I'm new to the ATV thing and plan on buying one in the next few months. I used to ride trail bikes in wooded areas in my younger days, but I'm looking for a bang-for-the-buck ATV. I was looking at the Yamaha Blaster and Honda 250EX (rode the 250EX), but decided those are too small for my 33 years and 210 lbs. Now I'm looking at the Polaris Trail Boss 325 and Yamaha Lakota Sport 300. I plan on riding trails again and I also want to tackle a few hills and a little sand, but nothing too extreme. Any thoughts on the Polaris or Kawasaki? 2WD or 4WD? Or are there other ATVs I should be looking at? Any help and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

I love the Prairie line from Kawasaki. Bought a Prairie 3002WD & loved it. Got stuck alot though. Then rode a Prairie 360. This is a great middle-of-the-pack bike. It has selectable 2WD/4WD, locking front diff, wet disc rear brake, & tons of other great features. I traded my 300 in on the Prairie 650. Don't even get me started on this bad boy. IT IS THE KING!

 

I've seen the review of the Prairie 360 online and in this month's Dirt Wheels. It looks like a fine machine, but I'm not sure I really need the 4WD feature. Still, the locking front end is a plus. It's a little more than I wanted to spend, but I'll probably still take a look at it since there's a rocky hill/trail I'd like to tackle, which wasn't too kind to my 4x4 since it's too big (Golf Meadow in the Kern Canyon near Bakersfield, CA). Thanks for the tip and I'm glad you like the Prairie 360. I'll look at it.

 

Do remember that you can turn 4WD off. I did not think I wanted a 4WD either until I had to go threw some mud. With the 4WD, you can go threw it without even getting muddy. My wife likes that much better & so does the washing machine. Just a thought!

 

Nine11, if you're looking for a non-extream, full sized, bang for buck model, try looking at some of the used Warrior's in the Cycle Trader. Whith the "season" at an end in So Cal you should be able to find some super deals south of the Grape Vine.

 

Best all-around bang for buck quad would be a used 400ex. Yeah no reverse - big deal. It is so reliable, handles very well, and is more fun than a 4x4 for just scootin down a trail.

 

300EX or 400EX would be great for what your wanting to do. The 400EX has more power but will come with a price. The 300EX is slower then the 400EX but still fast enough. A cheap 4x4 is the slowest thing out there,sorry but its true. But the kawasaki 360 4x4 looks like it will have a little of everything. I'd have to say your best choices would be a 300EX or 400EX though!!

 

Thanks for all the tips. Yep, the Prairie 360 looks like a fine machine, and Suzuki and Honda both have compelling bikes as well. I started looking at the 300EX last night, which I haden't seriously looked at before, and it looks hella fun. I'm still trying to figure out if I want or need a 4x4, but I've got more food for thought now. Thanks ya'll.

 

Check out the Arctic Cats. Best bang for the buck!

 

The Polaris machines ride better than most bikes on the market.

The Polaris Trailboss and Trailblazer are very nice FULL SIZE bikes for some one that NEEDS A FULL SIZE ATV but still want an Entry level bike.

I can say this, I have a 01 Trailblazer and If I had it to do over I would have spent the extra money for a 400 Scrambler.

Don't get me wrong,The trailblazer is a great bike,especialy when compared to 250EX or Blaster for a full size adult.

If find that people with the Trailblazer and Trailboss quickly outgrow them and want more power.

If between the Trailboss and the Trailblazer, I would go for the TrailBlazer due to the aftermarket power gains available.
Bottom line the Trailblazer will give you More Bang for the Buck.
Every Article I have read on the Trailboss says it is grossly UNDER POWERED.