I'm looking for a quad. I never learned to ride as a kid, my only experience is on my friends automatic 350 and 550 last spring. I'm 17 150 lbs 5'7". I was told get at least a 300. My budget is low like under 1k maybe around 500. I don't expect to find anything great and I expect to do work on it. I am mechanically inclined. My DD/project truck is what limits my quad budget so much. I'd prefer 4 stroke cause that's what I know. Are warriors any good? They're cheap around here. I know they're not cutting edge and ergonomically flawed but I just want something to hit some trails with my friends. I found one for $500 but it needs an exhaust boot. What even is that? Thanks for any/all help in advance

 

I don't know what an exhaust boot is either? Yes, a warrior is going to be a strong candidate in the $500.00 budget. Cheap and atv rarely fit well together, but sounds like you are planning on working on it. The good thing about the warrior, it is unchanged essentially from 86 till now. Used parts are readily available, plus good aftermarket support.

 

Warriors are pretty cheap here too, though its hard to find one that runs for $500. A 300ex might be another one to look at for under $1000 if you can find one. Both do have a manual clutch so I assume you have some experience riding dirt bikes or motorcycles. If not, there will be a bit of a learning curve mastering the clutch.

 

By exhaust boot they might mean the exhaust gasket "donut" seal. I'm assuming that quad is supposed to have one.

 

Well my truck's a stick. If figured it wouldn't be hard and my friends can help me

 

My son could get started consistently after 10 minutes. Learning manual should be mandatory, lol. You have a manual truck, so the atv will be easy.

 

The only real challenge is stalling the machine when starting it. Most beginners pull the clutch out too quickly and it kills the machine. Once you get moving, its not that hard to operate a manual clutch. I've gotten a bit spoiled by utility 4x4's mostly being automatics that its been years since I've even been on something with a manual clutch.