I've driven a few different ATV's, but all of them have been utility quads. Even so, I haven't had a lot driving time with any of them. So, I'm not too experienced. I'd like to get a sport quad. I've never driven one though. My dad said I shouldn't get one with a clutch. He thinks they are too dangerous. I've never driven a clutch. Are they really that dangerous with beginners or is he just being an over protective parent? Are they hard to get the hang of? I don't want anything super fast (not just yet). I'll mostly be riding trails or playin' around on some sawdust/dirt hills. I don't want one that's gonna be real heavy. It will most likely have to be something used, due to money. I'm about 5'11-6' 150-155lbs. What do you guys suggest? Any info appreciated.

 

Go with a full manual left hand clutch....otherwise it isn't a "real" sport quad! You can learn to ride one like an expert in a very short time. You have much better control, and the power goes straight to the ground....

That said, the "autoclutch" machines are a compromise, and I highly recommend them only if you do a lot of slow, very technical trail riding. Thing is, they are only available in the mid size 250 category. (The Honda has a nice setup on the newer 250EX's where it has a left hand clutch, but also a centrifugal clutch so you can't stall it out if you forget to pull in the clutch when you stop.)

I would say that you are reaching the point where the medium size machines are getting to small for you anyway. A good starter quad with a clutch would be a Honda 400EX. They handle great, and stock the power is mellow enought that you won't get in over your head....if you are reasonably carefull.

 

for a beginner of your wiegh and hight a 400ex whould be a good quad. easy to take care of and super relable. just like recon said enough power but not to much. then after 2 or 3 years of riding that you might want to move up to a 450 quad.

 

I would also look into the 400ex. 2005 and newer have reverse, the 400ex before '05 does not have reverse, something to keep in mind. They are easy to ride, fun to learn on, and oh yeah they're bulletproof.

 

other quads to think about would be
suz z400, a little more power to play with
yam raptor 350, little less power but still fun
honda trx 300, reliable as all hell but smaller and less powerful than the rest, still a great trail quad, if weight wasn't an option i would definitly recommend a scrambler lol

 

Thanks for the help. I looked at some Saturday. I didn't find much. There's one more place I wanna go though. I called them and they said they had a bunch to choose from. Hopefully, I'll find what I like.

 

if your just learning and you want light weight go for the blaster or 300 ex not as high powered and very light machines if you dont want to shift a scrambler is what you need