Anyone know about quadbikes (or ATVs).

[haggisbasher]

We have just moved onto a small acreage (16.5)and wonder about the wisdom of getting a quad to run around and move some of our stuff into and from the paddocks. Have seen what appears like a good deal at the local shop for a new Suzuki, and also an old 1990 Kawasaki on Ebay.

What i'd like to know is would it be worth shelling out for a new bike or are they fairly bullet-proof and maybe just go for something used. I know, very general question but i'd like to do a little homework.

Probably just be towing a small quad trailer behind it. Must be light and easy to handle too as my wife would be the main user. For heavier stuff and farm work we have a B6100.

many thanks to the brains trust.

Chris

[abaddonxi]

Check this thread out-
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/84002-looking-new-atv-today.html

[haggisbasher]

Check this thread out-
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/84002-looking-new-atv-today.html


been through it.... still researching.

ta

[jonesy61]

If this cheap crud thing we got for my little girl is anything to go by...

Avoid Chinese built copies like the plague. They may be cheap, because they are!:mad:

[Redback]

Go here for all your questions;)
OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum :: Index (http://www.ozatv.com/forum/index.php)

Baz.

[Critical Jim]

Use a Honda liquid cooled 750cc here on the property, have no problem with it yet, tows a trailer with no problems.

[disco2hse]

I don't know how steep the terrain is but every year I keep reading and hearing of people killing themselves or suffering serious injury from quad bike accidents.

I would give serious consideration to one of these things, the Polaris Ranger (http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-au/ATV-RANGER/Pages/Home.aspx) (Sorry it's one of those really annoying Flash sites). They have all the good attributes of a quad but also have full roll cages and useful things like a tray, etc.

[Landy Smurf]

dont buy new they last forever

[akelly]

I'll throw in a vote for the Polaris, the ranger and the sportsman are both very capable workhorses. I've used them in some pretty demanding situations over the years and they are awesome. I think the ranger is probably a better farm hack and a bit easier to live with every day than the sportsman.

Be warned though, they can be extremely dangerous if you aren't careful. They will climb almost anything if you know how to ride them but are quite unstable on a side-slope. I've seen some pretty bad injuries (shattered hips, broken legs and arms) from roll-overs on these things.

Only real dramas I've seen is the gearbox - although that has been on very overloaded and overworked units.

Cheers,

Adam

[Piddler]

I have a KFX 700 Kawasaki and love it.
Has a tow ball atttachment for trailers 2 wheel drive so not to many nasty front end problems with wear and tear and goes like stink.

And if you have very big sand dunes nearby even more fun.

Check www700v.com for more info.
Cheers

[Mudnut]

Hey Chris,
Congratulations on your move! We are still anxiously awaiting ours next month.
I purchased a second hand one when we had a property down the coast. The property was surrounded by state forest, and very steep in parts. I went with a four wheel drive one, as I was pulling trailers up steep slopes, and driveways, and traction was a consideration. I mainly only used it in 1st or 2nd gear, so speed was not a consideration (you should be used to this by driving a Defender:D). They do hold up well enough to buy second hand, and in a reasonable condition, but I would go over it before I buy one on e-bay. Also on your acrage, you might be able to claim some tax deductions on a working property, so new might be more reasonable.
Anyway, good luck in your search, and your new home.

Cheers,
Ken

[DRanged]

Hey mate
We are in a similar situation to you although our property is very steep. For the last 4 years my wife has been using a Yamaha Wolverine 350 4x4.(ex aus miltary SAS) Semi auto 5 speed. Absolutly great machine. As long as you service and look after it you'll have no problems. Stay right away from Chinese crap. I got my son a chinese quad so he could see how he liked it before we spent good money on a descent one. No word of a lie I must have spent around 100 hours on it keeping it going. Lucky I'm a maintenance fitter as I have nearly re-designed it.

We are actually go ing to update to a 2 seater Polaris so if you want to spent around the 2-3K mark PM me.

Justin

[Johnsy]

We have a Polaris Hawkeye 300 4x4 independant suspension and auto CVT gearbox. It is a good beginner bike and is light and manouverable and goes really well thru mud (better than the Sportsman 500 and 800s) IMHO;)
We found the Polaris with the independant rear end rides much better than the beam swingarms of the Honda and Yamaha equivelents.

Most of our friends and neighbours have either Polaris or Jap Quads, like most have already told you stay away from the cheap Chinese quads, unless you are a fitter or like rebuilding things :angel:

Best of luck with your purchase.

Johnsy

[haggisbasher]

Well.... many thanks to all who replied. Luckily our block is pretty flat so side-slopes are not a problem. I suspected the cheapies were ones to avoid but really wanted confirmation. I like tinkering/ fixing (Yes Ken... a Defender driver!) but would rather spend the time on the land. Never thought about the tax implications so will look into that.

DRanged.... our buget is around 2k atm so i'll PM you.

Ken..... all the best with your move too. It is a very exciting thing to do and will be a big change from "sunny" Melbourne. Our move went well. Looking for local work now as the commute is a bit long. Kids love the space tho!

TO the Vic mob, hope everyone got through the storms OK.

Chris