I am planning on purchasing a new dirt bike and I want to get the girlfriend a new quad at the same time so we can go riding together. I would like to get her a 4 stroke since they are easier to start on and don't have to be ran hard every so often to avoid loading and possible plug fouling. The choices I am down to are these,

- Honda 300EX
- Honda 400EX
- Suzuki Z400
- Yamaha Warrior

She has no ATV experience so I don't want to put her on something too powerful, but I want it to be enough so that she won't "outgrow" it once she gets better on it. Thanks for the help.

 

From the quads you listed it sounds like you may be riding them as much as she will. In order to not get too complicated, I would find her an auto trans. Either a Kawi or Polaris make good ones. Just be diligent about maintaining it and it will not give you any problems.

 

If she is on the smaller side, the 300 might be a good choice. It's a really easy bike for a beginner. If she is larger and can handle a bigger bike, get one of the 400's. Around here, you can get BIG discounts on 400EX's. You can get a 400EX for the price of a 300EX, and you can get a 300EX for the price of a 250EX!! Don't get a Warrior under any circumstances!!

 

Out of the ones you have listed I would say go with the 300ex. It's got reverse and has a proven track record. Plus If she wants to go faster, once she gets used to it there are so many aftermarket parts that can be added to it.

The thing that I'm concerned with is the clutch. She may not have any problems, but she might like a quad more if it was automatic or even auto clutch . I was thinking of the Lakota that Kawie makes.

 

If you do not make if convienent and comfortable, She will not do it.
You should really look into an Auto.

For ease of use POLARIS can't be beat. A little more preventitive maintanance is required
(lots of grease zerts)
Auto trans and single lever brakes are great for the bigginer, not to mention the cushy seats and cadilac ride. If you are buying new the 2003 Trailblazers are nice machines(250,400) Yes they are 2 strokes but Electric start and Oil injection.
I will be the first to admit they are not for the Agressive rider (not good for large jumps). but for the person that just wants to get out on the trail, again you can't beat them. The 250 is also nicely priced (Around 3000.00). Correct me if im wrong but I don't think you can get a 250EX for that.

 

You may also want to consider a sport-ute instead of just a pure sport bike. Depending on how dirty she likes to get a ton of mud could dampen her willingness to enjoy your sport.

Ozark, Honda 250EX or Recon come to mind as fun, light and easy to ride bikes.

Jaybee

 

Got me an AC 300 4X4 manual for myself and my wife got on it she absolutely loves it. I put her in second gear and she zooms away. I am starting to show her how to shift and she is actuall getting it. (she is one that could not walk and chew gum at the same time) and now she is on that quad more than I am. Guess I am gonig to have to buy another one!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

the 250ex sounds like a good choice, citing the lack of a clutch. not sure if this model had reverse though.

she will need reverse. so unless you want to get off your bike and push, you might want to look into that.

the z does have reverse, and it has the most power of the group, so she wouldnt be left behind.

jaybeecon had a good point that a sport ute might be an idea for ease of use and cleanliness issues. personally i would stay away from the small displacement polaris automatics. they have great difficulty getting up moderate grades, and she will want to be able to follow you wherever you go.

the rancher es, electronic shift, is an excellent machine with adequate power and incredible ease of shifting while maintaining control of the powerband. other offerings from kawisaki are also good. the upside of a utility quad is most have full floorboards, keeping her clean, dry, and happy

sorry to make this so long, just trying to help