I'm very new to the sport. What to buy? Help!
 

Hello, my name is Reece, and I am very new to the idea of ATVing. First off, what type of riding should I get into? I am leaning strongly toward trail racing might be fun. For the purposes of this post, I'll say I'm gonna trailride. I have a very limited price range,and I live in the upstate of South Carolina. I don't know if there is anywhere to trailride or if there are any dealerships nearby. What do you think would be the best type of quad for my intents. I think I just want to do recreational trailriding, maybe with my dad. I am 13 years old, I'm 5' 2" and weigh 85 pounds. I don't have much of a way to transport my ATV. We own a Ford Ranger and I don't know what we will need to do to transport my ATV. Should we buy a trailer, or should we just try to fit it in the back of our tiny pickup. And, I still don't gave any idea what type of ATV to buy. I haven't ever even mounted an ATV before, and I have no idea how to shift, so I think an automatic would be a good idea. But does it really reduce your ability to climb obsticals, and what if I need speed? And if you have a reason you think that I should try racing, please tell me. Please help! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] Sincerely,

newbieatv1

I'm very new to the sport. What to buy? Help!
 

I think the Blaster is the "best bang for the buck" beginner quad, you can get a nice one cheap, yes it'll fit and you'll learn how to shift quickly.

BUT if they are technical trails, you may want to consider something with reverse. 300ex maybe?

I'm very new to the sport. What to buy? Help!
 

I would say 250EX or Blaster. And Bombardier is coming out with a 250 as well so you may want to look into that. Or maybe a Grizzly 125. They're all small machines but you don't want to get something too big. My 9 year old is only a bit smaller than you and he fits on a Blaster pretty well. The Griz 125 is a bit big for him. I think a 250 EX is around the size of a blaster and I would assume that the same is true for the Bomb 250.

You may also want to look at some of the smaller Polaris machines.

Given your size I would say to try an 80 but at your age, I would say you'd be bored with that really quickly.

Any of these machines will fit in your Ranger so there's no need for a trailer. Just get a set of ramps for about $100 and you should be good to go.

I'm very new to the sport. What to buy? Help!
 

I concur with the Blaster or 250EX idea. The Blaster is tons of fun, but will need an occasional top end rebuild. The EX has shaft drive, and might be a better choice if you ride in water, mud, or semi-technical terrain.

I'm very new to the sport. What to buy? Help!
 

To be legal in your state and be able to ride in public areas, you need to check to see what the state says about engine size and age. I think you are going to be disapointed... as I believe you will be limited to a 90 cc or below.

I agree the blaster and 250EX are excellent choices. Definately go with an automatic or at least an auto clutch if you can.. it will help the learning curve. Make sure you take training classes as well. Don't learn someone's bad habits...

Get as much safety gear as you can afford. Helmets, over the ankle leather boots, goggles and of course long pants and gloves. I highly recommend a chest protector as well.

As for hauling. Your dad's pickup will be fine for a small ATV. You can probably get away with a full size one with ramps to load and unload. A small trailer may help if your dad is buying a machine as well. That way, his bigger machine can go on the trailer, and your smaller machine will go in the truck bed.

Do not get discouraged about the small engine size that you may be limited too... you can still have a blast on the smaller machines. Especially if you get to share the time with your dad... You are not talking a racing quad.. so who cares if it is a little slower. the point is, you are out there having fun not worrying about beating the next guy etc...

If you find you are riding wooded trails a lot, take a look at the Yamaha Grizzly 80. You might be pleased with what you see.

I'm very new to the sport. What to buy? Help!
 

I say the Blaster is a great choice - you learn to shift it and ride the snot out of it and you can pretty much ride anything. I started my quad riding on a blaster (with a kid riding in front of me) and that narrow power band forces you to really learn to listen to the quad. I rode that on trails and dunes, everywhere. An added plus - it may help you when you are learning to drive a stick shift car.

I also have a 250 ex and it's a great reliable quad. My son wishes it had more power though - its not as snappy as the Blaster was, but it is more trail friendly.

Ride as many as you can - Ozark, Rally, Phoenix, LT250,......then choose.

I agree about the gear - get it all! Dress for the crash, not the ride.

Be safe and have fun!

I'm very new to the sport. What to buy? Help!
 

nwcutie, did i see those pics of the trailer and all the bikes in dirtwheels?

I'm very new to the sport. What to buy? Help!
 

Evaluate what you want to do with the atv. Are you going to be wanting to go 50+ mph or are you happy at 40pm. Are you going to use the machine for doing work like plowing towing hunting. these are all things that need to be consider. I would look at the 150cc to 350cc range this will also depend on your budget. Realistically you are looking at $1500 to $3000 if you go import if you choose one of the top three of 4 companies espect $5000+. Your always going to end up moding out the atv with roost bost or pipe or tires no matter what level you at.