Hi Ted,
Quads are big here in the US. Mostly hunters and ranchers use the type you would want. The Moto cross racer ones wouldn't be that good at travel with cargo. The big four make them as well as Polaris, KTM, Can-Am, Bombardier, and others. Mostly 450 singles but can be found in
anything from 80cc up to 650cc. Mostly 4-T's these days.

We trail riders generally hate them as they ruin single track trails by widening them and really tear up the ground in general. It's also NOT good to head on a Quad....which is a common occurance here in our National Forests.

But I can certainly see the utility of them. One tip: don't get them stuck in mud when alone....you may never get out. Although most come with winches. Some are set up to carry lots of cargo or people. Generally speaking, they can climb steeper and go places a motorbike can't. See the Kawasaki MULE or it's variations. I've seen it in action in Moab, Utah and in Mendicino Nat. Forest, simply unbelievable where they can get to.

lots of used ones here, not that cheap however. .... My guess is you could buy a two to three year old one here for $3000 to $4000 usd or so. The jeep like Mule types are much more.

The thing I've been considering is a trailer for a dual sport bike.
Check this thing out:
http://www.trailtail.com/main.html

It can carry 80 lbs (36 kgs), has suspension, and can be fitted with a fiberglass locking cover. About $800. Easy on/off, lockable to bike.

This allows the bike to ride essentially unladen. Not sure how the bike corners with a trailer behind but I'm talking to the Trail Tail guy.


Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!