I am planning to buy ATV's for my wife and I. I am 58 and do not need a lot of speed or hill climbing ability. We live in Arizona. We tried the Honda TRX250 and like it. My best price so far is $3500 + tax. Is this a good price or should i continue to shop ?
Do you have suggestions for a better bike in this catagory ?

 

George,

If my memory is correct, that price is well below list for a new Recon.

I take it you have already considered the differences between ATV's with an auto-clutch (like the Recon) and those with automatic transmissions. The automatics are quickly becoming popular with more mature riders who don't like the hassle of having to shift gears.

Surprisingly, Honda has lagged the industry in this regard and will introduce their first automatics with the 2000 line. Unlike the belt-driven designs that dominate the market today, Honda has gone with a design they actually bought years ago with hopes of using in mopeds. It makes use a hydraulic pump and electronic control system.

Still, today's belt-driven models appear to be solid in terms of reliability. However, the belt mechanism on some of the earlier models were known to slip when deep water found it's way into the belt housing.

I am eager to see how the new Honda design holds up to ATV applications.

What do I ride? Most of the time I ride a Kawasaki Bayou 220 that I bought new back in 1997. I did not see the need to pay more for a Honda and have not been disappointed in the decision. Two months ago I stumbled across a good deal on used Honda ('92 TRX 300) and have since taken it out-of-state to use while hunting with my Father-in-law.

Good luck with your choice.

 

A Recon 250 is an excellent choice! I own a 1997 and use it as a second quad. At most, if your lucky, you may find one for $100 cheaper, but don't count on it. The mark up on those, or most any new quad is less than you think. Dealer cost on that quad is around $3300.00 give or take $25, and you could quote me on that.

 

hey george a recon costs about 3700 thats brand new. I went to price one two weeks ago at my local honda dealer and they would only drop the price down to 3600

nick

 

I got one about a month ago and that's what I paid for mine.After tax and everything it came to a little over 3,800.I love the recon.It's real easy to ride and if you do get it stuck,it's light enough that you can pull it out by yourself.You can climb hills with it.You just have to lean towards the front more because it's a little shorter than the bigger atv's.You could get a used one cheaper,but I'd go with a new one.That way you know what your getting.I hope I've helped you out some.

 

The recon is a great machine , A friend of mine bought one for his wife and I have rode it and I was surprised with it. It has lots of low end power and its easy to get into reverse. Its actualy only around 230cc but it didnt even cough when I had to have my 500 pound polaris tow back to the truck throught sugar sand. Anyways its a great machnine and I think he got it for 4000 out the door. Also I'm now selling my polaris to buy a HONDA....

 

If you want to save yourself some money..

I will sell you a 87 TRX 250 for 900!

Does need a gear for the starter though..but that's around $30

great machine. it was actually my first..

 

The first year they made the Recon was 1997

 

Before the Recon, I think it was the first or second fourwheeler Honda built, was the TRX250. Very rock solid bikes. They have a trailing arm type front suspension, and kick start for a back-up starter, shaft drive, and removable headlight on a cord for use as a work light. I have one, Never had anything done to it, except tie rod ends, tires and change the oil. Runs like a new one.
Kirk