Well I would say the reverse in the Raptor350 does stink, but you do get used to it. I would not rule it out based on that alone. As far as shifting goes, I think people have been misleading you. Yea, you might shift a few more times than a 300ex, but not so much where it becomes a problem. The 350 is fine on the trails, and with the 6-speed you get a higher top speed than the 300ex.

Of course, the 300ex will out-handle the Raptor350 in the woods. It's not as quick as the Raptor, but its not so much slower where you will get bored with it too quick. If you ride a lot of trails, and woods, the 300ex would be a nice choice. But if you hit more open trails, with higher speeds, the Raptor would be a good choice too.

I give you credit, at 14 and 115lbs you will have a lot of time, and a lot of years riding. I've seen a few kids like you buy into the "z400 is tame mantra" and hurt themselves pretty quickly. Yea, the z400 is tame if you don't get too far into the mid-range, or if you ride in the dunes, but it has more than enough pop to hurt you if you are not careful in the tight woods. IMO the z400 would be a big jump from an 80cc machine. There will be plenty of time to move up to the 400cc machines in a couple years.

A year or two (depending on how much you ride) you could easily handle a z400 or 400ex, or even a Raptor 700. But you especially seem comfortable with the idea of the 300/350 ride and that is cool. Go with what is more comfortable.

That said, I would go to the dealer and ask to just sit on the Raptor350 and the 300ex. See which one feels better under you, and go with whichever you can get the best deal. I think either one would be a great choice to move up from the 80....

 

Thank you for the help ss97.

Now, i've sat on the 07 raptor 350 but not the 07 honda TRX300EX. I will soon. But anyways i noticed the reverse gear on the raptor 350 and im wondering how exactly do you shift the quad into reverse. Does the ATV need to be on, need to be in neutrol? Then what, twist it, pull it in or out what?

continue please,
Thank you!

 

Actually you can shift into reverse from any gear, you don't have to be in neutral.

Basically you pull up on the handle, and then you pull back. It is a bit tricky to get used to, but after you do it a few times it will become easier. Sometimes they are a bit sticky and refuse to come in/out of reverse, people will probably mention that if you ask, but usually rocking the quad back-and-forth will work. I did notice that putting my Warrior in neutral before going for reverse made it easier, but you can still do it from first.....

 

I think both the 350 raptor and 300ex would be great quads for someone your age, If it were my decision I would go with the 300ex if you want a sporty feel. Theres also rumors that Suzuki is coming out with a quadracer 250 next year, but that will probably cost more.

 

with the upgrades around, how many cc can i get the 07' honda TRX300EX, for when im older?

Thank you,