HI-

Forgive the dumb newbie question, but will a 250 CC class 2-WD machine "reliably" get a novice ATV rider (but experienced "jeep" driver) over the high Colorado pass trails like Imogene, Black Bear? Between me and what I'd be carrying, figure about 300 pounds total. I don't need to go fast or pull any stumps with it, but I do need to be able to get through without a lot of hassle.

And if the machine would do the job under "good conditions" do you think it would be able to get through with a couple of inches of snow?

I need the the smallest, lightest (and preferably the cheapest) machine that will do the job.

Thanks for your advice!

 

My buddy used to ride a 2wd Bayou ...300 cc I think...might have been 250...anyway, he did OK but traded it off as quick as he could. My daughters used to ride 125 Yamaha Breezes and they did fine ...as high as 10,000 feet...but there was no load and there were small.

You're probably making a mistake...try to find a 300 cc 4wd and you'd be at my recommneded minimum.

Slim

 

I don't know anything about those trails.- I had a Recon that went most anywhere I drove it. I put a skid plate on to protect it's belly from the rocks. The nice thing about the Recon is that it's agile and light. The only time I had a problem was in the slimy slick snow. When alot of weight is added to the Recon then it's not as fun to ride. It may make it on those trails with some effort. The nice thing about a 400lb. machine is that you can pick them up. The Beartracker has a little better weight limits than the Recon but a similar size motor. The Beartracker is also heavier. The Beartracker was made after the Timberwolf (same thing) but the Timberwolf used to come in a 4x4. The Ozark has the most cc's and decent weight limits. You might be able to find a Quadrunner 250 4x4. They were decent machines. The Quadrunner has IRS, bunch of gears to choose from, great under belly coverage. It also sits low to prevent roll overs. The only thing I don't like is it's lack of suspension travel. It might be better to just buy a Rancher 350 4x4, Bayou 300 4x4, King Quad 300 4x4 or something similar. This would give you a little more power, better weight limits and 4x4 for better traction. Ever try to backup in 2 wheel drive on a very steep incline? (Backing up hill) Sometimes you just sit there and spin. This is one example of why a 4x4 is nice. If you don't have a machine already, then it might be better to spend more $ in the beginning so you don't have to trade it later.

 

Think about a Rancher 4X4. You should be able to get an 03 (the old body style) for a really great price (like $1,000 off MSRP, but hurry before they are all gone!!). In that kind of terrain, it is worth having the extra security of a 4X4. The Rancher is a nice size. Not a hulking beast, but not tiny either.

That said, both my 2X4 utes are excellent bikes!! They go ALMOST anywhere that the 4X4 will go, but that is riding in a group where others are along to bail you out if you get into trouble. I would never solo ride the 2X4's in rough terrain.

 

Well, Thank you all for your input;

I was afraid of that, but wanted to check with people that actually knew about riding the machines, not just guys on a comission.

Guess I'd better just "suck it up" and spend the cash.

 

After checking out all the other machines the other people have posted, go check out the yamaha wolverine. Sporty, fun, good suspension travel, and 4x4.

If you get lucky, you might even find a used one. I have never found a used on when looking so that tells you how much their owners like em.

Ride on... In your case.. ride on when you get one.