My brother is getting a 02 Big Bear here in a few weeks. I have rode a 02 that a friend of mine had. Geared low overall so it is not a speed machine but it was still fun. I like the seat position as it makes for a comfortable ride and easy on my back. It slides very well and the in/out 4wd is nice as well. It is very hard to beat this machine for the price and as long as you don't try to ride it like a sport machine you should really like it. Just break it in right and it should give you many many years of great service.

 

I bought a new big bear back in 87 and have broke in properly and it hasn't gave me one bit of trouble until last week. The rear axle WORE out. I guess that is good for 14 yrs. Don't ya think? That is one reason why I bought a new one. I will have this one to well into 2020. GET MORE FOR YOU BUCK AND GO FOR THAT BIG BEAR!

 

I would say you were cheated if you only got 14 years from it. hehehe!!! I would take it back for warrenty. If I get a few years from my Wolverine then I will be super happy. So far I have no problems and it isnothing but fun. I can't wait til my brother gets his Big Bear so we can ride with my firends and he gets to see how much fun it is.

 

Hey everyone i just got my bigbear today. Drove it for about 2hrs. overall it suits my needs. I'm not a speed demon i would of kept my 250r for that. I like everything and all the stock tires gotta go though i kinda got stuck in my normal riding area today. I also think that in the long run that the motor that engages the 2wd to 4wd will go out. It seems like a vital part that would break easy. Other then that its great. Lots of power though. I'll post more later in time as i break it in. Thanks for everything.

 

I read from a new Big Bear owner that he didn't care for the stock tires too much either. It made the machine handle a little unpredictable. He put on some Maxxis AlTracs and the Big Bear improved a ton. I would think the 2wd/4wd button should be fine because it is the same system on the Kodiak and I have never heard of the button going bad.