OK, I have some hits/offers in my thread or post asking if anyone wants to trade me some of my nicer firearms for a 4 wheeler or 'quad'. I have offers on rigs that run from a 250cc quad up to a copuple of 400 cc ATV's and all the way up to a 650cc twin cylinder 4 wheeler. All I need this for is hunting and helping to haul out dead critters, mostly deer. I have ridden on 4 wqeelers as small as 90cc's and was prettty impressed with how well that little bike did, and my fsather in law has an older 250cc quad that I have been on a time or two and it seemed to me like it had good power and capability but I was not on it for very long nor did I try to haul anything with it.

So, being as I am 6'3" tall, 245lbs and legally disabled with kidney disease and gout from said disease, how big of a 4 wheeler do I need, in your opinions? Smaller equalls lower fuel costs and maybe eaier to muscle it around. Larger gives me exactly what? And I 'need' larger, exactly why?

I am kinda leaning toward the 400cc units, with the leader of the pack being a Polaris in MT that is a two stroke "Explorer" model but there are some KAwasaki 400's closer to home and 4 stroke engines.

THANKS in advance, for all of the input! I always get good experience based advice here and this is a pretty sizeable decision for me.

We had a Honda Fourtrax 300 on the farm, and I think it was actually closer to 250cc motor. It had plenty of power for running around the farm, pulling trailers of feed, and hauling dead critters out. The 2wd and bald tires was fine on dry ground. When there was snow though, it went nowhere. Had a 4wd of same model, it went everywhere.

I myself don't like the bigger four wheelers, just because they are so dang big, less manuevarable, fill a pickup bed, etc.

For hunting purposes, I would value a 4 stroke quad for several reasons. They are quieter, better on fuel, and typically more reliable. They also don't smell like a chainsaw. My FIL has a 2 stroke polaris sportsman 400 (circa 1996), and though it is capable, for reasons listed above, as well as having three drive chains, I would stay away.
As far as your question regarding ccs, it is hard to answer. An old Suzuki king quad 250cc with super low range will out work many larger quads without even low range.

I'd stick with the 400cc units and up, just be sure it has 4x4.

A 400 with 4x4 will get a lot done. I have rode one quite a bit, a 10 or 12 year old Yammi 400, and it does fine doing everything asked of it. Its been used to haul deer, drag downed trees and pull utility carts.

Bigger is better for you and 4 stroke for sure

I've got an 800cc twin that does the job very nicely.

Mark;
I hope that this finds you and yours doing well this fine Sunday morning.

With the understanding that I have yet to purchase my own first quad, but I work with and live around several experienced quad drivers I'd offer the following.

Do your research first on the fuel consumption of various models if you plan to ride it for longer distances or times. Even within the same motor size class there appears to be a considerable difference in fuel consumption.

Some of the models nowadays have electronic assisted steering and the riders over the age of 35 seem to really, really appreciate that.

While you are a large framed man, because of your health issues you may indeed have more fun than you'd hoped for trying to man handle some of the 700cc or larger units if they get stuck or off track in any way. A quick check of the dry weight specs will be time well spent I'd suspect.

How you intend to transport the quad will also have a bearing on the overall size and weight of the unit you'll want. From hearing the folks at work talk, loading an 800cc 4x4 onto the back of a pickup with a 6" lift and 35" rubber isn't always as easy as it looks.

Either a tilting trailer or a low trailer with ramps seems to be a safer way to go, though admittedly the resulting stories aren't nearly as fun to listen to.

Lastly they pay attention to a strong local dealer and competent mechanic staff when making the final decision. The rationale there seems to be they'd rather be in the mountains quading than driving a couple hours to the nearest dealer who can work on their rig.

Hopefully that all made some sense and will give you a bit of a foundation for your research. Good luck whichever way you decide Mark and all the best to you and yours in the upcoming week.

Regards,
Dwayne

I like anywhere from 300-400cc. They have plenty of power to get the job done. Mines mostly used around the farm, fixing fence, spraying, whatever. I wouldn't want a bigger machine because that's more weight. I've got a Honda rancher and a kowasucky bayou. The rancher is lighter and pretty easy to man handle and get unstuck or over a big log by yourself. The bayou is basically a cinder block on wheels. Hell, it even handles like one.

I don't really know why you'd go larger. Unless you were towing quite a bit of weight great distances.

Good stuff Dwayne!

My wish list would look like this:
ELECTRIC START!
400cc 4stroke
Push button 4x4 with low and high range
On a utility wheeler, I want enclosed foot wells. I have driven too many up the back of my legs trying to muscle them through nasty stuff.

If the above quote is true.........Any 4x4 Brand Name wheeler 250 to 1000 cc in decent shape will haul a deer out of the brush.

That was easy. But wait, there's more.

You may begin to enjoy riding an ATV . You may say this machine is alot easier on me then my Rokon. And easier to ride. Your bride may want to ride along with you to help and you both realize that riding double slowly through the woods is a blast together.

If any of the above happens....then you got choices to make.
If riding double or even just myself on a joy ride, independent suspension or bust for me.
Riding double or going on a long day trip or overnighter? 500cc or more for me.
Think your wife may drive it sometime? You and I know it's not flat in this country..........
Engine holdbacks (braking itself under compression) and steep descents controls make today's wheeler alot safer. Power steering is awesome and easy on the body in our steep mountain roads and trails.
Those old 250's are reliable, stout, great little workhorses, but they will tear you up out here on a long ride.
So, it's really easy to choose.....IF you only take out in the fall for 1 week and that's it.
OR
If you decide you may want to actually use and enjoy it more (and my prediction is, you will) you then have a bunch of choices to make.
Good Luck.

You will get a lot of answers, because people use their 4-wheelers for different reasons in different parts of the country.

Now for my $.02...

My dad has a 125cc (dont make them anymore) Honda, that works fine for him. 2 wheel drive, electric or manual start, and light as can be. If it gets stuck, jump off, pick the front or back out of the ruts, climb back on and off you go. With a front and rear rack, you can haul out 2 deer at a time, I know, I've done it and because its small, it goes thru the wood easily. It will run about 35 mph and for an 86 yr old man, it works fine.

I have a 350 yamaha, 2-wheel drive, electric start, that is 24 yrs old. When it gets stuck, I winch it out because I cant pick it up and set it out of the ruts. It rides smoother than dads because of a rear shock, hauls loads easier, runs 45 mph, and is easier to ride for long periods of time.

I dont pull trailers, haul loads heaver than deer/hogs, or go mudding, so for what I use my 4 wheeler for, it works great.

For a man of you size, the 350cc on up would be recommended, and MadMooners wish list is a good one!

Thanks everyone! I now will be staying away from the big twin cylinder 680 and look the hardest at the stuff in the 400cc range.

Good chance that sweeite and I would ride together some, so the 400 +/- seem to be capable in that area.

MARK

I had a 500cc and upgraded to a 700cc. There have been many times I wished that I didn't do that. The five hundred had plenty of power for what I use it for and was much easier to maneuver. FWIW neither one of them feel real good laying on top of you so be careful and wear your helmet.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/548695/A_Bad_ATV_Weekend#Post548695

Mike

Mark,
Than pay close attention to the seats too.
Sizes vary WIDELY.....AND LONGLY.

You do not want her or you (when she drives....and she will) sitting half on the rack.

Have fun.

400cc+
Electric start
4x4
4 stroke
Independant suspension

Those smaller ringa ding ding 2 strokes are great for throwing dirt and riding around like your butt is on fire, but the noise and smell will not have any benefits for your hunting.

Good luck.

Mark,
I've had 6 quads. I usually but not always ride alone and go to the MOST remote places I can find. Cross country, over logs, down creeks, you name it. I've hauled two guys, all archery gear, and one 4 point bull out of the woods on a Honda fourtrax 4x4 300cc. Ive had a Suzuki 300 King Quad with Hi/low range, a Kawasucky 400 4x4 automatic, and four Honda Fourtrax 4x4's. My buddy recently bought a $9600 Suzuki that I have pulled out twice and pulled over a rock pile out of a creek once. The independent suspension machines ride nice, beat you less, which may be very important for you. The newer nicer machines have power steering, and you may want that too. The little machine I have now (Honda) is the most capable machine I've ever seen or ridden. Others ride nicer, bigger machines use more fuel, Honda 3 gallons a day. Your physical condition may warrant checking out the independent suspension power steering machines. Expect to lose off road performance in tight spots with the bigger machines, but in some situations like wet snow, the faster tire speeds of the large machines can really move material. Weight to size ratio on the Fourtrax 4x4 is ideal for crusty snow, go right over the top without sinking in. All in all, size, weight, capability, I myself keep coming back to the Fourtrax. Manual transmissions make roll starting possible where some/all electric start machines this may not be possible. I got 10 years out of my original battery on my first one, never made a single repair, rode it REALLY hard, and out 4x4'd everyone I was with in almost every instance.
Consider your actual use and choose according to YOUR priorities. I'd consider comfort important for you.

Yup! 350-400 , but Id get the 4-wheeled drive ones, I have a 250 Honda, its alright but sucks in the snow as its 2 wheel drive. when I went to Sask. bear hunting alot they had mostly 350s after a few years they up graded to the 600s, they were going to go back to the smaller bikes as they call them, the bigger one got stuck more and were harder to get out, as they were alot heaver, and tended to burie them shelves more. good luck and be safe!

You're on the right track. Mid-size quads are far easier to handle than the big boys. 2WD quads are very capable for putzing around but for hunting use, IMO, 4X4 is a must have.

I have a Polaris 500 sportsman 4 stroke and a Polaris 400L 2 stroke.

I think you would appreciate the 4 stroke much more than the 2 stroke as the 2 stroke is much more tuned to fun than work and there are some maint issues to look for when buying a used 2 stroke polaris. The Sportsman is a real workhorse, the HI-LOW-REV variable trans in the sportsman is a great thing for us older guys as you just hit the throttle and go, no shifting to mess with.

When you do any towing or dragging of animals you will want to put it in low range to save wear on the belt. I do a lot of riding in remote areas so I replace the trans belt every 2 years to avoid any problems but I also have been told I'm anal about maint. on my machines.

I think any of the main brands with a 4 stroke would suit you fine, just look for it to be taken care of because if you don't do your own work some machines will be cost prohibitive to fix.

Just remember good maint is key to a dependable quad no matter what the brand.

350-400 CC minimum. Don't even consider a 2 stroke. Fuel mileage isn't really a consideration with ATV's beyond how much the tank will hold and how far you can go on it. They don't use enough for it to really make a difference cost wise.

Get something newer, it's no fun working on worn out old junk.

Hey Mark,

Above all stay away from the two stroke. They are loud and smelly. And in this day and age you need to be freindly with your bike. I realize you are probably on a budget bylooking at the bikes you have mentioned. Reading your requirements I would not go under 400cc. That being said I would stay around 500 or bigger. 4WD, independant suspension, CVT transmisson(no shifting)and the icing on the cake would be to score one with power steering. Fuel consumption is not a factor with these bikes, because I dought that you will be riding 80 - 100 miles a day.I ride mine alot and burn about 3gal. a ride. try and stay newer than about 02 and stay with the major brands. That way you can still get parts if you need to. Searh craigslist because my group has scored some really good deals off there on older slightly used bikes. Of course as always the above statements are JMO.

Grizz

I went through this exercise a few years ago. After looking at ALL of them, i ended up with a yamaha grizzley 700.
reasons i bought it:
fuel injection/high altitude, extremely cold, doesn't matter, push the button, it starts.

four wheel independent suspension, I am not exactly a small guy, you wouldn't believe the difference with this over older types of suspension

power steering: beats manhandling the dang thing

has a two speed, low/high transmission, push button 4x4, and another to lock up the differentials front and back. Strangely i have rarely had to use the four wheel except to manuever in tight spots or up/down steep hills, and the locking differentials rarely. come to think of it, mostly it is road in the high gear. Unless i am going up really steep, or down really steep stuff, i don't need the low range much

loading it by myself in the truck is NOT an issue. I have a 98 dodge 4x4 diesel, that sits pretty far up. I put a loading ramp, full accross, on the tail gate. put the bike in 4x4 low, and walk it up, not a big issue.
The bike will do 70mph on the flat, but i don't think i have ever had it over about 55mph.
As to capabilities it can pull over 1200pounds. In november we had to get a couple of cow elk up in the trees. no problem, threw a chain on their necks, hitched to my ball hitch on the back of the quad, and pulled them up.
I was thinking, still am, somewhat of putting a winch on it. Maybe to help get it in the truck, or just cause it looks cool.
I would not want to think of the conditions of getting it stuck, it would really have to be bad to do that. They just don't stick easy.
I have had jeeps/etc all my life. by far, the yamaha is much more comfortable and easy to navigate rough country with.

Yamaha has an engine brake on it, meaning let off on the gas, and it slows down, hardly ever use the brakes, which are disc by the way.

Limitation? Primary one is that injected 700cc engine sucks gas. It is not as fuel efficient as some of the smaller ones. Not a big deal to me. I do have a couple of spare gas carriers mounted on the back. It is not hard to do 100miles in a day on this thing.
One thing i would specifically look at are the tires. Most come with crap tires, and eventually you end up replacing with some aftermarket better tire.
I really like that big honkin engine, but the reality is for most purposes the 450/500cc range is probably sufficient for most anyting one would want to do.
If you want to see what the grizz is capable of, try youtube for the 700 grizzley.
My back/leg don't work so good. Got to tell you that suspension/power steering makes all the difference in the world.
I am about ready to build a rack on the back for my golden retriever pup so she can ride with me.
my son in law has a two wheel drive polaris, it will go a lot of places. The issue is he has to do it at speed, where i can pick my way accross stuff. And by the way, while they are not really designed for it, at least most of them, my wife rides on mine sometimes too. I sometimes run around in the hills with a group of ol guys, meaning older than me, in their 70's and early 80's. These quads give them an ability to still get out.

In Idaho a 350cc is too small in my opinion. Having to shift down to first gear in order to make a long steep climb is unsafe. You have just about a hundred pounds on me so I would say absolutely no way would you be happy with a 350 in Idaho's terrain.

On the other hand, I've found the 350cc to be a good size for here in South Dakota's Black Hills. It just isn't as steep here and the climbs not as long.

My other bike is a 450cc and it has worked well in both places.

My hunting partner traded in his 400cc for a 700cc. The 700cc with its power steering and much higher top speed is nice but he complains about the gas mileage and the overall additional size. He admits the additional expense did not justify the purchase. He is now talking of purchasing a UTE.

Roninphx,

That is what I currently have along with a 660. We ride the snow all winter so have replaced the tires with 12x12 bighorns by Maxxis. Then there is not awhole lot that is going to stop you. The only bikes that get better fuel economey are the suzuki 750 kingquads. They have to stop everynow and then and take fuel out of there tanks.LOL

one more plug for the 300-400cc range

I would also encourage you to opt for 4WD atv

it's really sweet when you encounter a 6" tree across your trail and you'll be able to just engage your 4WD and crawl right over. You dang sure don't want to have get off and move logs, or pick up the front rack, or have to get a ramming-running start like a 2wd version. Sure don't wanna be jigglin them 'sacks o grapes'

Yeah, and that whole stop-and-shift-into-4-wheel-drive thing, screw that! Buy a fourtrax and never stop to shift into low range, 4 wheel drive, high range... Honda made a ATV specific engine that doesn't need numerous gear sets to make it pull it's own weight. Just mash the gas and go. The Fourtrax EATS this stuff. This is from a few days ago.

You can get a nice older Fourtrax in esc shape for $2500'ish.

Not an argument, just a different opinion.

The Honda is an awesome machine for reliability, light, tough, bulletproof, cheap and to maintain.
If he is doing a pull deer for a few days a year.......perfect.

When he expanded to more riding and double riding.....I can't think of a much poorer choice. But that's just me.
Roughest ride in the industry, torture to turn.....in part because you are locked in fulltime 4x4. Not for doubles for any length of time. If you want to make sure your partner HATES
Riding ATV's, then take her on a mountain ride all day on a Fourtrax.

I ride alone whenever possible! My dog loves to go.

Dogs are easy.

I got to throw in plug for my quad. It's a 2004 500cc Suzuki Vinson. It has electric 2 to 4wd, electric and manual start, a 5sp manual transmission and a solid rear axle. With the shocks adjusted correctly and the right air pressure in the tires it rides fairly smooth. I have no complaints about it.

I tried to find a used Honda that was in good shape and reasonably priced but I couldn't so I settled for the Suzuki and have no regrets. A Suzuki Eiger is the same machine but with a 400cc engine. I'd give two thumbs up for either one.

That is very good info. I also agree with those who say 400 cc or a bit more, and 4wd for sure - but what he said about the Suzuki KQ with low range is correct.

Plugs?
Sweet.
550 Polaris XP P/S Efi.
ADC control so the partner can safely go down steep, rocky, snowy, muddy trail with ease.
Unbelievable safety feature for wife or kids.
Best rider comfort seat EVER.
Push button start, 4x4 (no, you don't have to stop).
A pleasure riding double.

I have a 750 King quad, but only because I run tracks in the winter for ice fishing. Ranch where I hunt elk has a 300Honda and if it weren't for the tracks, I'd have one of those 300's in a heartbeat. We've pulled bull elk out of some hairy spots with 2 guys aboard.

Have owned several different brands and CC's for use around the farm and hunting. It is a different application than trail or pleasure riding. My favorite is the four stroke Honda Foreman 450, manual shift and handle bar switch shift back and forth 2WD and 4WD.

Good luck in your search.
Wayne

I think that the ideal way to move a quad with your car/truck is a hitch hauler. These generally can hold 500 lbs so you should try to keep your quad under that weight.

Mark,

First you might want to think about the transmission. Are you looking at a quad with a traditional five or six speed manual shifted tranny, or perhaps one of the machines with a CVT automatic.

I have used a few quads over the years packing game. Many years ago Yamaha built a 2WD 300/350 CC machine with a high and low range. It had a manual tranny and in low range had no problem packing two men (over 400 lb together) plus rifles and a deer on the front rack through a couple inches of snow.

Today I own a 2004 model 500 CC Suzuki Vinson. It has high and low range with electric 4X4, and it has the CVT transmission. It works just like a snowmobile. As the engine RPM come up, so does the gear ratio. It makes for smooth riding, and one never ends up in too high a gear for the terrain.

But it also means that you do not get to grab a lower gear and use RPM to make more horsepower. With an automatic, I would not purchase anything smaller than a 500.

My buddy sold me the 500 and he bought the Suzuki King Quad 700. It is exactly the same length, width, and height as the 500. But the 700 weighs about ten pounds LESS than the 500. The 700 has independent rear suspension and more torque than the 500, but my buddy still wishes he had the 500 back instead.

Bottom line, manual tranny: 350 CC or better (even better if you can get lucky and stumble across one of the old Susukis with the three speed transfer case.)

Automatic: 500 CC or better

My dad has a Yamaha Big Bear 400. I have a Yamaha Grizzly 450. Either will do anything you need.

Are you confused yet Mark?

anyone seen the new hybrid mower at Lowes?

7000 watt generator
3 pin deck
atv shocks
gas/battery power
17mph with blade disengaged
5mph mower
storage bed on the back
420cc motor
gas/brakes like a car

$3000



as for the OP's question - sounds like he is talked into 400cc 4X4. My only suggestion is to make sure he is getting a utility version over a sport but I suspect all 4X4's are utility.

Same scenario for me, same pick. That is one easy to use machine.

Hard to beat a Honda Foreman,,we have a 450 and a 500,,they are workhorses for sure!!

saferiman, my physical dimensions are the same as yours and have a few limitations due to a stroke. One arm, left legs is kinda on the way out and I could probably get arrested for being drunk in public when you see me walk.

OK, I have a Kawasaki 750 Brute with a lot of motor work and it will stand straight up when the throttle is hit and then I have a 2011 yamaha 450 Grizzly with power steering that I use for ALL my utility and hunting needs. The 750 Brute gathers dust and I loan it to friends for trail rides.

MadMooner hit it.

I don't know what your riding conditions are but tire selection is gonna be your next question.

Weather permitting the 450 Grizz gets ridden on a daily basis on logging, mining roads as well as the several hundred acres of steep wooded terrain around the house.



Denny