My King Quad is the 300. I think only the earliest 250s were referred to as King Quads. I know that since 93 only the 300s have gone by the name KQ. They're pretty much the same other than motor size. The King Quad's motor is an actual 280cc and the 2000 models have a carburetor upgrade said to improve throttle response. With the suspension cranked to the firmest setting it'll haul a good load. I often go rockhounding and I've exceeded my recommended rack capacity on several occasions on 4WD terrain going nice and slow and have been very impressed with the King Quad's abilities.

 

Dont overlook the Traxter, it does everything you need for hunting, There are other ATV's that work also, dont forget EVERY ATV has great points and EVERY one has some poor points, in the end it is always YOUR choice/money no matter what others swear to and/or claim. Get one and enjoy it!

 

Any of the larger quads will do great and will work with 27 inch tires. If you are putting polaris out of it, then I will only add in the Expedition 425 on account of its manual tranny. The prarie's ride extremely smooth, but have no engine braking going downhill. Suzuki's 500 is also a great bike, but its downside is its lesser suspension travel when compared to some others. Yamaha offers a couple good ones, but only if you want an auto tranny. The 500 Arctic Cat is also a great bike. No need for a lift for fender clearance, a great ride, and a semi-independant suspension for good stability as well as the reliability of a straight rear axle. Last of course is the 450 honda. The excellent all around choice. I don't own one, but I will reccomend Honda any day. They are simply the best all around machine made. You can fit 27" tires without a lift (though it is tight), Decent suspension, plenty of power, and unbeatable reliability. The only dissapointed 450 owners are those who should have bought a sport quad in the first place. Any bike is a good choice of those that you mentioned, however, the larger bikes will handle the bigger tires much better. Go check them out and see what you think feels best. Your own judegement is normally the best bet after you hear a little about others experiences and then ride the quads yourself.

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

 

This sounds like a job for Honda's new Rubicon to me. can't wait for the reviews!!

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Mud_Runner 98' Wolverine,Warn Winch, Aluminum Skid plate, A-arm guards.

 

Venemous, you've received good advice, given with YOUR best interest at heart, and not the posters'! Great to see this fine moment of the Forum; I hope more follow.

I honestly don't think you can go wrong with any 4X4 utility now available for the purpose you mention. (The Suzuki King Quad, suggested by some, for example, has always intrigued me by its many drive modes.)

Since you prefer non-belt drive, I suggest another model to be included for your consideration (although I don't own one myself!): Kawasaki Bayou 400.

This machine has lots of advantages (400cc engine, swing-axle semi-independent rear suspension), plus: now discontinued, you probably can get a buy on this model. Saw a new one on the floor at Winchester, DEEPLY discounted.

Regardless, best of luck on your choice, congratulaions on recognizing "there ain't no all-purpose anything," including ATV's!

Tree Farmer

 

Hey Tree Farmer how much was the 400 in Winchester selling for. I'd appreciate it if you remember what it costs. I think I'm gonna go shopping tomorrow for you guessed it, a new quad. Leaning between Honda 450 Foreman S, Kawasaki 400 Bayou and Prairie, Suzuki Quad Master and King Quad, and Yamaha Kodiak and Big Bear. I don't like the fact that I hear about the belts on the trannies wear out prematurely and aren't as good at delivering power to the ground but I'm considering a machine with the a belt. I do like how the foreman has shifting auto.

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Jeremiah Lucas

1989 Yamaha Banshee

 

lots of money to invest - why not try to ride one of the various machines - it can't hurt to ask someone at your local dealer,service dept. trail area, etc...
Try a Kodiak, you'll never want to ride anything else

 

I think a 00' Big Bear 4x4 will suit your purposes just fine. I use mine for hunting and scouting. I also pull a small trailer with my BB. It's performance and handling hasn't let me down yet.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I'll probably end up getting a used one from the local trader probably since the dealers want extreme prices for used quads. If the dealers have some kind of deal like the Yamaha $69 a month for the first 2 years then I would consider getting a new one but I don't want to get screwed on payments. Any body know of any good finance plans. Andy when you mentioned Yamahas auto tranny does this mean they have the belted auto or the shiftable auto. Thanks.

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Jeremiah Lucas

1989 Yamaha Banshee

 

Well Tree Farmer I went to Valley Cycle today and I saw the new Big Bear 400 4x4 Buckmasters edition with camo and the big wheel tire kit. They wanted $6400 for it and I found one without tire kit and camo for $4400 or $4600, I can't remember and I left my notes at home. I even found a Grizzly for $5800 and a 500 Quadmaster for $5100. The Big Bear looks bad as heck with the big wheel kit but the dealer wants and extra $750 for it and I found the same kit for $530. I was thinking of the 500 Quadmaster since it has a little more displacement but I haven't heard anything about this quad. Is there much of a difference between the Big Bear 400 and the 500 Quadmaster like power and 4x4 capability. Thanks.

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Jeremiah Lucas

1989 Yamaha Banshee