Looking for a used quad

92 bayou 300 here. If it wasn't a well built machine, it certainly wouldn't be running anymore.

 

My 300 trx the first gear out of neutral is not even #1 is SL I guses for slow. Like old School manuals with "granny gear". Empty it's just a second to get rolling then shift up. But slow in the woods with a trailer it's perfect for towing loads...slow.

 

I always liked the Yamaha 450 Kodiaks. Plenty of power (unless you want monster mudder tires or feel the need to drag race your 4x4) full independent suspension, part time 4x4 with front diff lock, not too tall or heavy like some of the bigger 4x4 quads. After riding a 4x4 in 2x4 (which is most of the time for most people) and then getting on a full time 4x4 quad...doubtful you'd buy the full time 4x4 quad (outside of a "too good to pass up" kind of deal maybe)
I remember when Honda came out with the 1985 ATC 350x, (still have one actually) it rocked the industry with its torque and power (they did run well!) Point is, anything over 500cc in a 4x4 is more want than need IMO...

 

Yeah, those older wolverines had no low range gear set, and were geared to be a sportier quad, which doesn't make it ideal for pulling heavy loads.

 

The old klf300 4x4 bayou's while always in 4wd, were and are simple to use, and as easy to use as a rwd or selectable 2 or 4WD quad. They just work, no matter what. There's a reason they were made with basically zero changes for so long.

Anyone looking for a cheap but good 4x4 quad that is an over achiever should consider one.

 

Well we'll see what the budget allows for in the coming weeks. But there's some great advice here. I'm a simple guy so the "anything japanese in the 400-500cc range" was great advice.

Just looking at a 400 kodiak near me with 2wd and 4wd. It's a 2001 with 3,000 kms He's asking USD2800.

 

I got a 2008 Polaris sportsman 800 with 380 miles on it for $3900 a couple months ago, looks and runs like new. I wanted the extra Cc's because we can run them street legal in SD, so I can us it more often.

 

Same with the trx 300 by honda. Made from 1988 through the early 00s with alost no changes!

 

I bought a Kodiak 450 for dad when he retired (early 2000's)
Been a good machine but very rough ride with straight axle rear. The Grizzly 450 started the independent rear. So much better ride.

If I was in the market for an inexpensive machine , I'd look for a Polaris 4-500 sportsmen.
There is no doubt they are the best riding quad ever built. Best seat cushion also.

 

You must have bought the first year or two of the 450 Kodiak, it had rear straight axle...they changed to IRS in '05 I think it was...I forgot about that lil detail.
I agree, much better ride!

 

IRS quads ride better, but solid rear axles pull/tow better.

 

You guys have inspired me to spend money. I will be going to my nearby motor sport dealer the next good riding day to find out what they have used that might serve me. A quick search has turned up at least 2 of those Hondas you were saying were OK in their inventory.

 

grandgourmand and Oldman47 ... nothing against other posters but since he too polite to say so Horkn really know his stuff when it comes to A TV and such.. before Christmas I posted a snow pic that had a nephew riding one of our beater sleds... from a not so great pic he correctly identified sled model.. (a skidoo formula plus) and commented on the solid steel construction... that was a 25 year old snowmobile and quite the impressive ID.. the solid steel was why I bought it... as it was used it too tow maple sap to sugar house.

 

I don't doubt that Canadian Border VT. I spent some time reading through this thread and then went out to search for quads locally. I was happy to find that many of the quads you guys thought well of were being offered at good prices locally. That is why I made my post. I am guessing I can get into a decent enough quad for about $1500 at local prices which would suit me fine.

 

Yep plenty at those prices.

 

A machine driven lots off road can have worn tires. You can wear tires out on a machine that basically never sees pavement