Ok so this is my first ATV and i love it so far ive been on relatives bigger ones and im impressed with the recons power...wish it was 4x4 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] oh well regardless where is my snorkel??? and one more thing...how much does a winch weigh...i think i should get one since it doesnt have 4 wheel drive

 

The snorkel is attached to the front of the air box under the seat. It is the natural plastic color tube. A winch is nice, I used mine a good many times. However, I don't recommend a winch on the Recon. The winch and mount together add about thirty pounds to the front end. It will wear out the shocks. Thirty pounds makes a big difference in the handling and suspension on the light front end of the Recon. I became a better rider after I removed the winch and did not have it to rely on to get me out.

 

i totally agree with you '98recon

 

see the post http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/373738.cfm

 

Maybe you should wait until you get stuck once where you can't push it out. I never got stuck with my Recon but put a winch on anyway. It took some of the fun out of the handling and weighed down the front a little. The nose would dive some while driving around corners. It made it a little harder to pop a wheelie. It used to hop over downed trees and then after it would slide over.

The Recon is really a go anywhere atv. It is shorter so it fits under downed trees or gates. It is narrower so it fits between tight spots. It is light so it's easy to lift out of trouble. If you can't go through a mud hole then you can go around it. The only time I had trouble was in slimy snow. But I was always able to get it moving either forward or back.

The first thing I'd buy for a Recon would be a skid. Must protect it's belly. I had a plastic Maire skid and it worked great. It only cost about $40+ dollars from Shadetree.

 

Good point. A skid is definately needed on the Recon. I got a PRM skid for mine five years ago and it's held up great. They were $65 back then, now they are $90.

 

Definatley get a winch. Regardless of other posts, I say you will need one, and should have one on the Recon if you are planning on doing any real off-roading. Thirty pounds (if even that many lbs) is not any more that what is allowed for the front rack and it will not wear out your front shocks. I know that having a winch has saved my **** many times out on the trails. Well worth the investment. I do agree that a skid plate is a nice improvment as well. Make sure you get an aluminum or even better a tough ABS plastic one. They will save alot of weight.

 

Your Recons best virtues are its fun factor, small size, ground clearance, and light weight. At 400 lbs., it is lighter than several of the sport bikes. The little Recon does have remarkable capabilities, but if you are getting into situations where you need a winch, frankly you have chosen the wrong tool for the job!! Strapping 30 lbs. of sprung weight way out on the front of your bike, is going to turn it into something that isn't going to be very fun to ride. Try it out. Put 30 lbs. of rocks way out on the front of your front rack, and go for a ride! Try the Black Max Ratchet as a backup (9 lbs.), if you must have something.

 

ya the black max ratchet winch...if i had to ratchet my atv out of mud does it really feel like im doing all the work and pulling 400 pounds out? and where can i get one??? thanks guys

 

Rockymountainatv.com has the "Black Max" atv ratchet winch Part# JSF-001