a 4x4 but really like to ride it 2wd. Last ride out I did 38 miles, all but a few hundred feet of it in 2wd. This included some serious long mud runs. The high ground clearance and full plastic skid plate make the Eiger a good mudder. Sounds like you should save the money and the 50 pounds and go with 2wd.

Jaybee

 

I think that 2wd will fit your needs.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll be able to live with a two wheel drive, I just want to make sure that I'll be happy with it in the long run. Hopefully I'll be able to get a good deal on one.

 

Speed - I just noticed where you're from. FWIW - I've ridden most of the trails in Black River Falls/ Jackson/Clark county areas. I don't think I ever went into 4wd while I was there. Go with the 2wd.

Jaybee

 

I bought a 2003 Eiger 2WD about 3 weeks ago. I have about 135 miles on it and it has been awesome. The 2 people I ride with the most are my brother-in-law who has a 2003 Eiger 4WD and a buddy with a Yamaha Bigbear 4WD. I can follow them anywhere and paid a heck of alot less than they did. When I bought mine, Suzuki had a special on winches for $69. With the winch, there is no place they can go without me. My buddy was amazed that I could out accelerate and smoke his Bigbear topend.

EigerFreak
2003 Eiger 2WD

 

Get the 4x4 and be done with it, otherwise you might have regrets. Two wheel drives will go most places, you maybe just have to hit it faster, etc. Where you live, I imagine there are some mountains and that's where 4x4 is invaluable, not in mud holes cause you can usually go around them. The engine brake in the front wheels on the Eiger 4x4 is excellent in low range and you can crawl down super steep hills w/out using your brakes or sliding. Something to consider...

02 Eiger 4x4 5sp/ green and bone stock

 

My I suggest you go for the 4wheel drive. My Eiger now has 48 miles on it and most in two wheel drive. However, a couple of friends came by and we went for a ride. Most of the 20 mile run was two wheel but the time came to cross some creeks. I would never had made it without 4x4. I even remarked to them that if I had saved the $1000 by not have bought the 4x4 they would have had to haul me across and up with their machines. 4x4 is like insurance. You never need it until you need it. Then it is to late if you don't have it. If you are in college and having that tough a time to raise money, I would say you don't need any ATV right now. After all, ATV's are mostly toys except for those folks that really use them in a work related occupation. Be sure of what you really want/need and then go ahead.

dewbaby