I know this is likely asked a lot, but every situation is different. I'm 15, 5'1" 135 lbs. I have ridden my 2004 Yamaha Bruin 350 4X4 fully auto like it is absolutely nothing. I'm looking at sports to increase speed, decrease weight, and do wheelies. I looked at 250's, but their semi autos and I heard from many people I would get bored quick (as I was bored with the Bruin). Then I looked at the 300EX, but I saw the Raptor as higher rated and something I wouldn't get bored with. I've ridden a 400EX a little bit, but it was a fast for me. Would the Raptor be a good option, and could I basically sell me Bruin and use that money to buy a slightly used Raptor? How much do you think I could get for my Bruin?

 

Well, since you have some experience, I would think that the Raptor would be a good choice for you. It doesn't matter what you have, eventually you will want more power so I would keep your options open to a used 400EX or something similar as well. Remember, you control the speed of the machine, it should not be the other way around. I don't know how much your Bruin is worth, but you could certainly use any proceeds from selling it to put towards another atv.

 

IM alot bigger than you and i have a raptor 350 and i love it has plenty of power so for you how small you are it would fly its around 5-8 miles an hour slower than a 400ex stock for stock here in al you can buy a 400 ex for rite at the same as a raptor 350 i dont think theres that big of a diff between them Scooter said no matter what you get it will soon become slow to you and you will want more power but as i said i have a 350 and i put a slip on hmf and rejetted and a few other mods and im happy with it i can run close to 400ex's but the ex's does offer better handling than the raptor 350 its a lil wider.But if i had to say which one to get id say the raptor 350 not because i have one but because im a yamaha man lol.And as for the bruin id say you could get 3 grand for it 2,800 being the minmum.

 

I love my Raptor 350, I ride it like a rented mule, it takes everything I throw at it; ruts, mud, water, steep hills, jumps, drifting, its a great machine. IT'S NOT THE FASTEST ON THE MARKET, but it's reliable and its motor is rock solid (take care of it and it will take care of you). I weigh just a little under 230 and this thing hauls me around, I can even get the front end up with doing very little work.

 

whatever you do dont get a 250, my parents wouldnt let me get anything bigger than 250, they thought the polaris TB250 2 strok was too dangerous. but now im wanting mroe power, should have gotten a raptor350

 

Get the 400ex. Way better machine and the "too fast" will go away soon. Ride really carefuly and in a few rides it will feel like your 250. You dont HAVE to go faster, and the better suspension is more forgiving of small mistakes so you dont get thrown. DONT make your parents regret it by getting crazy. Remember you can get hurt on any machine, but a young rider can over estimate thier skills at speed. Better suspension=safer handling. Faster acceleration requires mature judgment and temperence.

Have fun, be safe.