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Sport Quad Comparison

Discussion in 'All Terrain Vehicles' started by BGrutter, Oct 18, 2010.

  1. Oct 18, 2010 at 12:52 PM
    #1
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm just doing some preliminary research. I have been out of the ATV world for a few years now. Last I was in, the primary competition in the Sport quads was between the 400s. Now, all the makes have a 450 class ATV and most have reverse (that's good to see). So, now I want to reaquaint myself to the differences.

    I know that this is not an ATV site, but I'm comfortable here and feel this would be a good place to start. I really don't feel like joining some other forum and accidently ending up on one Make's Fanboy site. For example, I didn't join TW to see if it's better than the competition. I had to make the choice to 'Want' a Tacoma before coming here.

    Anyway, I'd really like to gather some local TW opinions of the various bikes and who does what well. I'm really interested in anything 450+, so long as it is a sport quad.

    Here are my requirements:
    • Trail ready
    • Dune Friendly
    • No racing needed
    • Reverse Required
    • Minimal Maintenance
    • Removable Fenders are a PLUS (though very rare)
    • Tons of fun ;)

    This is the list I've found so far:
    • Can-Am DS 450
    • Can-Am DS 450 X MX
    • Can-Am DS 450 X XC
    • Honda TRX450R
    • Honda TRX700XX
    • Kawasaki KFX 450R
    • KTM 450 XC
    • KTM 525 XC
    • KTM 450 SX
    • KTM 505 SX
    • Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS
    • Suzuki QuadRacer R450
    • Yamaha YFZ450R
    • Yamaha YFZ450X
    • Yamaha Raptor 700R

    Anyway, I'm sure I missed some, but I really don't think it's necessary for me to name them all. For my needs, the base models are probably adequate. And I imagine the Suxuki and Kawasaki are probably the same other than plastic, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Oct 18, 2010 at 1:02 PM
    #2
    Cogge89

    Cogge89 Well-Known Member

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    I have friends with the TRX 450, Quadracer 450, KFX 450, and raptor 700... I would pick the Raptor 700 hands down. It by far appeared to be the best "all around", and was great in the trails. Just my opinion though
     
  3. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:17 PM
    #3
    goldfish

    goldfish Well-Known Member

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    I'm like 99% sure that the only 450 with reverse is the KFX450.

    I would suggest the 700R or 700XX. You get the speed of the 450's with reverse included. Real big difference between the two is that the XX has independent rear suspension. While the raptor has the standard axle setup. Your call
     
  4. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:28 PM
    #4
    DubVtundy

    DubVtundy ERMAHGERD

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    alright i can kinda help ya out here. the only 450 out right now that has reverse is the kawasaki 450. you can pick that but arent gonna go as fast. there for everyone thinks that the raptor 700s are the best. well my brother has one and i have to disagree they are so top heavy they are very easy to flip when riding trails fast. and the gearing in them sucks. i have a suzuki 450r and im telling you even know it doesnt have reverse its the best bike i have ever had. you have to do barely any maintenance to them for some reason some ppl have had them for 3 years and never ajusted the valves and still runs great. 2nd the zuki 450 is the fast 450 out there once you put the cherry bomb on and either take the baffel out or put the yoshi on it will smoke the raptor 700s i know from past experience and put in mind im not a real small guy i weigh about 225. just thought i would put my 2 cents in on this one and if anyone around zip code 26726 would wanna go ridin just msg me up and we can meet somewhere.
     
  5. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:36 PM
    #5
    RelentlessFab

    RelentlessFab Eric @Relentless Fab Vendor

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    no reverse, but the new Yamaha 450s are rated best IMO. I've got a honda 450r with about $9000 in aftermarket parts and motor upgrades and after demoing all the 450s and 700's, its the only quad i'd consider trading mine for... unless I was doing only trails and casual but fast riding, then the Honda 700xx gets my vote!
     
  6. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:40 PM
    #6
    2k6750

    2k6750 Well-Known Member

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    I love my 06 quadracer. Just can't ride it enough. Trails are fun, just no reverse. You can usually just spin it around since its so wide and has so much power, but it does suck sometimes. I've put quite a few Raptors to shame and destroyed one at the Moto-X and Super-X track down here.
     
  7. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:40 PM
    #7
    98_Mud_bug

    98_Mud_bug 98_mud_bug

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    the Honda 400ex is a good all around bike, they respond really well to minor upgrades like exaust and jets. i run mine in the dunes all the time. they have reverse, the rear fenders come completely off with the rear seat for easy to mess with you can get one realitively cheap and they are very reliable.
     
  8. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:42 PM
    #8
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the input. That does help quite a bit. I think 'maybe' what I was thinking about when I said most had reverse was possibly confused with the electric start. Didn't the original YFZ and TRX have kick-starts? I could be way off, but I seem to remember something like that from my 4-6 year old memory of when they were first coming out.

    Anyway, now you're really screwed me up. The reason I like reverse so much is because both of my previous quads (250x and DVX400) had it. It's so convenient when trail riding.

    Anyone have any experience with the Outlaw? The IRS is intriguing for the trail-riding due to ground clearance (though that's rarely an issue). Seems interesting though.

    I hope to test drive as many as possible before actually pulling the trigger, but I little reading goes a long way in knowing which questions to ask/research.
     
  9. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:43 PM
    #9
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Wow, that's a lot of quick replies, for reference, I was referring to post #5. I will have to catch up now.
     
  10. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:46 PM
    #10
    RelentlessFab

    RelentlessFab Eric @Relentless Fab Vendor

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    IMO the Polaris Outlaws design is outdated/inferior to the Japanese models. The KTM motors are the only thing going for them imo. even still, they're detuned versions of the ones in the KTM brand quads. :cool:
    For irs, the 700xx is waaaaay better. :cool:
     
  11. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:47 PM
    #11
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

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    As far as removable fenders, the only reason I even mentioned it was because on my old DVX, you could remove them all, just the actual wheel covering portion, and run it like a crotch rocket on 4 wheels. I really don't know if it made any difference, lol, but I would do that in the dunes. Anyway, glad to see the thread is getting some good traffic.

    I'm pretty certain that if the YFZ came with reverse, my mind would be set. But I'm having a bit of trouble getting past that.

    This decision is worse than picking which lift for my truck, lol
     
  12. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:48 PM
    #12
    RelentlessFab

    RelentlessFab Eric @Relentless Fab Vendor

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    The Can-Am doesnt have a KTM motor. It has a Rotax built motor. ;)
     
  13. Oct 19, 2010 at 8:52 PM
    #13
    98_Mud_bug

    98_Mud_bug 98_mud_bug

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    if you want a big bike the honda 700xx is a great bike, independent front and rear suspension but they are a big bike. and reverse, thats about all i know about them.
     
  14. Oct 19, 2010 at 9:03 PM
    #14
    JAG

    JAG Well-Known Member

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    Raptor 700r GYTR FTW!!! I love it. I am 6'2" 180 lbs... its not top heavy... the only way it could tip over is if you don't lean with the FAST turns. The gearing is a little weird.... it does have reverse.

    I liked that the shocks could be adjusted on the GYTR edition and i liked the plastics and the upgraded push bars and nerf bars.

    Complaints.... none yet... just wish I had the newest version to have the gauge readings.

    **Oh i do wish that the armor wasn't plastic.... but its just part of the upgrade process.

    I will give Honda a shot on my next quad... just for a change.
     
  15. Oct 19, 2010 at 9:11 PM
    #15
    DubVtundy

    DubVtundy ERMAHGERD

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    easiest way to put it if you want reverse and wanna go faster than a 400 as much as i hate the raptors i would say go with the 700 raptor jus the first thing you will wanto to do is change the gearing if you wanna ride the woods and tight trails but if i had to pick all over again i wouldnt change anything for my ltr450
     
  16. Oct 19, 2010 at 9:14 PM
    #16
    JAG

    JAG Well-Known Member

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    Oh nice. Thanks! I thought about getting one before...

    I just need to get a programmer first.... its gonna be like 250-300ish i think for that. :eek:
     
  17. Oct 19, 2010 at 9:17 PM
    #17
    taco084gb

    taco084gb No matter where you go there you are.

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    Here is a few of my quad I have had for almost 4 yrs. And would get another when this one is worn out. Lots of add ons but the best is a precision steering Dampener. NO #1 add on.
    We have 2 Raptor 700's, 1 is an SE. Then we have a Raptor 350 ( the old warrior) Then my Dad has the YFZ 450 and 05. ALL good bikes and No problems so far but I take care of my things as well. Good services like oil and air filters. Hope this helps ya some.
    Good Luck
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  18. Oct 19, 2010 at 9:28 PM
    #18
    JAG

    JAG Well-Known Member

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    :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

    Dude i have a pro design air filter and thats it as of right now.... 50 bucks with billet adapter :eek:


    To OP... taco084gb helped me out a bunch when i first got my raptor. told me what to focus on first and where to go from there. if you go with yamaha i'm sure he will do the same for you.
     
  19. Oct 19, 2010 at 9:32 PM
    #19
    Redfox1

    Redfox1 'Stralia! Riding Roo's and wrangling koalas

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    For the requirements you posted you cant really go wrong with most of these bikes. Most of these bikes(im not positive) should have reverse and electric start these days. The KTM motors i am not familiar with, although i have only heard good things about them.

    I have also been interested in the outlaw. For trail riding i have definitely run into ground clearance problems. The IRS is also a much better ride, than other sport quads, and allows you to float over a lot more obstacles comfortably. The only thing with IRS if your used to sport quads is that they dont drift as easily. Theyre still a ton of fun though, you just got to get used to power drifting.
     
  20. Oct 26, 2010 at 1:21 PM
    #20
    orvis

    orvis Well-Known Member

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    I have to say the 700xx sounds like a good bike for you, but I do have to mention that stock 1st gear is very tall, it doesn't like going very slow. I was always on the clutch in tight trails, but I'm the same way on my dirt bike so it could just be me
     
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