I am searching for a four wheeler mostly because it looks like a whole pile of fun. Anyhow I live in the north east part of Canada. Id be doing mostly trail running and perhaps some light mud running and it does snow here and id like to try running through that as well. Im looking at the following quads. 1987 Honda TRX 250R he says he'll take 2300CND for it but not too keen on buying used. 2001 Honda recon 5200 Brand New. If I can get more money together possibly
a 2001 400ex\300ex or a Rancher 350 2X4 I dont think I will require 4X4. It seems the only thing I know for sure is that it has to be a Honda mostly because ive seen them take monstrous amounts of abuse and keep on ticking not that i abuse my gear but if lasts if you abuse it imagine how long it will last if you take care of it.

 

dobeman
Since you are leaning toward new and seem to be on a budget the 250 Recon would make an excellent choice, it handles like its on rails and is very peppy. Also makes a good light duty worker too. Also one of the better fuel misers out there. i have a couple of larger bikes but when i just want to go out and slide around and just generally have some fun it is the bike I choose!
The others you mention would all be good choices too but I highly recommend the Recon.
Max

 

Dobeman
I agree totally with maxtrax. the recon is a great bike. I have one and my brother and his son each have one. We are all over six feet tall yet are quite comfortable on these machines. they manuever very well on tight trails and have lots of steam for hills and rough terrain.
I've driven a lot of different quads, 2 and 4 wheel drive but if I was buying today this would definitely be the one. ............Kevin

 

Hello dobeman. I live in Sackville, we are practically neighbors. I just got a 2001 350 4x4 FM Orange, it cost a little more ($7649.00 tax in) but I am happy I got it. I was originally looking to get a 2x4 but after talking with friends and people from the local ATV club I decided to go with the 4x4. The second day out I was up to the headlights in mud and that was on one of the clubs trails. I was not looking for mud. There are a lot of logging roads and easier trails around so if you got the 250 I am sure you will be happy. If you want to do the rougher trails you might want to look at the 350 4x4.

Which ever one you pick you will have lots of fun. I am sure you looked around and seen there are a lot of clubs in the area to join. Make sure you shop around, there are 4 dealers within 150 km and the price at one of them is much higher then the others

 

If prices are that high in Canada visit Corinth Mississippi
They have Recons for 3,100!!!

 

86Honda200SX

Corinth Mississippi is about 2000 miles from Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada. $3100.00 USD today converts to $4581.8 CND. Once you include gas, duty if there is any and the time it would take to drive down and back it would not be worth it.

 

You'd need a lot of experience and maintenance with a 250r but its price is incredible. if its in good shape buy it then sell it to someone in America if your looking for a profit (you'd probably succeed). Now onto what to buy. I wouldn't get the Rancher unless you go 4x4, I'm surprised you're not that interested in them cuz 2 wheel drive just don't do it in the snow. The 400ex may also be too high level because its high performance, not to mention, most trail riders (atleast me) prefer, I need, a reverse which doesn't come on the 400ex or 250r. So the 300ex and Recon. Well both are made to have fun on. Both are great on trails, as I have both quads. Honestly, in exploring territories, the Recon is better but I think the 300ex is more fun to screw around. If I were you I'd get the Recon.

 

get the best of both worlds.......300ex

 

If your looking at the 250R make sure you look real hard. The most of them have been run pretty hard. If you got the time and money you can make an old R just as shiny and new as a 2000.

 

I can tell you first hand you've got a tough choice ahead. We bought a Recon 1st. We love it. It's an all out fun quad and climbs real well. It's probably the most bang for the buck. Then I got a Warrior which with a little tolerance of honda ego compares to the 300ex in term of being a sports quad. I love it. The cool thing is the handling. They do what you tell them to and will take you where you want to go. They will also give you a quick tour of the emergency room. Anyway I love the warrior. Recently we got a 2x4 RancherES. This thing is so nice. I can't say anything bad about it. I just thought the recon was an overall best toy but the Rancher is everything a recon is and more.
If I had to sell one of them it would be the Warrior. Simply because it has more limitations than the others. And in my case if I'm not riding it no one is and we go out a lot with other people and we like to have enough toys to go around.
Look at my post on Rancher 2x4 in 'da mud. I'm sure the wallet comes before the heart but if you can swing it, think Rancher. Unless you really really like to do jumps and haul a$$ more than anything else. Then go EX. Hope this helps.