I'm looking to buy an atv for Hunting (Hauling out deer)and light utility work such as pulling a small trailer during 3D shoots. I would not be using it very often and I don't have any areas to really go out and play, so I really don't want to spend alot of money. I have been leaning toward toward several of the 250-300cc models . Recon, Bruin etc. Can I get by with a machine this size for the amount It would be used or would spending several thousand on one of the bigger atv's really be the way to go? Thanks

 

Recon suspention is WEAK in the rear. My buddy's older brother who is a marine and weighs like 230lbs used to ride it around and now its got a ghetto lean like a lincon with a shot air-ride suspention in the rear. Nice little bike with a solid power plant but i wouldnt want to put a deer on it plus a rider. I have no personal experience with the bruin.

I would actually reccomend my trailboss 325 or one of those trailboss 330s. Its not the fastest, but its rock solid. Starts every time, Real strong suspention with the mcpherson struts up front. Its a great work horse we use it for dragging the horse paddocs, pulling a trailer, thatching the lawn and assorted work. If you do find a place to ride its also fun to cruise around on. Its not going to win any races against a sport quad but I always found it enjoyable to ride before I got my other ATVs.

 

Thanks CTATV. I'm not concerned about speed at all, mainly just about being able to haul a deer/small trailer etc. There is a nice clean 1999 Honda 4 TRAX 300 2/WD at a local dealer for $2600. Maybe that would be the way to go rather than a 250 model?

 

My old 300 TRX pulled many elk and moose out in first gear, mind you it was FT 4x4. However the power will be no issue I'd be more concerned about traction, with only the rear wheels tugging you along. If your hunting encompasses mud, snow, frozen ground, large/steep hills or valleys, etc than the 2wd might not be the best if you hunt by yourself. However if this is not what you expect, it will be fine. In fact 2 falls ago we pulled a young bull moose with a 350 big bear that only had 2wd (front diff. wouldn't engage while on the trip), of course I had to ride on the front racks to keep the fronts on the dirt for control, etc (I weigh 230 lbs). But it tugged that moose back to camp which thank god was only 4-5 miles.. so I am sure the 300 class would yank any whitetail or muley with relative ease.

If you may need a 4x4 look for either a good used 300 TRX 4x4 or Yami Big Bear 350 4x4 both are manual foot shift models, FT 4x4, cheap on fuel and are rock solid for hunting usage. Both are not easy to come by in my neck of the woods but every once in awhile a guy can find one that has been babied and will provide years of trouble free service.

BTW you may want to consider installing a winch as well, many times it can help you get over the hump or out of unforeseen trouble. Especially if you hunt a lot by yourself, it really is cheap insurance! 1500 lbs (up) would be fine for the lighter TRX or big bear models.

Best of luck

 

A check on Ebay shows the Honda Recon 2004 model selling new for $2800.

 

Liv2hunt thanks, good info. In the area I hunt a 4WD would not be a must, but would be nice just in case. Sounds like a 300 or 350 with full time 4WD would be perfect . Just have to find a decent one that won't break the bank.

 

you need the bruin 2x4 will be ten time beter than the recon cause it have more rack compacity and its more roomer

 

you need the wolverine for that or bigbear

 

caribou01, yes I think they would work nicely for you. That said if you don't think you'll really need the front wheel to be churning than I am not sure it is worth stopping you from getting the "nice shape" TRX 2wd you mentioned if that fits in your budget range (I would work the dealer some though as a 2wd anything these days is a slow mover and ties up capital..so he might bite).

A lot can be said about driver and tires as well, I have seen some 4x4 mud machine get stuck in their tracks in relatively ease terrain due to either rider or tires(lack of) or a combination of both. One guys gets stuck every year on the way to elk camp and it is b/c a) he can't drive & b) knobby factory tires! So think about the tires some as well, you may not nedd them when you purchase but try it out and see, if they aren't quite cuttimng the mustard a set of after markets will make a difference. Also like I mentioned a winch will get you out of the just in case situiation as well, something that is a must for an atv where I hunt/ride regardless of how good you think you or your bike is...you'll need to deploy a winch at some point! It also is an excellent tool for hoisting animals up, pulling stumps, etc one thing you'll never regret buying. They are very easy to install as well, so no real need to pay a dealer 100-150 buck to install a few pops and buddy you'll have her working in a short evening.

Dragging a deer unless aweful terrain I honestly can't see a 300 TRX even snorting, these animals are 300-350 lbs here and I know I have pulled many with just 2 wd. A trailer is totally different than dead weight dragging, so again I don't see it causing you any grief unless the terrain dictates. Which by your account doesn't appear to be a huge concern.

Any way you know what you need and have to spend, do your research find what will work and be patient.

Good luck and hope it helps you some.

 

i use my kfx400[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]