I think you are right on target looking at a 250EX or a Z250. You're just starting out and these two are not intimidating and still can be fun to ride after you get use to them. DO NOT start out on a 400 racer, they are NOT begginer quads especially if you have never riden a manual clutch before. That would be a hard way to learn and expensive too.

 

check out the 400 ex its value and when you want you can race.. supe it up or just mess around besides hondas will last longer than you if you listen to some of these guys gettin a v force as a beginner. im 6'1" and 240lbs and ive ridden everything from 90's to 660's and they all get you goin. i found a 250 to 400 most comfortable.. light nimble without a clutch makes the days shorter.

 

well, maybe i am an exception, i don't know, but i got a 400ex about 6 months ago as my first quad, having only driven an auto 250 for about 5 minutes previous to buying mine. i barely had a clue on how the manual clutch worked, but my friend showed my the basics, and i was goin in no time, and i have only stalled it a handful of times since then. the power is definitely there, but its not overwhelming, either... it only goes as fast as you tell it. so, what i mean is a used 400 (you can easily find one in good condition in your price range) and a friend who knows how to ride a manual, plus a bit of practice, could equal exactly what you're looking for.

hope i helped![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

by the way, a manual after a while becomes second nature just like walking does, and personally, i didn't find the 400ex intimidating at all.

 

my first bike was semi auto and if your anything like me you'll probably want to go faster after awhile, but i think your leaning in a great direction with the 250EX thats probably the best starting bike if you don't want to learn how to use a clutch. the 250ex is a semi auto which is extremely easy to learn i learn it the first time i got on mine so a 250ex would be the best and it's a honda too. not theres anything wrong with other brands.
but welcome to atving it's a great sport and i hope you love it

 

Even for a starter ATV I wouldn't go with anything like a 250ex not enoguh power you'll get very bored quick.
Unless you plan on upgrading in the next year or so.
Buddy of mine. he's 23 new to ATV's also he had only ridden a couple times kinda like you and he decided he wanted an ATV.
I had him get a Predator because i knew he would grow into the power. It's been about a month now and he says how glad he is that he went with something larger he could grow into.
I would get at least a Warrior or 400EX

 

There are ups and downs with everything.

The 250EX is very small (Go sit on one) They are like a Kids quad, And very underpowered for an adult rider.

The Trailblazer is much more comfortable for an AVERAGE ADULT RIDER.
My experience is with the trailblazer is that it is also very underpowered.
But the bonus would be for $325.00 you could up the fun factor alot witha pipe and clutch kit (Rittercycle.com)
If you deside on a trailblazer, I suggest you check out the used market, there are a lot of these on the used market due to the fact that people want more power and upgrade(They also loose there a$$ on resale).
Try to stay 2001 or newer because polaris has some nice updates stating in 2001 model year.

My honest suggestion is look for a nice used scrambler 500 4x4 or 4x2(Don't know if you need 4x4). There are a fair amount of these in the used market ( again people buy these wanting a Sport quat and sell to upgrade to a FULL ON sport quad like a Raptor or Predator) and IN MY OPINION there is no better DO IT ALL atv on the market. The power is good, the suspension is very soft and comfortable. You try to stay 2000 or newer on a scrambler. I have seen these bikes around me below $4000.00 very lightly used and in great condition.

 

I totally forgot about the scram.
that would be about perfect.
Great quad a bast to ride.

 

oh yea scram would be a great one i forgot about that bike too, dude get a scram

 

itll all depend on how much u can handle if u want a sport quad id go with either yamaha or honda they all are real reliable bikes

 

thanks for all the info. i took everyone's statements and opinions into consideration and i finally decided to stick with the 250ex. 1, because it's semi-auto and 2, i feel more comfortable with it's smaller size. i sat on a bunch of 400's and up at dealerships and it just felt too big, especially for a beginner like me just starting out. (and i'm not that big at all....5'10" 170-175lbs).