New Quad Info. GO BIG OR GO HOME!

[ryanlr]

I currently own a 2006 sportsman 700 EFI. Love the bike but I am considering buying a New bike this fall or early spring. So I figured I would start doing my research now. I was thinking about changing brands but am not totally convinced, so I just wanted some "honest" opinions from some people who ride them!

I would appriciate any info. on the following bikes:

Arctic Cat Thundercat
Polaris 800 Sportsman
Grizzly 700
Kawasaki Brute 750
Can Am 800

[LeCaptain]

Its nice to go bigger, but holy crap the fuel costs are sure different!!! On the Piney derby I only made it 45 miles on a tank!!! I can just imagine what a thundercat would do if you "played"!!!! Its really fun though!!

[mailman]

Rumours are that polaris will have a new bike in June, so that may affect your decision too.

[Ilovetoys]

Those are not even in the same price range. It's not what you buy it's what you biuld. My vote is the thundercat but when i buy a big bore i add everthing to it hence i did not buy the thundercat would have cost me 20000g's if not over...

Question is what do you want to add to it. Buy any of these you need to mod baby MOD or go home :)

Grizz is nice lots of aftermarket parts for it and also with the brute but save 1000 and buy the 650 more bottom end for mudding :). Both easy to snork or get a underdog KQ 750

[punch]

love my t-cat. and yes it does like its fuel when you play. but it does have lots of power. no problem turning the 29.5 laws, especially in low range. it will be interesting to see what a guy can build when the aftermarket parts start showing up. but i would definately wait till the new releases come out in the next month or two. i really think there is going to be some awesome rides coming from all brands....:cheers:

[LeCaptain]

Rumours are that polaris will have a new bike in June, so that may affect your decision too.

Alot of those rumors are going around. LOTS! May even have a cross over bike like the rest. Not just a true sport utility like the sportsman anymore.

[TOOTHPICK]

I was talking with a Polaris test driver a couple of weeks ago and what he was riding is suppose to be released in July (I believe he said), but it was only a 500.

[criksidebob]

We have sold several TCats .There are several distinctives you should look at if you buy a Big bore unit.Make sure that your drive lines are routed straight to save on wear and tear on your drivelines.another thing you want is to have a clutch system where your belt is always tight and the belt drive in engaged with an oil bath clutch.This makes a differance on the longevity of your belt.It will be real intresting what other manufacturers will come out with for 09.By the way we still have a pair of Tcats left.

[Loudelectronics]

I say grizz, cause they take a good beating and not alot of maintanance. The tranny is the best in the biz because of the wet clutch and constant belt tension. There are lots and I can go on. What Crikside said is true, and the grizz has all that. But you really have to drive em and look at them before you make a decision.

If those are the bikes you are looking at, the Grizz is the most reliable. Has the least amount of power though. However you are likely able to drive it faster then any of those qouds on the trail. I would talk to Camoman. He switched from poo to Yamaha. You wont be sorry you did, that is for sure. It will feel like a toy compared to your poo because of the lack of weight. Test drive one, they sell them selves.

[robbie]

i would get a grizz

[criksidebob]

At Crikside we always say that a yammi is a quality bike, almost in the same class reliabilty wise as the Cat,s and the Suzuki.lol.Just remember in the terrian racing North American Championships Cat not only won the whole circuit championship but also placed 8 riders in the top 12.

[Maxter]

Is there any reason in particular that you are not considering a Can-Am 800?

[robbie]

those are sweet qwuads

[Wolf]

At Crikside we always say that a yammi is a quality bike, almost in the same class reliabilty wise as the Cat,s and the Suzuki.lol.Just remember in the terrian racing North American Championships Cat not only won the whole circuit championship but also placed 8 riders in the top 12.


Yepper !! ... :banana:

[Grizzly SE]

I say grizz, cause they take a good beating and not alot of maintanance. The tranny is the best in the biz because of the wet clutch and constant belt tension. There are lots and I can go on. What Crikside said is true, and the grizz has all that. But you really have to drive em and look at them before you make a decision.

If those are the bikes you are looking at, the Grizz is the most reliable. Has the least amount of power though. However you are likely able to drive it faster then any of those qouds on the trail. I would talk to Camoman. He switched from poo to Yamaha. You wont be sorry you did, that is for sure. It will feel like a toy compared to your poo because of the lack of weight. Test drive one, they sell them selves.

I love my Grizz. I don't think you can go wrong with a Grizz 700. I rode St. Malo Derby over the stump cut offs in the middle of the trail and it took them in stride. Very comfortable ride, very reliable, A proven performer.
I agree with everything LE said. As far as having a little less power than some others, you have to remember that the Grizz weights 600 lbs. Compared to a Polaris at 800 lbs. The Polaris weights 33% more than the Yamaha.
I was talking to Camoman and he told me he has never been more happy with any other quad he has ever owned and like LE said, he has owned a Polaris. Not brand bashing here, just giving my honest opinion. If I had to buy another quad right now it would be a Grizz 700 without any dought what so ever. JMO

[mongrol]

i like the Po-yam-tic-bishi-da-uki-am. Its by far the best for "U". But I can't pronounce it.

[HOUSEHUNTER]

.........no comment !! lol...took the words outa my mouth

[ryanlr]

Maxter there is no particular reason why I'm not considering the can am 800 I just kind of forgot. Would appriciate anybodies thoughts on them also. I want as much info. as possible because there's no better way than to talk to the guys and gals that ride 'em. Another reason for me asking for opinions on these bikes because the dealers in the Dauphin,Manitoba area are very shy about allowing there bikes to be test riden'. I also don't think you can get a real feal for a bike and test it's capabilities in a 10 min spin around a parking lot. It would sure be nice if dealers were able to let you take a bike home and try it for a day, I know that this is next to impossible but they would sure sell alot more bikes!

[Lips1772]

I just bought my first quad about a month ago. I got a 07 KQ 700. I looked at them all. I picked the the KQ because it's light 600lbs, right price and had lots of power. I also liked the locking front diff, easy to use.

[BRP Fan]

Maxter there is no particular reason why I'm not considering the can am 800 I just kind of forgot. Would appriciate anybodies thoughts on them also. I want as much info. as possible because there's no better way than to talk to the guys and gals that ride 'em. Another reason for me asking for opinions on these bikes because the dealers in the Dauphin,Manitoba area are very shy about allowing there bikes to be test riden'. I also don't think you can get a real feal for a bike and test it's capabilities in a 10 min spin around a parking lot. It would sure be nice if dealers were able to let you take a bike home and try it for a day, I know that this is next to impossible but they would sure sell alot more bikes!

Before you buy, get out thee a try them all, expecially a Can-Am 800. You will be impressed to say the least!!!

[bwery]

I currently own a Polaris 800. The quad I owned previously was a sportsman 700, so kinda the same situation as you. What really won me over with sticking to the same brand was the service I got from my dealer. To be honest, my 700 was a lemon. Or so it seamed that way as I had several break downs. I beat the crap out of it and drove it as hard as I could through all kinds of swamp. It broke down and warranty covered everything for 2 years. Thats when I decided to trade in. I was a little weary about the break downs, but since I never had to pay for any repairs, and the service people were really good to me with freebies, I stuck it out. This 800 I beat just as hard and the only thing I had to fix so far was a blown belt. That was largly the result of pulling a heavy trailer through deep snow. The power in theis machine is unbelievable and a big step up from the 700. The low end torque is amazing. My buddy swamped his quad in the swamp yesterday, and although he hates Polaris, i think if he is reading this he would have to admit the 800 had no problems pulling him through the mud as long as their was tracktion. I pulled him for a couple k's through pure crap. I can wheelie no prob in low or high with heavy zillas on. Smoothiest ride in the industry. The ebs is awsome for down hills. This quad is a tank. It will out pull anything and the way it is designed, it is basically a submarine. All the vents are positioned hight and it will go deeper then any other quad in stock form that I know of.
My dislikes, (1) I don't like the rad positioning as you got to watch that the rad screen doesn't plug up and over heat your machine. Your warning light gives you plenty of notice, but I still don't like to stop and cool the machine down because of crap in the rad. (2) when I said it was a tank, it's a tank. Dry weight is 770 lbs. This is a heavy machine and a little more work if you get stuck in the mud and don't want to winch.
Other then that This machine has been awsome. It is my preference and I would buy another.
All that said and done, I still think the best bang for your buck is a grizzley. You really do get alot for you money with the griz. The sportsman 800 is well worth it, but it is more pricey.

[TRX 500]

Maxter there is no particular reason why I'm not considering the can am 800 I just kind of forgot. Would appriciate anybodies thoughts on them also. I want as much info. as possible because there's no better way than to talk to the guys and gals that ride 'em. Another reason for me asking for opinions on these bikes because the dealers in the Dauphin,Manitoba area are very shy about allowing there bikes to be test riden'. I also don't think you can get a real feal for a bike and test it's capabilities in a 10 min spin around a parking lot. It would sure be nice if dealers were able to let you take a bike home and try it for a day, I know that this is next to impossible but they would sure sell alot more bikes!

Come take my can am 800 out for a spin it has more than enough power good ride and so far good dependibility, I had an out put shaft seal leak and it gets hot once in a while but found that rad was really dirty and now no problems excellent on fuel good ride did I mention the power?!?!! I have 2 honda's 1 500 and a 680 and the 800 is a close second to the 500 fuel mileage but better than the 680, I am about 3/4 of a mile from the bush and swamp so the bike could be tested a little more than on pavement, I love the bike and would not steer anyone away from it!!!!!!!:cheers:

[TRX 500]

At Crikside we always say that a yammi is a quality bike, almost in the same class reliabilty wise as the Cat,s and the Suzuki.lol.Just remember in the terrian racing North American Championships Cat not only won the whole circuit championship but also placed 8 riders in the top 12.


You mean the riders put the bikes in those positions, if they were on a yammi or honda or can am it would have been those machines in those positions, Fact 9 times out of ten it is the rider NOT the bike!!!!

[Ilovetoys]

Rider is useless unless you have a reliable machine that can take a beating :)

[TRX 500]

Rider is useless unless you have a reliable machine that can take a beating :)

Any machine I have ever owned has taken a beating and still goes never let me down, and unless you know how to ride it doesn't matter what bike you have, I haved seen it many times where one guy gets stuck and I can drive right through the same spot and not get stuck!!

[BDP]

You mean the riders put the bikes in those positions, if they were on a yammi or honda or can am it would have been those machines in those positions, Fact 9 times out of ten it is the rider NOT the bike!!!!

I couldn't agree more. Reliability etc. has a whole different meaning to all of us, than what it is to these racers. Any of these pro racers' machines only have to make it through one race, then will be rebuilt as needed anyways.

Take Ricky Carmichael in MX / SX, the last few years of racing he rode for Kawasaki, Suzuki & Honda. He proved time & time again, he can win on anything. Damn guy could ride a moped & whoop everyone! LOL

[Canadian144]

My vote is the Can-Am Outlander 800. Ours has been very reliable, nothing has broke yet. If anything goes wrong, that 3 year warranty can deal with it. Lot's of power in the 800 V-Twin, and the new 09's have 67HP now (6 hp increase I think). Also the XT adds nice features like the front bumper, winch, nice wheels, etc. etc. And if you want to carry two people with the Max you have the option. Plus you won't be putting additional stress on the chassis/rear suspension since the Max was designed to have both of the riders in front of the rear suspension. All around a great bike.

Ok, I might get flamed for this, but IMO anything with a V-twin is better than any of the single cylinder engines. V-Twins are the current technology.... single cylinders are aging designs, soon to be replaced. The rumour is that the Grizzly will be replaced with a V-twin or a tri engine in the not-so-distant future. Single cylinder engines don't make as much power, and cause more stress on other components.

Ideally, I say to drive all the bikes, if you have the choice. If not, I would say get a Can-Am Outlander 800 or any of the other V-Twin bikes. You won't be disappointed with the Outlander, or it's 3 year warranty!

[Goatmanatv]

Stick with polaris and get the 800

[LOOGIN]

Grizz 700 with power steering, love this machine. Intakes and exhaust are nice and high. Rack deep no problems. Power steering is great especially in diff lock and absorbing rough trail. Just add tires and away you go. No mods needed thats my opinion though. just look thru some of the past posts and threads of problems with ATV's and you will find few on the grizz 700.

[criksidebob]

ITS like I said before if you don't have a clutch and belt system where the belt is always tight and the drive is engaged with an oil bath clutch you won't have the same reliabilty and so far only Yamaha Suzuki and Cat use that system.Also look how your drivelines are routed.If they are not straight or almost straight you will replace more joints.Another thing to consider is the price and availibility of parts.

[Goatmanatv]

Grizz 700 with power steering, love this machine. Intakes and exhaust are nice and high. Rack deep no problems. Power steering is great especially in diff lock and absorbing rough trail. Just add tires and away you go. No mods needed thats my opinion though. just look thru some of the past posts and threads of problems with ATV's and you will find few on the grizz 700.


Pfff power steering is for women, use some muscle and turn the tires :gun_bandana:

[JAG GAL]

.......It would sure be nice if dealers were able to let you take a bike home and try it for a day, I know that this is next to impossible but they would sure sell alot more bikes!


Organize a swap and ride for anyone willing to let others try out their machines and for those who want to try something different. Make a day of it.

Okay...keep in mind, I'm talking quads! HA! HA!

[Vinsonater]

I would go Grizz or King. Both are great reliable, all around bikes. as loogin said just neeed some rubber and hammerdown. happy shopping!:cheers:

[x4332]

My machine is open to anyone who is looking at the 700 cat's.

[greatwhitenorth]

Take Ricky Carmichael in MX / SX, the last few years of racing he rode for Kawasaki, Suzuki & Honda. He proved time & time again, he can win on anything. Damn guy could ride a moped & whoop everyone! LOL

Except for James Stewart............

I would go Can-am or Kawasaki

[x4332]

Kawi if not Cat.

[criksidebob]

RIDE BEFORE YOU BUY HAS BEEN OUR SLOGAN FOR YEARS AND THAT WHY WE HAVE BEEN CATS LARGEST ATV DEALER IN THE MAN/SASK TERRITORY FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS.aLSO WE SELL CLOSE TO THE SAME VOLUME WITH SUZUKI.

[catmanh1]

dont be a dumb ass thiers only 1 quad worth looking at and thats the cat they have it all and they r manufacturing a mud bogger right from factory so dont wast your money buy cat