Hunting quad

xxclaro · #1 08-22-2010

Thinking of buying a quad next year for elk and moose hunting. I had a Polaris Scrambler about 10 years ago that I really liked but I don't think it would be ideal for my current needs. I don't need anything big,just something to putter around on clearing trails and hopefully dragging out game.Also want to be a ble to get a seat for the wife to ride along. I was looking at some new ones and they have gone up in price since I bought mine! Thinking I might have to go used. What machines have you found to be the most reliable and useful? I don't need to go ripping up the trails no more,them days are over. I want something that'll get me there and back reliabely. Also noticed the smaller machines are cheaper and lighter,so that is also a bonus. I see that the oilfield guys seem to run mostly Honda's,are they that much more reliable then the rest?

albertadeer · #2 08-22-2010

honda

elkoholic523 · #3 08-22-2010

If i were you i would get a used yamaha grizz 700 with pwer steering it helps a ton when you got a passenger and it only ways 600 pounds same as a 500 honda.Ive got 4200km on mine and ive never had a single problem.Still on the original belt and its still in perfect conditon and ive pulled my fair share of moose and hondas out of the bush with it.

Hooter · #4 08-22-2010

I had a 1995 Honda Foreman 400 that was bullet proof and extremely reliable and wouldn't hesitate to recommend one in an instant. It won't win any races down the trail and it didn't have any bells and whistles, but it was a fanstastic machine.

I did, however, sell that quad a few years ago and bought a Yamaha Grizzly 700 EFI EPS and haven't regretted it. I find my arms and shoulders are much less tired after a full day of riding, and the ride is EXTREMELY comfortable. On the down side I find the Yamaha engine isn't as smooth as the Honda's and it seems to bog down a bit when the mud gets thick. This may be because I have 26" Mudlite XTR's but I'm not positive because those are the only tires I've had on it since new. I've heard a clutch kit can resolve this, but I haven't had a chance to buy one yet. The only other thing I don't like about the Yamaha Grizzly 700 is that it doesn't have a pull start, so if you're in the bush and the battery craps out you're screwed.

Just my $0.02

-Trevor

bagwan · #5 08-22-2010

Google Coopers RV and check out their used prices for an idea on pricing. They bring them up from the States. Very reasonable.

xxclaro · #6 08-22-2010

Wow,Coopers looks like the place to go. Thanks for the link,I was looking for something like that. '
I really don't think I need a 700cc quad with power steering and all the rest. I kind of like the no frills thing with less things to go wrong and a back-up starting method is an absolute must,as I'll often be out alone with no one to boost me.
I don't need to buy before next spring/summer so I have some time to research what I need. I'd love to see a fact sheet on some of these quads to see what they weigh in at and things like that.

Traps · #7 08-22-2010

Honda Foreman are very reliable. No belts that get wet and its bullet proof with no a lot for bells and whistles. Your already on the right track for what you need.
http://honda.ca/MCPE/Motorcycle/default?L=E

medicmoose · #8 08-22-2010

I have a Can-am Outlander 650, awesome machine but prob allot more that what you are looking for. I bought my wife a 350 Honda foretrax this spring and she and I both love it. With stock tire it goes everywhere my outty with 28" lites goes it just bumps its way thru the holes. And your right they are very light compared to the big machines and it’s been very reliable. Hers is a 2006 we bought used and the biggest complaint I have is the drum brakes. but all in all the price I paid for it and the fact she is comfy driving it I can put in the garage time keeping up the brakes for her.

MM

Sako · #9 08-22-2010

Don't forget those fancy fuel injected quads don't have a back up pull start if your back in the bush with a dead battery.
Honda Foreman 500 all the way!!!

xxclaro · #10 08-22-2010

The only negatives I've heard about Honda are cold weather starting issues and lack of locking front diff. It seems like some others offer a bit more options for the money but Honda definitley has a great rep for durability.

Tuc · #11 08-22-2010

I like the Honda's for their reliability and resale. I have a rubicon with power steering and would never go back to manual steer.

Big Racks · #12 08-22-2010

I've got an Arctic Cat 500 Auto and absolutely love it. They are a fairly big machine but the benefit is they have the highest ground clearance of them all I believe. Have gone into cut blocks to retrieve an animal and climbed over stumps and deadfalls like they were nothing while my buddies kept getting high centred and had to get off to lever their machine over.

Low/High range, locking front diff, independent rear suspension makes for a great ride. I'm a big guy and this has more than enough power for me. Big machine also means big racks and I have morethan a few times come out of the bush with a deer or a bear strapped onto the front, rear, or both racks. No need to drag them out through the muck when you can get them up onto your rack and strap them down.

2fast4uRuss · #13 08-23-2010

I would advise to staying with a known brand ( Honda Yamaha Kawasaki Polaris Suzuki Can Am Arctic Cat) they all make a pretty good machine. Don't go anywhere near an off brand no matter who they tell you builds it or parts from this brand fit right on..they don't and never will.
If you really want to keep your costs down unser 3,000 find a suzuki king quad 250 4x4 a yamaha Big bear 350 or kodiak 400 or several models of honda foremans 400 or 450 they will all get you there and back at minimal cost with the edge going to the king quad for a smoother rear suspension and a full diff lock and the option or kicking it out of 4 wheel drive most of the others are full time 4x4.
However if you are wanting to go newer don't be afraid of fuel injection and a recoil starter should not be a deal breaker it is only there if you are foolish enough to leave your key on or don't look after your machine(loose battery bolts).
A good thing to do if ever looking at a used machine is to always take the seat off and look up under the fuel tank and high under the plastics...alot of people pressure wash there machines and forget to clean this area it will give you a good idea of the posible life of the machine with what you find hidden there. Also bring a floor jack and lift all the wheels off the ground and rock the tire top to bottom to check for bad wheel bearings if you find bad ones on a solid rear axle quad that is shaft drive walk away( very expensive and probably more wrong or soon to be) You can also check suspension bushings while you have it in the air push in and out and feel for clunks spin the tires and pay attention to the CV boots. A compression tester is also a good thing to bring and also take the cover off the air cleaner and have a look in there see what the filter looks like and if you see a K@N filter in there definatly check the compression they are probably the worst air filter you can put in a quad. Another thing I have found handy is bring a boost pack it will quickly tell you in cases where they say the battery is bad if they are hiding a starter issue as well. If you need more advise just ask .

JJ-65 · #14 08-23-2010

Polaris. 500 HO Sportsman
8 years 3000 miles and flatteded a **** load of cows,drug elk out of the bush 2 at a time. Grand total parts bill...$175.00 = 3 cvc boots

elkhunter11 · #15 08-23-2010

Quote:

Google Coopers RV and check out their used prices for an idea on pricing. They bring them up from the States. Very reasonable.

Be careful when dealing with Coopers,there are some great deals,but I bought a quad from them only to discover that their idea of serviced and ready to go is draining out the oil,adding new oil,but leaving the old oil filter in place.There were also a few issues with my quad that they neglected to tell me about when I bought it.As for the quad itself,I am totally pleaded with the 700 Grizzly.It is much lighter than most other large bore quads,and it is very comfortable,and capable in rough going.

blackpheasant · #16 08-23-2010

Polaris or Can-am all the way...

Ride a Polaris all day and then ride a Honda all day..the proof is how much your back will ache and Honda's make my back ache...

elkhunter11 · #17 08-23-2010

Quote:

Polaris or Can-am all the way... Ride a Polaris all day and then ride a Honda all day..the proof is how much your back will ache and Honda's make my back ache...

Have you ever ridden a Honda Rincon,or the New 420 with IRS?They are just as smooth as a Polaris,and being so much lighter,they don't bog down in the muskeg as badly.

Almer Fudd · #18 08-23-2010

If you are looking for a good hunting/working ATV google "TGB 425 outback"

Leduc, Lamont, Ft. Sask fish and game clubs have been selling tickets on these ATV's for the past 3 years.
425cc liquid cooled
CVT
manual shift 4/2wd
6 ply tires
BIG racks and front brush guards
tighest turning radius on the market
Alberta based importer since 2002
solid rear axle (rougher ride, but lower center of gravity, better pulling ability)
2" hitch receiver
Under $6500 c/w winch installed.
6 month warranty or 2 years for an extra $300..

Traps · #19 08-23-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Have you ever ridden a Honda Rincon,or the New 420 with IRS?They are just as smooth as a Polaris,and being so much lighter,they don't bog down in the muskeg as badly.

X2, rincon is like riding in a crown victoria, plush and comfy.

2fast4uRuss · #20 08-23-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almer Fudd

If you are looking for a good hunting/working ATV google "TGB 425 outback"

Leduc, Lamont, Ft. Sask fish and game clubs have been selling tickets on these ATV's for the past 3 years.
425cc liquid cooled
CVT
manual shift 4/2wd
6 ply tires
BIG racks and front brush guards
tighest turning radius on the market
Alberta based importer since 2002
solid rear axle (rougher ride, but lower center of gravity, better pulling ability)
2" hitch receiver
Under $6500 c/w winch installed.
6 month warranty or 2 years for an extra $300..

I googled this just for the heck of it.. on there own forum (TBGForum) people are saying not to purchase them they are junk. Most times I have saw positive reviews on any of this off brand stuff is the company reps posting as owners or people selling them trying to get rid of them.. For $6500 you could get yourself into some pretty nice name brand quads brand new.. Do a quick search on Kijiji and see how many off brands are for sale new or with no miles. The resale value is a joke.. try selling a quad most people wouldn't have if it was brand new never mind used.

blackpheasant · #21 08-23-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Have you ever ridden a Honda Rincon,or the New 420 with IRS?They are just as smooth as a Polaris,and being so much lighter,they don't bog down in the muskeg as badly.

No I haven't ridden one yet, I'll have to give er a go....

Almer Fudd · #22 08-23-2010

Not sure where you are looking,
I just googled TGB 425 Outback and couldn't find anything but positive comments.
As below on ATVfrontier.com and a very positive article in Dirtwheels last year.

KootenayKymco
Fox

Joined: Mar 19, 2007
Posts: 17
Location: Nelson, BC Canada

Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 5:44 am Post subject: New Quad on the block .......

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi All

Well being this part of the forums is a bit slow as seems never any new posts in this section I thought it was time to bring it to life

I went and looked and test drove a new TGB Outback 425 yesterday it is quite the machine, made in Tiwan not China, quality seems on par with Kymco and maybe even close to the big 7 brands, to me the biggest selling feature it has is its turning radius UNBELIEVABLE !!

Its a smooth running liquid cooled motor CVT drive , one thing it has that some might not like is the lack of IRS in the back although seemed very smooth and sits way the heck up there in the rear,comes in 3 classes base is very nice, the next one up has digital dash, alloy wheels and 3rd is in camo ..... all priced very good stock tires are so close to the design of the mud lite its not even funny so you wont have to go buy $ 1,500 worth of new rubber and rims to replace the stock junk on most brands.

handles nice, shifted good, BIG solid feeling machine like all the big names
was very inpressed, now some serious thinkin as to what brand to buy.

Well check em out and if anyone out there who own's one would like to give us your opinions it would be greatly read Im sure...... for TGB 's first full sized ATV into the market Im sure it will find a good following for the owner who does not want to spend a fortune but wants a quality machine .

Terry
BC Canad

2fast4uRuss · #23 08-23-2010

here you go this was the one that really caught my attention I'm sure if I searched I could find more
http://tgbforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=51.0
and I am sure we can all agree the poster Revslev is a dealer or salesman

not trying to pick a fight over it I just don't want to see someone with buyers remorse. Even worse I would hate to hear a story of a part failure that got someone hurt or someone broken down in the middle of nowhere.

Almer Fudd · #24 08-23-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2fast4uRuss

here you go this was the one that really caught my attention I'm sure if I searched I could find more
http://tgbforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=51.0
and I am sure we can all agree the poster Revslev is a dealer or salesman

not trying to pick a fight over it I just don't want to see someone with buyers remorse. Even worse I would hate to hear a story of a part failure that got someone hurt or someone broken down in the middle of nowhere.

Or maybe we can all agree that "TGB rider" is actually a Suzuki dealer or salesman..
Anyone that lists a full snorkel kit with plates on his byline...might tell you a little about what he does to his machines.
Another little sideline, TGB manufacturers the CVT transmissions for Suzuki, Can-am, Vespa amoung several others. If you pull the transmission on most of these ATV's and some sleds TGB is stamped on the side..
The units that I saw at the sportsman show in Edmonton (Lamont, Ft Sask and Leduc Fish and Game clubs raffles) looked pretty darn good. They have been raffling these ATV's for the past 3 years.
Have you ever actually seen one before?

elkhunter11 · #25 08-23-2010

I depend on my quad far too much to ever trust any of the Chinese or Taiwanese quads.

2fast4uRuss · #26 08-23-2010

I have a full snorkle kit on my Can Am 800 as well and it has never had water up to the bottom of the fuel tank and I am only running a 26' bighorn as well. I did it more for insurance then for actual use.
Saying everyone with snorkles on there quad abuses it is like saying everyone that wears camo is a gun crazed red neck.

The only Can Am using those parts woulld be the DS 250 and possible the Ds 90 Can am and most other brands bring those in from taiwan because it is cheaper to have them built there. I can't remember off my head who builds them but it was not tgb. I used to sell them.
I have not see a TGB in person.

AB RANGER 007 · #27 08-24-2010

My vote is for the Polaris Ranger 6X6, and a 38"x96" deck, articulating walking beam pullbehind trailer,

NEVER ENOUGH ROOM.

Bruce.

redneck posse · #28 08-24-2010

check out the line of Argos after a lot of time spent looking at quads i went with a 8x8 argo for about a grand more than the quad i was looking at.

Kawibunga · #29 08-24-2010

I look at it like wondering which pickup truck is best. They are all nice nowadays, its what ever suites your preference or your pocket book.

I ride an 07 Kawi BruteForce 650. Purchased it cause I liked the price, liked the looks and it had favorable reviews. I've taken it hunting since I've had it and its been a great machine. That being said I've rode lots of Honda Foremans, a few grizzilies, sportsman 500 and 800s a Suzuki 700 and a done up Can-Am 800. All nice machines. ( I suspect the Cat is nice as well )

If you want a smooth ride that doesn't wear you out, definitely go with independent rear suspension. I'm not a Polaris fan but its almost like ridding a lazy boy they're so comfy. For any rough country riding I'd definitely suggest power steering. I could not believe how nice it was when I would switch between my buddies 700 Grizz and my Kawi. If you want light weight and simplicity you can't argue against the air cooled Honda's, and now a few even have IRS like their 420, which is a nice machine.

Good luck with your decision

Robert

duffy4 · #30 08-24-2010

For the use you describe a simple reliable Honda sounds like a good choice.

I have a VERY old 350 4 trax. I just mainly use it to haul out game and it works great for that. The battery is long ago dead so I kick start it once or twice a year and away it goes.