Howdy! so, im a first time buyer looking for advice... Im mainly lookin for an ATV for trail rides and hauling light camping gear... I want something with enough power to be able to climb decent trails and minor obsticals without too much trouble... I am not overly concerned with high speeds as I like my body in its current shape... I only weigh 185 lbs and have a budges of about $1500... but what my main concern is will a 250cc motor be suitable? I was looking at something along the lines of:

[ Welcome to VBike.us ]

but am not sure if I will be satisfied... etc...
Oh! also, I live in Oklahoma so mountains arn't too much of a concern, but, I do travel from time to time...

also... any thoughts on major difference between shaft/chain drive?

Allrighty! open fire!

thx!

 

I'd say you'd be better off getting a name brand quad. Maybe even a Kymco, though I know I'll get flack for that, I've seen them in person and there not too terrible.
Are you looking for a two wheel drive or four wheel drive? I'm sure there's some decent used quads on Craigs list in or around your price range.

 

A 250cc will be plenty for mild to moderate trail riding. If you put it in low range, you will get up about anything that you care to tackle(you may not even need low range). My dad has a Namco Talon 250 - they are sold at Rural King stores around here for about 2500 new. It is an older style polaris frame/suspension/body with a yamaha motor design, assembled in china. He has had it for about 2 years or so and has about 300 miles on it. So far the only problem has been a been a broken clutch part after my daughter ran it into a fence. I have had two people on it weighing a total of about 450 pounds and it went just fine. Mind you, it wasn't the fastest thing in the world, but it certainly strong enough for mild trail riding.

However, if you can find a gently used 350-400 machine in your price range, you will probably be happier with that.

 

Look around for a used Honda Rancher Mines 2WD and goes anywhere I have guts enough
to take it,and am a big person no problems,even pull a small trailer behind it in the woods
works great.

 

What he said.. coyote speaks words of wisdom can't go wrong with a rancher.

 

Used Rancher, Honda Recon, Kawasaki Prairie 360 2wd, Polaris Magnum are just some you might be able to get at your price used. You may need to wrench a few items. There are other 250s out there too.

 

Welcome!

 

If your mainly on flat ground the 250 is a very good entry quad. On flat ground 4x4 is not required so that will save ya $. The wife has the Suzuki LTZ250 quad sport. Its a good rock crawler and a very good flat out cruizing quad..

DO NOT go for the big cc bike until you can handle a 250 if your just getting into riding

Good luck

 

If you don't need racks, then look into a Honda 250EX or Suzuki Z250. Those can be found used but in good condition easily. They are a much more durable and dependable machine than most stuff out of China. Parts are easier to find, as well as mechanics willing to work on them for you. All the manufacturers have a ute offering in that size, and again, a used major brand tends to be a better buy for those on a budget.