OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Cypher]

Hi, I'm new to the forum's and looking at a new quad though I'm on a tight budget (13,000) the more I save on initial buy the more I can spend on upgrades if needed.

It will be mainly for trail/fun riding but may need to do a little work later

I have looked around a little and have come across TGB's range of quads (both the work 4x4 "Blade" series and the Sport/work "Target" series)

Apparently TGB already build and supply to numerous companies already (BMW, Polaris etc) and have since decided to enter the quad market in Australia themselves

I'm thinking about the Blade 550 or the Target 550 but I'm interested if anyone knows or has heard anything about them?

They seem pretty nice for the price and have great standard features but I'd love some more input and advice on these and other quads in my price range.

As a side note these things are huge, bigger than the Grizzly 700's I'm not sure if thats good or bad though.

Work Quad Blade series: www.tgbatv.com.au
Sport/work Target series: www.tgb.com.tw

[Dino]

Hi Cypher and welcome to the forum.

The blaze bikes look ok. I saw a write up on them recently.
My two bobs worth is to go a 2 seater farm type bike with IRS if your talking trail riding.
The long wheel base makes them a safer proposition up and down hills and provides a even better ride. Being able to legally and safely carry a passenger is a big +. Likewise the more room you've on a trip, the more comfortable you'll be.
That does makes them a bigger bike than a Grizzly. A bigger turning circle and a longer trailer or tray to transport them is the only real down side. They tend to keep the wheels on the deck a lot more, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on what you want.
Farm or 4wd type bikes generally have more ground clearance, racks and power points and a towing point. All of these things are a benifit on the trails.
You can carry a lot of stuff on your back. But a decent "ATV bag" is the go if your able to fit it to some racks.

If you just want to blow sand up at Stockton Beach, a sports bike will give you plenty of fun factor. It really depends what you end up doing, because that is often different to what you'd like to do.

There is some good quality stuff out of Asia. There is also a lot of dodgey importers happy to sell you something that doen't include real back-up.
Quite often they are just a job lot with a sticker kit, so the product named is not really the manufacturer.

I'd suggest you do a web search on the manufacturer to get some real credentials, as salesmen tend to be "mis-informed."

These guys might also fit your criteria, I know the bikes and time will tell if these people selling them are OK.
http://www.cf-moto.com.au/news/

I hope this helps and good luck with it.
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[yogie]

my 2 bobs worth. If you about 13k to spend, why not look aound for a late model grizz or the like for about 8,9 or 10k still got a bit of cash for bling, have a look around see whats around, was a real nice bruteforce on ebuy the other week 750i with green plastics went for 9k at a bargain.
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[Cypher]

Thanks for the info

The Blade does have IRS, braided lines, selectable 2 - 4 wheel drive as well as lockable front diff, dual clutch, good ground clearance and the 3000lb winch with wired controller is a great price.

The seat is designed to be useable as a two up and you can get a backrest attachment to increase passenger comfort (good for the wife).

Not really interested in sand riding, I'm more into technical track/trail riding.

These are imported by Paul Feeney Group the same guys who bring in MV Augusta's and Husqvarna motorcycles and TGB already supply parts for.

There is an article the August 2010 issue of CycleTorque magazine that seem's positive.

I could fit it on my dual cab tray back sideways with little overhang legally so thats not really an issue

[Cypher]

yogie wrote:

my 2 bobs worth. If you about 13k to spend, why not look aound for a late model grizz or the like for about 8,9 or 10k still got a bit of cash for bling, have a look around see whats around, was a real nice bruteforce on ebuy the other week 750i with green plastics went for 9k at a bargain.

I have been looking around alittle at 09 built quads as there seems to be quite a difference in price even between 09-10 build stuff, however there seems to be some nice tech comming in as standard on the 2010 models.

I would ideally like something new and as late model as possible as this will need to last for quite some time, as well as tough and easy to get aftermarket and standard parts.

There was a nice 09 badged Can-Am renegade x xt demo on Bikepoint for around 12,500

To tell the truth, I'm changing my mind every 10 minutes about what I'm looking for LOL the only thing that remains the same is what riding I like doing.

[Fox]

Can-Am Can-Am, you won't be taking your wife on the Renegade not enough room, How much is the TGB selling for ??? It looks good can you have a test ride,
_________________
Wear Cammo so nobody can see your stuff ups
750 Brute Force

[Dino]

I'm with Fox, take your Mrs.
Mind you, the Renegades are a blast. BUT, if only all the front diffs would work as stated. And they've enough room for a cut lunch, if you pack it properly.
A test ride can make or break a deal pretty easy.
Maybe get on to the sellers for contact info on other people who have bought them. Referall info is very genuine.
A web search for user groups and blogs on the web can be very enlightening.
It was what convinced me to buy new........
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Cypher]

Fox wrote:

Can-Am Can-Am, you won't be taking your wife on the Renegade not enough room, How much is the TGB selling for ??? It looks good can you have a test ride,

TGB Blade 550 with 3000lb winch is $10,450 new inc 24 months parts and labour warranty.

I was able to have a small ride around the front and it seemed nice but I really didnt have enough time to fully trial it.

There was a tiny amount of left right play in steering, not sludge but a tiny clunk when changing direction at standstill, however my parents old work Kawasaki Bayou 300 does the same thing, does this happen with most quads??? or is it a flaw?

[Cypher]

The Can-Am is a bit of a pipe dream as late model new quads are just to expensive, otherwise I'd look at an outlander.

[Cypher]

Another handy item on the TGB is a handle bar mounted reverse gear rev limiter override button.

Handy if you have driven into a bog and need to give it some stick to get out backwards as well as protecting the wife from getting on the throttle while in reverse and comming unstuck.

[Dino]

Cypher wrote:

Another handy item on the TGB is a handle bar mounted reverse gear rev limiter override button. Handy if you have driven into a bog and need to give it some stick to get out backwards as well as protecting the wife from getting on the throttle while in reverse and comming unstuck.

Dreaming of reverse rev limiter over-ride buttons @ 1:47 A.M.....
Just go and get it! And enjoy!
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Max444]

Hey Cypher..Why wouldn't you just go for a Polaris XP550 with power steering? they are selling for about $12995 made in the USA got all the gear on them and have 2 years warranty and have good resale years after you buy them
_________________
Max
Predator 500

[ATVOffroad]

Hey Cypher,

You get whatever you want, be it a Yamaha Grizzly, CF Moto or a Can Am Renegade - as long as it make you happy & suits your needs!

I got what makes me happy:


_________________
www.atvoffroad.com.au

[Fox]

Nice !! Can I have it please Can I ???
_________________
Wear Cammo so nobody can see your stuff ups
750 Brute Force

[Cypher]

ATVOffroad wrote:

Hey Cypher, You get whatever you want, be it a Yamaha Grizzly, CF Moto or a Can Am Renegade - as long as it make you happy & suits your needs! I got what makes me happy:

Nice...Son of a BIT**...lol, could do with some focus though

Do you rate it?

Last edited by Cypher on Tue Aug 31, 2010 4:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

[Cypher]

Max444 wrote:

Hey Cypher..Why wouldn't you just go for a Polaris XP550 with power steering? they are selling for about $12995 made in the USA got all the gear on them and have 2 years warranty and have good resale years after you buy them

Yeah I'm so confused...2010 Yamaha Grizzly 700 $12,500 new on Bikepoint

So much choice...You should see me in the video shop, I need direction lol


How about some ideas.

Trail riding
Rock climbing
Technical riding- so not so much speed (but I'd still like some get up and go)
Work around property

So I'm thinking
IRS, 4 wheel drive, Diff locks, Ag style quad, ground clearance are a must

Throw some pro's and con's at me with your rides if you would? Thanks

[Fox]

Grizzly Grizzly Grizzly I cant say anymore than that, and Im a Kawasaki fan rider owner, But I ride with Grizzlys and as a all rounder they are great, fast handle good go anyware, That will cost all grizzly riders 20 bucks each, or Ill unleash the Brute on ya haha

If you can buy a 2010 for that money, I truley dont know why its not in ya shed
_________________
Wear Cammo so nobody can see your stuff ups
750 Brute Force

[Cypher]

unfortunatly it will be a couple of months before I buy...apparently living costs money...who knew.

Is it worth going for say a 7-800cc engine over a 5-550cc one?

[Dino]

Cypher wrote:

unfortunatly it will be a couple of months before I buy...apparently living costs money...who knew. Is it worth going for say a 7-800cc engine over a 5-550cc one?

For the sort of stuff your talking of doing, it wouldn't matter.
The grunt is fun but not required to get thru most stuff
Unless your bag is oversized, heavy tyres and 12" of mud.......
How long before you get it?
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[500 HO]

Mate save up the spondolies and go for a can am 650 outlander max XT, just swapped over from a 500 sportsman and the can am with more power and power steering is a blast.
The 800 is to much in my opinion in the tight stuff that i like to ride, picked up the outlander for just over the amount you are looking at.
Andy

[Dino]

I was up at Toowoomba today for the Royal Ag Show.
And I saw some nice examples of quads and UTV's on offer from just about all the makers. It was a good day.
And earlier advice about getting what you are happy with is spot on.
All bikes get issues, and duds.
And I saw some real bargains because the sellers are motivated.

I also had a good look at the new X-5's. Mechanically the same with improvements to the body fixings and better switchgear lay outs compared to our bike. And a impressive 2 year warranty also.

Other than the Chinese bikes, Can-Am were the only ones offering a winch, wheels and 2 seater option. The differrence being what the Chinese bikes were offerring as standard, was a optional extra for the Bring Rope Please guys.
And they, CF and Can Am were the only ones offerring a extended warranty over the industry standard 12 months. Please note that warranty has strings that could be expensive as the dealer gets all the servicing...........
So maybe include those service charges in the total price.
************************************************
500HO. Donnybrook hey? We might share some riding areas......
We've a Can-Am Renegade in our group. P.M for a hook up if you'd like.
Check out the "Heads Up" in the Qld section.
The dills have put the spot-light on us.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[ATVOffroad]

Cypher wrote:

ATVOffroad wrote: Hey Cypher, You get whatever you want, be it a Yamaha Grizzly, CF Moto or a Can Am Renegade - as long as it make you happy & suits your needs! I got what makes me happy: Nice...Son of a BIT**...lol, could do with some focus though Do you rate it?

Phone camera not real good and it was late in the day so not much light.

I have more photos if you want to see more?

How do I rate it? Most fun I've had on four wheels, 800cc of pure fun and it goes just about anywhere. It will be getting some more mods in the near future including full skid plates, a snorkel kit & a clutch kit.
_________________
www.atvoffroad.com.au

[Fox]

more pics please whats it like on fuel???
_________________
Wear Cammo so nobody can see your stuff ups
750 Brute Force

[Cypher]

Thanks for the info...nice to see a community so willing to help out new people.

I'm looking at buying in early October at the moment and with a price of $12,999 for the 2010 Yamaha Grizzly EPS 700 SE I think I'll be going that unless something else pop's up between now and October.

So far its ridiculous but there is no difference in price between the 700 and the 550 on Bikepoint, otherwise I think I'd consider that

[Cypher]

Dino wrote:

I also had a good look at the new X-5's. Mechanically the same with improvements to the body fixings and better switchgear lay outs compared to our bike. And a impressive 2 year warranty also. So maybe include those service charges in the total price. .

Forgive me but X-5? who makes them? what are they? I'm sure I'll feel stupid after you tell me but hey, why not