I am looking at purchasing a new ATV. Right now I have a Honda Rancher 350 4x4 ES and I really like it. Now I am looking at a Yamaha Big Bear 400. So far I like it because it is not automatic. But I am nervous about switching from my Honda which has been bullet proof. I am hoping that this Yamaha engine will be more peppy with the reliability of the Honda. If anyone has any insight about this Yamaha Big Bear 400 I would be excited to hear. Thanks much.

 

The Big Bear is geared for utility work. It will scream in top gear at only 45mph and you will be always looking for that 6th gear that is not there. They are reliable as anything else but your 350 can cruise down long roads more smoothly and quickly. There is no semi auto power house Utility ATVs made any longer (500 Vinson is gone ). The foreman 500 is the bigest 5 speed Utility made now and it,s the least powerful in its class and even get beat out by some new 450 Auto's Utilities now.

 

I understand i'm not going to have the top end of the sport quads, and thats not what i am concerned about. I am more concerned about having the pep at the low speeds, can i accelerate faster than i can walk. Will i be able to spin the tires when i'm starting from a stop. You obviously haven't rode a Honda because it is like driving a mini-van almost, not much getup and even less go. So will i still be able to utilize some power in the lower speeds with this Big Bear. As far as why i don't switch over to sport ATVs is because i love to see how deep of mud i can get through which is much more fun with 4x4.
Thanks again