HONDAJAS, Catsmeow made a point that the Recon wheelies like a 400ex which it very true. This could cause you some probs when climbing hills or when you load the rear rack a little heavy. The Cat is less prone to wheelie, so keep that in mind. Honda's are very reliable no doubt about it, but Cat is right their with them.

 

Also cant you lock the front end on a 250/300? (on the 4x4 of course :])

 

I have a 2001 AC 250 2x4 and the only thing that went wrong with it so far is the brakes completely gave out when i was riding it and i found out i ground the rear pad to the metal. I think that the cat is really reliable it never gave out on me only the break problem i dont know much about the honda but i do know that there parts are more expensive. Its not the best thing to ride in snow but thats a 2X4 for ya... and if u ride it on ice u better get chains or studs on those tires!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Of all the tough riding I have done on my Arctic Cat, I'm surprised the thing isnt in pieces! 926 miles of hard riding, rock climbing, mudbogging, tree hitting [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img], just about anything, its a 300 4x4, and its about 400-500 dollars more, if you can spare 500 bucks, go with a 300, I love it better than my vforce, which im gonna sell for a dvx400, but my yfz is king, lol, go with the arctic cat, you will love it

 

I own a AC 2003 250 2x4 and I've done almost everything that would mess up any other 250 to it and it's like brand new other then all

the scratches from me flipping it. But the motor still hauls and in still great condition. I would go with the Cat over the honda.


-Mike

 

ive got a recon and personaly i wish i would have gotten a 300

 

what jeff said. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I can't speak for the recon reliability because I don't have one but my 2003 AC 250 has been rock solid. I don't ride easy and it has been great to me.

 

I run a club in the Lake George Adirondack Region since 1986.Some of the roughest geography you will come across.Ive seen a lot of ATVs and owned quite a few myself.I currently own a cat 300 4by4 and a honda450es.We have some ranchers on the trails and the are a good machine.They are noted for front suspension squeeks.They are also small in size...great for a kid...too small for an adult.The arctic cat 250 is a superior machine in my opinion.It is full size,floor boards,much heavier frame, better brakes,more stable on any terrain,better ride. It will not be as fast as the rancher.If you can afford it buy the 4by4 model....resale is much better and the machine will go anywhere. The reliability is not an issue w/ the 250 and 300 models.The drive train is the same as the Suzuki king quad.The axle problems are specific to the 375/400/500 models and quite honestly over blown.My 300 is a 1999 and seen some real tough use.Im impressed. My 300 has 800 miles on it.Quicker now than its ever been.I run it in middle range and it runs pretty close to the 450es until 40 mph.Better traction than the 450es.The only trouble I had was the pre-mature wear of the upper ball joints.Arctic cat was aware of the problem and no longer an issue in the new models.make sure you test drive it before you buy.Some people dont like the rocker shifter.I didnt like it at first...now I wouldnt be without it......It is great with heavy boots.etc.......The only down side to the cat would probably resale value.A honda is an easy sell.....arctic cat isnt as well known .

 

I'd give serious consideration to a Bombardier Rally. My brother has three, and I have ridden them extensively. They are much faster than anything else in the class, handle superbly, and are comfortable for good-sized adults. My brother is 6'2" and weighs about 210. I'm 6'5" tall and weigh 185.

They are truly amazing machines. He has had them for a year and hasn't had any kind of problem with any of them. They have tremendous ground clearance and rarely get stuck. I think they are the best kept secret in ATV's. The best part is that he paid about 2600 each, brand new. Had he bought them all at the same time, he might have gotten a better deal.

Of course, if you also want to use it for work, the AC is first in class. Can't go wrong with an AC, either.

Just my humble opinion.

 

you guys didn't leave me anything to say. for what you are going to use it for, go with the Arctic Cat. I love Honda and can't say anything wrong about them but I think that you will like the Cat a lot more in the situations that you said that you will be riding. I found myself too deciding between Honda and Cat. I have always been a Honda fan but I went with the Cat and now I would drive anything else!! give it a shot you won't be dissapointed!!