I am new to ATV's. I am looking for a fun, reliable trail riding 2wd machine. Something maybe in the 250-450 range? Any particular model or brand that is suppose to be excellent? I am 46 and would want reverse and electric start

 

I guess you want a Sport ATV, since no utility made has no reverse. If I was to get a Sport bike for trails I would look at the Honda 400ex,its powerful enough for fun yet not stressed out like the reving 450 motocross based serious Sport ATVs.

Suzuki z400 would be another option.

 

In this size class of atv go w/ the Honda 400ex or the Suzuki Z400 as they are some of the best trail quads made!!! The 450 were desingnd to w/ higher rpm band and do not lug like the 400's. Both of the 400's are great trail machines w/ honda a little better lugger than the Zuke but Zuke will take home the speed trophy! The zuke beeing water cooled and the Honda is air cooled. Hope this helps and welcome to forum!

P.S. Both new machines do have reverse!

 

Find a used 300 ex. I think you can use sand to replace all the fluids and those things will still go.

 

If you are on the smaller side and your trails are really tight, the 300EX will fit between the trees easily.

If your trails are tight, the 400EX will lug down and doesn't mind being ridden slowly.

The Z400 likes to rev, so I like it for faster more open trails.

The 450's are pure rev and don't like to lug down at all! I like them for fast more open country. They will work as a trail ride, but there is lots of annoying clutch slipping involved. Only the Kawi has reverse, as I recall (?).

All these machines have great handling. The higher the price and the higher then displacement, the better the suspension will be.