Hey everyone. I'm starting my research early but o-well. I cannot afford anything until I get my Christmas bonus from work but I'm starting to feel things out now so that when the time comes I know what I'm looking for and I'm prepared. I am looking for something for my wife. She is about 5'10" 120lbs and not real comfortable with pulling clutch and shifting. I need a semi-auto or full auto. She wants something sporty and we do not need a 4x4. It will be a 100% trail quad and there maybe a time or two at the dunes but nothing extensive (once a year if that). She has never ridden before, except for a couple times on her brothers blaster. I think a 250-400 would be ok but I need something that does not involve a clutch. She can learn if it is a standard but if I can find something semi-auto or full auto that would great. Any recommendations that you can recommend would be helpful.

 

You could get a Honda Rancer 350 you can get a ES or manual shift (no clutch)
or Honda Foreman 450 very nice off road and good in the mud you can get it in 2WD in auto or semi-auto.

 

330 polaris trailblazer?

 

exactly what i was going to suggest, 2008 330 TB- otherwise a used Polaris Trailblazer 400 2stroke 2x4 (i think 2003 was the last year they made em, and they are pretty cheap, 4000Canadian$$, brand new 700raptor SE's are 10300, just to put it in perspective)

 

Well, first off he said he doesn't need 4wd, so the Rancher isn't the greatest choice. Even in 2wd, there is no use handicaping a little 120 pound lady with a 500+ pound machine!

As for the Trailblazer, it really has very bizare ergonomics....

I would suggest the Honda 250EX. It has an autoclutch transmission, but also a hand clutch so beginners can get use to the system. It will not stall if you forger to pull the clutch in when you stop. Good compromise for someone who doesn't want to deal with a full on manual clutch.

The EX is a great handling little machine. It will actually go anywhere a 2wd utility will. Ths suspension is limited by the shaft drive design, but it is descent.

 

There is only one choice for her that is clearly the right choice for her circumstances. I had the same dilemma earlier this year and ended up getting a 450 4x4 Wolverine but the 350 Wolverine is 2wd and a lot more affordable yet. Full automatic, reliable, electric start, reverse, shaft drive, sporty too.

 

All very good responses and I'm looking into all the ones you have mentioned. She did like the look of the new 250ex so we're going to try and make it to the dealership in the next few days and let her ride a few including the 250ex and the Wolverine. If anyone else has suggestions or ideas please chime in. Thanks for the help.

 

Take a look at the Suzuki Ozark 250. It is a nice trail machine that has a sporty feel. My wife pick hers out and likes it. It has plenty of get up and go with a good suspension. Doesn't have the big feel of a utility, so fits a smaller person better.

 

what about the can-am ds250? i don't own one but saw one at the dealer the other day. 2wd, auto, smaller machine, 4 stroke. just my .02

 

not much power on that one ^ ds250, kymco mongoose 300 (270cc) would be better, has a little bit more power and is lighter (but i think it might be 2 valves, not a 4 valve engine-- 2 valves doesnt respond to mods as good)