Quads, what brand and what size.

[BiG Boar]

Trying to determine past all the bs these sales guys are telling me. One guy actually told me that honda suck for hunting. So I am polling to find out what is the best by popular demand for hunting here in BC.

[Poguebilt]

I own 2... 03 honda trx 350 and 88 suzuki ltf250....

I just got the honda and very very impressed so far!

[rocksteady]

Bombi 650...Will bury the needle at over 100 km/h on good gravel roads...

[swampdonkey]

Bombi 650...Will bury the needle at over 100 km/h on good gravel roads...perfect for most road hunters ha ha

[NEEHAMA]

hunting only or hunting and fun ?

honda is a reliable work horse that feels to me like a ride on mower.

i like to "RIDE" back to camp so i need sport and utility !

i like polaris w 500cc min..

[krazy]

Arctic Cat 400 - 500

[Big7]

Honda, Yamaha and Arctic Cat would be my choice - I own an older model Kodiak 400 and it's very reliable.....never would own a Polaris....sorry, just all the ones I have ridden have been crap...each to their own!

[Caveman]

You need an "Other" choice.......I have an Artic Cat 500. Although it is powered by Suzuki.

[Sitkaspruce]

97 Big Bear 350, perfect for what I need, pulls like a damn with the 5 speed low gear. We have 4 95 yamaha big bears at work and we cannot kill them, except the starter, but that is why we have a pull cord:mrgreen:. They just keep going and going.

Unless you are travelling into the back country and pulling heavy loads, I would stick with a 400 and standard trans, it will pull out moose, be easy on the gas and if you get stuck, you can get it unstuck very easy...hint lighter weight.....

Cheers

SS

[moosinaround]

I also own an Arctic cat 500, I would buy any of the common brands, depends on price. My heart is set on a honda 500trx can. trail ed. with some mudlite radials. Any of them work, and they all break down depending on how you use em and abuse em. Moosin

[Chuck]

Sorry....I spoiled my poll. Mines a Suzuki all right, but 1.3 litre. I think that's 1300cc....a Samurai.

[model88]

I will give an opinion on the Arctic Cat 650 as soon as I pick it up:smile:

88

[BiG Boar]

Wow so far its yamahas under 400 cc! I dont even know what is available in Yamaha under 400cc. What are most of you riding in this case?

[SPEYMAN]

Did you just have a "senior moment"?

[Big7]

I picked Yamaha 400cc and under...cuz that's what I have.

I bought mine from a farmer (1992 Kodiak 400) and it's been great. Idealy I would like a Honda 420 with ES but you buy what you can afford right? I have dirt devils on the front and IPT Extreme Terrain Radials on the back - the tires are almost worth more than I paid for the quad but I don't have any flats or problems "getting around" either!

Personnaly I can't see owning a 7 or 800...they're just too damn heavy. I guess if you have a good winch it's ok but you can't side step the size of the things - you might as well be driving (as someone else stated earlier) a Suzuki Samarai!!

[Remington]

I got a 2007 Can Am 800cc Outlander XT, fully loaded: Camo, Winch, full skid plates, 27" tires, comes with a 3 year full warranty which no other company offers. Artic Cat came in 2nd for me with a 2 year warranty and all the other brands only came with a 6 monthy warranty. Definately something to think about.

The Can Am is awesome my Dad has a 400 2 seater, he wishes after being on my 800 that he went with a 650 or higher. I can take the 800 up to 110 easily on the backroads with juice left to go.

It feels very sturdy and performs well. I also use my Stuff a lot harder than the avg guy but I have to say Im extremly Satisfied with this Can Am quad. They are a very well built machine. Everyone one I know that has one says the same thing.

Ive yet to encounter any problems or terrain it cant handle.

[trailhunter]

Ive had really good luck with my 07 grizzly 700. I built a hunting exhaust and put my winch on a receiver so its more versatile :mrgreen:

a few pics to start everyone's creative juices flowing 8)

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/07%202piont%20009.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/07%202piont%20010.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/07%202piont%20012.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/07%202piont%20013.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/tv%20stand%20012.jpg


http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/tv%20stand%20017.jpg


http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0632.JPG
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0636.JPG

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0642.JPG
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0646.JPG

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0648.JPG
All done
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0651.JPG
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0652.JPG

[trailhunter]

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0742.JPG

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0746.JPG

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0744.JPG
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0747.JPG

A good idea came to m in a dream one night. I could make extension cord for my winch and rig it up in a tree or in the back of a pick up if i needed. Now its way more versatile than i first though

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0790.JPG

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0791.JPG
[/quote]

[trailhunter]

I got a 2007 Can Am 800cc Outlander XT, fully loaded: Camo, Winch, full skid plates, 27" tires, comes with a 3 year full warranty which no other company offers. Artic Cat came in 2nd for me with a 2 year warranty and all the other brands only came with a 6 monthy warranty. Definately something to think about.

The Can Am is awesome my Dad has a 400 2 seater, he wishes after being on my 800 that he went with a 650 or higher. I can take the 800 up to 110 easily on the backroads with juice left to go.

It feels very sturdy and performs well. I also use my Stuff a lot harder than the avg guy but I have to say Im extremly Satisfied with this Can Am quad. They are a very well built machine. Everyone one I know that has one says the same thing.

Ive yet to encounter any problems or terrain it cant handle.

The reason they come with a 3 year warrenty is because they need it. I have 260 hours on my grizzly and it never seen the shop floor of the dealer for warrenty work. :-P

[The 'Hummer']

You've got my 'juices flowing'. Just put a new battery in my '95 Yamaha Big Bear and got it & my John Deere trailer all prepped. I was going to make mention of it but now that I've seen what you've put into yours, I think I'll just enjoy your pictures. Good job.

Ive had really good luck with my 07 grizzly 700. I built a hunting exhaust and put my winch on a receiver so its more versatile :mrgreen:

a few pics to start everyone's creative juices flowing 8)

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/07%202piont%20009.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/07%202piont%20010.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/07%202piont%20012.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/07%202piont%20013.jpg

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/tv%20stand%20012.jpg


http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/tv%20stand%20017.jpg


http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0632.JPG
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0636.JPG

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0642.JPG
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0646.JPG

http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0648.JPG
All done
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0651.JPG
http://www3.telus.net/public/cedarboy/IMG_0652.JPG

[Spuddge]

I've got 2 Yamaha 07 - 700s and they're excellent machines, everyone talks about the big bores being "heavy" but check the stats, the weight difference is negligible. Why wouldn't you want more power!? My vote is for the big bore Yamahas, they have done me well!

[trailhunter]

I've got 2 Yamaha 07 - 700s and they're excellent machines, everyone talks about the big bores being "heavy" but check the stats, the weight difference is negligible. Why wouldn't you want more power!? My vote is for the big bore Yamahas, they have done me well!

very good piont. Here's a comparison between the 450 and 700. 10lbs difference is peanuts.

This is a cool sight to compare quads side by side.

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/new_vehicle_compare.asp?vehicle1=87157&year2=2009&mfg2=2&vehicle2=87176&go=Go

[Dragginbait]

I've got a '97 suzi 300 king quad, it aint fast but with high, low and super low with differencial lock and a winch it'll go anywhere it needs to go. The independant rear axles are a nice touch too.

[humble hunter]

I own a 2000 honda 450 and a 2005 polaris 500 (unfortunately). If I am going out alone I ride the honda because I know I will return on it. The polaris has nice suspension but I am about to rebuild the transmission for the 3d time. Get a Honda!!

[Barracuda]

I would say any Quad with the word MAGNUM would be the best choice for you :p

[BiG Boar]

I would say any Quad with the word MAGNUM would be the best choice for you :p

Actually my favorite show on TV growing up was Magnum PI. Now if that man, and that mustache made a quad or even sat on one I would buy it. BTW Barracuda, I hope you took some advice and finally welcomed yourself to the man club. If not, best go get a Magnum.

[SHAKER]

Tough and reliable 95 yamy big bear with over 14000 k's on it of use and abuse! My not be the fastest one out there but I'll make it eventualy.
This is my war horse leading the pack bringing out a bull elk from a couple weeks ago! Took a couple more machines to get the second elk out.
http://i35.tinypic.com/1zdodxh.jpg

[ratherbefishin]

I have a 2003 Polaris 600 Sportsman with a warn winch and like it-my first choice would have probably been a Yamaha -but for $2500 and only 1600 k I wasn't about to turn my nose up at it.Of course-I'm not likely to put it to a real test-I'm just into crawling up logging roads,and it does that job superbly.I did see an older Honda 300 4 trax in New Zealand that hauled 2 guys ,dogs and gear almost straight up a mountain without pausing-and I must say I was impressed

[Remington]

Actually No Trailhunter,

The reason Can Am/ Bombardier put a 3 year warranty on their quads is because they actually build quality performance. Unlike yamaha's "I need Power steering " on my 6 month warranty quad to Keep the sales up. Which is just a lot more added crap to have fall apart on the trail.

Grizzlies are garbage imo. I test dorve one of the 700s and was very unimpreesed with it. Felt more like a 500 to me.

[Remington]

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=1eDK49i2hPc

check out that link if you have any doubts...

[Barracuda]

looks like a traction issue to me???

[lunatic]

Ford, Chevy, Dodge, blah, blah, blah. I suggest if you are looking for a quad then look at all the brands, test ride if possible, then buy what YOU like and don't worry about what others say or listen to their biased opinions. Just like vehicles, they all have their good and bad points and a lemon can come in any brand or size. For the record.....I have 2 Suzuki 700 Kingquads, a Polaris Big Boss 6x6, and an older Ploaris Sportsman 400. Have loved all of them. The biggest thing is to look after what you have and do regular maintenance and any of them should treat you well.

[Sako&Tikka]

07 grizz 700 is the way to go alittle loud if your leaning into it but its got snap for the fun times when theres no deer to be found and the power steering sher feels good at the end of the day

[Slime green cat]

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=1eDK49i2hPc

check out that link if you have any doubts...

All that proves is that the Canned Ham is heavier .... wich isn't really something to brag about :roll: The lighter more nimble quad will usually get you further in the nasty stuff .
Even up the weight on both machines and the Grizz would pull the guts right out of that 800 ... the Grizz has the toughest tranny ... not all belt drives are created equal .
Yamaha and Suzuki/Arctic Cat are the only belt drives I trust ... the rest just smoke em (belts) when things get tough ...

[Remington]

Keep Dreaming bud,

There vids all over youtube showing the Can am kicking the crap out of your Grizzly. I see a lot of proof for the Can am and alot of Hot air and BS for the Grizz.:cry:

[trailhunter]

lol typical can-am owner.........have fun with your viscal lock and your WELFARE frame.

[BigBanger]

Honda for me man , never a problem and I kick the crap outa it .

[Ubertuber]

I rode a Can Am last weekend for a couple of hours and I don't see the appeal. It was so damn heavy and I burned way more fuel than I would normally on my Honda. Each to their own, but a Can Am would be way down my list (just above Arctic cat) if I was in the market for a new quad.
Bigger and heavier ain't always better.

[Dually]

I, like many on this site have rode on or around many quads in my life, currently I own a Honda 420 because it's small size is easy to throw around in tight spots, get unstuck and every Honda I've owned was either being rode or in my garage never once in the shop. But I will admit that Honda gives up the smoother ride of other Quads and does not have locking Diff's option.

[compton]

I have a Polaris X2 and love it, it's great for hauling meat out of the bush or doubling. Last year on our moose trip we shot two moose the first morning, my moose I quartered and carried out in the box with the head on the front, it weighed over 600 pounds plus my 205 all in one load. Then an hour later we towed the second moose out of another slash even farther. But the best thing about it is in five seconds you can flip the second seat up and double all day in comfort.

[browningboy]

Yamaha grizzly big bore, the best bar none! The rest seem to have tranny, diff, transfer case problems , the grizzly just keeps going, I throw everything at it and it just wants more, I've ridden with all types and thus far the yammy is tops on my list.

[browningboy]

Actually No Trailhunter,

The reason Can Am/ Bombardier put a 3 year warranty on their quads is because they actually build quality performance. Unlike yamaha's "I need Power steering " on my 6 month warranty quad to Keep the sales up. Which is just a lot more added crap to have fall apart on the trail.

Grizzlies are garbage imo. I test dorve one of the 700s and was very unimpreesed with it. Felt more like a 500 to me.

Owned a can am/ polaris/bombadier/BRP or whatever the hell you want to call it and it did the job but the grizz is bar none the superior machine when it comes to BC terrain, the mileage, tranny configuration, etc.
Really its just personal preference but when a company can't keep the same name over a 5 year span, makes one wonder if they will even be around to service their warranty??
The "yellow" one was heavy and sloppy where the grizzly was quite nimble in comparison especially crawling up a steep grade, one would have to wonder what that 900 lbs would feel like toppling on you if a mistake were to happen, at least with 600 lbs one stands a more of a chance.
Anyway my 2 cents as I owned both.

[vortex]

one would have to wonder what that 900 lbs would feel like toppling on you if a mistake were to happen, at least with 600 lbs one stands a more of a chance.
Can am 900 lbs....I didn't think any manufactures quads weighed that? Their website says 663 lbs for an 800 and Yamaha's says 600 lbs. for a 700 Grizzly.

[lunatic]

lol typical can-am owner.........have fun with your viscal lock and your WELFARE frame.



Hmmmm, actually had forgotten about that problem. Met up with some people while on a trip last fall and one couple in the group had two machines and both of them had frames break. The guy said that neither him or his wife had rode them hard. Makes you wonder.......

[M.Dean]

I don't like working on quads out in the bush so i bought 2 Yamaha's, a 400 and a450, never had a problem with either!

[trailhunter]

Yeah ive seen one tweek on a root that evryone hit.........he thought his a-arm was bent. Nope frame was. I must admit they sure fly ike no other but when it come to the technical stuff with the viscol lock it just needs to be re-thought out. If you could through a rotex in a grizzly chassy with power steering, disc brakes, e-locker, plush seat, altramatic tranny we would have the worlds best bike.

[scoot]

That's sweet Remington! I have ridden many quads and have friends that ride all sorts. My next choice WILL be a BRP. Prob a 650 2 up.

[Barracuda]

whats wrong with a side by side like the Kawasaki Vtwin teryx? (you can get them in red just like "Robin 1" ) Everything i have seen about them has be positive. the way i see it is if you are gonna get a quad get a mid size with low gearing or a two up or side x side .

The big 700cc thumpers you can hear from very far away and the low freq noise would be audible to most animals from a far greater distance then we can hear.

perhaps what ever you decide we can all chip in and buy you a sticker that says Robin 1 :razz: .





PS: i think a name change to Magnum might be in order for you

[srupp]

Hmmm only owned 2 quads the first was a honda 4 trax 300 cc ran it for 14 years sold it last year with the ORIGINAL tires..and never a problem..

Bought another HONDA 500 CC Rubicon Canadian trails edition..for reliability..

so far I have 1900 kilometers on this 2008 model..

the winch is 2500 # and WOULDNT pull my moose out up to the rd...:mad:

and after 1900 kilometers the tires look pretty well 60% gonzo..too soft??? But it goes great..a little harder on fuel than the 300 but I was just hunting for 9 days and used 10 gallons ....

I just think the HONDA will get me home every evening...reliability..

STEVEN

[Nalidixic]

Arctic Cat 650 VTwin here.

[Ubertuber]

the winch is 2500 # and WOULDNT pull my moose out up to the rd...:mad:A snatch block is your friend.8)

[srupp]

did use a snatch block but not with the quad..the truck

steven

[Cdn-Redneck]

What dealer says Hondas aren't good for hunting? What a load of crap. I have a 700 Suzuki King Quad and a 91 honda 350 4wd. This is my first season on the Kingquad, and I love the power it has. A 350-500 is enough power in my opinion. My 350 went everywhere I needed and wanted to go. Most dealers are promoting their quads as better because of the independent suspension. Most Hondas are a solid rear axle. I would stick with the Japanese models first. Arctic Cat and Can-am have excellent machines as well. A 450 Yamaha Kodiak is a very popular machine. The Honda Rubicon 500 is an excellent quad as well. The new Yamaha Grizzly comes in both 700 and 550cc's this year Kodiaks come in 350,400 and 450cc's. The Suzuki Kingquad comes in 750,500,450,and 400cc's. Shop around you will find what you are looking for.