Found this template didn't seem like a bad way to start. I'm still reading through other posts.

Thanks,
>>>>Michael

1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
6'2" 250

2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
Med aggressiveness, that changes as I become confident.

3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
fields, dunes @ least 3 times a summer(Oregon), all over, woods too.

4) Do you have any riding experience?
Snowmobiles, Street bikes. So, no basically.

5) Do you think you will race ?
No, except maybe the guy next to me.

6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
Yes.

7) Do YOU have a preference to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
My snowmobiles are all 2 strokes. 2 strokes are fun but I have no preference, so long as weight doesn't get in the way of fun. But I get the idea they will be 2 strokes. Honda street bikes treat me well so Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki.

8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
Yes, pretty much everything.

9) How much do you plan to spend on a quad?
No more than $3000. I would like to break the used version before buying new. This has worked well for me when entering Snowmobiles, and street bikes.

10) Do you live in California?
No,Never.

11) anything else that you think would help form an opinion

I want something I can find plenty of parts and mods for. Clutch\Manual, I want enough power to get around it seems 400 is a good mid point. a bike I fit on 6'2"ish. Mostly I want to go have fun.

From reading around looks like everyone recommends 400ex or the z400. Any bad years for those two? Other recommendation, or just confirm what I've got so far.

 

The 400's are good choices, but you need to sit on them and see how they fit. The EX has lots of low end torque, so I like it for tight trails. The Z is a bit more revy, and likes faster trails and more open country. You should be able to find either of these used in your price range.

 

Either or both of the 400's may be a little small for you, but you are on a budget so that is one of the limitations you are forced to live with. You may very well need aftermarket springs at your weight (???).

The Raptor is a little bigger, but stay away from the narrow and tippy 660. The DS650 might be a possibiliby if the 400's are way to small. I would stay away from the big Kawi.

 

This might get me shot down in flames but I would never personally buy an ATV that had been ridden by a "junior" rider. Just my opinion but they (at least the young riders I see around here) tend to be far to rough on the machines.