Thinking about buying recon for twelve year old. Was going to see if you guys could tell me how good of machine this is.

 

Based on the number of Recon owners who post their comments here, I would say it is a very popular ATV. I believe the Recon was the first ATV in which Honda engineers decided to mount the engine sideways to provide greater torque. The driveshaft in most ATV's is set 90 degrees relative to the driveshaft. This results in a loss of available torque. Still, one might simply decide to go with a more conventional ATV with a larger engine.

The ride and handling of the Recon is touted as being more sporty than most ATV's in it's class.

Just one final comment. According to industry standards, only children 16 years and older should operate ATV's with engines larger than 90cc. However, we both know that few parents follow this rule when choosing an ATV for their kids.

Good luck.

 

I would just like to say that that rule about not riding anything over 90cc's before your 16 is insane. First off, the rule was made for dirtbikes, and a 90cc dirtbike is plenty big for a 15 year old. But a 90cc ATV is twice the weight and has 2 wheels for that engine to drive, so a 90cc ATV is equal to like a 25cc bike. So I honestly think that the rule should be changed to at least 150cc's. My brother owns a Breeze which is 125cc's and it is still kinda small for him. He's only 10. Just tought I'd tell you that. And by the way, the Recon is a great machine! I've had no problems with them, and they've been really reliable to me. It's extremely stable and a perfect beginners quad.

 

The Recon is one the best quads to start with. No doubt about it! My Recon is the first quad i have ever owned, due mostly to lack of financial stability, but i am extremely impressed. I did about 6 straight months of research, mostly dirt wheels and ATV action, to decide which quad would be good for some utility, and still be somewhat "sporty". I have not been dissapointed. Although, i believe the Recon has been designed more for recreation than utility. Don't get me wrong it will do some work, but it is geared a little high and little low on power for serious utility. for recreation or sport, you can't get more stability, more response, and more pep from any other quad in its class. The best thing about the Recon....is how much fun it is to ride. Its even comfortable! So, yes, i think this would be a great starter quad, and wish i had a quad like it when i was 12 years old!

 

I love my Recon. It is a great machine. It may not be as sporty as some kids would like, but it is a lot of fun. I would not trade mine for anything close to being in the same class as it. I could probably be talked into trading it for a new 650 praire or somthing along those lines but otherwise it would stay mine A kid might enjoy the sporty nature of the 250ex though.

 

Go with it... The Recon was what got me started with ATV's ...it's a perfect bike for fun and utility, especially kids starting out with bikes. Heck, I bought my Recon when I was 29, never had a complaint, just enjoyed every bit of it and wish I still had it for my wife.

I highly recommend it for your kid, great fun and entry level bike.

 

It is really am impressive quad for the buck.I would only trade mine for a 4x4 Recon if Honda made one.

 

I'm glad to here everyone likes there recon. My 13 year old has been bugging me for a fourwheeler. He's over 5'6" and 160lbs. The recon is a much better fit and has a suspension. I just can't see him enjoying a 90cc that likes like a toy.
Tim

2000 grizzly
soon a 2001 recon

 

I am 32 and just recently bought my first ATV. It is a 2001 Honda Recon and I am having a blast. Now, the hard part for me is to understand all this jargon on this site like "Dirt Devils", etc........I wish there was a cheat cheat somewhere to explain what these mods are. I see that someone listed skid plates for the Recon.....I have been searching for them and can't seem to find them.

 

There is a company called PRM. They make lightweight T6 aircraft aluminum skidplates for the Recon. On there website they have a picture of a Recon with full skidplates. Hope this helps.
www.prm-atv.com

1998 Honda Recon, Sur Tracks on ITP aluminum, Uni Air filter, custom skidplate's
www.geocities.com/hondapride_98