I am looking at a used 2002 Recon to replace the 03 recently stolen from me. Then I thought I might try looking at a new 04. I was wondering what, if any, differences there was between the 3 years?
Thx

 

They changed the compression and intake, to match what is on the 250EX, but I can't remember what year they make the change. It ups the power a little. Your 03 probably had it.

 

I'm going to start at 2001. The 2001's didn't have the oil cooler tank container thingy. Honda came out with the 250ex with the oil cooler. So in 2002 Honda added it to the Recon. 2002 through 2004 should be the same. In 2005, Honda has changed the Recon's plastic, front bumper, and added full floorboards to the footshift model.

 

also, i think "02 was the first year ES (electric shift) was offered.

 

I know for sure my 04 is faster than my best friends 01, but his seems to have a more noticable bottom end, where as my top end definatly exceeds his.

 

Well the one my friend has is the 02. It has been rode hard and hung up wet. The brakes are gone. The lights are out. The electric shift isn't working so they have been using a ratchet and socket to shift it. He has a bunch of ATV's. He says to make him a fair offer. Then he says "It has been ridden the least because of the electric shifting troubles he's had with it." Which to me is code for "I want the most money out of it."
The dealer want's $140 to look at it. They will apply the $ to fixing it if they have to tear it open.
Not sure what to offer him or to stay away from it. It does seem to run good. I know the oil has looked like milk several times. He changed it, but I'm sure it was run like that for a while.

 

the electric shift flashes a code. usually it seems to be poor/dirty connections, or the angle sensor, which is a cheap fix. if you're taking it with these things hanging in the air, then the price has to reflect the chance you're taking. plus you know how he's ridden it (it hasn't been babied). don't know your area, but $2000??

 

Going fast or being faster than my friends is the farthest thing in my mind. I have a DS 650 for that. I want to go through the woods and swamp with my friends. You can't go fast through some of the crap we go through. You just hope you can get through it!
I want to move to where confused lives! Just wish it was warm like here!
I was thinking of offering $1,000 plus whatever the dealer charged to fix it. The dealer wants me to buy an 05 from him!

 

Mudnuri

I think you should pass on the used Recon. Water in the oil isn't good and may cause more problems down the road. You might be better to get the 05 with the updated plastic. But before you do, take a look at the Suzuki Ozark. We have both quads and the Ozark does everthing just a bit better than the Recon. The Recon is a great quad but the Ozark has more power, handles better, better suspension and is a little faster. They both cost the same, so for my money I'd get the Ozark if I were to buy new.

 

Yeah, id pas on that, he really abused it and you buying someone elses headache. maybe try and pick up a left over 04, thats what i did, i got mine for 2854, brand new, but after taxes it was 3104 otd. i got free lights, a hat and cargo nets, plus 25%off the accesories i buy there.