buying a used quad

chappy

chappy

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surrey bc
after many years since i owned a quad i'm in the market. last one i had was a yamaha big bear. looking for something reliable to knock about at the cabin and hunt with. as i'm out of touch with the market i was wondering if any brands are better or worse than others. i have looked at a 350 honda fortrak. seems simple but didn't ride all that smooth. have looked at polaris but not too sure on the belt drive. any opinions
 
Belt drive is fine on the polaris, just make sure you select the proper gear. If you don't that when the problem start.

-MPH and less = low gear
+10 MPH = high
 
chappy said:
after many years since i owned a quad i'm in the market. last one i had was a yamaha big bear. looking for something reliable to knock about at the cabin and hunt with. as i'm out of touch with the market i was wondering if any brands are better or worse than others. i have looked at a 350 honda fortrak. seems simple but didn't ride all that smooth. have looked at polaris but not too sure on the belt drive. any opinions
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The rigid rear axle quads are rougher ride, but simpler maintenance and usually lighter weight machines.

I have a Honda 350, that I like a lot, am in the process of buying an older (late '90's) Big Bear, and I like them a lot too. The Big Bear feels larger, and steers lighter than the Honda, but they are both really decent units.

I would like to take an IRS Kodiak out for a ride to see what they feel like.

Get what you can get your product support for.

Cheers
Trev
 
You will never ruin a yamaha belt, they are always tight and do not slip unless water has gotten into clutch housing. Polaris is like a skidoo still last time I checked, the primary spins loose on the belt till it engages. Kawasaki is poor also for belts, been out riding in the deep stuff lots and yamaha never ruins the belt. I have 14000 of yamaha km's under my belt and its never been an issue.
 
chappy said:
after many years since i owned a quad i'm in the market. last one i had was a yamaha big bear. looking for something reliable to knock about at the cabin and hunt with. as i'm out of touch with the market i was wondering if any brands are better or worse than others. i have looked at a 350 honda fortrak. seems simple but didn't ride all that smooth. have looked at polaris but not too sure on the belt drive. any opinions
Click to expand...

Stick with Yamaha, specifically a Kodiak 450 if you're looking for a smaller machine. Lightweight, reliable, low maintenance, optional power steering, reliable, steel racks, long belt life (smoother ride than shaft), reliable, independent rear suspension (your back will thank you). Did I mention they're very reliable? :D
 
Had a 400 Kodiak 10 speed and still have 350 Honda 5 speed. Both excellent machines. Kodiak was built like a 3/4 ton pick up and 350 Honda like a half ton. Honda better on fuel but Kodiak better heavy hauler.
 
Never had a belt issue with my 2008 Polaris Sportsman and have pulled a lot of heavy stuff, trick is stay in low range. "Electrical issues" now that's another matter. DO NOT under any circumstances buy a used 2008 vintage Polaris. The main wiring harness is made from to thin and brittle wire. The wires are for ever breaking. leaving one stranded. Polaris is aware of the issue but refuses to do anything. So stay very clear of a used Polaris.
 
well i ended up with a honds 350 forman. trail use only not beat. i used to own a yamaha big bear that looked rougher after two years than this honda. i will be taking to the cabin on the may long weekend for testing and hopefully a bear.
 
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