I been shopping ALL wk for a used quad for the wife.I have had my eyes on a 98 Honda Recon for 2500 complete in excellant shape.I got close to buying it.However,

I went to my dealer and he is closing out the 00 model Trailboss for 3200 and taxes.I have some questions?

1.Is this a good price?
2.This quad will be used for 90% casual trail riding,I see it has NO low range,is it needed?Dont forget guys,I own a big bad 00 Xplorer for the real big chores.
3.How about reliabilty and maintenance?
4.The wife is only about 5'4 and 120lbs,this quad weighs 500lbs,is it to heavy for her?

I can see no real reason to spend 2500 on a used Honda Recon if I can purchase a NEW fully automatic quad WITH a warrenty for a few hundred dollars more.Please,any information on the above by owners would be greatly helpful in me making my final decision,
Thanks to all,
Bill

 

I think you and your wife will be very happy with the 325. One of the wives in our riding group has one. They "got a deal" on theirs for $3400. It's a really nice bike and she is a much happier rider than she was on her old Suzuki 250. You can see it in the way she rides. The not having low really hasn't been a problem. We do mostly casual trial riding and things tend to move slowly since the kids also ride their own bikes. In my opinion, I'd say go for it. I honestly believe you'll be very happy with the bike. Only problem my friend had with hers was the chain was installed wrong and it came off once. Master link was apperantly installed backwards. Very easy fix, new master link installed CORRECTLY. You can see some pics of her riding on our site.

 

Bill

I bought my wife a 2000 trail boss in April. She really likes riding it. I will try to answer your questions.

1. Does the lack of low range hurt it? I would say no. The only time I wish it had low range is when I am trying to go real slow onto the trailer or up the ramps into my truck.

2. Is $3,200 a good price? Yes. I paid $3,300 and thought I got a great deal. I know someone who's nephew owns ***lord Polaris. He told me that his cost with freight is about that price you quoted.

3. Is the machine reliable? The only problems I have had is the rear brakes wore out real fast. I replaced them with sintered metal pads which seem to be wearing better. A set of brass pads are in the future for this bike. I also had a problem with the master link, but I think a rock got into it and damaged it. Cost me $6 to replace myself. The lower steering stem bushing is also going out. I will replace this myself with a new one from RCR. Cost $35. I would see if the dealer would fix this from the start.

4. Can your wife handle the machine? Yes. It rides and steers really easy. My wife really likes riding it.

I would also make sure the oil lines are replaced with the new style. Ask the dealer if the new lines from service bulletin ATV 003 are installed. I would not take it home until the new lines are installed.

If you decide to get it, order a Uni filter for it. Gives it a little more bottom end. Remember, this machine will feel a little slow on the bottom end compared to your 2 cycle, but that is probably what you want for your wife.

Post any additional questions. Also, you are only about 2 hours north of where I live. You are welcome to come down and ride mine to see if you like it.

 

The ones I have seen are great machines. Don't own one, but have a little experience with them. I think they are great machines for wives unless you wife is a psycho speed demon like mine (luv ya honey) who has to take MY Xplorer (and forces me to drive the old Honda 300es). The ones I was on rode about like my Xplorer does, and runs well. I don't think lack of low range matters unless she plans to do serious hill climbing or mudding. Remember, it is geared to hit 40 or maybe 45 so it isn't as 'high' as your Xplorer is. If the choice is between the 325 T-boss and a Recon, you are going the right way. Recons are SMALL with a short wheelbase, making them less stable. By less stable I don't mean that they crash for no reason, it is more like a hobby-horse feeling over a series of bumps more than the Poliris. Now I just hope I didn't offend any Recon owners, and I don't mean to, just offering my opinion.

 

Hi Bill My son has a Boss and I think its a light and nimble machine. My son is 11 yrs old and 110lbs. My wife also rides it she is small like your wife.It steers easy,takes the mud pretty well. I dont think lack of low range hurts it at all, Its 200lbs lighter than the sportsman. I put the white spring in the primary and helped the bottom end alot. I paid 3599.00 almost a year ago and have had no problems with it at all. Good luck bill remember its not a speed demon maxes out at 45 or so. I have some pics of it in action on my webpage.

 

The Trail Boss is a great bike you will love it. In Missouri you can buy them for 3200 and you can find them used in great shape for less. My buddy just listed his for 2900 with ramps and it is lees that 7 mo old and it has lees than 4 tanks ran in it. I have several pics of another buddies Trail Boss jumping and on two wheels.

 

'Nother satisfied Trail Boss owner here! My wife especially enoys the light front end and steering effort, as well as the tranny. So far, the lack of a low range hasn't hurt. Plus, the Rubicon will help her out when needed.

 

Ditto. The TrailBoss is a great entry level ride. Take care of the oil lines and watch the chain. My wife liked the TrailBoss better than any quad we've had, including the Sportsman. It is light and nimble and just plain fun. Try a white clutch spring and lighter clutch weights.
This will get the revs up so she can keep up with the big dogs. Silly Later,,,,Fourlix

SP 500 H.O. "THE SILVER HO !!"
425 EXP waiting for a H.O.cam.

 

When using the UNI filter on the T-Boss do you have to re-jet? If so what jet did you use? Any other adjustments needed? Thanks for any help, I'm thinking of getting one this week.

 

How does the white spring and weights affect throttle response? Do you have to use a lot more throttle for takeoffs? How is it at lower speeds? Top end?