I'm 16, 130lbs, 5'5". I'm a girl, but don't think that means I'm a wuss, or I can't handle something a guy my age could. I have experience on a couple of different utility quads, and this past weekend I went on a few rides with my 2nd cousin on his yamaha twin 350 banshee. I don't know a whole lot about quads, but I'm thinking of getting a yamaha raptor 350. I want something that won't need to be upgraded as I get more experience, but I don't want something too fast for me to handle. I'm pretty stuck on Yamaha, just because that's what my cousin rides and he's been riding for years. I need some suggestions. I'm going to buy a used one. What kinds of questions should I ask? Also what's the deal with the title, and is insurance required?

 

Where do you ride??? You are in Calif., so do we assume you will be riding mostly desert and dunes??? The Raptor 350 is a redisigned Warroir, and I never liked the Warrior, but the 350 has gotten pretty good reviews in the magazines.

I would also take a good look at the Z400. It is by far the best all-around bike out there right now! The motor hops up real well later when you want more power. The Honda 300EX is also an excellent machine, and smaller than the Z, and more your size.

Or if you insist on a Yamaha, at your size and weight the Blaster is an option. I never had more fun than when I was a beginner on the Blaster!!! They are a kick to ride and inexpensive, but it will get a Red sticker.

For registration you will get a sticker, either red or green. Red stickers have a restricted riding season in some areas. You don't need insurance, but it is a good idea.

 

Actually, the part of California I live in isn't near desert or sand. I'll be riding on a variety of terrain. There's a place close to my house called Carnegie (it's a SVRA) that's pretty big, with a variety of terrain, although I prefer riding somewhere away from other people. My grandmother's family's ranch in San Juan Bautista is where I rode this past weekend, and I'll be riding there a lot, too. It's in the hills, like oak tree country. Hopefully I'll find more of a variety of places to ride. Basically the three main things I look for in a good ride is conquering a hill/mountain, speed, and getting some air.

 

The terrain I ride locally, is similar to where you described. Nice thing though, in an hour I can be in the desert, or the mountains, or in the dunes. It's a riding paradise!

Tire choice is as important as anything else. Whatever you get, the stock tires will probably not be great. Think about a set of ITP Holeshots for your new bike, whatever it is. They are perfect for your terrain!

Take a good look at the Honda 300EX. It is medium size and the power is easy to handle. And, the motor mods up nicely, for more power when you are ready. I have busted out some big air on the 300, and I weigh a lot more than you do. My daughter is 14. She had a 300 a couple of years ago, but is now riding the 400's. Wish I had saved it for her little brother.

There are also the autoclutch 250's (like the Honda 250EX), but they don't have the sport bike suspension that the 300 has. Stick with a fully manual (hand) clutch bike if you can.