the g/f and I want to buy ATV's used and fix them up - (spending maybe $700-->1K on each one.) We've rode them before but it was some time ago and I want advice on what models to look for that would be a good base to start from in an older model and where parts would be more or less readily available. I'm 6'1 and 200 lbs and she's 5'4 and 140 or so. YOUR experience and advice would be appreciated. I'd appreciate some objectivity too not just input from a fanboy of one brand. to be used primarily for trailriding. I am new to ATV's and she is an experienced rider at least.

 

$700 is going to be tough... for that amount, you will be spending as much to get it back to decent condition as it would probably cost to go with a better shape machine... I'd figure about $2500 can get you into a decent range, and if you go to 3K, you could get a new blaster...

 

are you talking about 700 in repairs or for the junky quad. You can get a perfect running quad with minor well I guess mods for around 3300. I got mine with what's on my sig. for 3350 and could easily do the same 10 more times. Honda's will be running 10 years down the line no matter how much you beat on em. They have 2hp less than the z400 but it isn't noticeable. z400's have reverse but this REALLY wont be a prob for you, you're girlfriend might be different but you can pick it up for her if it gets stuck. Plus if you have a 4 ft you can just do a 180. Some may argue with me but they are PERFECT quad for people just starting all the way up to pros (with extensive mods of course). Mine tops out at 72 on the road which is decent. I love my ex, lots of sentimental value, they just do it to you. This is my opinion, if you want to get a new one I'd say get a z or an 04' 400ex cuz they up'ed the carb for the 04's. Try testing an ex they're really fun, and AWESOME on trails, and jumps, I can hit 60' tables easy.

 

yeah go w/a z or and ex. don't get a blaster your to big, and you said you g/f is an experienced rider so there are better bikes for her than a blaster. I am 6'4 200 and i started out on a new blaster, it was a good learning bike but in less than a year i was bored with it and bottomed out all the time so i bought a z. The blaster was just a waste of money just go straight to a z or an ex. z400 is the better bike but not too much. They are both pretty dependable. your g/f since experienced should prolly do the same. once more experienced you can really mod out a z or an ex. make them twice as fast and powerful. hope that helps (other good bikes kfx400, predator500, 660raptor, yfz450, and honda coming out with 450 too)

 

all are good bikes the main reason I suggested the ex over others was cuz you wanted to keep it cheap. alaskan assassin basically nailed it blasters are kiddy quads.

 

yeah i would go a/400ex there are a lot of good used ones out there, there are better bikes but most cost more than you wanna pay

 

If you really dont want to spend much cash look around for a older 250 Honda such as a 250SX or 250X .On the Yamaha side there are still some old Moto 225,350s out here and a bunch of 250 Timberwolves(I think these are good machines)For Kawi any older Bayuo 220 should be in your range.Now if you dont mind to rebuild the 2stroke moter look for any 250 or 400 Polaris that wont run but look out you can make them fly but it will take some caash.Keep in mind any of these you wil be able to get for around $750-$1200 but they WILL need brakes,cables,tires,battryand lots of TLC.You wil be looking at putting anotherr $300-$600 in each quad pluss your time.You get up to the $2000 range and you can get a nice one ready to ride.

 

A used 400ex and maybe a new trailboss (polaris)(around 3k) for her.

As far as a bike for 700,,,you best have a real nice shop with all the right tools. Parts are expensive too.

For no hassle quads you will probrably need to spend 5-6k for both minimum. If you take care of your equipment,,,your resale should be OK too.

 

That's a tough one. To get something in the $1k range that isn't a kiddie quad is going to be tough. I'd say you'll need to step back in time and take a look at early 90's / late 80's quads. I've always liked the Yamaha Warrior and Honda 300 ex as reliable quads that have been around a while. It's possible to hunt down an old warrior, but even the 80's warriors are still getting $1500 or so. Another good idea is to search the want ad press for the package deals where 2 or more quads are sold togther. I've seen some trikes that are for sale in the $1000 range, so maybe that is an option too.

 

700-1000 is going to be tought for a quad, hmm a blaster, there are pleanty of warriors out there too.
a dirt bike might not be so tough.