Here's the deal Guys. I'm 14 years old, 135 pounds, and 5'10". I'm looking for a utility quad that is in the price range of $5300 to $5600. I'm looking for something with a lot of low end tourqe yet with a pretty quick top end speed. So when I am in the mud wholes i have the tourqe to get me through them, yet when I'm crusing down a long straigh trail I want to be able to go pretty quick. Does any 1 have any suggestions on what kind of quad I should get? I am currently looking at a kaw. prairie, but I was kinda turned off by the factor of it not having the EBS(engine braking system. The reason it kinda turned me off was because I was thinking that like when I would be going down a hill I would have to use the brakes a lot more than normal because the engine would be helping me at all. Am I right?

 

In the words of Ed McMahon, "You Are Correct Sir!" In my opinion, that is the only flaw of the kawasaki prarie. If you want info on it anyway, talk to Gordon Banks. He'd be glad to tell you about his 97 Prarie 400 4x4, and how it compares to the 99 and 2000 models. In the given price range, the best thing that I can think of (other than an automatic with no engine braking) for a combination of top speed and low end power would be a 98 model Arctic Cat 454. Some dealers around still have brand new ones in stock that they never could sell after the 500 came out and replaced it. They are normally priced pretty good. My uncle got one for $5350 and it will run top end with my 500 AC all day. It hits an indicated 57 mph according to its speedometer and should gain 1-3 mph as it gets broken in more.

This is only one point of view though. Lets take a look at the bikes in this price range.
Wolverine- a little more sport oriented than utility. It has a higher 1st gear than most, but it will fly when allowed to on an open road.

Scramblers- chain driven, too sporty, not really a utility either.

Honda 300 4x4- Not very fast, but ample power for a 300.

Any other 300- see honda.

Arctic Cat 400- don't know, but I would prefer a 454 if I could get one.

Explorer- 2stroke engine isnt the best for a utility nor is the chain drive, but the bike will run very fast, steer very tight, and handle better than most bikes its size.

Prarie- 300's are in the range, but still no EBS.

Sportsman 335- premium ride, no ebs, makes you think "I could have had a V8!" I'd take a 500 sportsman 7 days of the week over it.

2000 Big Bear- Imagine a 99 Kodiak with an updated chassis and a lower price. Not a real screamer, but descent low end pull.

Foreman 400- sometimes you can find good deals on this bike. Its a slug, but has a good low end. The suspension and extra cc's of the 450 is worth the extra G's.

If you go with a 2wd bike, you can find a few more options for the money. The new Kodiak Ultramatic is available in a 2wd version and will have ok power up top and good low end as well. You could also step into a 400 prarie 2wd for considerably less. My local Kawa dealer has the 99's for $4500 right now. My pick of the litter for the best combination of the two purposes you stated would still be the 454 arctic cat. That is, if you could find one brand new at a blowout price(it can happen). I would say the explorer 400 hands down if I didn't think that a chain driven 2 stroker was a bad idea for a utility bike. It is really a nice machine, and this is coming from someone who isn't exactly pro-polaris.

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

I am selling a Honda Rancher AT 400cc 4x4. I has the ability to switch between auto and manual transmissions and also has the ability to switch between 2 and 4 wheel drive. It is in excellent condition, 20 hours and I am including the trailer and helmet. If interested call me 870-8294.