How much ATV do I need?

[KsPete]

Hi, I am brand new here and know next to nothing about ATVs. I have cash in hand and looking to buy a utility ATV soon. But I am still trying to figure out just how much ATV I need. I live in a rural area on about an acre. In addition to some low-key pleasure riding (I am an older guy) I am looking for something I can also use around the homestead. I have several trailers to move from time to time (including a 21 foot pontoon), haul some firewood and pull a drag on my dirt driveway. Most of my pleasure riding will be on dirt roads and flat land pastures (I live in Kansas). I dont plan to race or head for the dunes. How small an ATV would it take to do what I want without feeling inadequate and is there such a thing as too much ATV?

Also, I was looking at a Craigslist ad for a 2003 Kawasaki Prairie 650 for $3,600... NADA lists the value at $3125 and KBB at $2910. How close are these guides to actual selling prices?

Thanks

[oxidized_black]

you could probably get away with a 350. i hauled wood and did everything you want to do with a 350 honda, then moved up to a 450. if you can get something big, over 500cc reasonably priced, go for it. you may not use all the power, but at least you have it when you want it.

[quadnut20]

IMO I think it depends on your riding skills:wink: I agree with OX 350 to 400cc to start with !!

[GREENIE]

unless your wanting to ride fast you dont need anything bigger than a 400 or 500. but if you find a good deal on a bigger one take it. its always nice having the extra power.

[michaelg]

Totally depend on your riding.i think get a trailboss it's esay too drive.

[cheriah]

agreed 350 or 450,,,as far as the Prairies go look up hanginon.....he knows them inside and out...

[wylde1]

I agree with the others here. If you are planning on doing work and towing with it I would go 400 and up. As for the price you can find better deals, but being new to ATV's you will want something that was well taken care of so you don't run into problems right away.

Welcome to QuadCrazy.

Edited April 12, 2012 by wylde1
misspell

[Jonny450R]

Hi, I am brand new here and know next to nothing about ATVs. I have cash in hand and looking to buy a utility ATV soon. But I am still trying to figure out just how much ATV I need. I live in a rural area on about an acre. In addition to some low-key pleasure riding (I am an older guy) I am looking for something I can also use around the homestead. I have several trailers to move from time to time (including a 21 foot pontoon), haul some firewood and pull a drag on my dirt driveway. Most of my pleasure riding will be on dirt roads and flat land pastures (I live in Kansas). I dont plan to race or head for the dunes. How small an ATV would it take to do what I want without feeling inadequate and is there such a thing as too much ATV?

Also, I was looking at a Craigslist ad for a 2003 Kawasaki Prairie 650 for $3,600... NADA lists the value at $3125 and KBB at $2910. How close are these guides to actual selling prices?

Thanks

how big are the trailers and how heavy is the pontoon? As well is your land flat or does it have hills. I had a honda rancher (350cc) and it could barely move me up hills at times. honestly I wouldn't go lower then a 500cc for what you're doing. but the kawie 650 you're looking at would work great for your situation and then some, as long as it not modified as well for the price it ain't bad depending on the condition it's in.

[KsPete]

Just an update, I picked up a 2001 Yamaha Grizzly 600 today for what I think is a reasonable price (reference my rant in another post regarding KBB and NADA pricing). It seems to have really good compression, starts and runs great, doesnt smoke... all in all, it seems to be in pretty good condition despite its age. Im happy.

Edited April 19, 2012 by KsPete

[oxidized_black]

good for you ! GO

[GREENIE]

good for you ! Go

can t go wrong with a yamaha

[quadnut20]

can t go wrong with a yamaha

Wanna Bet !!!!!!LOL GO RED !!!!!!

[Jonny450R]

Wanna Bet !!!!!!LOL GO RED !!!!!!

I'll double that bet and say go green, it means go glad you found one bud. wheres the pics of it at?

[quadnut20]

I'll double that bet and say go green, it means go glad you found one bud. wheres the pics of it at?

Green`s too frickin bright !!!

[swampcat07]

I would look for something around 500cc or larger.

[Austinhuntman]

It depends what your using it for. I started out with a king quad 300 from 2001 and it could do anything I wanted it to. Sure it took a little bit of shifting front high to low and down shifting but it was worth it. I want that little quad back. Now I have a 700 and I think I have used its power about 2 times and I was hauling fertilizer and lime to food plots. Probable about 1800 lbs of it lol. Sure it's smoother than the 300 and I don't have to worry about a choke but I mean is it really necessary. No. It is nice to have. Actually it is amazing to have efi (electronic fuel injection) for those cold winter mornings during hunting season.

Edited October 3, 2012 by Austinhuntman