I am looking to buy my first quad and budget is around $3k. I was leaning towards a chinese 250 atv, but am looking at other brands as well. I am not make specific; Honda, Yamaha, etc. I ran across a nice 250 Raptor new for under $4000. Do you think a 250 would have enough power for basic trail riding etc. I posted a similar post in the Honda forum, but just didn't want readers to think I was only interested in Honda models so I thought I would post here as well.

 

dont buy a chinese quad JUNK and i dont know about the 250 because i think thare might be a weight limit and u just might be over cuz the 250 raptor only weighs 318 pounds and you weigh almost 200 thts a little iffy if you ask me plus you'll eventually be wanting something bigger so i would try a raptor 350 or 400ex something like that mabe even a utility just my 2 cents

 

for 3k you should be able to get a nice used 4x4 quad for around 2k and have a little left over to replace/add items as needed. someone has a 2004 Honda Recon 250 4x4 with a new rebuilt motor here in the local ATV trader magazine for 1500 bucks. i about died. this is a hell of a deal and i so wish i had the cash. my gf needs her own so bad its not funny and that would suit her needs. and yes, it is a 4x4 and that is what makes it such a great deal. well, that and the rebuilt motor and its only 4 years old.

 

Don't bother with the chinese models.
Look for a nice used quad. I see 400ex and raptor 350 for sale all the time for around $3k. Might even find a 660 raptor that someone needs to get rid of fast.
I picked up a decent 02' 660 grizzly for $3k and a buddy just picked up an 05' kawi 700 4x4 for $3.5k.
Just keep your eyes open and don't jump on the first thing you see unless it's a steal.

 

Take it from a person who did buy chinese junk, they are junk. I got a raptor 660 for 2K and it is awesome (fast, fun, and reliable). It is strange not having an ATV that does not constantly break

 

Raptor 250 will fit you, but you will outgrow it very quickly. Then you will want to sell it and can't get what you want for it because there are a million of them for sell because everybody else outgrew them, too. Same thing with the Raptor 350.

I think a Raptor 660 is too much bike for a beginner, so I think a used 400EX would probably suit your needs. You can find nice ones for $2000-3000 all day long, and they are holding there resale value better than the smaller Yamahas, and they are almost a perfect blend of the Raptor 350 and 660.

 

I think it depends on how tall you are.... I think the Raptor250 will have enough power to pull you around at 200lbs but they are sized kind of small-ish so if you are anywhere over 5-7 you might feel cramped......

 

A 250 is just flat out slow, I would aim higher than that if I were you. It depends if you want to be left behind or lead the pack.

 

OK, the overall dimensions of the 250 would be too small, will make you feel like you are cramped. I disagree with the too slow comment. It is quite quick for a 250. But you will outgrow it quickly. Get yourself a used Raptor 350 or Honda 400ex for your first quad. If you go with the honda just be sure to check the swingarm bearings.

 

I have been riding bikes my whole life but new to quads. I agree the 660 is a big powerful bike but if you take your time, don't use all the power until you are confortable with it, it is a great bike. it handles very well, you can ride wheelies all day, I am surprized at how well it jumps, and overall how stong it is,and is a blast to ride. The nice thing about riding a high power bike is you will never outgrow. I was tempted with the YFZ450 but did not want to deal with all that maintence. Once again, do not buy chinese. You will be soo disappointed with it. Not to mention it is kinda imbarassing when you see a kid with a Polaris 90cc blow your 250 away (at least I was).