Bike or Quad?

[SnakeKeeper]

I know that this forum is about bikes but i thought I would ask anyways...

Here's the story: I've owned quads and riden only a few dirt bikes (I did have a GSXR though). My brother is moving back to town and I want to get back into riding (I've been out for about 10yrs). He owns a KDX220R. We plan to do trail riding. Were we are able to ride around here most of the trails are open enough for either a bike or a quad.

I'm a big guy, 6'5 and 300lbs (not ALL fat). I am working out again and look at riding as another way to get back into shape. Back in shape I should still weigh around 250-260.

For the bike I'm considering the Yamaha WR450F or the KTM 525 EXC. I like thumpers...

For the quad I'm looking at the Kawasaki V-Force or a Yamaha Raptor.

I greatly appreciate your input...

 

[jacobone]

I think u should go with the dirtbike because the are way funer than a quad.... u can jump and do wheelies and stuff like that... pluse they never role over on u and crush u to death.... i am not saying they won land on u and hurt u but it dosen't pin u down untill u die

 

[Flobo]

You're a big boy like myself!(6'5" 200#)
I agree that a bike is much more versatile than a quad...Also if you don't plan on racing or doing sky high jump, the bikes you mentioned are good choices IMO...but I believe you're overlooking one of the best....The XR650R....if you haven't looked at them yet I'd suggest you do so, it's definately going to be more comfortable ergo wise for a man of your size, with more low end torque than a WR450.

Yep, my suggestion is have a look at the XR650R if you're only doing dirt...or if you want some street capability look at the XR650L, although you lose some excellent features such as water cooling and aluminum frame compared to the R.

my $.02

 

[factoryRM]

I would go with a dirtbike like a ktm520 or xr650. Im sure they would go good with your style there not to hard hitting and you will always have the power that you need to get to were ever your going. Besides dirtbikes are funer anyways LOL sorry jacobone.

 

[flynbryan]

I can give you some first hand experience w/ riding dirtbikes and atvs together. Its a bummer. My fiance' has an atv and I have CRF450. I like riding w/her, but unfortunatly the atv is just not as fast in the woods and even open trails as a dirtbike. Consequentaly I end up leaving her behind, and we all know its no fun putting around by yourself.(I also need to comment that my fiance' is a very able pilot, and by no means slow by atv standards! ;) ) I think that you'll be alot more happy w/your decision if you get the motorcycle. My soon to be father in law owns an Xr650 and loves the bike. If left stock it is very smooth and mellow down low in the rpms, but if you later decided you want more "umph!" there is amazing potential available for next to no money. The KTM is another very good option, just a little harder to find. Your definately gonna have a biased opinion on a Dirt bike site, but I really do think that a motorcycle is a better decision. If your brother has an ATV then by all means an atv would be a better choice, but if he has a motorcycle there is no comparison. Good luck, and whatever you decide I hope your happy w/your decision. :thumb:

 

[SnakeKeeper]

Thanks guys...I think that I am going with the KTM 520.

I am biasing my decision on the fact that I have an excellent dealer 5 minutes from my house that deals in KTM, Yamaha, Kawasaki & Suzuki.

Nothing against the big XR, nice bike. It's just that I am leaning towards doing business with the shop that is sooo close by makes it easier to buy the other brands

 

[john stu]

i think quads are awsome except they have too many wheels

 

[beer_stud_76]

the thing i don't like about quads is that the suck AND blow

 

[jacobone]

gusse they are just like school they suck and blow

 

[GeoffM24]

I ride with 7 buddies there are 3 quads and 4 bikes.

The quads kick up some SERIOUS dust which is annoying.

The quads are much slower in the woods.

One of my friends has a Raptor with approx $13K in it and another buddy has a 02 CR125 with pipe, silencer and reeds. The Raptor buddy thought he could smoke every buddy so he wanted to race me and my 00 RM250. I had him race the 125 first. Well needless to say the bike smoked him. He was shocked, non of the bike guys were surprised.

Also we ride a lot of tracks and the quad guys hate them because they have a tough time in the whoops.

Quads also suck for jumping.

I can't figure out why anyone would buy one.

Oh yeah, the buddy with the Raptor is selling it to get a bike now :laugh:

 

[Erick82]

Quads:
Slower, heavier, more exspensive, harder to jump and you will have to grow a mullet.

Bikes:
Faster, lighter, cheaper, easier to jump and mullet is optional