450/500cc vs big bore atv

[timekiller13]

I’ve used a Honda 350 for 20+ years now. From deer leases in NC to hunting in Colorado, it’s never let me down. I’ve piled 2 full grown deer and 2 full grown men on that thing at the same time and it chugs right along. It will struggle a bit on a steep grade with that much weight but it will still go. I’ve never seen the need for anything bigger for my purposes.

 

[K9kodi]

It's go fast compared to a Honda 420
I wasn't talking down on bigger machines by any means, I was just stating being practical can be affordable and fit certain people's needs.
I doubt many people need a 1000cc quad to haul a trailer 30 miles offroad or plan to go 60mph on dirt roads while hunting

I don’t disagree w you. Just keep this in mind. This being my point.

Speed isn’t the driving force behind extra power, it is the result. I get all my chores and activities done w my 570. I woukd love a bigger motor bc the engine works less hard to accomplish the same task which improves reliability and longevity. A larger quad also typically has a more stout suspension and a larger footprint. You are completely correct. A 1996 power stroke diesel when brand new would pull a 10k pound trailer regularly w out issue. A brand new 2026 6.7 diesel will pull that same trailer using less effort. That is my point n thst is egrrr my head goes

 

[Agross]

When we moved into the house we r in now, the people left us their quad. It was an 88 or 89 Yamaha Terra pro 350. What a neat little quad. Didn’t have any of the attachments, but I didn’t need em. Was a manual shift, no power steering, two wheel drive. It worked great for getting into tighter spots in the woods, but that’s about it. Here in Michigan we get a decent amount of snow, so the 2wd was a big issue.

Eventually I sold it, kind of regret it though, and bought a Yamaha grizzly 700, four wheel drive, automatic, with power steering. What a game changer. Do I really need the power of the 700, maybe not, but I don’t regret buying it one bit. In fact I love it. Power steering is an absolute must for me now. It has more than enough speed and I love the power. I have several different sized utility trailers I use and it’s handy being able to hook up the quad to move em around sometimes.

As others have mentioned, totally depends on your usage needs. I don’t think you would regret going a little big, but may regret going a little smaller. Definitely go power steering.