I'm new to ATVs and want to start off with an ATV that doesn't cost a lot but still has automatic transmission. The 2006 250 2x4 is about $3400 with automatic. Now the question is, how do Cats hold up and is this a good entry machine? Or, should I look for something bigger, better? I'm 6'3" and 240lbs if that make a difference. Any feedback on the 2005 or 2006 is appreciated.

 

First off, Welcome to the forum. The '06 250 are actually made by Kymco are are new to the Cat line this year. The '05 250 is pretty much the same Cat made for at least 6 years back. Good machines and very dependable. As to the Kymco model, they have made quads for a number of years so I would expect it to also be reliable. It is a 2X4 with a solid rear axlw instead of IRS, but it is cheaper than the older, bigger model.

 

even for a guy your size i would think this would be a good entry level machine. to many people jump into the sport and get the biggest and baddest without any knowledge or feel for or about their atv. if not the 250 then the 300 but starting small like i did on dirtbike was the best thing i did. but then again on atv i got my first one when i was 5 it was a lil honda 70 threewheeler lol i still got the lil fart to.

 

If all you want to spend it $3,400 then you may want to look at something a little larger. like the Polaris trail boss or trail blazer 250. If I remember right the 250 is like a mid sized quad. It isn't as big as the larger guads. You'll need to go down and test ride one to see how it fits your large stature. The AC quads are great and hold up well.

 

kaptap, you may want to look into an 05 model. Like the AC 300 4x4. You can get one with IRS and 4x4, and great deals now. As for the 06 250 we bought one for our son. We have only been out on one weekend and have been very pleased. It is smaller in size than the 05.

 

I just bought an '06 250 and couldn't be happier. The kids love it, my wife loves it and I love it. Very nimble and loaded with features for a small ride.


Steve

 

I just got a 2006 AC 250 2x4 and it's a great little quad. I'm 5'4' 100lbs. and it fits me nicely, so I would be a little concerned about the size. It's a nice bike, and like you, I chose to get the 2006 model because of the auto tranny. With my skinny 100 lbs. it will go up a hill in the snow at about the angle of this slashmark ( \ ) I learned the hard way that it doesn't have engine braking >_<. I had a little trouble witht eh grakes, I can't pull they the right amount so I slow down, because the brake is fairly stiff (Coming from a weak 14 year old, this shouldn't apply to you though.) I can slow it down a decent amount, enough to keep it in control, but it is still uncomfortable to race down the hill at that speed. If I try to go slower, I have to pull fairly hard and quick, because I'm not quite strong enough to slowly squeeze it that hard, but when I do so, I usually lock the brakes up. And I'm not to fond at going sideways down a hill with lots of trees around, snow on the ground, and more quads in front of me.
Hope I was of some help.

OneWolf

 

I bought a 2006 A/C 250 back in September. It is a really well-made machine albeit a total departure from the old 250 platform, (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). The quad is manufactured by Kymco and is a close cousin of their MXU250, with some differences. The first thing you should do is some research. I did. It's hard to find anyone saying bad things about Kymco. They have far surpassed other off-makes, (ie: Eaton, Yamoto) in build quality and reliability - hence the reason Arctic Cat chose them to produce this quad.

I bought this quad for my wife and daughter, (primarily my daughter, as my wife doesn't ride much), I have a lot of hours on both machines and find pluses and minuses in both models. We chose the '06' for a variety of reasons, but ease of use, stability, power-to-weight, handling and braking were high points to the '06'. The '05' and older 250's are certainly a worthy, tested and solid platform and you couldn't go wrong buying either. I do think however at your size, you may find yourself wanting more power, ground clearance and 4x4 - all depending on the riding you will do. I'm 6'4" tall and 270+lbs. Both models of the 250 feel small to me. The 2006 however hauls me around with no problem at all. It has plenty of oomph, a nice automatic transmission, great low range and superb handling. I have taken it on some pretty rough trails and it does fine, though you have to be more conscious about picking you line. If you must have a 250 and want something new, I'd say go for the '06' 250 - you won't be disappointed.

However, my guess is, that in time you will become disappointed with this machine. I'm not sure what type of riding you'll be doing. If it's just once in awhile, buzzing around some dirt roads, fields and moderate trails - you'll be a happy camper. But if you get into more frequent, more rugged, long-range terrain and if you have friends who ride bigger machines, you'll find yourself getting lost in the crowd. So, figure out realistically how you will be riding in the future and choose accordingly. If you want the '06' to get yourself started and can reasonably be sure you'll be able to sell it, or hand it down when you're ready to go bigger, I'd say buy... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

If it were me though, I'd look into an '04' 400. I was lucky enough to find a gem of an '03' 400 for $3500.00 with only 124 miles on it. Look around - they're out there. I LOVE my A/C 400auto and believe that not only is it a perfect machine to start out on, it's a perfect machine to stay with for good. Don't get caught up in they hype about 650's, 700's, 800's...It's malarkey. My 400 goes anywhere they do and with plenty of power to spare. It has Fully Independed Suspension, (make sure to get FIS) and rides smooth as butter in the rough stuff. I have almost become habitual at towing out an '05' Rincon from the soup... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] In low-range, the 400 is a Sherman tank, it has great trail manners, excellent ground clearance, climbs well - does everything well. Price point is there and there's good deals on new '05' models if you can swing the higher tag. In my opinion, the 400/500 Arctic Cats are the most rock-solid of the Arctic Cat line. If you want another bomb-proof quad that is manual shift only, the 300's are everything. But if you have your heart set on auto, (I'll NEVER go back to shift - love my auto), seriously look into a 400 Arctic Cat

Good luck out there!

Mark

 

mark nailed it on head with "the 400/500 Arctic Cats are the most rock-solid of the Arctic Cat line". Personally i would try to find a used 400 or 500 out there for that price. I got my 05 500 manual with 20 hrs (100 miles) on it for a trade of another quad that I was only selling for $4000. So there out there. I had to travel 500 mile round trip though.

 

i bought a ac 300 new in 2003 and i love this machine.the power this thing has is unreal, a joy to ride. starts every time even in sub zero temps.i hunt with a guy that weighs close to 300 pounds he also has a ac 300 takes him any where he wants to go with no problem. and we hunt some rough places if i ever buy another it will be a AC. welcome to the forum.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]