I have seen a couple of Eigers and although I was ready to buy one, my local multi-line dealer told me that they were cheaply made with no features. He told me that I'd be much better off with a Vinson or even a 400 Arctic Cat. What do you guys think about the Eiger?

 

Sounds like your local dealer is mostly interested in selling you a more expensive bike.

The Eiger has no features - Except of course for amazing acceleration, light and tight steering, nicely set up suspension - 6.7 in. both ends, speedo, trip odo, acc. outlet, oil cooler with fan (did you know this thing holds 3 1/2 quarts of oil to keep it nice and cool?), smooth shifting 4wd, Hi and Lo gear ranges, trailer hitch and the usual racks, easy choke, storage box, lights (brake light too), full underbelly skid plate, front A-arm guards etc. As you probably know, the Eiger comes in 4 models - 2 and 4wd and automatic or 5-speed.

I'd suggest cruising back through this forum and read all the Eiger titles. The only bad that I've heard of either here or elsewhere - One report of a faulty bike (there was a recall on the first models) that led to the bike being replaced, some stiffness in shifting from reverse to Hi or back that works itself out in time and my own experience, where there was a lock washer installed incorrectly in the auto-clutch that made a rattling noise and was easily fixed.

No, the Eiger is not "top of the line", it's a mid-range 400 (376cc) bike. My brother and I bought our quads on the same day from the same dealer. We both used to have King Quads. I bought an Eiger. He got a Kawasaki Prairie 650. Is his quad better than mine? Of course it is. He has "features" - locking dif., LCD instruments, massive engine, fancy oil bath rear disc brake. We ride together and both have just as much fun out there. I spent $2000 less than he did.

I would find a dealer who gets his business by selling you the best product for you and your budget, not the dealer who is only interested in making as much $$$$ as quickly as possible. Any dealer who will tell you that one Suzuki product is cheaply made while a more expensive Suzuki is quality is ...well...less than honest.

Jaybee

 

I have to agree with Jaybee. I also have an eiger and love it. It has better than expected power and rides smoothe as silk. The steering is fluid and responsive. The seat is comfortable on long rides.

Originally I was concerned about a stiff shifter, but that has corrected itself with a few miles on the bike.

The eiger is quite a bargain for the money. I bought an 02 4x4 manuel for $4500 no tax out the door. If you can find a better bike for the same money you should buy it.

I think Suzuki is making great improvements with the eiger and the vinson. Check them out and compare the features with other bikes, and then compare the prices.

Buying a quad is a big decision and a big investment. I am real pleased that I bought the eiger.

jeff

 

Jaybee, Thanks for the reply. I am still looking at my first new ATV, and like you I have a budget. Kawasaki is offering a good deal right now, but so is Suzuki. I need one that will haul me and another person with ease. How strong is the Eiger, and how would it compare to the 360 Prairie?

 

I've read a few posts here and in other forums that feel that the 360 is a little low in power, but for most of those it could be because the 360 was their first automatic. I know that the service manager where I got my Eiger feels that the 5-speed has more usable power than the automatic. I haven't even seen a 360 yet so this is all second hand.

As to the Eiger - It has excellent low and mid-range power and very good high range. I was tooling along at about 15 mph the other day and punched it. I hit 50 mph in no time at all. Only after 50 did it feel like it was running out of steam. I hit 54 before I ran out of road, there was still a little left in there. I weigh 210 and am 6' 2". The Eiger fits me fine and does not bog down. I can pull mild hills in 4th and steep hills in 2nd. As to riding double - I do know of one guy who always doubled with his wife, they rode in company with another couple on a Griz 660. The Eiger guy traded his Eiger in on a Vinson, had less than 300 miles on it, because they could not keep up with the Griz. IMO, the Eiger will carry two well, just not as fast as a 660 Griz.

I had narrowed my choices to the Rancher, Eiger or 360. The Rancher just didn't 'fit' me right, I really liked the feel of the Eiger, and I decided against the 360 when I found out it was 600 lbs. That, plus I preferred a 5-speed over an automatic tranny.

I'm very happy with my Eiger, but any of those three would be great bikes.

Jaybee