I'm buying an ATV this weekend and I am new to the ATV world. I don't know exactly what I should get or what size would be good for me. I've been shopping around and talking to people to get recommendations and this is what I've seen: Honda TRX250, 300, and 400. Any Suggestions for a beginning rider?

 

How old are you? Weight? Height? Do you know how to shift a manual (left hand) clutch? What kind of terrain you planning on riding????

 

I'm 31. I stand 5'6" and I'm about 195lbs. I just want to ride the trails and the sand dunes at the Oregon Coast. I rode my friends dirt bike back when I was 14 or 15 years old, but havent been on one since. I think with some practice I'll be able to get the hang of it quickly. I was also thinking the 400ex. what do you think?

... and also, any tips or advice for a beginner?

 

400EX is a good choice. It will be stone cold reliable for you with just basic maintainence (change oil, clean air filter).

 

400EX or Z400. If you ride sand a lot, you will need more power. While you can have fun on the smaller quads, at your size and weight, you would quickly "outgrow" them.

As a beginner, get some lessons from an experienced rider, and just take it easy at first. There are a few simple things to know, like shifting your weight in corners, etc.

 

Definately go with a 400 then. My preference would be the Zuk, more power and better suspension. I am assuming you are buying new? '06 MSRP is the same for the Honda and Suzuki Z400. In case you didn't know, Kawasaki and Arctic Cat both sell a mechanically identical '06 version of the Z, just in a different color. Kawasaki is dropping there version for '07, so you might be able to get a good deal there? Learning the clutch is an afternoons work. A little frustrating at first for some, but not super difficult. Other than that, read the owners' manual and really concentrate on the How To Ride section/booklet you get with the quad. Weighting and body english are important on a quad for proper handling. A good general rule is always keep your weight to the uphill side of the atv, or to the inside of a corner(except when turning down a hill.) Memorize all the controls before you hit the trails, you don't want to freeze in a panic situation. Finally, take the free safety course and go recreate! Good luck shopping!

 

go with the 400cc, if you are going to be doing more trails than dunes go with the 400EX if you are going to be doing more dunes than trails go with the Z400

 

If I were you I would try to find some way to go out and try differant bikes for yourself the thing I see happening to you is getting a smaller bike at your size you will love it for a while until you learn how to ride better then you will outgrow it real quick especially if you go to the dunes a 400 is a small bike for your weight.

 

Thanks for the recommendations! I think I've narrowed it down to the Honda 400EX!