Id say wolverine 100% but when you get it get the highlifter skidplate package and the CV guards before you take it in any mud or anything. I got the entire dimondplate kit but at least get the bottom skidplate to protect your engine when you go in the rough stuff. Mine is indestructable and I have the OXlite guards. dont get the yamaha kevlar CV boot guards get metal ones. the kevlar are twice as much and although they stop boots from ripping they wont protect having your joint bent. you can take a look at how the wolvy looks with the Dimondplate package. Highlifter.com. check out my pics here on the forms if u want

 

I notice that no-one has any input on the big bear with the mods listed! Dont you think this would be a great combo, for the original post? At 1000- 1200 less then the Wolvy.

 

I believe you would be making a big mistake getting a 2wd utility. If you do decide on the Big Bear I think it would be prudent to go with the 4wd. My friend has a 03 Big Bear and it is a tank. A lot of low end grunt and tough as nails. My Wolverine will take off and leave him and the handling on the wolverine is much better. If you lean a little to the sport side go with the Wolverine. The 424 will take about 2 to 4 hrs depending on mechanical ability. It is a must if you choose this bike. A front rack is available as an option on the Wolv, but it kills the good looks. With the proper cargo holder it is very rare I need more than the rear rack anyway. Hope this helps.

 

I really like the Wolvy an all, but can the extra money be justified? I mean 1000-1200 to start, not to mention the protection I need for the 4x4 on the wolvy.c/v guards skidplate. And how many times do you really need 4x4... I'am buying a 424 if I get the wolverine just so I can ride in 2x4....another 250-280.. Then the extra cost of damage/wear with a 4x4. Am I a driving myself nuts with this decision???? I think so...

 

I ride in 2wd probably 98% of the time, but it is sure nice to have the option, especially when you get in those pucker situations. I ride in the hills and mountains of Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee on occasion and some places are almost impassable with 2wd, especially when wet. I know it is a tough decision, because I went through the same thing and would love to have a 2wd sport bike such as a Z400, 450R, or YFZ 450, but decided to go with the sportiest 4wd you can buy IMO. It shares the same engine as the Warrior and has quite a few hop ups also. Have you looked at the Suzuki Vinson? It might interest you.

 

Your ending up right where I was, putting the 424, Armor, Mods, adding $1000 or more to a new machine, it all boils down to what suits you. The money shouldn't play a part in the decision, but unfortunately it has to right? Unless your loaded and its not a concern, then we would all have 4-5 machines and we wouldn't have to decide. I evaluated value in my decision and I just couldn't justify spending some $4700 on a 350, then $1000 on 424, racks, mods etc. just for the race suspension and light weight and cool look. I had to just say for the value I was better off buying a slightly used bigger CC machine with selectable 2/4wd, exceptional armor, reasonbly sporty ride, but sacrificed weight. I've frowned at the thought of a belt drive auto ATV until I rode one, wow, I hate shifting now, and the centrifical force auto clutch is about the most inefficient, power robbing transmission avail. That would be a better machine if you drop the Warrior motor in with mods and manual clutch, I've read people do it. Worse case, you get, don't like it, they have great resale. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

I would like to keep the cost down, but still have a peppy utility quad. I think the Big Bear 2x4 is under-estimated and just wanted to see what you guys thought compared to the wolverine. I also think 4x4 is over-rated... I know it comes in handy sometimes, but $1000 dollars....

 

can someone explain the down to all time 4x4. Does it drain power? No doughnuts? is that it?

 

also, how is the big bear cheaper? they are both listed 5,199. ALso, this they get rid of the big bear 2x4?

 

when it's in four wheel drive all the time its harder to steer in tight trail's when you have the abilty to put it in two wheel drive you can do some carveing in the little twisty trail's -----------------------and as far as the big bear goes theres no way i would get it my unk has a 04 big bear and i hate it verry hard to shift and 1 - gear is too low and 2 - too low as well and third just dont cut it going up hills dont like it get the wolverine. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]