I was hoping to get some input from the masses about what sport ATV to buy for my two sons. they are 17 and 12 and currently we have a Polaris sportsman 500 touring they ride. They think they want a sport ATV and not a utility. I want to get something that has some power that they won't out grow next year but not something that will have too much if that makes sense. I am leaning toward a Honda either a 300 or 400x. I am not however tied to Honda but they seem to be pretty reliable and trouble free. What are the thoughts of the experts here? What do you recommend? I am also thinking of going new. I can get a new holder over unit for a reasonable price and I don't really want someone else's problem to where I have to play ATV mechanic every weekend. Thanks.

 

Would a 250X be to small? What I like about them is there a shaft drive, every chain drive ATV I seen seem to be a pain,adjusting and lubing and wearing out sprockets and chains Plus shaft drive has more ground clearance I would guess. Not Sure if the 350 Raptor is chain or shaft if the 250X is to small.
For god sakes make sure it has revese. LOL

2011 Honda TRX®250X ATVs

 

I've had my sons moving up through the sport quad ranks for the last several years. Son #1 started with a Honda 300EX (at age 8), and then promptly got moved down to a Honda TRX 90, then moved to a Honda 250 EX, then a Honda 400 EX, then a Yamaha YFZ 450, and now rides a Can Am DS 450 at age 20. Son #2 started with a Polaris Scrambler 50 at age 4, then a Honda TRX 90 at age 5, then a Yamaha Grizzly 125 at age 8, then a Yamaha Raptor 250 at age 11, and just moved up to a Yamaha YFZ 450 last week, and is now 15 years old.

The best bikes of the bunch for beginners were the Honda TRX 90s, the Honda 250EX, Yamaha Raptor 250, and Honda 400EX. The Polaris Scrambler was junk, and the Yamaha Grizzly 125 was pretty darn lame as well.

Your 17 year old is already too big for a 250cc ATV, and your 12 year old is just about the right age to be considering a 400cc ATV. I would strongly consider the Honda 400EX. Don't worry about needing reverse gear. Reverse is for girls; learn how to ride and you don't need it (I'm joking about the girl part TLC)

Even the 450cc ATVs could be considered, depending on how much experience your youngest son has. I was really surprised how mellow and easy to ride our recently purchased YFZ 450 is. This is the third YFZ we've owned, and I sure thought they were faster than this, but in stock form they aren't. I must have gotten used to the 800cc Can Am's, and now the YFZ feels very mild and manageable.

Good luck with whatever ATV you choose.

 

Thanks for the input DesertViper and TLC! I bought a Honda trx400ex today. I think it will fit the bill well. I may actually buy another too, but I need to get the 400ex I just bought home first and make sure I can fit it all in the Toyhauler first.

 

Congrats! Your two sons are going to have a lot of fun.

 

Anyone with a 400EX likes them, great choice.

 

Yea good choice, pretty easy to ride and has power to play around with even at an older age.