OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Puppydog]

Hi I hope you guys can help me make a very important decision. I have owned a LTF300 and a TRX400 but I really would like something I can have a bit more fun on. So I am looking to buy a second hand ATV that will put a smile on my face or if possible even a grin!

Budget: $2500 - $4000 NZD

Main type of riding: On the beach jumping and skidding like a fool.

Secondary type of riding: I do about 3 trail rides a year of about 60km – 100km each, with a lot of steep slippy/muddy hill sections.

Number 1 bike on my list: Polaris Scrambler 500 2003 (I like this bike because it is 4wd and auto so should be capable of doing both types of riding that I like)

Other bikes I could buy: Suzuki LTZ400 2003 - Honda TRX400EX 2000 - Yamaha raptor 660 2003 - Yamaha banshee 2001

All advice on this most important question would be most appreciatively received

[yogie]

well in a biased point of view, the scrambler while it isnt a fast bike by stretch of the imagination, they are tough, will go just about anywhere and do it all day...
_________________
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

[1sick6]

BANSHEE
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He Who Dies With The Most Toys, Wins

[Huskygoat]

mate i have owned all three of those quads .. Nither of them compare to each other ... The single bigest drawback for the Scrambler for my use was the lack of low range... other than that all good ...Don't know about jumping the big girl too much.
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Truth and Honor and Trust ... never under estimate Them.

[Puppydog]

I would like it to be reasonably fast.
I realize that all of these bikes are all very different beasts but these are the bikes in my price range. Which would be best for my needs? Or is there a 4wd sports quad? The Polaris just seemed the closest to it, but the fact that it’s a bit slow by the sounds of it, is a bit off putting as the whole point for me is to have FUN!.

[yogie]

Puppydog wrote:

I would like it to be reasonably fast. I realize that all of these bikes are all very different beasts but these are the bikes in my price range. Which would be best for my needs? Or is there a 4wd sports quad? The Polaris just seemed the closest to it, but the fact that it’s a bit slow by the sounds of it, is a bit off putting as the whole point for me is to have FUN!.

the fastest 4x4 quad is the renagade, too dear or buy a second hand bruteforce Vtwin 650 or 750

but dont forget bashing through the bush isnt going to be to quick regardless, stick with the scrambler...
_________________
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

[bigjon]

Nothing wrong with the Scrambler. If you get a chance take it for a test ride.
_________________
Don't close your eyes during the crash, you'll miss the best part

[cuzo]

Polaris ----- Still going strong .....
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04 Polaris Predator 500 with mods
ProArmor - Revolution nerfs

[Puppydog]

Thanks for all of your advice.
After a lot of research these are my conclusions so far.

Yamaha banshee 2001
Good: A hall of a fun bike
Bad: Not a good bike for my type of all around riding

Honda TRX400EX 2000
Good: Nice looking, good prices, Honda reliability.
Bad: As slow as a mobility scooter.

Yamaha raptor 660 2003
Good: Powerful engine with plenty of torque.
Bad: Very tippy and prone to problems.

Suzuki LTZ400 2003
Good: Good reliable motor, excellent handling.
Bad: Not much!

So I think the winner could be the Suzuki LTZ400 but I think I will go for a 2005 of later for the extra power.

Do you think I have made the right choice?

Let me know.

[priesty]

For bush riding Scrambler is a very capable beast, however on the beach it's way too heavy, personally I'd opt for a lightweight sports quad ie LTZ400 or 400ex, I ride the ex with a bunch of 4X4 guys & have been able to go everywhere they go without any probs, right tyres is the key.
Just my 2c, enjoy whatever you wind up with.
cheers......
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The term "Foolproof" seriously underestimates the ingenuity of Fools.


08 700xx

[bigjon]

Puppydog wrote:

Honda TRX400EX 2000 Good: Nice looking, good prices, Honda reliability. Bad: As slow as a mobility scooter.

They may not be a 2nd generation 450, but there not slow.
_________________
Don't close your eyes during the crash, you'll miss the best part