Hey everyone Im going to get my son a atv he is a begginer and he will be doing trail riding. I will either get the yamaha raptor 250 250 ex or recon. He can learn how to clutch. What one should I get him?

 

I'd go with the raptor it really is one of the best starting quads

 

the honda's would prolly be easier to learn on cuz of the auto clutch but in the long run he would prolly be happier with the rap 250. they are all great quads though.

 

For a beginner, the 250EX / Recon would be a much better choice. Depending on how his riding skills develop and how agressive a rider he may like to be, the 250 EX could remain the perfect bike for years and years.

The Raptor 250 is much sportier in every way. As a sport bike, no question that it is a better machine than the 250 EX but it does take a more experienced rider. I would expect that 10 out of 10 teenagers would choose the Raptor - faster, cooler looking, sportier etc. However, since your son is new to the sport I would err towards safety and get him the Honda. Also take a look at the Suzuki Z250 / Ozark - a similar set-up to the Honda.

Jaybee

 

Raptor for sure if you trails are more groomed....no big nasty technical sections and not a lot of big rocks. It is light and surprisingly high performance for a little 250.

If you need higher ground clearance or ride in the wet a lot, then the shaft drive 250EX is the ticket. Only get the Recon if you absolutely need the racks to carry stuff, or the big fenders for mud protection. (The Recon is a hefty 50 pounds heavier than the EX, and that makes a lot of difference when you are a 90 pound kid!)

 

raptor 250 definately.it takes only minutes to learn the art of the clutch and its a machine that is pretty hard to get bored on.

 

I'll go on record here to say that a Raptor 250 is a little to much atv for many 12 y/o kids. You need to honestly assess your kids size and maturity level for this one. He could certainly get hurt on the Honda also, but initially the Raptor is a little less forgiving. Having said that, I like to err on the side of handling performance, and the Rappy wins there hands down.

 

I agree with Scooter..... the Raptor is a high performance machine and a newbie could get into some trouble with it......The 250ex is a much better learning machine where I would consider the Raptor 250 for the kid moving up from a mini to his first big machine.....

A true newbie would be best suited on a 250ex IMO.......

 

I disagree with the last two post. I do not think a Raptor 250 is too much ATV for a 12 year old. We bought a Raptor 250 for our son when he was 11, and it has been the perfect ATV for him. The engine is nice and mellow, and has great low end torque that makes it real easy for the young'en to learn how to let out the clutch without stalling the engine. My kid had it down in minutes. You might be surprised how fast kids pick up that kind of stuff. Here's a picture of him on his first day on the Raptor 250, and he was doing donuts just before the picture was taken. He had previously ridden a Scrambler 50, then a TRX 90, then a Grizzly 125, so this was not his first ATV by any means. Something to consider.

The Raptor 250 is a much better performing ATV than the 250 EX. It weighs something like 50 lbs less, has better suspension, better handling, better everything if you ask me. The clutch is no big deal, its going to slow down the learning curve by one day tops. And from then on your kid has a better ATV to ride.

 

AMEN Scooter, you guys have been listening.... I don't care what anyone else says, unless your kid is some kind of prodigy, the Raptor is too much for a kid that is a total novice. That bike is the killer of the class. Nothing will challenge it. But as a dad who has to live with their decisions, the Honda is a much more docile choice. Not to say it can't provide a decent experience... but a safer more sane choice. Plus it has reverse and the auto clutch is really a great learning tool. He has enough to learn just riding the machine. Using a clutch is difficult and frustrating if he keeps stalling the machine. You cannot stall the Honda... One thing I found interesting is that you can find a lot of guys looking for parts to make the Honda go faster, but I find that in some cases, people are trying to slow the Yamaha down... That is a tough decision.

I just made it for my 13 year old. I really wanted to get him the Raptor, but after taking stock of his riding ability, and his ability to follow instructions, and exercise self control etc, I chose the Honda. He may whine, but teh issue is that as father, YOU make the decision, and as the son, he either excepts it or finds somethign else to do. You are the one that has to live with the decision and be comfortable with what ever you decide. None of us can look at our computer screens and tell what your child is like.. so take some time to really analyze the boy. ALso, go to Honda.com or your local dealer and get some of their free information on how to make a wise choice and how to evaluate your child to se if they are ready for an ATV. You may have to ask for it, but Honda gives it away for free. Time well spent.

Lastly, make sure you get your son really good riding gear. Helmet, ove rteh ankle shoes, gloves, goggles at a minimum. I suggest a chest protector and either a neck roll or one of the new hans like devices. The neck is a very delicate thing, and when you hang a few pounds on the head with a helmet, it acts as a pendulum if he falls. Braces are a good thing. They have a n affordable version made for MX racing. Make sure the helmet fits properly too. No get it big and let him grow into it thing... Make him wear them all religiously too, or make him walk.