Looking at a Recon, Artic Cat, Bayou or Ozark for my wife. Any suggestions? She is just a pleasure rider. I am leaning towards the Ozark.

 

I'd choose between the Recon and Ozark. Just look them over and take them for a ride if possible. The Recon's retail price is a little cheaper for 2004. The Recon ES is priced the same as the Ozark while the foot shift Recon is a couple hundred less. Either machine would probably serve her well.

 

Have you looked at the Beartracker? It's more reliable, roomy, and has a lot more workability than any of the others.

 

Don't get a Timberwolf/Beartracker. They are so primitive.

 

The Ozark is the best IMO, but the Recon ES is very nice also. She'll probably love the electronic shifting on the Recon.

 

The Beartracker is no more primitive than the Recon. The simpler they are the more reliable they are. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]. Whatever floats your boat I guess, but the Beartracker was great for me.

 

The Timberwolf (Beartracker) came out in 1992 while the Recon came out in 1997. I'm sure the Beartracker does an alright job but it is more on the utility side. If someone wants something for work then the Beartracker does have better rack and tow ratings. But it is a little more primitive in it's arrangement of things like the choke and reverse switch placement. It also only has single a-arms in the front compared to double a-arms of the Recon and Ozark. The overall finished look of the Beartracker isn't as nice as some of the others.

Even though I liked my Recon, I'd look close at the Ozark.

 

Alright, I agree with you somewhat. The reverse could be in a better place, but it is a better worker. It's true that it doesn't look as good to some people, but the Ozark and Recon have wimpy bumpers compared to the Tracker. And actually the Yamaha has MacPherson struts up front, not single A-arms, the Bayou is the one with single A-arms.

 

Stop, your making me laugh!

Ok, I agree with you about the MacPherson struts but the Recon bumper is strong as a ....a....rock. Yep a rock.

 

You guys are over looking Arctic Cat, 250,300 4X4 has 3 range transmission, 300# rack capacity, true four wheel independant suspension, in and out 4 wheel drive, good for work or play.