Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
Mar 24th 2009, 9:23 am
#1
Sawdust making harpy
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Alberta
Posts: 11,291
Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
I know times are hitting people a little hard - but quadding (as with sledding in the winter months) is still a huge sport. To that end its the time of year when a lot of people are planning on the seasons fun purchase.
I know the 800's are the daddy of the quad family but is there really any reason to go with something that big.
If anyone out there has a quad, what size engine did you go for and does it do the job you want it to - be it either work around the acreage or weekends away yahooing around the countryside.
The reason I ask is that i'm looking into getting one and for a first am thinking a 400 will suffice for pretty much everything, aside from the fact you can put a shovel on the front and clear the drive in the winter
I know the 800's are the daddy of the quad family but is there really any reason to go with something that big.
If anyone out there has a quad, what size engine did you go for and does it do the job you want it to - be it either work around the acreage or weekends away yahooing around the countryside.
The reason I ask is that i'm looking into getting one and for a first am thinking a 400 will suffice for pretty much everything, aside from the fact you can put a shovel on the front and clear the drive in the winter
Mar 24th 2009, 9:54 am
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,175
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
I know times are hitting people a little hard - but quadding (as with sledding in the winter months) is still a huge sport. To that end its the time of year when a lot of people are planning on the seasons fun purchase.
I know the 800's are the daddy of the quad family but is there really any reason to go with something that big.
If anyone out there has a quad, what size engine did you go for and does it do the job you want it to - be it either work around the acreage or weekends away yahooing around the countryside.
The reason I ask is that i'm looking into getting one and for a first am thinking a 400 will suffice for pretty much everything, aside from the fact you can put a shovel on the front and clear the drive in the winter
I know the 800's are the daddy of the quad family but is there really any reason to go with something that big.
If anyone out there has a quad, what size engine did you go for and does it do the job you want it to - be it either work around the acreage or weekends away yahooing around the countryside.
The reason I ask is that i'm looking into getting one and for a first am thinking a 400 will suffice for pretty much everything, aside from the fact you can put a shovel on the front and clear the drive in the winter
PS Are you BridgieDarling-seriously?(if you can see this of course)
Mar 24th 2009, 9:59 am
#3
half a century
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Sarf Lundun to East Van :)
Posts: 10,222
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
No she is deff 100% moochops - always has always will !
Mar 24th 2009, 10:05 am
#5
half a century
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Sarf Lundun to East Van :)
Posts: 10,222
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
mandy - oh do keep up!
Mar 24th 2009, 10:10 am
#7
Meh
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 887
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
I've got a Kawasaki Brute Force 650. Excellent machine, excellent V-twin engine, nice and smooth unlike single cylinder machines I've driven. Use it for plowing, running around the trails and generally around the acreage pulling blown down trees and that sort of thing. For plowing you don't want to go to too light a machine.
Mar 24th 2009, 10:14 am
#8
Sawdust making harpy
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Alberta
Posts: 11,291
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
I've got a Kawasaki Brute Force 650. Excellent machine, excellent V-twin engine, nice and smooth unlike single cylinder machines I've driven. Use it for plowing, running around the trails and generally around the acreage pulling blown down trees and that sort of thing. For plowing you don't want to go to too light a machine.
suppose am looking for an everything machine but that isn't too powerful for me as i'm just learning!!!!! (trigger happy me! so no point saying well you can only go as fast as the driver allows!)
Mar 24th 2009, 11:03 am
#9
Meh
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 887
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
Having lots of power isn't a problem, it only goes as fast as you want! One thing I would say is that it might be worth getting a quad with powersteering, after a while it can get really tough on the arms otherwise.
Mar 24th 2009, 11:11 am
#10
Slightly Canadian
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 10,129
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
ATV is something I have researched. Bigger isn't neccessarily better - best machines I've riden are Kawasaki 360 and Yam Kodiak 400. Rode a 750 Artic Cat for a day and had biceps like popeye at the end of it. Will post more later but the baby is crying.....!
Mar 24th 2009, 11:13 am
#11
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Europe (to be specified).
Posts: 30,259
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
Mar 24th 2009, 1:01 pm
#12
Pea Brain
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: TBD
Posts: 6,005
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
I've seen over 50mph on the clocks on gravel roads, and that's plenty fast enough for most situations. I'm 6ft and 190lbs, so it's got plenty of grunt. Of course more power is always nice, but a 400's a good compromise machine that can have it's throttle nailed if you're inclined to without really threatening your safety. I've friends with a 450 and 600cc quads. Both are somewhat bulkier, heavier, and subsequently not as fast. It's not all about engine size.
Independent rear suspension's essential I think - far nicer ride and generally better ground clearance.
Mar 24th 2009, 11:00 pm
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Vernon BC
Posts: 48
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
I know times are hitting people a little hard - but quadding (as with sledding in the winter months) is still a huge sport. To that end its the time of year when a lot of people are planning on the seasons fun purchase.
I know the 800's are the daddy of the quad family but is there really any reason to go with something that big.
If anyone out there has a quad, what size engine did you go for and does it do the job you want it to - be it either work around the acreage or weekends away yahooing around the countryside.
The reason I ask is that i'm looking into getting one and for a first am thinking a 400 will suffice for pretty much everything, aside from the fact you can put a shovel on the front and clear the drive in the winter
I know the 800's are the daddy of the quad family but is there really any reason to go with something that big.
If anyone out there has a quad, what size engine did you go for and does it do the job you want it to - be it either work around the acreage or weekends away yahooing around the countryside.
The reason I ask is that i'm looking into getting one and for a first am thinking a 400 will suffice for pretty much everything, aside from the fact you can put a shovel on the front and clear the drive in the winter
Andy.
Mar 25th 2009, 3:52 am
#15
Seasoned Maritimer
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick CA
Posts: 8,309
Re: Quads / ATV's and all that fun stuff
Jealous... wish I could afford an ATV. Wife said if I give up smoking we could afford one in two years.
I'm still smoking.
I'm still smoking.
