Hi, I'm 16, 5' 11", 170 lbs. and I'm thinking about buying a four-wheeler. I am particularly looking at the Honda ATV's like 250 EX, 300 EX, and maybe even a Rancher. I'm probably not going to be working much in it so I'm leaning more towards the recreational ATV's. I'm going to be riding it mostly in my backyard which is about 7 acres (though there are some other fields and things by my yard that I'll probably ride in too).

My problem is that I have a blood condition that affects the platelets (ITP). So, it's a little worse for me if I get injured (I'll bleed more).

Anyway, with this condition, what can I safely enjoy with an ATV? I still want to have some fun.

Does this affect what kind of ATV I should buy?

Thanks, Sean

 

All three of these are great bikes. My pick would be the 300EX. It has way better suspension than the 250, and handles nice. Also, take a look at the 400EX (you should be able to get a real good price). It is bigger than the 300 (but not any heavier!), and a little more appropriate for your size. My daughter (who is 12 but BIG for her age) rides my old hand-me-down 400, and it has been a great bike for her. She had a 300EX before that, and a 250EX before that, and a LT160 before that, and........

I have a friend who was just diagnosed with ITP. I am a medical researcher, so I did some investigation for her. There are some new studies that suggest the disease might be caused by an infection of a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (also causes stomach ulsers). The theory is that the bacteria causes an immune response that makes you auto-immune to your own platelets. In one study, they treated a group of patients with antibiotics and the ITP was cured in all but one case. This is pretty recent stuff, and most doctors have not heard of this yet. Ask your doctor about it!! I can give you literature references if you need them. Good luck!!

In the quad world, ITP is a tire/wheel company. That ITP disease will just cost you a bunch of money (but you can keep your spleen).

 

hey thanks for the info. I'll have to ask my doc. Unfortunately, I'm passed the acute stage of ITP. So, now they think I'll have to keep it forever. But, I'm not bad off enough (yet at least) to need a splenectomy. Nor do I need those steriod injections yet.

Anyway, could you tell me some things that I could do with the 300. And, what things/stunts/etc. should I stay clear of?

Thanks again

Sean

 

We just sold our 300 a couple weeks ago. I put it out on my driveway with a sign on it, and it sold in about 5 minutes. One thing that helped was replacing the stock wheels and tires. I use ITP 9X9 rims and Holeshot tires. The reason I mention this is that it widens the bike by 3" in the rear and 2" in front. This makes the bike more stable, because the stock bike is a bit tippy with those balooney tires. We also had an FMF header and pipe and a K&N which really helps the power.

The little 300 is a pretty able machine! For jumping, I actually prefered it to most other bikes. Because it was small for me, and I could easily muscle the bike around in the air. It wheelies pretty easily (but not when you don't want it to) and behaves predictably. The engine technology is kind of dated though.

 

cool. Do you think that I can safely do jumps and donuts with my blood condition?

 

i wouldnt try till i got real experienced riding and used to your machine, ive rode dirtbikes for 5 years now, ridden quads for about 2, and just got my KFX and im getting used to the weight balance, power band and it's abilities before i start jumping and stuff

 

I wear every piece of safety gear known to science, and I would suggest you do the same! The folks I ride with laugh at me sometimes, but on two occasions my chest protector saved me from shoulder/rib injuries. External injuries (like road rash, etc) are pretty easy to prevent just by wearing a good pair of riding pants and some elbow guards. Internal injuries are another matter though! You just have to be carefull.

 

You could buy yourself a Raptor and never ever get hurt or break your neck on a little honda 90cc quad. It all depends on your riding style and how agressive you ride. If you are going to be agressive, wear the appropriate safety gear, knocking the wind out of yourself wearing a chest protector is better than a trip to the hospital for a punctured lung when you break a rib! As far as the Honda 300EX is to ride, I learned how to ride quads on my buddies 300EX and it was a lot of fun. I was only 14 and it was a great starter bike. Very dependable and predictable.

 

yes of the three you mentioned, my pick would be the 300ex. and stuff a first aid kit under the seat! I have to carry nitro for my heart [ which makes some ppl nervous] but no problems yet....just take yer time and have fun dude!

 

out of those 3 get the 300ex