I'm looking at a new quad and can't decide between the Honda 300 EX or Yamaha Warrior. I'm 5'10" and about 210 lbs. I went to a dealership and raced with my buddy in a field behind the dealership. Although the snow was icy and really slippery, it seemed as if I was ahead of him on the Warrior most of the time. I was on a 98 Warrior and he was on a 2000 300EX.
The frame on the Warrior felt more comfortable to me too. The 300EX felt a little on the smallish side.
Most of my riding will be confined to trails and some hill climbing (gravel pits, etc.).
I would appreciate any advice - - by the way, I don't have the money for a 400EX or Raptor, so please don't bother suggesting those choinces. Thans.

 

I think you kind of answered your own question. They are both proven quads, so you should get what feels the best for you. The warrior is a little faster and the 300ex handles a little better. But if your cramped on a quad it isn't gonna handle like it will if your not. I am neutral here so I would say the Warrior would be best for YOU.

 

i'm biased to the 300ex, for obvious reasons.

The handling will more than make up for the speed of the warrior.

If you want to mod the warrior, its gonna be a little harder.

They are both proven designs. The warrior is more low-tech. I've never seen where they are all that reiable..the 300ex will probably out live all of them.

Either one you buy you will be just as happy!

 

for your size.......the warrior,or,consider a used 400ex

 

my cauzin bought a new worrior and the about the 6th time he rode it the cam and and clutch whent out of it and it ahd a real bad nocking sound.I think the 300 ex would be better becuse of its handling and relibility.

 

All right come on if something happens to a warrior it can still happen to a 400ex its just luck of the draw.It could happen to anyone.And most people know what I am talking about.one day you will go out riding with buddies and a honda will screw up and the next time a yamaha will screw up.I like 300ex's and I wish I would have a 300ex or 400.All I am saying a clutch or anything could go wrong anytime no matter what.It sould have been something at the manufactuer or something.

 

one of my friends has a 1999 warrior and last summer one of the screws that holds one of the valves came loose (I think thats what happend). anyway, it ruined the weekend for him and its a brand new bike.

the same guy and his buddy with a warrior also complained about them popping out of gear just when they were in a major hill climb.

I'm not into brand bashing, I'm just stating what I saw. If I could go buy a quad today I'd get a raptor.

if I was to get a warrior though, those handle bars would have to go. they just feel like the bend is uncomfortable and to tall.

all I know is my honda has been bullit proof, and so was my '85 350x which my dad still rides to this day.

 

I've owned both. The 300 suspension is WAY BETTER than the Warrior!! The Warrior would buck me off in the whoops, where the 300 can soak it up pretty well. The 300 is a better flier, and even though neither is particularly light the Warrior just seems to handle HEAVY. While both are good trail bikes, I would give the edge to the smaller 300. Your size may be a deciding factor. I am 5'6" and 200+ lbs., and I think the 300 is borderline (small) for me as far as size goes. Actually, for trail riding I think I can go faster on the 300 than on any other bike I have ridden, because I can overpower the little bike in the corners and throw it around.