Question about quads.

[Nerdapres']

I'm 300 pounds, what would be the minimum size of quad I could ride? Can anyone suggest a place for a good quad at a decent price?

[BIG AL]

I wouldn't look at anything smaller then a 500. Not necessarily because you're a big man but because bikes that are 500 and up are more versatile and are a lot more fun with the extra torque. I think the best bang for the buck are Kawasaki's. Cycle Works will give you as a good of deal as anywhere. That being said, if I was looking at purchasing a new bike I'd seriously look at the 550 Grizzley. I don't know what they cost but Yamaha, I find, are a bit more on the pricie side.

[spoiledsaskhunter]

i agree about the 500 cc size thing.....but good luck on getting any consensus on the best make. before its over, you'll be wondering why you asked!

Have you considered a side by side? A Rhino has more than enough power to haul you around, plus they are pretty versatile. Not to mention ther is room for two, and its easy to load stuff in the box.

[Nerdapres']

I'd love a rhino but I want something that'll fit in the back of my Mazda truck. For that same reason I'm only looking for a 2 wheel drive to save a little weight. I definitely have a preference for Kawasaki too.

[glen d.]

Polaris 800 would do the job , nice ride , lots of power.

[Soulcousin]

This summer my 300 lb. brother worked for Ducks Unlimited, and all he drove in the bush was a Honda 250. Just saying its possible...

Depends on how hardcore you want to get, myself I dont like digging 600+ lb quads out of the muck.

...But them new grizzlies ARE pretty nice!

[russ]

I remember when quads 1st arrived on the scene, 250's were the norm and 350's were big enough and still are, and 500's were considered huge. If you're gonna be skeggin' I was told to go to bigger tires and a lighter bike, that way I wouldn't destroy the trail if I had to use it again.

[stinkynuts]

Well boys and girl iam 270 pounds i ride the honda 350's and 420's all day at work up north of wabisca in the muskeg they have plenty of power to get a bigger fella around just dont put anything bigger than a 25 inch tire on them or it does start to rob a lot of power but these quads will take you as far as you need to go one thing to remember is unitill the later 90's the biggest quads made where only 350 and 400's just my thoughts thoe!

Something in a 450cc range with 4x4 w/efi would be fine,.. light, easy to ride,. Say Suzuki or Yamaha.

[glen d.]

Yes , i pulled elk out with my 200 honda , hooked the rope underneath to the front of the motor and also a 250 polaris 2x4 threw a cow elk on back rack of it and two guys on the front and hauled it out to the top then pulled it the rest of the way.

[Albertabowhunter]

Originally Posted by Soulcousin

Depends on how hardcore you want to get, myself I dont like digging 600+ lb quads out of the muck.

Thats why they come with winches.....

[Jamie]

Personaly I would like to see some souped up 600 or 700 try and lose my little 400 on the trails.. It hasent happened yet. Seems to me if I didnt stop to pull them out I would beat them to the end.

No reason to get a bigger machine. But go ahead and do it if you want.

As for your weight.. Dont worry about it. Our little Yamaha Big Bear took out a full elk and my brother out of the Little smokey river valley..At night... In a rain storm..

Jamie

[glen d.]

Jamie , i owned a 450 yamaha , good machine but when the snow came them big machine will eat you for breakfast , i know that is why i own a 800 polaris now.

[ctd]

I used my buddies Honda 460, I weigh 230 my buddie on the back was 250 and the deer on the front was 150 ish. We were travelling across some clear cuts with lots of holes and trees still down.
I was more then impressed with how it handeled.

I would recommend a 400- a 500
Yamahas 450 and Honda's 460 are both good choices for you and anyone else.
If you need to ride it in the winter time then have a 1" lift added to it.

[russ]

Originally Posted by Albertabowhunter

Thats why they come with winches.....

I thought those things were for pulling out trees! Learn something new every day

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by glen d.

Jamie , i owned a 450 yamaha , good machine but when the snow came them big machine will eat you for breakfast , i know that is why i own a 800 polaris now.

Well the ground clearance could be a issue, but once your tires are off the ground, all the power in the world will not help.

Jamie

[Tundra Monkey]

Originally Posted by glen d.

Jamie , i owned a 450 yamaha , good machine but when the snow came them big machine will eat you for breakfast , i know that is why i own a 800 polaris now.

That's why I have a snowmobile

tm

[Tredeb]

I think the biggest advantage of going bigger is the bells and whistles on the machines. It just seems to me that the manufactureres don't put their best stuff on smaller machines.

As far as power goes, if you have low range, you will have more than enough power for anything you want to do.

If you are planning on long rides, suspension will be a factor. Find smething that doesn't toss you around.

For reference, I am bigger than you and I have a 500 rubicon. It has more than enough power. It won't win any races or have the best comfort, but it is more than adequate. The big downfall with the Rubicon is the tranmission is hydraulic and very expensive to replace.

For Reliability, a honda foreman would probably be tough to beat.

For ride, I don't think you can beat polaris, but I think there are some reliability issues there.

For handling, I think it would be tough to beat the Yamaha power steering. Very reliable quads as well.

For price, you should look at Suzuki. My neighbor has a 500 Vinson that has served him very well.

Once I have money to upgrade my Rubicon, I think I will get a Grizzly with EPS and keep the Ruby for snow removal.

Hope this helps.