Pages: 1
Posted by: cc1999
IMO
#1 = BRP Outlander 400 (best in class power and handeling plus best in class IRS design)
#2 = Honda Rancher (also great quality and reliability plus the reliability of a gear drive)
#3 = Yamaha Kodiac (good power and reliability and most reliable belt drive in the bizz.)
#4 = Suki Eiger 400 ( Good all around quad at a good price)
#5 = Kawi Brute Force 650 ( Not in this class but priced like it and would be my number one choice in this price range, take one for a spin and you will know why)
Posted by: cc1999
70+ % work and 30 % play then I would have ranked the honda first and made a new list of gear on gear trany quads only, however if I were planning on 30% work and 70% play I would still pic the outty 400 HO .
Posted by: cc1999
heaven forbid a utility be fun to play around on. Some fokes like to have fun playing on ATV's but don't want to limmit themselvs to a sport quad that has no other purpose. Or like to ride in conditions that require 4 wheel drive.
Posted by: cc1999
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How is the polaris's IRS not "true" IRS? And how is the diff lock any better - there is no diff at all in the front of a sportsman, both axles engage and are locked together, but unlock when in 2wd. How is that any different?
AC has used the argument that the IRS equiped quads with swaybars are not truely independent since the rear wheels are linked together by a swaybar. AC uses stiffer spring rates to controll body roll on there IRS quads in order to allow both rear wheels to move totaly independant of each other, however that stiff spring rate = a stiffer ride than quads that use a lighter sprimg rate followed by a swaybar to help controll body roll. I do however beleve I read somwhere that AC is now offering a swaybar as an option on there quads as well.
A manual diff lock is thought to be a good feature in that you do not have to wait for the wheels to spin first before locking. Be able to lock the front wheels manauly is a very nice feature to have when crawling over a large absticle like a fallen tree. I prefer the auto lock in the mud myself since the machines reaction time is faster than my own and on quads like the Kodiak and Grizz I beleave you have to stop first inorder to engage the locker. This is why Kawi's locker is favored by many over the Yamaha since all you have to do is pull a lever similar to a brake lever to engage the locker, which allows you to engage the locker on the go as long as you are in 4 wheel drive to start with. I feal as others do that both types of manual lockers are nice but in the mud the auto slip locks will engage faster than I can detect the slipage and grab the lever (kawi type), or worse stop in the mud hole and give up what momentum you have left to engage the other type (Yamaha/Susuki type) . My riding makes me more apt to need to cross over more downed trees than deap mudd so I like the manual lockers best, But that said, its deffinatly not going to keep me from by one of the new Outy 800's as soon as I find a red one I will be an owner reguardless of it lack of a manual locker.
Sorry about the late reply I didn't notice the last reply I was responding to was at the bottom of page one. Sorry if someone answed this already.
Posted by: Mdog
Outlanders win most shootouts performance wise but the Eiger is a good deal. I always choose overall performance first. My vote Outlander!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mdog
I own 3 Outlanders not because I'm baised toward them it's because IMO it's the best machine for the type of riding I do. I own Kawasaki, Yamaha, Gas-Gas, and Honda motorcycles,
The visco-loc will go places a full locker wont, example, we tried to climb a snow covered mountain riding a KQ, Brute. Grizz and 3 Outlanders. The Outlanders made it to the top without winching while the others were pushed or winched. We all had ITP ATR's radials and took the same lines up the mountain. When the others were in full lock-up spinning their way up they would lose traction in corners,the visco-loc would shut down the spinning wheel just enough to get traction and make the turns thus not losing momentum. We switched bikes to try and see if it was due to our skill levels but same results regardless of driver. The Outlanders are more stabile and the visco-loc doesn't have the restrictions the lockers do when in 4-wheel lock up (hard steering, hold levers in, rev limiters).
Their is a good reason a 400 Outlander got ATV of the year and wins 90% of the shootouts IMO, best power, best handling, very stabile, and best warranty.
Posted by: powerstroke01
Most deffinatly the outlander. I might be a lil biased though.
Posted by: TrailBlazerguy250
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Originally posted by: SPORTSMAN70003
I would have to go with the 400 Sportsman more power, more clearence, more towing weight, better ride and true 4x4 not limited slip. My brother-in-law has a 04 eiger and it goes as good as the honda 450 we ride with.
I couldnt agree more , Ill second getting a sportsman 400 , I think its one of the best all aound best
Posted by: TrailBlazerguy250
yes I have driven both and I liked the Sportsman better , not because I own a 500 but because I liked the ride alot more
Posted by: ridinsmooth
kodiak 400 is the best in my opinion
Posted by: ridinsmooth
yamaha or suzuki has the best 400 utility
Posted by: markie
I like the Artic Cat , Its a great utility atv not for racing but for hauling elk and going on hard rocky trails with big tree stumps . I think the mags under rate artic cats because the take 800 miles before the start breaking in and then the power really comes alive on them.
Posted by: markie
I owned a polaris 700 and found the ebs on polaris to be crappy , it only works on the 2 rear wheels talk about a scary setup. I found myself slidding down the hills out of control and on the same hill my arctic cat would go down with no problem [ 4 wheel ebs ] works so much better.
Posted by: markie
Some times one machine will do better in the snow on a given day but on the next day the other one will out perform it. Ive owned Hondas,Yamahas,Arctic cat,polaris and out of the 4 i think the Arctic cat is under rated. All there 4 wheel drs had there advantages but I think Polaris"s system hampers there ebs.I think that ebs should apply to all 4 wheels when going down hills like my other machines do, but my polaris 700s ebs only applys to the rear wheels and thats scary.I rate Polaris last place for 4 wheel drives out there.
Posted by: DaRiot
These are my views on this......
Polaris comfy as sh1t but weigh entirely too much and the downhill experience is too scary! Pricey!
Honda boring as crap.... until you try and stop (never rode a honda that had decent brakes)
Yamaha twitchy some describe it as nimble but I think of it as nervous.
Acrtic cat heavy and that damn one lever braking.
Suzuki Heard nothing but good on the Eiger...... need to try one out I guess.
Bombardier I actually looked at the Outy but the plastic looked like my kids little tykes battery powered stuff. Don't like the racks
Kawi Love the sealed rear brakes and the diff lock but don't like the 4x4 engagement system. Needs a little maintenance but a capable mount. If Kawi was to bump this little 360 to a full 400 then it would fare better.
Posted by: DaRiot
Heavy yes........ bloated no.
My Prairie 700 weighs 602# empty. Add tires, winch, bags, tools, fuel, and me and you have a good amount of weight. I don't see why heavier is better. That is just more effort needed to manuever these things. IF you are into total comfort then yes a high weight is an important issue and it also helps with traction, but when the weight overcomes the power of the engine then all you have is a noisy Lazy Boy chair.
Posted by: DaRiot
I see a pattern here..... people get offended when someone mentions speed, power, or quickness. These people are often the ones with the (Big Boy bikes) with the (little Boy engines) in them.
Just my 2cents.
Posted by: tyler711
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Originally posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: SPORTSMAN70003
I would have to go with the 400 Sportsman more power, more clearence, more towing weight, better ride and true 4x4 not limited slip. My brother-in-law has a 04 eiger and it goes as good as the honda 450 we ride with.
Might as well just skip the Sportsman and go right to the Arctic Cat, more power, more clearence, towing weight is the same, true IRS that can be adjusted a lot easier, true 4x4 with diff lock not AWD, and it even has the Eiger engine! Plus, more rack capacity.
So, like the question stated the best UTILITY 400 would be the Arctic Cat! The Outlander is one nice machine, however it is no UTILITY. Great trail machine yes, but workhorse no. Those racks are a bad joke.
How is the polaris's IRS not "true" IRS? And how is the diff lock any better - there is no diff at all in the front of a sportsman, both axles engage and are locked together, but unlock when in 2wd. How is that any different?
Posted by: tyler711
What does AC use instead of a sway bar? Like you, I'm not trying to dis anything, I am just curious?
Posted by: tyler711
I've disconnected mine the hard way before (unbolt, no quick disco) and the articulation was amazing. But it was a little floaty on the open trails so I bolted it back up. Seems like it would be great for rock crawling, though.
Posted by: tyler711
Yamaha makes the kodiak, no?
Posted by: tyler711
Good point, but no tow hitch either (they sell one). But biggest thing is no low range. I think that disqualifies it here.
Posted by: tyler711
Hey, I have to say that my 250 xplorers are the same design as the scrambler (except they have low range, racks, and tow hitch). Too bad they dont make those anymore, even with the chain drive those little things can still do some serious utility work. I've pulled over 2000 pounds with ours, and they follow my sportsman through every mud hole I find (the solid axle holds them up a bit sometimes). And they are more stable with heavy weight on the racks than the sportsman is (solid axle). Too bad the Scrambler doesnt have low, you might be surprised how well it could do.
Posted by: tyler711
My sportsman 400 is heavy and underpowered. And I love it.
It can't do a wheelie, but it can pull a 2000 pound trailer. It can go through and mud I can find, and is awesome in the snow. Very stable when empty and fully loaded.
A little tougher to slide around the corners than my 250's, but its a utility, is it not?
Posted by: tyler711
Thanks. I am sick of people saying that these utilities aren't nimble enough, or arent fast enough, or which will win in a drag race. All poor ways to rate a utility.
Posted by: tyler711
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Originally posted by: cc1999
heaven forbid a utility be fun to play around on. Some fokes like to have fun playing on ATV's but don't want to limmit themselvs to a sport quad that has no other purpose. Or like to ride in conditions that require 4 wheel drive.
Had this thread been "BEST 400 CLASS QUAD", I would wholeheartedly agree with you.
Posted by: tyler711
I'm not offended. But had I wanted to go fast, I would have gotten a sportsman 700. But I saw no need and figured I'd spend the extra money on other things and a good supply of gas.
Posted by: tyler711
We paid a lot more than that for our 04 sp400 (in 2004).
How much are the 05 500's going for right now? We've been looking into another sportsman.
Posted by: tyler711
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Originally posted by: WindmillAtWork
Yamaha Kodiak 450. Bigger engine on a smaller frame unlike some brands..ahhhem...
I wouldnt recommend the sportsman 400 for pure utility work, I'd recommend a 500 or higher. But the title says 400 class, so that is the quad I am suggesting.
Posted by: tyler711
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Originally posted by: propnut
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How does the BRP vico-lok work? Someone told me that it will actually lock up the front tire without the traction, giving it to the other front wheel. Is that true?
no it isn't true. when one side slips it drags the other along through friction. 1/2 the plates connect to one axle, 1/2 to the other. very little power is transferred through the coupling when they are at the same speed. but when one side turns faster than the other, the fluid is heated and becomes so thick it links the plates together, driving both wheels. It's not instantaneous, but it works. I tried to find a video of it working, but I couldn't. Very impressive.
viscous couplings are used in some AWD cars too, linking the front and rear
visco lock, in my opinion, is the best all-around front differential in the business. Ride it and forget it. There when you need it, not there when you don't.
Outlander would have my vote for all-around sport/utility, not utility though. I wouldn't choose anything with a belt or small plastic racks for a true working utility. And yes, it is faster top end than my Rubicon, because of the gearing. If the AC 400 MRP with a manual and ACT rear and a locker is still available, it would be hard to beat (in the 400 only class). JMO!
Funny how people take marketing b/s as absolute fact. Some company's true 4wd isn't what it implies, particularly going downhill!! Just marketing b/s. I just shake my head when someone calls my Honda 3wd too. It isn't as good as a locker or viscous, but it isn't an open differential either. I have used the front brake to transfer power to the free spinning wheel. It does work.
There's a video of it working on the BRP web site. Can a viscous coupling completely lock the two sides together? I thought that was the drawback of them in AWD trucks, thus the need for an additional 4hi locked range.
Posted by: tyler711
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Originally posted by: propnut
Quote
Can a viscous coupling completely lock the two sides together?
yes, in forward and reverse
Wouldn't it never be able to 100% lock the sides together (as there is no solid material connecting the two)?
But for the application of drive wheels, it would not make a difference because the force of the viscous fluid would be greater than the friction created by the wheel with traction, right?
Posted by: tyler711
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Originally posted by: propnut
check that
Good now! I meant lock totally, but then I realized that with ATV's it doesnt matter - they're too light.
Posted by: tyler711
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Originally posted by: Catterman
How does the BRP vico-lok work? Someone told me that it will actually lock up the front tire without the traction, giving it to the other front wheel. Is that true? If this is the case, wouldn't it be only 3WD as well? Why would you want to lock up a tire while going through the mud, even if it isn't pulling? Can someone educate me on this? hr>
I liked what propnut said, but a picture's worth a thousand words.
Posted by: tyler711
Yep, they have to unlock if you want to turn.
Posted by: tyler711
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Originally posted by: markie
Some times one machine will do better in the snow on a given day but on the next day the other one will out perform it. Ive owned Hondas,Yamahas,Arctic cat,polaris and out of the 4 i think the Arctic cat is under rated. All there 4 wheel drs had there advantages but I think Polaris"s system hampers there ebs.I think that ebs should apply to all 4 wheels when going down hills like my other machines do, but my polaris 700s ebs only applys to the rear wheels and thats scary.I rate Polaris last place for 4 wheel drives out there.
Well what about the models without EBS? They are still 4wd.
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: SPORTSMAN70003
I would have to go with the 400 Sportsman more power, more clearence, more towing weight, better ride and true 4x4 not limited slip. My brother-in-law has a 04 eiger and it goes as good as the honda 450 we ride with.
Might as well just skip the Sportsman and go right to the Arctic Cat, more power, more clearence, towing weight is the same, true IRS that can be adjusted a lot easier, true 4x4 with diff lock not AWD, and it even has the Eiger engine! Plus, more rack capacity.
So, like the question stated the best UTILITY 400 would be the Arctic Cat! The Outlander is one nice machine, however it is no UTILITY. Great trail machine yes, but workhorse no. Those racks are a bad joke.
Posted by: Catterman
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Originally posted by: g1387
Catterman has some good points about the Arctic Cat, that front diff lock is nice, it has IRS, (not a fan of IRS) and the same engine as the Eiger, but with all these extras it jumps the price up and it seems really heavy for a 400 at 633 lbs. Not downing the Arctic Cat it sounds nice, just looking at the big picture. I just feel good riding my Eiger and doing everything the 500 and 650's do in the mud and trail riding knowing that I paid $4800 and they paid $6000 - $7500.
You are right, the Arctic Cat is heavy. That can be a good or bad thing. For the work I do it is great, but I won't win any speed shootouts. A new 400 is $4995 including a 2 year warantee right now. Will probably go down once the 2006's come out. But you are right I am sure they are more expensive then the Eiger.
quadduck, 2005 is the first year for the locking diff on the 400.
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: tyler711
How is the polaris's IRS not "true" IRS? And how is the diff lock any better - there is no diff at all in the front of a sportsman, both axles engage and are locked together, but unlock when in 2wd. How is that any different?
The Polaris uses a rear anti-sway bar that doesn't allow for full travel.
IMO, the diff lock 4x4 system is better. Because when I hit the switch, my ATV will be in 4x4. Unlike the polaris which requires the rear wheels to slip 20% before it will engage the fronts. This is also very important for me with engine braking and going down hills. I am not saying anything bad about the Polaris, I used to ride them, but for my use the Arctic Cat system is better.
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: tyler711
What does AC use instead of a sway bar? Like you, I'm not trying to dis anything, I am just curious?
Arctic Cat doesn't use anything, this is good for going over big bumps, but does make it more tippy. To counter the tipping factor you have to set the suspension to a stiffer setting. Go to the Arctic Cat website and request the free DVD, it shows the difference. Also, if you wanted to disconnect your sway bar I am sure it wouldn't be too hard.
Posted by: Catterman
I love the 2-stroke 400 Scrambler. However it would be the WORST utiltiy quad. No low range, chain driven (my old one was, maybe that has changed), and even if you put racks on it you can't haul much. Fun machine though!!!
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: cc1999
IMO
#1 = BRP Outlander 400 (best in class power and handeling plus best in class IRS design)
#2 = Honda Rancher (also great quality and reliability plus the reliability of a gear drive)
#3 = Yamaha Kodiac (good power and reliability and most reliable belt drive in the bizz.)
#4 = Suki Eiger 400 ( Good all around quad at a good price)
#5 = Kawi Brute Force 650 ( Not in this class but priced like it and would be my number one choice in this price range, take one for a spin and you will know why)
Everyone keeps forgetting what the origional question is. It is not what is the best 400 class ATV, but what is the best 400 class Utility quad. Now as much fun and fast as an Outlander is, there is no way it is the top Utility quad.
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: DaRiot
These are my views on this......
Polaris comfy as sh1t but weigh entirely too much and the downhill experience is too scary! Pricey!
Honda boring as crap.... until you try and stop (never rode a honda that had decent brakes)
Yamaha twitchy some describe it as nimble but I think of it as nervous.
Acrtic cat heavy and that damn one lever braking.
Suzuki Heard nothing but good on the Eiger...... need to try one out I guess.
Bombardier I actually looked at the Outy but the plastic looked like my kids little tykes battery powered stuff. Don't like the racks
Kawi Love the sealed rear brakes and the diff lock but don't like the 4x4 engagement system. Needs a little maintenance but a capable mount. If Kawi was to bump this little 360 to a full 400 then it would fare better.
For a Utility ATV, don't you want something heavy??
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: tyler711
My sportsman 400 is heavy and underpowered. And I love it.
It can't do a wheelie, but it can pull a 2000 pound trailer. It can go through and mud I can find, and is awesome in the snow. Very stable when empty and fully loaded.
A little tougher to slide around the corners than my 250's, but its a utility, is it not?
Very good post.
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: DaRiot
I see a pattern here..... people get offended when someone mentions speed, power, or quickness. These people are often the ones with the (Big Boy bikes) with the (little Boy engines) in them.
Just my 2cents.
I don't see anyone getting offended.
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: cc1999
Quote
How is the polaris's IRS not "true" IRS? And how is the diff lock any better - there is no diff at all in the front of a sportsman, both axles engage and are locked together, but unlock when in 2wd. How is that any different?
AC has used the argument that the IRS equiped quads with swaybars are not truely independent since the rear wheels are linked together by a swaybar. AC uses stiffer spring rates to controll body roll on there IRS quads in order to allow both rear wheels to move totaly independant of each other, however that stiff spring rate = a stiffer ride than quads that use a lighter sprimg rate followed by a swaybar to help controll body roll. I do however beleve I read somwhere that AC is now offering a swaybar as an option on there quads as well.
A manual diff lock is thought to be a good feature in that you do not have to wait for the wheels to spin first before locking. Be able to lock the front wheels manauly is a very nice feature to have when crawling over a large absticle like a fallen tree. I prefer the auto lock in the mud myself since the machines reaction time is faster than my own and on quads like the Kodiak and Grizz I beleave you have to stop first inorder to engage the locker. This is why Kawi's locker is favored by many over the Yamaha since all you have to do is pull a lever similar to a brake lever to engage the locker, which allows you to engage the locker on the go as long as you are in 4 wheel drive to start with. I feal as others do that both types of manual lockers are nice but in the mud the auto slip locks will engage faster than I can detect the slipage and grab the lever (kawi type), or worse stop in the mud hole and give up what momentum you have left to engage the other type (Yamaha/Susuki type) . My riding makes me more apt to need to cross over more downed trees than deap mudd so I like the manual lockers best, But that said, its deffinatly not going to keep me from by one of the new Outy 800's as soon as I find a red one I will be an owner reguardless of it lack of a manual locker.
Sorry about the late reply I didn't notice the last reply I was responding to was at the bottom of page one. Sorry if someone answed this already.
How does the BRP vico-lok work? Someone told me that it will actually lock up the front tire without the traction, giving it to the other front wheel. Is that true? If this is the case, wouldn't it be only 3WD as well? Why would you want to lock up a tire while going through the mud, even if it isn't pulling? Can someone educate me on this?
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: Master400
Bombardier Outlander 400 4x4 easily. The Suzuki Eiger is in 2nd place overall. The top speed on the Bomb is 65 MPH. No other 400 will even come close to that. Plus the suspension, the frame is state of the art. Nobody else offers all this in quad. But it's the most expensive 400.
WOW, 65mph!!! How steep is the hill you are going down???
Posted by: Catterman
Quote
Originally posted by: propnut
Quote
How does the BRP vico-lok work? Someone told me that it will actually lock up the front tire without the traction, giving it to the other front wheel. Is that true?
no it isn't true. when one side slips it drags the other along through friction. 1/2 the plates connect to one axle, 1/2 to the other. very little power is transferred through the coupling when they are at the same speed. but when one side turns faster than the other, the fluid is heated and becomes so thick it links the plates together, driving both wheels. It's not instantaneous, but it works. I tried to find a video of it working, but I couldn't. Very impressive.
viscous couplings are used in some AWD cars too, linking the front and rear
visco lock, in my opinion, is the best all-around front differential in the business. Ride it and forget it. There when you need it, not there when you don't.
Outlander would have my vote for all-around sport/utility, not utility though. I wouldn't choose anything with a belt or small plastic racks for a true working utility. And yes, it is faster top end than my Rubicon, because of the gearing. If the AC 400 MRP with a manual and ACT rear and a locker is still available, it would be hard to beat (in the 400 only class). JMO!
Funny how people take marketing b/s as absolute fact. Some company's true 4wd isn't what it implies, particularly going downhill!! Just marketing b/s. I just shake my head when someone calls my Honda 3wd too. It isn't as good as a locker or viscous, but it isn't an open differential either. I have used the front brake to transfer power to the free spinning wheel. It does work.
Thanks propnut, very informative.
Posted by: ostrich
heres an easy solution to the dilema, buy two quads one for work and comfortable trail riding and one for sport riding. If you buy a utility quad and try to make it a sport quad you're gonna get hurt, period end of story. There are limited numbers of people who can make a utility haul the mail, but I don't see the point. I absolutely love our sportsman for riding with the kids , and for a good long trail ride, but if I want to really fly, the yfz is for me. Our 400 may have its toungue hanging out when I'm riding with other guys on bigger utilitys, but its the most comfortable quad I've ever been on. That added on to the new storage compartments,and the lock and ride system, and its an awful good package. Someone said they're expensive, we paid 5450, is this like a lot? We've put 400 mi. on in the first two months of ownership, and had zero probs.
Posted by: Lomax
I have to stand By My Yamaha BigBear. It may not have the mosty clearance, best ergo's, or ride (mine particualrly) but it has to be one of the toughest machines I have ever sat my @$$ on. I dont really look for features on a machine as much as power and dependablility. Features are just one more thing that can break and cost money. Sure, IRS goes through the mud better than my straight axle, but with 28-12-12 Mudzilla's all the way around (like I have) how many axles is the IRS going to break comapred to my straight? I will just get hung up and save 400 bucks instead of saying that I made it through wihout getting stuck
Next, Do not Jumop all over me for this BUT: the Suzuki Eiger has to be the Biggest Pile that I have ever rode. Could be just a lemon, but the 400 Auto that my buddy has (with less than 200 miles) is the weakest thing I have ever sat down on. It has 27 inch mudlites on it, it takes lo-range to anything done other than trail riding. On flat paved ground it cant even catch my old honda 200s threewheeler, from start to finish. Absolutly a joke in my book.
-Lomax
Posted by: Lomax
Quote
Originally posted by: g1387
I'd like to put my 05 Eiger manual against your Little Bear. I guaranty it would blow it away. I've already done it to most other 400, 450 and 500' s, might as well do it to the Little Bear.
Where is char;eston Ark. located at from Tx? I am right on the Arkansas line and looking for some other people to ride with. I go up to Alberts pike alot (usually with the trike, Mudzilla's aint worth a flip on rocks) but next time I go I am going to carry the BigBear. If your not to far you should make it up. There is no date set yet so its flexible. Oh and as far as blow it away, be more specific, If your talking about speed, thats nothing to right home to mom about, you can outrun it on a bicycle. Its Lowend power and durability that I am talking about.
Posted by: Lomax
Quote
Originally posted by: quadduck
And why would you put 27s on a stock quad, especially on an automatic without a OVERSIZED TIRE CLUTCH KIT. Combine that with an obvious lemon and that is the most likely reason your experince was a negative one. All reviews on the eiger always give it a big thumbs up. The things that it needs and that it is critisized for are plain jane down right ugly looks, lack of locker, shifter on right side of tank, lack of fuel fiter and front bumper that sticks out to far. As for your big bear, well I won't go there on your utility bike. They are all right if you like old school utes.hr>
The 27's where on the Eiger when he bought it. I am simply saying what my impression of the Eiger that I rode was. As far as the BigBear, yeah, its old school, thats why I like it so much. I bought it because its more simple and thats always a plus when It comes time to put the wrenchs on it, So far, all thats ever broke is a TieRod end though......
Posted by: Lomax
yes I belive that he is saying that the Almighty Eiger can topple the S.P 500. I am still trying to understand what he means by blow my quad away? I really wouldnt call it little however, I have the Biggest BigBear on these Boards unless someone has recently toppled me (which is possible, I have been out for a while) and I am unaware of it. Lift Kit, Lift Springs, 28 Zilla's with 20 psi along with other mods sets it up to be one Big ol' Bear I must say.
Posted by: KINGSCLEAR
What the ??????? Did I just read g1387 say he could blow away 500 with his 400 Eiger. I have a 500 which would like to say NOT A HOPE LAD NOT A HOPE
Posted by: rolsmojave3
I'm baised...but EIGER....i don't like IRS and the Eiger for being 376cc is quick in it's own rights
Posted by: Daranello75
Outlander, most powerful 400cc on the market. Can even run with most 500cc
Posted by: quadduck
Hard to argue when your right. Its too bad the rest of the world dosen't figure it out. Everytime I go riding with more expensive and or larger cc 4x4's they allways end up being really surprised.
Posted by: quadduck
Boy, the magazine shootouts don't see it that way, not that I allways agree with the magazines. I think its usually a polaris guy who will boast your opinion, If anything the outlander 400 is the only true 400cc class competition for the Eiger.
Let the arguement begin!
Posted by: quadduck
When did a/c start putting a locker on the 400?
Posted by: quadduck
T^railblaizer guy have you ever rode the sp 400? Or are you basing your opinion because of the 500 that you own? Same bike, way different motors. The 400 is just way too heavy for its power output.
Posted by: quadduck
Ridinsmooth did you not state earlier that the kodiak 400 was the best?
Posted by: quadduck
27's on a stock Eiger= SOS
Posted by: quadduck
And why would you put 27s on a stock quad, especially on an automatic without a OVERSIZED TIRE CLUTCH KIT. Combine that with an obvious lemon and that is the most likely reason your experince was a negative one. All reviews on the eiger always give it a big thumbs up. The things that it needs and that it is critisized for are plain jane down right ugly looks, lack of locker, shifter on right side of tank, lack of fuel fiter and front bumper that sticks out to far. As for your big bear, well I won't go there on your utility bike. They are all right if you like old school utes.
Posted by: quadduck
Before I put on 589s with my clutch kit I was able to beat but not smoke my neighbors sp 500 and his nephews 500 also. Its probably the power to wieght ratio, polaris is a heavy machine.
Posted by: SPORTSMAN70003
I would have to go with the 400 Sportsman more power, more clearence, more towing weight, better ride and true 4x4 not limited slip. My brother-in-law has a 04 eiger and it goes as good as the honda 450 we ride with.
Posted by: vj
id have to go with the outlander too. even tho i dont like the belt drive
Posted by: spyder6
im gonna go ahead and say the Scrambler 400, it'd kick the crap out of all the listed quads exept in ground clearence
Posted by: Steveo10
There isn't any outtie riders here to even defend itself. I rode 1, a while ago.... smooth ridin.
Posted by: WindmillAtWork
Yamaha Kodiak 450. Bigger engine on a smaller frame unlike some brands..ahhhem...
Posted by: MuddyMess
My vote is with catterman, i think the ac is a great quad
Posted by: propnut
Quote
How does the BRP vico-lok work? Someone told me that it will actually lock up the front tire without the traction, giving it to the other front wheel. Is that true?
no it isn't true. when one side slips it drags the other along through friction. 1/2 the plates connect to one axle, 1/2 to the other. very little power is transferred through the coupling when they are at the same speed. but when one side turns faster than the other, the fluid is heated and becomes so thick it links the plates together, driving both wheels. It's not instantaneous, but it works. I tried to find a video of it working, but I couldn't. Very impressive.
viscous couplings are used in some AWD cars too, linking the front and rear
visco lock, in my opinion, is the best all-around front differential in the business. Ride it and forget it. There when you need it, not there when you don't.
Outlander would have my vote for all-around sport/utility, not utility though. I wouldn't choose anything with a belt or small plastic racks for a true working utility. And yes, it is faster top end than my Rubicon, because of the gearing. If the AC 400 MRP with a manual and ACT rear and a locker is still available, it would be hard to beat (in the 400 only class). JMO!
Funny how people take marketing b/s as absolute fact. Some company's true 4wd isn't what it implies, particularly going downhill!! Just marketing b/s. I just shake my head when someone calls my Honda 3wd too. It isn't as good as a locker or viscous, but it isn't an open differential either. I have used the front brake to transfer power to the free spinning wheel. It does work.
Posted by: propnut
Quote
Can a viscous coupling completely lock the two sides together?
well I don't know if it would bind it tight, but its enough to get the job done, in forward and reverse
Posted by: propnut
check that
Posted by: propnut
and totally locked differentials are hard to steer (keep going the direction you want)
Posted by: derky
Quote
Originally posted by: g1387
Suzuki - 3
Polaris - 1
Outlander - 1
Where's the Honda owner's?
Out riding, not sitting at home talking garbage.
Posted by: nhmudbear
I have a 1996 400 xplorer 4x4 . It can pull my daughter's horse trailer around the yard and do chores. With the solid rear axle it is great for doughnuts. I have Titan 589 tires and no one will follow me closer then 100 ft. because when I give it the gas it will sling rocks dirt on whoever is behind me. I wish I had more choices to get new exhaust for it.
Posted by: g1387
Take a little poll. I have to go with the Suzuki Eiger 400 because thats what I have and I don't see how it could get much better, for a 400.
Posted by: g1387
The Outlander is probably the closest thing to the Eiger, but then you have to go back to the price and the Eiger wins that one easily.
Posted by: g1387
Suzuki - 3
Polaris - 1
Outlander - 1
Where's the Honda owner's?
Posted by: g1387
The Outlander does edge the Eiger a little in performance but like I said before not enough overcome the price difference and I believe the Eiger is a more reliable machine.
Posted by: g1387
Catterman has some good points about the Arctic Cat, that front diff lock is nice, it has IRS, (not a fan of IRS) and the same engine as the Eiger, but with all these extras it jumps the price up and it seems really heavy for a 400 at 633 lbs. Not downing the Arctic Cat it sounds nice, just looking at the big picture. I just feel good riding my Eiger and doing everything the 500 and 650's do in the mud and trail riding knowing that I paid $4800 and they paid $6000 - $7500.
Posted by: g1387
Just curious, what are the prices for an Arctic Cat and the Polaris 400 ? Got my 05 Eiger manual shift for $4795 and 2 year warranty.
Posted by: g1387
Really surprised there's not more Honda and Yamaha riders speaking up. We can include the Kodiak 450 in this poll, I think it's a pretty good quad.
Posted by: g1387
I'd like to put my 05 Eiger manual against your Little Bear. I guaranty it would blow it away. I've already done it to most other 400, 450 and 500' s, might as well do it to the Little Bear.
Posted by: g1387
I drive an Eiger, but I've been riding with someone who has a Kodiak 450. Really impressed by the Kodiak, decent power, comfortable, perfect size and very manuverable. I wonder why more people don't have them, is it the price? I wouldn't trade the Eiger for anything, just giving the Kodiak some respect.
Posted by: JSSuper
We are looking to get into ATV's (I've had several before, but its somewhat new area for my wife). I've decided that I want a 400cc class 4x4 manual for myself and as such I have looked at pretty much all the possibilities.
My favorite is the Suzuki Eiger. Followed by the Yamaha Big Bear.
For an auto shift, I'd say the Eiger and a tie between Kodiak and Prarie 360.
In that past I've pretty much only owned Yamaha, but was familiar with other brands. I decided that I wanted a 4x4 machine and in the mid 90's I traded my Timberwolf for a Polaris Magnum 425 4x4 in blue. My father also traded his Yamaha YFM350er for a Magnum right after that. For the first year we were pretty impressed with how powerful they were and how capable the 4x4 machine was. After that "honeymoon" we realized they were not a fun riding machine. After a long trail ride we were far more tired on the Polaris than we were on the Yamaha's. They also had 2 or 3 times the maintenance, and reliability issues were prominent. When we went to start them for a trail ride we were not sure if they were going to run or not. Carb problems, 4x4 problems, drive train problems, SEVERAL burned belts.
Those were the last experiences I had with ATV's until 2 weeks ago on a camping trip my wife's uncle (Uncle-in law?) had a pair of old 280cc King Quads. We took them on a few trails and that was the first time I've been on an ATV since the latter half of the 90's. This prompted us to get into ATV's.
Polaris is not and never will be on my list of possibilities for an ATV again. Some people like them and everything that comes with them, but I don't care for them at all. In the case of Polaris, IMO, the magazines ratings are correct.
Posted by: JSSuper
Kodiak 450, yeah I'd have to agree with you on that one. I think they are pretty good as well.
Posted by: BRP33
I would go with the outlander, mine has been awesome. Dont have one complaint. It will run with the 500's and dominates the 400 class. Also best ride out of any quad i tested.
Posted by: BRP33
WOW, 65mph!!! How steep is the hill you are going down???
I have gotten mine up to 63 on GPS and i ran out of room. Some will go faster than others some with only do 55 - 60 others can get up to 62- 65. Great power for a 400.
Posted by: Toyeboy
I had a 2004 400 sportsman, it was a good quad but it was to heavy and expensive, the Eiger is a lot lighter and cheaper so that would probably be a better choice.
Posted by: Master400
Bombardier Outlander 400 4x4 easily. The Suzuki Eiger is in 2nd place overall. The top speed on the Bomb is 65 MPH. No other 400 will even come close to that. Plus the suspension, the frame is state of the art. Nobody else offers all this in quad. But it's the most expensive 400.
Posted by: FinalForce
Oo Im with the Kodiak, its a good a quad, reliable and has great power. Price is also not bad.
