I am planning on getting a ute for me and my wife. I chose the Rancher 420 4x4 for me, but for her I haven't found what she wants. She is petite, 5' 110lbs. She is intimidated by the larger bikes, so a Recon seems to be about the right size. Problem is, she wants 4x4. Are there any Recon size bikes that come in 4x4? Maybe a little bit bigger, but definitely smaller than the Rancher. She also wants auto or elec. shift. We prefer new or almost new.

 

Are you sure you absolutely need 4wd??? I know you are in LA, so does that mean a lot of mud??? The little Recon will go almost anywhere my Rancher's will. (Only place I wouldn't choose it is in the snow....we don't have mud out here). If she really gets into trouble, you can just pull her out with the Rancher....

Also, think about a 250EX instead of a Recon. It is basically the same machine, but a hefty 50 pounds lighter....any petite woman is going to appreciate that! What you give up is the mud protection of big fenders and the racks, so consider that in your decision.

 

Polaris has a 3004x4 hawkeye and 330 magnum 4x4. i prefer the magnum!
they both have cvt's in them! shift on the fly 4x4 is a nice touch also!


ya 250Ex is also a very nice bike. like recon said your going to get alot more dirty lol

 

Look at the Grizzly 350 by Yamaha you can get either the straight rear axle or the Independant rear suspension kind.
Good choice either way. the IRS one will be a little more plush ride, while the SRa version will be a little more stable feeling.
Both of them are Automatics, and I have not had a single problem with my auto in the wolverine.

 

THICK, GUNKY, CRUD!!!

in some places it's NASTY bad! we've seen that red/clay mud gum up a VAMPIRE like it's a drag slick! other places it's sandy river mud!

if you do any trail riding, 4x4 is definetly a great feature if you want to play around alittle!!

 

Are you sure you absolutely need 4wd???
>>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>>>>>



4x4 is one of those things you may only need once in a while, but when you have that once in a while occasion on the trail, i dont want to think " i wish i had 4x4 right now"

 

350 Grizzly (Bruin) is a good reliable ride. Air cooled, so no mud clogging up the rad. No diff-lock.
Clutch kit is a must though, if the mud is as bad as you indicate