Thanks for all the info! Someone suggested a BF 650...I reiterate...this guy is a total beginner. I have a 650i and think it would be suicide for him to get something with that much power. He also isn't very mechanically inclined. He just wants to be able to "hang" with us when we go riding. Keep the suggestions coming though ...Thanks.

 

That is true, and i did overlook it. BUT you did say an Automatic Ute, and one in that price range or really close, and that fits both. SO i think it depends on how old he is, how big, and his uses.. I do not think a Brute Force 650 is suicide... It dosent take much to learn how to ride a fourwheeler.. I was just trying to name a quad that seems to be one of the best bangs for the bucks... And i assumed if he's interested in haning around you and you're buddie's, i can assume he's driven you're quad or you're friends a little bit... So he wouldnt be a TOTAL beginner... but anyway good luck.
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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 (Green)
'27 ITP 589 M/S Tires
on ITP Type 5 Wheels
3000 lb. Warn Winch
3-Way Headlight Mod
High Lifter Lift Kit

2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 Mossy Oak - STOLEN
2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Sold

 

Hey, your friend could get the BF650 and just use the throttle limiter screw until he becomes more accustomed to the beast. I couldn't do it myself, I would want the power when I wanted it right away, worth a try though.

 

As for Kymco, they have come a LONG way. There new 500 is shaft drive as well. Look at how well there 250 and 300's are holding up. I think it will be a big hit, and they are woking on a 750...

But, I still wouldn't buy one myself just because I am an Arctic Cat fan and have never had problems with them, but if this guys wants something cheap, Kymco will be just fine as long as maintenance is done.

In two months, the leftover 2006 500 auto 4x4 Arctic Cats will be had for $4,999 at large dealerships. That is a hard price to beat too. Good luck. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Yet, Kymco is still unproven. I'd like to see them up against the heavy hitters in some shootouts before I even begin to consider them.

I, personally, would NOT recommend anything from AC or Polaris for a beginner due to 1 reason......TOO HEAVY. Beginners are arguably more prone to take a tumble on a quad than anyone else. Why not start them out with something light, decent power (not insane power), and stable on off-camber hills? AC and Polaris aren't quite there. Not bashing them but it's true. I wouldn't recommend a Grizzly for the same reason even though it's what I ride.

Good Ute ATVs (with great features) for beginners for the price quoted above might be:

Yamaha Kodiak
Honda Rubicon
Honda Rancher (if your butt can handle the rough ride)
Suzuki Vinson 500 (Auto)
Outlander 400

 

Kymco is actually pretty proven, they have been around for a while just not in the U.S. I also don't think a heavy quad is bad for a beginner. The weight comes in handy when plowing or hauling or on the rocky trails. And if my 120 pound wife can handle our 650 I am sure TC's friend can too.

 

A very proven award winning quad is the Brute Force 650 SRA, list price is around $6500.00 but I see sales runnig all the time for $6,000.00 or less. It is really just the original Prairie 650 but with new and improved plastic and new name. Its available in 07 in Lime green, Black, Red, or camo. The original Prairie 650 won countless ATV awards and the Brute 650 is actualy priced like many other copeditors 450-500's. The BF650 has won a few awards of its own like best value and bang for the buck type awards. I have had several Prairie's and highly recomend at least a test drive of one before a decision is made. They have a locker up front switchable 2-4 wheel drive, digital guages, automatic CVT trans. There is also tons of aftermarket goody's availabe on the market. They is also tons of forums that can offer tech support for this very capable and well proven machine.

 

And if my 120 pound wife can handle our 650 I am sure TC's friend can too.

Good point.

 

take him to some dealerships and see what he feels comfortable on and what is about the right size for him

 

AHH--AHH--AHH it is "Suggest a Utility" not "sport /Utility" [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]