Need help finding the right quad for me!

[Passion4thrashin]

Hey ladies! I've decided it's high time to buy my own quad as I've always wanted to get into it and I finally have the time and money. I don't know any girls who quad on their own, so I'm trying to get some help from the guys I know but it's just not the same. I was wondering if you guys might be able to suggest some good quads to look at for me or give me some tips for buying my very own quad. I'm looking to buy used, not new, as it's more affordable. I've had the Yahama Grizzly 550 recommended, and it sounds perfect for me but is a little higher than my budget. Am thinking the 450 Kodiak but there's no power steering... not sure the difference this will make on a small quad?

Anyways for my needs... I want something that I can take out in the woods to go hunting in the fall, but that I can throw around (not having it throw ME around) and make my bi*** in a mudhole during the spring and summer. A qud that I can keep up to the boys on the trails with that can handle the muskeg, but that I can keep good control of. I have ridden Grizzly 700s before and some similar sized quads before, and they are fun but too big for me to control the way I want to be able to.

So ladies, what do you suggest? What are your tips for me in my search?

[Laracara]

I bought a used Yamaha Warrior 350cc last Dec for my 12 yr old son. It was too much for him, so now its mine. I fell in love with it when I rode it the very first time, right then I was addicted! I love love to ride in the mud & woods with it. I feel in control of it-most of the time anyhow. Its not too big and its not too much power to get away from ya. I am 5ft 3", it fits me well. Its not too tall. We have a Suzuki Quadsport 400cc, its more for speed & not the woods & mud (I use it there sometimes!) I like to ride for fun & I love having fun on my Warrior. Good luck!

[Ajmboy]

So what did you end up getting?

[BioWare]

Ya let us know what you got, and provide info.

[Raptor8]

the 450 Kodiak is a good quad- it has all the features of the Grizzly but is a bit smaller, a lot lighter and easier to handle. If you ride one you'll fall in love with it.

[wheeler0801]

So, did you find one? I've been riding a 400ex for the past few years and just finally sold it....need something faster to compete with the boys now

Rocking an 08 KTM 450XC w/a 540 big bore kit... WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!

[CK1999_400ex]

the kawasaki 360 praitie is a good quad also and has 4x4 and is a managable size you can get them used at a fair price also ... the stearins is pretty lite and they will keep up with most other utility quads in the woods trails .. they have plunty of power with the cvt belt drive system ...

[oxidized_black]

the 550 is a nice choice, the one i saw was real nice, burgandy and subtle black (old school) flames. check out kijiji for calgary. there are some beauty deals there, and or edmonton. they seem to be in much better shape and less cost than in the fort mac area. and welcome to qc

the power steering factor isn't a big deal unless you put a bigger and more aggressive tire on the quad. and maybe make sure you don't get something in 4 wheel all the time, 2 to 4 select is really nice. just saying cause i have a 660 and 350. both are about the same armstrong steering...

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-ATVs-2003-HONDA-FOREMAN-ES-W0QQAdIdZ335586377

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-ATVs-2000-Yamaha-Grizzly-600-W0QQAdIdZ334087603

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-ATVs-2007-Honda-TRX500FM-FANTASTIC-UNIT-W0QQAdIdZ333838517

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-ATVs-Kawasaki-Brute-Force-750-W0QQAdIdZ333191774

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-ATVs-Polaris-Sportsman-700-W0QQAdIdZ316630216

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-ATVs-2007-Canam-Outlander-650-XT-W0QQAdIdZ331819317

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-ATVs-2007-Kawasaki-Brute-Force-650-W0QQAdIdZ331556734

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-ATVs-2003-yamaha-grizzly-660cc-3650-obo-4038618320-also-taking-trades-W0QQAdIdZ330533264

don't know what your budget is so i kept these 5 and under i think ...

Edited December 4, 2011 by oxidized_black

[froggie]

I just switched from a polaris 500 to a polaris 550 - Touring. what a difference. I can keep up with the boys and also feel safe while i am at it. The longer wheel base makes all the difference. Also have power steering for the first time. I would never buy another quad without it....