Ask The Editors: Best ATV for Inexperienced Wife?
I recently purchased a 2006 Honda TRX400EX after moving to Florida. I like riding with friends, but I would also like to share the experience with my wife. She is interested in riding, and has been looking at machines on Pinterest (of all places!), pointing out ATVs she likes.
Now obviously, what she likes (TRX450, Raptor, Can-AM), isn’t what she’s going to get. I’ve explained this to her, and she understands. I would like to find her something like a 250, with an automatic. Not something new, but something used. She’s not a shifter in any form and I think having to learn how to shift would really discourage her.
What past models should I be looking for online? WonkyThumb
We have some absolutely wonderful news for you- the same company who designed and manufactured your 400EX knew this exact situation would arise someday and has been making the answer to all of your (and your wife’s) needs since 2001. It’s called the Honda TRX250EX; and yes it’s got the sporty aesthetics to match those of your 400 (and the beasts your wife is eying up) but it’s the transmission that makes this particular ATV the perfect choice for a beginner who may wish to “step it up” a bit in terms of performance as he or she learns both the machine and the physics of riding an ATV.
It accomplishes this by integrating a learner clutch transmission that allows for manual shifting with experience but does not make it necessary for beginners. Yes, this is one of few ATVs ever created that can be driven via an automatic clutch but shifted fully manually through it’s 5-forward gears via the handlebar mounted clutch if the desire strikes. Or in this case, as the confidence increases. It should be noted however that it was from the 2006 model year onward that Honda began integrating this unique feature (prior to that, they were either fully automatic transmissions followed by automatic clutch only depending on year).
If the day ever comes where she’s mastered the manual clutch and every ounce of the performance on tap with the 250EX, moving up to a 400EX like yours or even some of the larger manual clutch models she’s been ogling will certainly be a possibility (remember, Hondas have great resale value). If on the other hand it turns out she discovers she’s content enjoying the riding experience without worrying about the intricacies of working a clutch, the machine boasts a reputation of being virtually bulletproof.
And of important note- the TRX250EX is not the same as the Honda TRX250X that existed from 1987 through 1992. That model actually became the 300EX once Honda added an electric starter and punched the displacement up to 282cc for 1993. What makes things really confusing is that in 2013, for whatever reason, Honda decided to call the TRX250EX just TRX250X, presumably to resurrect the namesake. If this is all a bit confusing, just be sure to confirm with the seller that you are in fact looking at the SportClutch equipped TRX.
The rest of the spec sheet breaks down as follows:
ENGINE
Engine Type 229cc air-cooled OHV longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore And Stroke 68.5mm x 62.2mm
Induction 20mm piston-valve carburetor
Ignition CD with electronic advance
Starter Electric
DRIVE TRAIN
Clutch Honda SportClutch™
Transmission Five-speed with Reverse
Driveline Direct rear drive shaft
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Front Suspension Independent double-wishbone; 5.9 inches travel
Rear Suspension Swingarm with single shock; 5.7 inches travel
Front Brake Dual hydraulic 174mm discs
Rear Brake Sealed mechanical drum
Front Tire 22 x 7-10 knobby
Rear Tire 22 x 10-9 knobby
DIMENSIONS
Length 68.5 inches
Width 41.8 inches
Height 42.6 inches
Wheelbase 44.3 inches
Seat Height 31.4 inches
Grd Clearance 5.9 inches
Curb Weight 379 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel-ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity 2.5 gallons, including 0.7-gallon reserve
Turning Radius 9.2 feet
