I remember my cousin getting one just like yours for Christmas. It was the first year with selectable 4wd. The first thing we done that morning was found the closest straightaway and found out how fast it could go. That quad was abused by us for years and had horrible maintenance done to it. We were only young teenagers at the time and didn't really care. Unfortunately that quad saw an early demise though and only survived about eight years before being junked. I could never imagine letting one of my kids run a brand new quad down like that but it proved just how tough those Big Bears were. My uncle has had a 350 Big Bear since it was new and to this day, all it has needed is a new rear end. Probably from my cousin and I riding it when we were teens.
We’ve had a big bear 400 for about 15 years now and have never done anything but changed the oil on it and it’s been the most indestructible bike I’ve ever seen. It’s been rolled over at least 20 times and have never had anything break off
I am still riding my 4x4 Suzuki king quad 300 Once you change the tires it is a unstoppable little tank! How it benefits is not on the 280cc it is the hi, low and super low range with differential lock! Low center of gravity helps tremendously!
Not a bad review. However you left out one of the most important factors when considering purchasing a an ATV. You can find running Big Bears for 1500 - 2500 maybe a bit more depending on condition. The newer ATVs that out perform this one that you speak of are 4 and 5 times the price.
Dad has one. a 2006. Pulls very nicely. Reliable, though not as tough built as my arctic cat 400. Put on them a set of radials and the handling instantly improves.
My 04 big bear Is great for everything you need it for it will go threw just about anything you through at it haven’t had any problems with it they are really reliable and I got mine for very cheap
I own a 2000 big bear 400 4x4 thing runs like a top and is great for the canadian shield where i work in ontario canada !! Im 280 lbs and this thing is a tank and gets me everywhere i need to go!!
I have an 07 4x4 with irs and push button 4x4 and push button differential locks!!! Came with a 3000 pound warn winch and it's a beast of a bike. 3rd gear burnouts and Donut's. It will even do a 2nd gear wheelie.
I have an ‘02 Rancher 350 and a ‘02 Big Bear 400 (both 2wd). Both bikes are bulletproof with lots of low end power. They’re great for farm/ranch/deer lease usage. What floor boards are those on your BB? I haven’t been able to find any for my ‘02. Thanks
Would you guys think that the first gear on low on this Big Bear Professional be strong enough to install tracks (mostly for snow season) to pull out logs and firewood or would you recommend to simply get a utility sled like a 24in skandic or something? I feel like it would be more versatile to get tracks, only if it's strong enough to pull out the logs of course.
Thanks for the review - curious about the newer 2007 Big Bear 250. 2 Wheel drive any thoughts? Back in the 80s had a friend who lived in Mountains & he had Big Bear 250. 2 wheel drive& it would about go anywhere he wanted & used for chores - but maybe these newer ones aren't the same?
They are probably comparable in terms of capability off road, and reliability, but the newer 250s have a smaller size overall, making them feel too small for some adult riders. 250s today are almost all youth size, or entry level quads. Though I believe the Yamaha 250s are still slightly larger than the Honda recon 250 and the Suzuki Ozark. Unfortunately I don't fit well on the newer 250 class quads at 6ft 180lbs, so I don't really use them much.
@@high5guys701 Thanks for the Good info. I'm 6' 220lbs Could you recommend a 4 wheeler for farm chores primarily & little trail riding - Don't know that I would even need 4 wheel drive - I don't plan to puposely look for mud holes & kinda like the idea of lighter more manuverable machine, maybe if I get stuck I could just pick it up - There is so many makes & models it seem that most of them are all automatic or belt driven not sure about that either - Any advice much appreciated.
@@jacklowe3788 sure thing, just let me know a budget number and I can give you an idea of what you may find in a given price range. Or, if you have already done some looking and have a few in mind I could maybe give you some advice about some specific makes and models you find in your area. But for a quick reference, I would be looking at 350 cc an larger for someone your size, unless you find a well maintained older 250 ATV with large enough dimensions.
@@amx1s34 same, I'm a sports ATV fan myself. I used to have a kfx 450r with Dyno jet efi tuner. It was badass. Had it for about 7 years before I got rid of it and picked up a different one.
My grandpa has a big bear 400 and it has been running for 23 years since he bought it and it is actually very durable and I do not see why you have to not like it
My 2000 big bear 400 has 9154 hours on it but I have a 2006 honda trx350tm it has 15,000 on it and all I had a replace is a starer motor and on the big bear I had to replace a carby and and battery and accelerator cable
Yamaha continued to make them for a long time so if you find a newer model, It may have the option to select 2wd, which would definitely improve handling characteristics a little.
Your spot on , I picked up a 02 BB400 2x4 cheap and it is a dozer but unless you get tracks for it and steering clutches it’s not much good for that! I originally thought it could be my long gravel driveway maintenance machine , however I found my old JD 120 hydro lawn tractor does far more work than the big dumb bear that never wants to start and swallows fuel like picnic baskets left out at national park with the rangers that ride them protecting them as if they were endangered species. If you criticize the bear they will treat you like you just club’d a baby seal !
Здравствуйте, скажите,планирую купить Kodiak 400 (Big bear 400),если его бережно эксплуатировать,просто ездить без грязи и болот и регулярно обслуживать,то 15000 км проедет?
Have an ‘06. Tippiness was solved by adding a set of radials. Also if you think the steering is heavy in four wheel, then I’d challenge you to try my arctic cat 400:in four wheel drive.....
I'm really not sure, as a lot of people have told me that it is a great ATV, but the one I rode in the video did not feel powerful or agile at all, I've ridden many atvs both utility and sports quads. and i just wasn't impressed with it outside of the very solid build quality and tons of torque in 1ST gear. could just be a bad example of a big bear that wast in good shape.
I sold my 08 and got a straight axle 06 and I take off in 5th gear with it you must of got one that was nearly wore out or you didn't have the right oil in it . It takes a certain type of oil for it . to perform right.
They have three speeds - slowest - slowly and slow although if you have the need you could get adapters 60” tractor tires and get 2x but only in first gear !
I own a 1990 Big bear and man it is a beast!! These engines don’t know when to quit
Definitely a reliable ATV, they will last a lifetime with just a bit of maintenance.
I remember my cousin getting one just like yours for Christmas. It was the first year with selectable 4wd. The first thing we done that morning was found the closest straightaway and found out how fast it could go. That quad was abused by us for years and had horrible maintenance done to it. We were only young teenagers at the time and didn't really care. Unfortunately that quad saw an early demise though and only survived about eight years before being junked. I could never imagine letting one of my kids run a brand new quad down like that but it proved just how tough those Big Bears were. My uncle has had a 350 Big Bear since it was new and to this day, all it has needed is a new rear end. Probably from my cousin and I riding it when we were teens.
We’ve had a big bear 400 for about 15 years now and have never done anything but changed the oil on it and it’s been the most indestructible bike I’ve ever seen. It’s been rolled over at least 20 times and have never had anything break off
You guys are crazy. Plenty of power in a small package. Very capable ATV and revolutionary for its time.
Big bears are really reliable ATVs. Just take it easy, they aren't speed demons. Basically just for work
Fix it spring on carburator
I am still riding my 4x4 Suzuki king quad 300
Once you change the tires it is a unstoppable little tank!
How it benefits is not on the 280cc it is the hi, low and super low range with differential lock! Low center of gravity helps tremendously!
Not a bad review. However you left out one of the most important factors when considering purchasing a an ATV. You can find running Big Bears for 1500 - 2500 maybe a bit more depending on condition. The newer ATVs that out perform this one that you speak of are 4 and 5 times the price.
Dad has one. a 2006. Pulls very nicely. Reliable, though not as tough built as my arctic cat 400. Put on them a set of radials and the handling instantly improves.
Looking to buy a big bear living in ireland
Artic cat has Suzuki engine...
I compare my 07 big bear with my 08 kingquad 400 and Suzuki hands down is the real winner....
love my 2010. IRS was a good upgrade. strong and reliable. not for sale.
My 04 big bear Is great for everything you need it for it will go threw just about anything you through at it haven’t had any problems with it they are really reliable and I got mine for very cheap
I own a 2000 big bear 400 4x4 thing runs like a top and is great for the canadian shield where i work in ontario canada !! Im 280 lbs and this thing is a tank and gets me everywhere i need to go!!
I have an 07 4x4 with irs and push button 4x4 and push button differential locks!!! Came with a 3000 pound warn winch and it's a beast of a bike. 3rd gear burnouts and Donut's. It will even do a 2nd gear wheelie.
Thanks this helped me make a better decision.
I have an ‘02 Rancher 350 and a ‘02 Big Bear 400 (both 2wd). Both bikes are bulletproof with lots of low end power. They’re great for farm/ranch/deer lease usage. What floor boards are those on your BB? I haven’t been able to find any for my ‘02. Thanks
I have an 01 and 04 Big Bear 400s They will climb a mountain and pull down an oak tree. Great work horse or bear. Just a bear to turn.
Would you guys think that the first gear on low on this Big Bear Professional be strong enough to install tracks (mostly for snow season) to pull out logs and firewood or would you recommend to simply get a utility sled like a 24in skandic or something?
I feel like it would be more versatile to get tracks, only if it's strong enough to pull out the logs of course.
1st gear is definitely a tractor gear I’ve chained whole trees up a mountain on our property
@@ohmygoditsyomamma you have tracks installed on your BigBear?
F.Lodico no tracks. Don’t get that much deep snow
@@ohmygoditsyomamma I'm hoping it'll be geared sufficiently for Camso Tracks (T4S model) as I'm ordering them soon.
Tracks on atvs never really pull that good, hopefully u got a bravo long track or vk 540 or ski doo equivalent
I have an 04, and it has been an awesome bike. What year did they add power steering?
I have this bike. I don't even use 1st gear. I haul lohs and plow snow. It does't stop. The only problem is the heavy steering.
Wish they still made them.
Thanks for the review - curious about the newer 2007 Big Bear 250. 2 Wheel drive any thoughts? Back in the 80s had a friend who lived in Mountains & he had Big Bear 250. 2 wheel drive& it would about go anywhere he wanted & used for chores - but maybe these newer ones aren't the same?
They are probably comparable in terms of capability off road, and reliability, but the newer 250s have a smaller size overall, making them feel too small for some adult riders. 250s today are almost all youth size, or entry level quads. Though I believe the Yamaha 250s are still slightly larger than the Honda recon 250 and the Suzuki Ozark. Unfortunately I don't fit well on the newer 250 class quads at 6ft 180lbs, so I don't really use them much.
@@high5guys701 Thanks for the Good info. I'm 6' 220lbs Could you recommend a 4 wheeler for farm chores primarily & little trail riding - Don't know that I would even need 4 wheel drive - I don't plan to puposely look for mud holes & kinda like the idea of lighter more manuverable machine, maybe if I get stuck I could just pick it up - There is so many makes & models it seem that most of them are all automatic or belt driven not sure about that either - Any advice much appreciated.
@@jacklowe3788 sure thing, just let me know a budget number and I can give you an idea of what you may find in a given price range. Or, if you have already done some looking and have a few in mind I could maybe give you some advice about some specific makes and models you find in your area. But for a quick reference, I would be looking at 350 cc an larger for someone your size, unless you find a well maintained older 250 ATV with large enough dimensions.
Good review. Those are tough old quads, but I know what you mean about them not being for spirited riding.
Yeah they're tough, but there are many better choices for riding trails or just riding for fun in general.
@@high5guys701 Yeah, I rode a lot of different stuff over the years, my favorite are the 450 class sport quads. Like the kfx 450r and the yfz450.
@@amx1s34 same, I'm a sports ATV fan myself. I used to have a kfx 450r with Dyno jet efi tuner. It was badass. Had it for about 7 years before I got rid of it and picked up a different one.
👍
My grandpa has a big bear 400 and it has been running for 23 years since he bought it and it is actually very durable and I do not see why you have to not like it
My 2000 big bear 400 has 9154 hours on it but I have a 2006 honda trx350tm it has 15,000 on it and all I had a replace is a starer motor and on the big bear I had to replace a carby and and battery and accelerator cable
That’s a lot of hours on your bear, mines at 5500 hours
What's your opinion of the Kodiak 450?
Thxs for the video. Was thinking about buying one of these didn't like how u couldn't select 2wd.
Yamaha continued to make them for a long time so if you find a newer model, It may have the option to select 2wd, which would definitely improve handling characteristics a little.
Your spot on , I picked up a 02 BB400 2x4 cheap and it is a dozer but unless you get tracks for it and steering clutches it’s not much good for that! I originally thought it could be my long gravel driveway maintenance machine , however I found my old JD 120 hydro lawn tractor does far more work than the big dumb bear that never wants to start and swallows fuel like picnic baskets left out at national park with the rangers that ride them protecting them as if they were endangered species. If you criticize the bear they will treat you like you just club’d a baby seal !
Здравствуйте, скажите,планирую купить Kodiak 400 (Big bear 400),если его бережно эксплуатировать,просто ездить без грязи и болот и регулярно обслуживать,то 15000 км проедет?
i have 2009 big bear and my dad has 300trx honda i like my 2x4 400 it ripps hard if you try
Haven't had the chance to ride one of the newer 2x4s. But awesome man. Got any videos of it posted?
i need a working 4 wheeler, like attach logs to pulling them off of the forest.. is this thing strong enough?
This ATV is pretty good for towing and pulling things. They make decent torque.
Have an ‘06. Tippiness was solved by adding a set of radials. Also if you think the steering is heavy in four wheel, then I’d challenge you to try my arctic cat 400:in four wheel drive.....
And my 07 have 17000 kms on it and still going strong
Well i just bought my first 09 Yamaha 2wd big bear i hope i won't regret it...
How do you like it I just bought one
I'm gonna be honest mine will not go over a log in 2nd from a stand still neither will most atvs there not ment to do that
Yeah that’s what I was thinking lol 2nd is used after you’re already moving
Drove one way back, I found it was geared a lot like a tractor felt like it would pull a house
I have a 02 grizzly 660 and a 05 Bruin 250 they r monsters
I ride e'm but I can't stand to abuse them, I maintain.
I don't know where you get that about 2nd gear but I rarely use 1st I take off in 2nd or 3rd but mine is a 08 model to.
I'm really not sure, as a lot of people have told me that it is a great ATV, but the one I rode in the video did not feel powerful or agile at all, I've ridden many atvs both utility and sports quads. and i just wasn't impressed with it outside of the very solid build quality and tons of torque in 1ST gear. could just be a bad example of a big bear that wast in good shape.
Do you know where is the vin of the quad? ( Serial number)
I sold my 08 and got a straight axle 06 and I take off in 5th gear with it you must of got one that was nearly wore out or you didn't have the right oil in it . It takes a certain type of oil for it . to perform right.
I sunk my big bear and just let the belt dry off and she just went
Nice video
What the top speed
It varies depending on the year, and modifications. but most will do 45 mph some will do about 50.
@@high5guys701 don't believe that
They have three speeds - slowest - slowly and slow although if you have the need you could get adapters 60” tractor tires and get 2x but only in first gear !
@Victor Rost Same.
Do you live in North Florida?
i do
My 05 Yamaha is about to be bored out and built
I pulled a car with no front axel with it
It's a UTILITY atv
I have a rancher 350 and it sucks its the worst 4wheeler I've ever rode its slow can't even wheelie its terrible
I’ve had two of these and your wrong on every level
I have a 2wd 2000 big bear 400
How do you like it?
@@high5guys701 I love it, with some weight in the back I can pop wheelies, goes through mud well,and in 1st gear, that thing can pull a 1 ton trailer
@@redneckrepairs8594 I just bought one is there anything I should know