More ATV stuff

MountaineerTom · October 8, 2002

I'm considering getting a Suzuki Ozark 250 (won't be until Jan/Feb though) and just wanted to get any feedback from anyone who has one. Everything I can find on them appears to be favorable, but you never really know how to take some of the reviews in the magazines. I've also talked with a few owners that really liked them and thought highly of them.

I know there are bigger, faster, heavier duty, etc, etc, ATV's out there, but I'm not going to be racing it, hunting with it, working with it, etc, etc. It's strictly for having fun trail riding with my son (also something for him to move up to in the future when he gets too big for the 80 quadsport he'll be getting for Christmas. :thumb: ) and maybe carrying some stuff like a cooler and tent to go camping. I think a 250 will be plenty big enough for me, considering the ones we had when I was in High School were 230's and me and my wife (girlfriend at the time) used to ride double on it all the time with no lack of power problems at all, so I think a 250 will be fine for what I want to do.

So, does anyone have one that can comment on it?

Just got to decide on either red or yellow. I really like the yellow, but red would go well with the truck.

bowtie_pasta · October 8, 2002

Man, they haven't changed the basic design of the Suzuki's much. I used to ride a old Suzuki 250 Quadrunner 4x4. It was a good quad. My Dad bought it for me used so it already had seen quite a bit of use. That thing just ran and ran until the day we sold it. I couldn't kill it. Always started right up and boogied down the road.

I know this probably doesn't help w/ your new Ozark, but I think Suzuki makes solid quads. Good luck!

bowtie_pasta · October 8, 2002

Oh, and I think the yellow is cool. :thumb:

SilveradoWV · October 8, 2002

I think it would be a good ATV, I saw a few of them at the dealer last time I went riding a few different models! I am currently considering an Eiger 400 4x4 Auto, but not sure if I wanna get rid of my Kaw! I tried the new Kawasaki Prairie 650 and it is great but not worth the $ IMO, I also tried the Prairie 360 and it was OK but the Eiger 400 would leave it sitting!

BTW Tom I have a 2002 Kawasaki Bayou 220 for sale that I will make you an excellent deal on!!! :thumb:

Z71GUY · October 8, 2002

A friend of mine just bought one for his wife a few weeks ago. She loves it. I havent rode it yet, but it looks like a nice all around ATV. They have the red one...looks pretty sharp IMO.

Eric

Worktruck · October 9, 2002

Try atv connection forums. Lots of info and the members are pretty helpful.

Roofer · October 9, 2002

I would personally go with a Kawasaki Prairie 360, since I have had good luck with my 650. I'm not sure what the price difference would be. Suzuki and Kawi are almost the same thing though. A friend of mine had a Suzuki Vinson 500 and it seemed like a real solid machine. The things I don't like are the left hand shifter and that single rear brake caliper. Kawi has right hand shifter and a wet brake in the rear. Not to mention a locking differential for 4x4.

Lately in the ATV world, Kawi is coming on real strong. It's a toss up, but I like Kawasaki. To me, it is a Honda on steroids.

TxDoc1 · October 9, 2002

Check your potential dealer's reputations. No matter what you buy, it may need dealer support.

I have been partial to Honda due to personal experience and good dealer support. If you are an average adult, I would consider something over 300cc and four wheel drive. Good luck on you choice and keep us updated. btw--try to ride what you are considering before you buy. And, try to ride somewhere besides a dealer parking lot.

My ATV Pics

SilveradoWV · October 9, 2002

I would personally go with a Kawasaki Prairie 360, since I have had good luck with my 650. I'm not sure what the price difference would be. Suzuki and Kawi are almost the same thing though. A friend of mine had a Suzuki Vinson 500 and it seemed like a real solid machine. The things I don't like are the left hand shifter and that single rear brake caliper. Kawi has right hand shifter and a wet brake in the rear. Not to mention a locking differential for 4x4.
Lately in the ATV world, Kawi is coming on real strong. It's a toss up, but I like Kawasaki. To me, it is a Honda on steroids.

I have went to my dealer and rode a 650 once when they first came out and lately I have rode a 360 two times and just dont think it has enough power, thats my main reason for the Suzuki 400, it has way more power and less cost! I have had 2 Prairie 300s and I and the dealer agree that the 300 Prairie is faster than the 360 but not sure why? I mean I am no racer or anything but I do like to run above 40 mph on the nice trails!

02 2500 Avalanche · October 10, 2002

It looks like a ripoff of the grizzly 660 in my opinion, from the front any way.

Alex

MountaineerTom · October 10, 2002

Actually, I it looks more like the Suzuki Vinson than the Yamaha Grizzly.

Suzuki Vinson

Thanks for all the replies.

The Kawi 650 is WAY more than I want to spend. The 360 is a little higher than I would like to spend too. I'd like to keep it under $4,000. My 230 I had years ago had plenty of power for what we did, so I think the 250 will be ok as well.

I'll definately be test riding it when the time comes to see if it fits my needs.

General Lee 01 · October 12, 2002

I'm considering on 3 different ATVs for myself.

Kawasaki Prarie 650 (or somewhere in the 600 range)

Arctic Cat (Whatever their BIG model is called)

Yamaha 660 Raptor

any input on any of the three? (Sorry for messing up your thread Tom)

SilveradoWV · October 12, 2002

I was considering the Arctic Cat 400 4X4 auto, same as the 500 just smaller engine! It sets up WAY higher than most and the dealer talked me outta it because a lot of people have been complaining its TOO high, once you get on an unlevel side to side terrain, it wants to go over sideways!!! I still look at it everytime I go in, it looks so awesome but dont think I'll go that route!