El Jefe
Super Nomad
Posts: 1027
Registered: 10-27-2003
Location: South East Cape
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Quad, need 4X4??
I'm looking into buying a couple of quads for using at our place on the East Cape. They will be used for transportation on the dirt roads, exploration
of the sandy washes and maybe to launch a tin boat (future purchase) across the beach. I want the utility kind with racks front and rear, not the dune
jumping version.
The big question is, do I need 4X4 or will the 2WD ones work just fine? What is your experience? Thanks, Tom
[Edited on 8-31-2005 by El Jefe]
No b-tchin\' in the Baja.
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bajaloco
Nomad
Posts: 159
Registered: 12-5-2002
Location: Huntington Beach, California
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Mood: wishin I was fishin
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We use two wheel drive models...Honda Ranchers. I've never had a reason for 4x4 but, If you intend to move any boat on a beach, I would get at least
one 4x4. The problem will always be digging into soft sand when pulling a load....Oh yeah...Don't put your foot down while moving
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viabaja
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Posts: 277
Registered: 10-6-2003
Location: Georgia
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4x4 is a must if towing across the beach or in soft sand.
400 cc or larger. Even then, I've buried the quads!
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MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
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4 x 4
Chris - I told my buddy Gerhard the same thing when he bought his Quads. Since he had no intention of towing, he bought the 2wds and he's told me
more than once how glad he was that he didn't waste the money. Other than towing on a soft beach, the 2wds will go anyplace you want to.
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Salsa
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Posts: 168
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Beware of the restrictions on quads on the beach at the East Cape recently.
Don
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
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To not get stuck on the east cape beaches
you will be happy you got 4x4. They are just steep enough and just soft enough to warrant 4wd.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
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i think the "chief" resides over todos santos way, not east cape - right Tom? que pasa? or did you move?
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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El Jefe
Super Nomad
Posts: 1027
Registered: 10-27-2003
Location: South East Cape
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Mike, We did move. We still have the land at Los Cerritos, but we fell in love with a lot with a view of a surf break about 16 miles NE of San Jose
del Cabo. That is where the house is being built.
JR, you may be right about the 4x4 as we do have a steep beach sometimes depending on how large the surf has been.
Now as I think about I've seen sombody struggling to get up over the berm on a quad.
After reading all these great responses I think maybe I'll get one of each. The 4x4 will be used for launching the boat and the 2x will be the buddie
bike for exploring. How's that for a waffle? Thanks everyone.
No b-tchin\' in the Baja.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64545
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Hi Tom, do take a look at the quads made by Polaris... They have a 'floor' (not just a peg) to rest your foot on, so no slipping off and running over
your own leg! One 4WD and one 2WD as you say, is great idea. The 4WD with auto tranny (and reverse gear) is nice, because you get stuck or in a box
canyon, you get out without pushing the beast.
This little bit of advice is from my brief quad rides to Mision Santa Maria (30 mile ride) and again at Punta Cabras, L.A. Bay, etc.
So, you are officially retired from Vista Fire Dept.? Congrats!!!!
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soulpatch
Nomad
Posts: 399
Registered: 7-30-2005
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Get one w/a winch.
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jerry
Super Nomad
Posts: 1354
Registered: 10-10-2003
Location: loreto
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just buy a susuki sameri best of both worlds
jerry and judi
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bajablue
Nomad
Posts: 145
Registered: 2-28-2005
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Jefe,
definitely get the 4X4. I have had both and it's worth paying a little more for the extra power and the secure thought, that you can go anywhere...
polaris is good and the Suzuki Eiger is awesome as well..
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Bedman
Senior Nomad
Posts: 523
Registered: 9-4-2002
Location: Orange County, CA.
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El J'
Jerry does have a valid point. Suzuki makes several models Sidekick, Samurai and the newer Geo all have 4 x 4 and actually cost less than the quads
and go almost everywhere a quad goes and they're cheaper!! (did I already say that?) 4 x4 Quad around 4k to 6k. The Suzukis around 2.5 k. With all
that said, I too am looking for a pair of quads. If you find a dealer thats willing to wheel and deal, drop me a line
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mrchuck
Junior Nomad
Posts: 82
Registered: 11-6-2002
Location: Gun Barrel City, TX
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I live on the beachfront in Los Barriles.
If you have "leased" the beach concession from the Federal Government, and it is in place, and you have a copy of this, then and only then can you
legally use this part of the beach for your own use, including your own use of an "atv".
For pulling up a dinghy from the water to a higher place on the sand, the 4wd models are mandatory. Other types, just get stuck.
The days of just riding up and down upon a beach, for fun, is now over.
Enforcement now takes place, and it is harsh.
The days of hotel guests flying down, getting high on beer, then renting a quad and doing "donuts" up and down the beach, is now completely over.
ATV use on the main streets without VALID Mexican license plates, and by under age drivers, will be the next thing that gets the enforcement.
Saludos,,,,,mc
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eetdrt88
Senior Nomad
Posts: 986
Registered: 2-20-2005
Location: Az/Ca/Baja
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sounds exactly like southern california...
| Quote: | Originally posted by mrchuck
I live on the beachfront in Los Barriles.
If you have "leased" the beach concession from the Federal Government, and it is in place, and you have a copy of this, then and only then can you
legally use this part of the beach for your own use, including your own use of an "atv".
For pulling up a dinghy from the water to a higher place on the sand, the 4wd models are mandatory. Other types, just get stuck.
The days of just riding up and down upon a beach, for fun, is now over.
Enforcement now takes place, and it is harsh.
The days of hotel guests flying down, getting high on beer, then renting a quad and doing "donuts" up and down the beach, is now completely over.
ATV use on the main streets without VALID Mexican license plates, and by under age drivers, will be the next thing that gets the enforcement.
Saludos,,,,,mc |
only a little warmer
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4863
Registered: 2-2-2003
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9006
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Mr, Chuck....
one would not be able to drive a quad with US plates on the streets in the East Cape? Why only Mexican plates?
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jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4863
Registered: 2-2-2003
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"The days of hotel guests flying down, getting high on beer, then renting a quad and doing "donuts" up and down the beach, is now
completely over.
Yep, now it's just the gringo homeowners doing it!
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bajablue
Nomad
Posts: 145
Registered: 2-28-2005
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Bedman, I bought 4 at one time and you definitely get a better deal. Almost knocked about $800 off each bike..
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