Looking for advice ...

My wife and I ride pumped up Honda XR (200R and 430R) dirt bikes. We would
like to add an ATV to our garage.

In addition to trail riding, it'll be used for LIGHT yard work, so the
availability of a factory or after-market trailer hitch is a must have, as
well as reverse.

I don't like the big, slow, and heavy feel of any of the utility quads nor
do I like the fully automatic (belt) transmissions. They feel like golf
carts to me.

Off topic, in the past year I've ridden a stock 400EX, DS650, Raptor, and a
300EX with a high compression piston. I liked the 400EX the most, even
though the front suspension felt too harsh. Unfortunately, the 400EX does
not have reverse (a must have). Also, the 300EX had a cramped seating
position and felt slow. The DS650 felt too big and the Raptor is too
expensive, even used.

Also, it has to keep up (not beat) a 300 and 400EX, that my neighbors' ride.
And it will be used taking my kid(s) for rides sometimes on private trails
and of coarse everyone wearing appropriate safety gear.

I am considering:

- A used Warrior (Can't see buying this one new, when I can find "next to
new" used ones for at least $2,000 less. I'm not sure if I can get a
trailer hitch for this one though.)
- A new Wolverine (These don't seem to depreciate much, especially since
Yamaha lowered the price.)
- A new Honda 250EX (Yes, I know it's only 229cc. But the 90 degree rotated
engine design is very efficient in getting the power to the ground and I've
seen 250EXs with jetting changes and a few other minor modifications beat
300EXs).

I would really appreciate your opinions on these machines or any others that
will fit MY needs. (Due to personal experience with quality issues, I'm not
really interested in any Kawasaki or Polaris ATVs.)

Thanks in advance, all, for your opinions and suggestions.

 

We love our 250EX. It has shaft drive, so it will accept a hitch more easily. It is trouble free and maintenance is very easy. The 250 is missing a tab that the Recon has to mount the OEM hitch, but I am sure there are some aftermarket hitches out there.

As for the Warrior, I owned one for years. I really dislike this bike because it handles/feels very big and heavy. As for the Wolverine, well it's even heavier than the Warrior.

 

Take a second look at the newer POlaris atv s(2001 up) the dependabilaty is great but the older ones I have arent that bad. For trail rides the 500 Scrambler is hard to beat and it either has a hitch or any polaris hitch will fit it.As for the automatic I was the same way before I got one and learned how it worked they are super tunable for how you ride . For the bikes you mentioned the warrior I think is the best built the wolverine is ok if true 4x4 is ok with you and all the 300 Ex that i have riden with arent any better than the wariors.250 Ex is more for the kids under powered but easy to maintain.Another bike you might look at would be the Bombadier 200 or 400 Outback both good performers.

 

I say a Wolverine. They will keep up with anything on the trails, dependable,lots of aftermarket parts available,and has a low 1st gear if you deside to do heavy yard work.They make an unlocker now also so it can be two wheel drive.

 

I remember reading a shoot-out between the Recon, BearTracker, Bayou 220, Etc. on this or some other web-site, a while back. I can't seem to find it, now. Anyone have the link??? Thanks.