Hi All,

I'm going to buy my daughter an ATV for Xmas, and wanted any advice for an ATV for me. I'm 6'0" 230 lbs. Would the 300EX be too small for me? I've never been on one. 300 EX, 400EX, Blaster?? I'm not aware of sizes of the various models first hand.

Would like to buy used, and be able to resell a year or so later to upgrade without too much loss, and get what I really want. Any suggestions including year and price ranges would be greatly appreciated. Also, any other brands could be recommended as well.

I've ridden motorcycles for years, and could recommend the equivalent for MC's, and am hoping for your input.

Thanks

REVHIGH !!!

 

The best starter 4-wheeler I believe would be the 400ex. With it's outdated power and very forgiving riding style it would be a great quad for you. Because you have rode dirtbikes in the past I think you will have no problem with the 400. Many of my friends have 400's more than I can count, some that just started and they pick it up very quick. I have been riding my whole life and I believe this is the most 4-giving quad I have ever rode. The blaster would be way to small for you. It also leaves some room for upgrades and has one of the best resale values out there. After that you should go with the yamaha 450!!

 

Thursty,

Thanks, I thought the Blaster would be too small, I see a lot of them on cycletrader and thought they're either really popular or really popular to upgrade from. Are there others that are about the size of the 400EX or Yam 450?

One thing I didn't mention was that I didnt want 4WD for this one. I'm 48 and no longer as sick as I once was. I'd rather survive to ride tommorrow than show off and F around like the old days, plus my 10 year old daughter will be with me, no sense giving her bad ideas .....

Any year recommendations and/or price ranges (such as a 2000 model year for around 1800 - 2300) Just fake numbers, but giving an example.

Thanks

REVHIGH !!!!

 

I second what Thirsty said

a good used 400ex, 2000 or newer. Stay away from the 99's. 1st year problems.

you can expect to pay between 2200 to 3500 for a good used 400ex. (years 2000-2002) (if not less)

The 400ex is a great no-nonsense reliable sportbike.

At your size I wouldnt even look at any Blasters or 300ex's.

 

That's just the kind of advice I was looking for, especially about ignoring certain years because of start up problems and stuff like that, these are the types of things that I would never know, but knew you guys and gals would. Keep it coming !!

REVHIGH !!!

 

Note:

the 400ex came out in 1999 (the 1st new sport model by any major manufacturer since the late 80s).

Honda basicly broke the ice and then the rest of the manufacturers followed suit with their own versions.

Many 400exs were bought quickly, and then sold to upgrade to the new generation of faster bikes that started arriving in 2001(raptor 660s, ds650s, z400's and so on). So basicly the used market is flooded with them,,,and most are rather virgin.

Parts are everywhere and cheap.

Also, be careful of online ATV scams. (many threads regarding this growing problem)

If you have done the dirtbike thing,,,you should be ok in selecting a good used one.(as far as what to look for n a used bike) (the 400ex is based on the xr400 motor with only a few changes)

the 'search' feature will provide plenty of reading on the 400ex.

Good luck

 

oh, and welcome to the forum

This place has saved me much time and $$$ with both my current bikes

What ever you might be trying to do,,,,,someone on here has already done it, and can save you a lot of headaches.

Bing

 

Thanks Bing!!

I've read about the scams, had some people trying to scam me for an XT350 dual sport I'm selling. The con was, they had a check for MORE than I was asking, and wanted my bike (sight unseen). They would send me the check for about 2000 more than my bike, and I was to send the remainder to them via western union. Yeah right ... I told them no problem, I was glad to do business with them, and that when their check cleared I'd be glad to forward the difference. Gee, funny thing happened, I never heard from them again. Who'd a thought that???

Anyway I've been looking on cycletrader and all (at least most) the 400EX's are selling for 3K or a lot more, but I've deduced that everyone who advertises on cycletrader seems to ask at least 1K over even the highest book value NADA indicates. What's up with that?
I guess you just have to lowball them all and wait till you get someone who will come down to earth and/or reality.

REVHIGH !!!

 

definitely pick up the quad if possible. got my 2001 with air filter, nerfs, and other small crap for 3350. try looking around the forums for people within 500 miles of you, and Private messaging them to see whether or not they can help you out. I pm'ed wistech and he got me mine within I think 3 weeks. dont feel shy everyone will be more than willing to help you