Both these are 229 cc longitudinal crank shaft drive 5 speeds. EX has 5 speed w/ "sport clutch" (don't know what that means). TM (Recon) has automatic clutch. Weight is 360 lb for EX vrs 418 lb for TM. So is this the complete performance story or does the stock EX motor put out more or different power than TM. The motors do not look identical and dealer has no clue.
I see in specs that EX has front discs vrs drums on TM and also EX has more suspension. So another question is what situation would TM be a better selection for kids or is the EX always a better selection? Other than racks and carrying capacity I don't see much reason to look at TM so what am I missing?

 

I have owend both. Keep in mid that all my comments pertain to the current models. There were some changes over the years, so if you are looking at a used machine, we will have to get specific for that particular year......

The huge advantage of the EX is that it is 50 pounds lighter and a bit wider. This means a ligher, more stable machine (always a good thing!). If you don't need the racks, or the big fenders for mud protection...the kids will be way better off on the EX! I sold my Recon and replaced it with a nice new EX (already had another older EX)....that should tell you something!

The engines, transmissions, and final drive are vitrually identical. The EX does have slightly higher gearing, and being a utility the Recon is geared a little lower. The EX has plusher more sport tuned suspension, where the Recon is a little stiffer and more utilitarian. And you already mentioned the front brakes. Being shaft drive, both have very good ground clearance. Both do extremely well on technical trails (.....my boys follow me on their EX's, everywhere I go on the Rancher!), but neither is the hot setup for bashing huge desert whoops.

The Recon has a standard autoclutch setup, so there is no left hand clutch work involved. It is available in foot shift or ES electronic shifting options (I say avoid the ES like the plague!). The "sport clutch" on the EX is an autoclutch setup meant to aid beginners in mastering a left hand clutch. You can use the clutch lever or not, as you choose....very much the same idea as the Rekluse clutch that lots of folks are familiar with. (I have found that if you are descending a hill under compression braking, it will not downshift without pulling in the clutch.)

For my family.....the EX will do anything the Recon will, so why be saddled with the heavier machine???

One note-The stock rear tires on the EX are way lame! They are balooney, and make the quad a little tippy. Best to change them out first thing. We are running ITP's new TracStar radials on ours, and they are sooooo sweet!

If you are thinking about the EX, another super sweet machine for older kids is the 300EX! It has the advantage of a real left hand clutch (if they can handle that), and real sport quad suspension. I do so wish I had kept mine!

 

Thanks Recon for great advice. This pretty much confirms what I was thinking that there is usually not many good reasons to look at TM. The 250EX should do everything my grandkids need for now.