I am going to buy an atv next year and I have decided on the the suzuki Z400 or the Arctic cat 400 manual. I have never owned a sport bike but they look fun and my last atv Arctic cat 400 auto 4x4 went threw anything I wanted it to! I sold the bike because it was an auto and i want a manual. I plan on riding trail in Wva +Canada and I am worried that the Z400 would get stuck in the mud or trails that are slippery. I am not into mud bogging but will a 2wheel drive go just about anywhere a 4x4 will? I know the 2wheel drive should really sling some mud with some good tires! What's you thought between 2 and 4 wheel drive? I know the 4 wheel machines have more ground clearance etc. etc.
I don't know how a 2 wheel drive bike handles the trails. IF you have owned both, I would like to hear from ya! THanks!!

 

90 percent of the time u can get by in 2wd....but it depends where u ride

 

a skilled rider can get through almost anything a 4x4 can go on with a 2x4.

 

I ride poker runs with a lot of mud. With Spider-Tracs on the rear end I don't get stuck that often. Four wheel drives can just go through at a slower pace. The key to not getting stuck is a little more momentum. Also, purchase a rain suit. Sport bikes will get you muddy in a hurry. Fenders are just for show.

 

I own both. A Z400 and an Eiger. In my experience 4 wheel drive just means when you get stuck you'll get REALLY stuck.

You're looking at 2 completely different machines. If you can't get both you have to decide which type of driving you want to do most. Personally I think the Z is awesome on the trail. I have gone through some pretty nasty muck with mine. But one thing you will notice right off, you will be wearing a lot more of the muck on yourself with the Z!

If I had to pick just one machine it would be the Z in a heartbeat. I ride ATV's for fun. The Z is just way more fun!

 

I remember riding back a few years ago when i had a 98 blaster i wentr riding with a bunch of Utes for a long long ride. I had more mud,dirt,and water on me than all of them put together. I did get stuck in a few mudholes and had to be pushed out by a 4wd. It reall depends on what and how you plan to ride. I now own a 400Eiger 4wd. I love the Eiger, this has been my first 4wd quad i have owned. I like the option of being able to carry loads of stuff with me if i decide to cook or camp out for the night. Bigazz cooler full of (SODA) to stop and have a drink. You will have to pack light on the sport quad. The 2wd should go about anywhere a 4wd will. If you have any problems it will be muddy hills, or deep mudholes. You may be happier with the sport quad since you wanted a manuel shift. If your concerned about getting stuck, buy a winch. Guarenteed to get you out of about anything.

 

either get the z400 with a winch or a 4 wheel drive that swiches into 2 wheel also .then youll have best of both worlds.suzuki vinson 4x4 offers foot shift. or yamaha wolverine but i think thats full time 4 wheel drive but its supposedly sporty.sport bikes are fun but definetly require alot more work.where as a 4x4 just gas and go. i always say sport quads are like corvettes and 4x4,s are like cadillacs.

 

get the Z400, youll love it for everything