Quantcast
Jump to content

  • Do you own an ATV? Join our Forum!

    As a member, you can post in our forums, upload your photos and videos, use and contribute to our downloads, create your own member page, add your ATV events, and even start your own ATV club to host your own club forum and gallery.  Registration is fast and you can even login with social network accounts to sync your profiles and content.

    • Sign In
    • or
    • Sign Up
    • or
jaysun

New rider looking for some purchasing advice

By jaysun, in New Members Area!

Recommended Posts

jaysun    10

jaysun
Posted

Hey all! I grew up riding friends' ATVs from about 9 to 14 years old. Since then, I've only gotten to ride 2 or 3 times (I'm 32 now), so I'm very much out of the loop. A friend of mine just started dating a girl with an ATV and just talking about riding gave me the itch so bad that I'm about to buy a couple for myself and I could really use some help.

The ATVs I grew up riding were 400cc Honda 4x4 utility quads and I've never so much as sat on a racing bike but, looking at my selection on Craigslist, I'm finding a ton of sexy, seemingly well priced race bikes. My girlfiend, on the other hand, is dead set on utility ATVs. I may compromise and get one of each.

I'm a bit worried about stepping into race ATV territory, though, for a couple reasons. First, I'm finding that several people are selling theirs because they're "too fast". I'm all for some speed but I don't wanna kill myself and I don't wanna be intimidated by the bike. When I was a kid, we'd throttle those Honda 400s all the way down the trails, hitting about 50mph, but these 450 race bikes are topping out closer to 70 or so, not to mention I'm sure they have a lot more get up & go in the low gears. Secondly, I'm worried about the ability of race bikes to handle mud. I live in Florida and I'll primarily just be riding dirt trails but rain and mud are inevitable. I see a lot of the race bike sellers saying things like "never been in mud". Is mud that damaging to these types of ATVs?

I'm sure I'll have more questions. I'm spending all day today just perusing Craigslist and narrowing down my choices.

I appreciate any help you guys can offer. Thanks!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites


jaysun    10

jaysun
Posted

Oh, I also have another question. Do all (or most) sport ATVs have a clutch? The ATVs I used when I was a kid were manual but they had no clutch.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

quadnut20    66

quadnut20
Posted

I`m for gettin 1 sport and 1 4x4 quad ! JMO Ive tried both but I feel more comfortable on a sport !! I feel the need to drop the hammer once in awhile and fly !! :yes:

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

catcandu    10

catcandu
Posted (edited)

Have you looked at the Arctic Cat 1000 Thunder Cat or the new Can Am 1000 (83HP). The cat even has one that is all snorkeled out for mud. Both will do 85+. And your GF will be happy.:wink:

Edited by catcandu

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites


jaysun    10

jaysun
Posted
I`m for gettin 1 sport and 1 4x4 quad ! JMO Ive tried both but I feel more comfortable on a sport !! I feel the need to drop the hammer once in awhile and fly !! :yes:

I think that's where I'm going with it. I'm only comfortable on a utility quad but I wanna learn to ride sport.

If you're willing to waste an hour researching for me, I created this thread...:yes:

http://www.quadcrazy.com/atvforum/general-atv-discussion/12326-i-seriously-need-help-choosing-some-quads.html#post77627

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

jaysun    10

jaysun
Posted
Have you looked at the Arctic Cat 1000 Thunder Cat or the new Can Am 1000 (83HP). The cat even has one that is all snorkeled out for mud. Both will do 85+. And your GF will be happy.:wink:

My budget is only $7k for 2 quads

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

catcandu    10

catcandu
Posted
My budget is only $7k for 2 quads

You can find used Thunder cats for around $5k

and sport atv's are a dime a dozen this time of year.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

jaysun    10

jaysun
Posted
You can find used Thunder cats for around $5k

and sport atv's are a dime a dozen this time of year.

Apparently, utility quads are tough to find around these parts. After spending most of my day searching, this is all I could come up with...

http://www.quadcrazy.com/atvforum/general-atv-discussion/12326-i-seriously-need-help-choosing-some-quads.html#post77627

Five. Five decent utility quads.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

quadnut20    66

quadnut20
Posted
I think that's where I'm going with it. I'm only comfortable on a utility quad but I wanna learn to ride sport.

If you're willing to waste an hour researching for me, I created this thread...:yes:

http://www.quadcrazy.com/atvforum/general-atv-discussion/12326-i-seriously-need-help-choosing-some-quads.html#post77627

I cant help on choosing a utility as I dont know much about them ! We have tons of members way smarter than me when it comes to utv`s !!:yes: I know sport quads though !! Whats UR skill level at riding ?? Does the GF ride much ??

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites


jaysun    10

jaysun
Posted
I cant help on choosing a utility as I dont know much about them ! We have tons of members way smarter than me when it comes to utv`s !!:yes: I know sport quads though !! Whats UR skill level at riding ?? Does the GF ride much ??

Both the GF and I grew up on UTVs. Manual, no clutch. I think that's why she wants a utility quad. I wanna spread my wings a bit, though, and learn something new. When I was 10 years old, I used to push 400s as fast as they'd go and whip around turns. Since I was teenager, I haven't really ridden at all, but I don't want to start where I left off as a child. I wanna step it up and get something with some balls. Admittedly, I'm pretty intimidated by it, though, but I don't have the luxury of being weened into it. When I choose my sport bike, I'll have to go pick it up and I'll have to test drive it even though I've never driven clutch and never driven anything with a 0-60 anywhere near what these sport bikes can do. I'm just gonna have to wing it.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

jaysun    10

jaysun
Posted (edited)

I thought I'd come back in and let everyone that posted in here know what I ended up purchasing. A lot has changed since my last post.

After much debate and a ton of driving all over the state (sometimes to see piece of shit ATVs), I ended up with the following:

New ATV - a set on Flickr

I picked up a 2008 Kawasaki KFX 450r and a 2005 Suzuki Vinson 500. To be perfectly honest, the KFX was a vanity purchase. I ended up spending more than I wanted because I liked the way the bike looked and I could tell it was well taken care of. As I said in earlier posts, I've never ridden a race bike, but I've taken it out many times since I picked it up and I love it. The Vinson was more for the wife and kids, but I also enjoy being able to take that one wherever the hell I damn well please.

I definitely have a lot to learn about both bikes but, for the moment, I'm pretty pleased with my purchases. It was pretty satisfying to pull someone from the mud yesterday with the Warn winch on my Vinson, and it's really effing satisfying to haul ass on the KFX.

As I've said, though, I don't really know sh$t about bikes. I've checked and/or changed the oil, spark plugs and air filters on the bikes, but that's about the limitations of my knowledge. I'm curious about specifically tuning the KFX to me. If anyone is willing to help me out, it would be much appreciated. The guy I bought it from said the bike is "set up for 100 foot jumps", whatever the f##k that means. He also gave me two toolboxes full of these tiny metal disks and I have no idea what they're for.

I don't expect anyone to have to explain how to tune this bike, as I'm sure it'll be a long ass process, but I'm asking you to point me in the direction of a resource. I've been riding the bike for a couple weeks and I've gotten pretty accustomed to it. I'm generally just doing donuts and riding through sugar sand, though. No jumps yet. If this thing is "tuned for jumping", is there something I should do to change that? I'm not jumping anytime soon. I'd prefer to tune it for the environment I'm riding in.

Edited by quadnut20

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

quadnut20    66

quadnut20
Posted
I thought I'd come back in and let everyone that posted in here know what I ended up purchasing. A lot has changed since my last post.

After much debate and a ton of driving all over the state (sometimes to see piece of shit ATVs), I ended up with the following:

New ATV - a set on Flickr

I picked up a 2008 Kawasaki KFX 450r and a 2005 Suzuki Vinson 500. To be perfectly honest, the KFX was a vanity purchase. I ended up spending more than I wanted because I liked the way the bike looked and I could tell it was well taken care of. As I said in earlier posts, I've never ridden a race bike, but I've taken it out many times since I picked it up and I love it. The Vinson was more for the wife and kids, but I also enjoy being able to take that one wherever the hell I damn well please.

I definitely have a lot to learn about both bikes but, for the moment, I'm pretty pleased with my purchases. It was pretty satisfying to pull someone from the mud yesterday with the Warn winch on my Vinson, and it's really effing satisfying to haul ass on the KFX.

As I've said, though, I don't really know sh$t about bikes. I've checked and/or changed the oil, spark plugs and air filters on the bikes, but that's about the limitations of my knowledge. I'm curious about specifically tuning the KFX to me. If anyone is willing to help me out, it would be much appreciated. The guy I bought it from said the bike is "set up for 100 foot jumps", whatever the f##k that means. He also gave me two toolboxes full of these tiny metal disks and I have no idea what they're for.

I don't expect anyone to have to explain how to tune this bike, as I'm sure it'll be a long ass process, but I'm asking you to point me in the direction of a resource. I've been riding the bike for a couple weeks and I've gotten pretty accustomed to it. I'm generally just doing donuts and riding through sugar sand, though. No jumps yet. If this thing is "tuned for jumping", is there something I should do to change that? I'm not jumping anytime soon. I'd prefer to tune it for the environment I'm riding in.

Sweet choices !! The kawi450 is a nice easy quad to ride !! That efi makes it easy to tune ! The "toolboxes " contain your shims to adjust your valves when it come time ! Get ahold of OX and download a manual for both quads it will answer any questions that you may have ! Those look like stock shocks on ur 450 so i wouldnt try any 100` jumps yet !!LOL Ask if they were revalved or rebuilt JMO

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites


Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
Go To Topic Listing

  • Similar Topics

    • Mikey69
      How did you get into Quads?
      By Mikey69
      Heres my story. Kinda long. I guess I was a late bloomer when it comes to quads. I had never ridden a quad in my life. Rode Dirt Bikes as a kid growing up. Back in Oct of '06 I found a Mustang on craigslist. Took it for a test drive one morning before work. Fast car. 351 Cleveland. I had planned on meeting the guy again after work. For some strange reason thats still to this day beyond me, I stopped in Hillsboro MotoSports on the way home from work. I had 6 Grand on me. There was a left over '05 sitting by the front door. It was on sale for $4999. It was $5499 OTD. I didnt even look at anything else. I knew nothing about quads accept I thought it really looked coool and I had the money in my pocket to buy it. I was sitting on it when the salesman walked up and asked... "Can I help you?" Without hestitation I pulled 60 Ben Franklins outta my front pocket and said "I want this Quad. Load it up in my truck." It was just about dark by the time I drove away from the shop. BTW, I didnt bother to ask my ol lady if I could buy it. LOL. Anyway, I took it by the house and showed her. She was kinda stunned but not mad. We drove over to a friend of mines house and unloaded it. I took it to the field across the street from his house. HOLY CHIT!!!!! I was surprised by the power. I had it for about 2 weeks and took it to Sand Lake. I was there a few hours and rolled it on a banked turn at the top of the bowl right before you get to the one-ways. When it rolled, I flew off and landed on my belly. The quad came bouncing and landed on my back. For a month I couldnt even walk. I was scared of it. I considered trading it for a 250EX. Went back to the shop. The salesman said..."Dude!!! You dont want a 250EX!!! Trust me. Just get used to it" I still wasnt convinced. I put it on craigslist for $4000. Calls were coming in. I had a guy that wanted to come look at it that evening. I decided to take it for one last ride at Browns Camp before I sold it. I was still afraid of it. After about 5 minutes I started feeling comfortable on it again. I decided right then, I loved my Honda 450 and would learn how to ride it instead of selling it. That was late Nov of '06. Work was slow for a Painter in Oregon. My new job everyday? Going to Browns Camp and ridding my Quad. I bought my Girl Friend an '02 Blaster. I rode my 450 for 4-6 hours almost every single day for 3 months. And yes, I know my way around Browns Camp pretty well. LOL. In March I bought her an '06 TRX250EX (Thank God I didnt trade my 450 for one of those) LOL Since then, I have become totally addicted to quads. I love them. Couldnt imagine not owning at least one quad. Luckily I have two. My "07 was $6500 OTD in July of '07. Bought it for my Girlfriend. Traded in her 250 EX. A month later we broke up. So, I wound up with two Honda 450's.
       
    • JacobSlabach
      riding mower wont start
      By JacobSlabach
      i know this isnt an atv but same type of thing.  I have a riding mower im fixing and selling for my aunt and it has a dead battery.  i jumped it off my atv and when i turn the key nothing at all happens.  i tried jumping the relay still nothing.  this is with the seat down.  you wouldnt think this mower would have issues as its a top-of-the-line brand and almost brand new (aunt found it for a good price, still got tits on tires, just sat for a couple months in a mechanic shop
    • Admin
      Yamaha Motor Australia To Discontinue Utility Atvs
      By Admin
      Yamaha Australia has announced it will discontinue selling Utility ATVs due to new Australian government legislation that requires the mandatory fitment of so-called Operator Protective Devices (OPDs), YMA will not sell utility ATVs after the government compliance deadline of 11 October 2021.
      “The decision to make the fitment of OPDs compulsory is disappointing. The ruling has forced us to withdraw utility ATVs from the Australian market because as a manufacturer we are not willing to gamble with our customers lives by bolting untested devices onto our specifically engineered and designed ATVs,” explains YMA Director Brad Ryan.
      As the market leader in this segment, Yamaha recognises that utility ATVs are an important part of farm operations and will comply with stage one of the new consumer legislation. This includes testing and the fitment of warning labels by Oct 2020. This will ensure that Yamaha ATVs remain available until October 2021.
      After this date customers will not be able to purchase a new Yamaha utility ATV in Australia – but sport and youth models will continue to be available. This is because new sport and fun ATVs do not need to be fitted with OPDs. In addition, side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) are not affected by this ruling, so YMA will support our utility ATV dealers and ease the transition from ATV to AG bike and SSV business.
      “Fortunately, our utility ATV customers can transition to our equally capable lineup of AG bikes and expanding SSV range,” adds YMA Director Brad Ryan.
      Customer safety has always been our priority. YMA has provided market leading rider training and promoted proven safety methods. YMA also helped develop the Shark ATV helmet which is the only fully certified farm safe ATV helmet available. YMA feels so strongly about customer safety that purchasers of new Yamaha utility vehicles will receive a free Shark farm safe helmet valued at $250 while stocks last.
      YMA is also fully committed to customer care via a national dealer network that will continue to service ATVs and with the supply of parts and accessories into the future.
      Source: https://www.dirtaction.com.au/yma-to-discontinue-utility-atvs/
    • Rich1028
      Leota Michigan Trail Riding First One Of The New Year!
      By Rich1028
      Division 3: East North Central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin)
      Leota Michigan Trail Riding First One Of The New Year!
      http://www.upnorthtrails.org/trails/leota-trail.html
       

  • Similar Tagged Content

    • bradleyheathhays
      2011 Yamaha Grizzly 700 Need Coolant Advice
      By bradleyheathhays
      2011 Grizz 700 here and so far the only thing I've been told about replacing my coolant is that I should put the same color stuff back in that came out. But other than that nothing specific. A search through both the service or owner's manual gave no coolant info other than capacity. Here's a comparison of the old and the proposed new...

      The stuff on the left, what's coming out, is a blue-green. I'm second owner and only put about 75 miles on the machine, so I have no idea how old this coolant is.
      Stuff on the right is the new coolant the guy at the car shop suggested, and is more of a pure lighter translucent blue. It's Pentofrost NF, whatever that is. He said it's what's recommended for European, including BMWs. Here's the bottle...

      So...
      1) have I found the right coolant?
      and
      2) does this stuff need to be diluted? The bottle says it's 'full strength.'
    • lovelymommy
      Need Advice about a 9 year old and his ATV *HELP*
      By lovelymommy
      Hello! I am new here and I need some help from the experts. My 9 year old son was given an adult sized 4 wheeler for Christmas. He has never ride one and has never taken a training course. Of course, I just found out about this but was never consulted about him getting this, either.
      Anyways, he was able to ride it this morning and has never had any safety training and honestly, I am petrified he is going to get hurt. It will happen, it's just when.
      I am in the state of Indiana and the law states you must be 14 years old to operate unless there is direct supervision of an 18 year old or other. What exactly does "direct supervision " mean? Is rhis within site of the person riding or is it someone that is ON the ATV?
      Also if there are ANY SUGGESTIONS you guys can give me regarding this it would be helpful.
      My son is only 9 and a very immature 9 year old at that. I feel he has no business being on this without proper training but apparently that isn't as important to some people.
      Also, if there is anyone in the state of Indiana on here that can tell me the rules that would be awesome.
      *in addition* the 4 wheeler is for an adult. My son is only 4 foot 9 and 65 pounda. He's tiny. I am afraid he is certainly nowhere close to having the weight to control this machine.
    • quadcrazy
      Outdoor Rider Supply
      By quadcrazy
      Check out Outdoor Rider Supply for ATV Parts & Accessories!
      Quad Fab, Inc developed the ATV/UTV industry’s only American made exhaust silencer over 15 years ago. Our reputation is built upon exceptional customer service from friendly people interested in helping customers. We have carried on our tradition of high quality product offerings and excellent customer service through Outdoor Rider Supply and OutdoorRiderSupply.com.
      Outdoor Rider Supply (ORS) was developed by Quad Fab, Inc. to supply ATV/UTV parts and accessories to our loyal and valued customers. We carry a unique line of products for your ATV and UTV. Our focus is riders who use their vehicles for hunting, farming, ranching, and recreational riding.
      We'd like to say thank you by offering the most user friendly website with the best customer service and shipping around. Our customers are very important to us and we strive to offer exceptional service. If for any reason you have a question or concern regarding the quality of service or the quality of a product, please Contact Us. We will do everything possible to make your experience with us quick, easy, and to your complete satisfaction.
      - The ORS Team
    • theteacher
      New Guy, Old Rider
      By theteacher
      Hello All, The KYRider site I was a member of for years has shut down. So, here I am. I currently own a 450 Kodiak with several mods and some yet to be installed. Tomorrow, I will look at a Blaster thats in great shape. It starts and runs great. However, It will not go into gear. Im pretty sure I can fix this relatively cheap. I have not priced Blasters in years but the asking price is $600 firm. Is this reasonable? Thanks,
    • trev0006
      Scooter rider cuts Nissan mirror with grinder
      By trev0006
      Scooter rider cuts Nissan mirror with grinder
      Scooter riders cuts Nissan mirror with grinder, guess he doesn't like to be cut off.
      and
      Motorcycle crashes into van and explodes
      Motorcycle crashes into van and explodes. Don't worry, the motorcyclist is fine. He ran a red light.
      and
      Gattling Gun Motorcycle Exhaust
      Gattling Gun Motorcycle Exhaust, this is cools with motorcycle backfiring it would look even cooler.
      and
      Motorcycle almost rear ended
      Motorcycle almost rear ended when a truck fails to stop and rear ends another car.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.


COMMUNITY SECTIONS

ATV FORUMS

QUADCRAZY MEMBERSHIP

Be a part of best online community of ATV riders and join thousands of people who love ATVs! Share your ATV photos, videos, ATV rides, get help with your ATV and more. Not a member?

SIGN UP TODAY

ADVERTISE ON QUADCRAZY

FOLLOW US ON



  • Automotive Webmaster
×
×
  • Create New...