hey guys, i need some peoples opinions. i am interested in buying a new atv, but i can't decide if i want a recon or a bear tracker. i would like to know the top speed of each, the mudding capabilities of each, the hill climbing capabilities of each, and just some opinions on each. i appreciate the help.

 

Recon, no contest. Check out the Ozark, some say it goes the Recon one better.

 

The Recon or the Ozark is the best two in the entire category.

The Ozark is a much better machine in terms of performance and features.

The Ozark's reliability in the long run is something that only time will tell, but the engine is actually based from their previous 250, and it had no problems whatsoever.

Either one would be a great choice, but the BearTracker is bit off the mark.

 

Recon all the way. Of course I am biased being as I own one. One of the sportiest feeling small utilities you will swing your leg over. And it has the Honda Reliability factor. I am 6'2" 250, and can still get my Recon around the trails confortably fast, even hitting some jumps and getting a couple feet of air. You won't be disappointed with the Recon.

 

The Ozark would definately be a better choice. I have rode the heck out of mine with no problems at all. We just went on a 30 mile trail ride this labor day weekend. We had about 9 bikes with us, timberwolf (aka beartracker), 3 ozarks, a big bear 4x4, a raptor, a Honda Rancher 4x4, an older honda 200, and Yamaha Pro Hauler. The big bear, rancher and the ozarks led the pack. The raptor was obviously faster but could not manage the rutty mudholes as well. It would get hung up and just spin. We had to pull it out quite a bit. The ozarks impressed everyone there, the guy on the raptor actually commented at how quick the ozarks were. I was amazed at what I could get mine through mud wise. I was hard pressed to get it stuck and could usually back out of whatever mess I got it into. The extra ground clearance makes a huge difference. The ozark has a bigger motor (they'll top out around 50), its lighter, sportier, and has more ground clearance than both the recon and beartracker. Honda is well known for its reliability but I have had no problems with the ozark as of yet and I have hammered on it pretty good.

 

DirtDevil

I was recently shopping for an entry level machine for my wife. I originally planned on getting her a honda recon, but after doing a lot of research, I ended up getting her a Suzuki Ozark. I have been real impressed with the Ozark. Suzuki basically took a Honda Recon and gave it better styling (subjective of course), slightly better suspension, more power, and much better brakes. I rode my buddies Recon and it is a great machine except the front brakes have never worked right. My wife really likes the Ozark so far. The only complaint with the machine is the stiff shifting, which seems to be getting better with use. One of these days my buddy and I will drag race the machines to see how much faster the Ozark is over the Recon. Probably not much, but should be faster. I paid $3,000 (plus tax) for the Ozark.