Buying an ATV Questions and suggestions about what to buy, financing, insurance, etc.

Complete nOOb

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 02-19-2008, 12:51 AM
cenado1's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Complete nOOb

Hello,

I'm a complete and utter nOOb when it comes to the world of ATVs. I recently decided, though, that it would be fun to take this up perhaps as a weekend hobby for now, hey, we all start somewhere right?

Thing is, I have no idea what to look for. I'm gravitating towards the purchase of an older machine, perhaps a yamaha or honda.

Like I said, this will not be used for work, hauling, racing, or serious use. It will be used, casually, and for fun....

I'm 6'4 and 250lb, so perhaps that might limit the options.

With that said, what do you guys recommend for me, used preferably, for under 1500$?
 
  #2  
Old 02-19-2008, 10:06 AM
reconranger's Avatar
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,733
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Complete nOOb

First, what part of the country are you in and what are your riding conditions? You will need to decide between the two major classes of quads, sport and utility, and where you ride will make all the difference!

Get a utility if you need 4wd, high ground clearance, racks to haul stuff, or big fenders to keep the water and mud off, etc. The disadvantage of a utility is that they are very heavy and have a high center of gravity.

Get a sport quad if you want to have fun! The disadvantage of a sport quad is lower ground clearance and 2wd.

My motto is to never ride a utility anywhere I can ride a sport quad!
 
  #3  
Old 02-19-2008, 11:30 AM
jaybeecon55's Avatar
Pro Rider
Sound advice there. "Hey, watch this........"
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Complete nOOb

$1,500 budget will make it a little tough. Hit the $2,000 to $2,500 range and you should find some more choices. You're on the right track though. Since you have no ATV experience the best way to find out what you want is to pick a ride, get a feel for it and then decide what you would like to be different. The good thing about buying a several year old used quad is that youcan often resell for very close to what you paid for it.

With your size you are going to have to go with at least a mid-sized bike 350 to 500 cc or so. My first ATV was a Warrior 350 sport bike. I rode it for 9 months but found that it just wasn't as fun as the utilities. (Yeah, that's aimed at you RR [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]) I was into day-long rides, sometimes in cold weather and all my riding buddies were staying fairly dry on their utilities while I was a mud-covered ball of frozen gook.

To hit your price range you'll need to go back a few years - late 90's or 2000. From that time frame any of the major brands were pretty reliable and durable. The other oprion is to find someone who rides who will let you borrow a bike to try out.

Jaybee
 
  #4  
Old 02-19-2008, 12:52 PM
reconranger's Avatar
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,733
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Complete nOOb

I will agree that even a utility is more fun than a Warrior!!! Ah, this demonstrates the consequences of making poorly informed choices!
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Joe454
Arctic Cat
7
11-20-2020 01:19 PM
95wolv
Honda
5
03-09-2020 03:25 AM
mark23
Honda
5
10-01-2015 09:57 AM
Ryan Downey
Exotic and Modified Quads
0
09-29-2015 09:31 AM
Sw00p
Polaris Ask an Expert! In fond memory of Old Polaris Tech.
2
09-24-2015 02:50 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Complete nOOb



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:08 PM.