I was going to buy the 250EX, but I have the opportunity to buy a 2001 300EX real cheap. I was wondering, is it as easy to ride as the 400EX. I have been on my husbands a few times, no long rides, but it seems fairly easy to ride. I guess I will have to get used to shifting, I had a Recon. I need that great suspension. So... Is this a good idea, or should I stick with the 250?
I read an article on the 400, but can't find any good ones on the 300. Any input would be appreciated. I am going to pick up my 300 this weekend... wish it were spring or summer. I WANNA RIDE!

I picked up my 2001 300ex this Saturday... What a great quad. Hey all out there looking for the great deals... I only paid $3500 bucks for mine!
And the title matches the vin #. LOL So the deals are there if you look for them. I haven't rode mine yet, but as soon as the weather breaks I will be out there with bells on!
Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

I would say if you've been tooling around on a 400EX you will have no problem riding a 300EX. They are nearly bulletproof machines and they've been out there for a while, so they're proven. I've never ridden or even seen, in person, a 250EX, so I'd go with the 300, you won't be dissapointed. The main argument I've heard against the 300EX is the location of the reverse shifter, but with a little effort you can engage it with your heel. Also the choke location is still in the worst place. But other than those two things, I'd say it's an awesome quad.

 

I bought my daughter a 300EX a few weeks ago. It is a SWEET BIKE!! Like you she has been riding a Recon and was waiting for a 250, but decided shifting wasn't that big a deal. The suspension is very good, the power is kind of mellow but still ok. It doesn't have that punch the throttle and do a wheelie kind of power the 400 has (which is just fine for my daughter). I find the cockpit (I'm 5'7") a little cramped compared to the 400EX. I would suggest a stearing stabilizer. It rides very easy, and everyone makes to big a deal out of the reverse-it really isn't that big a deal to use.

 

YZGUY-you said you would suggest a steering stabilizer, why? I had lots of problems with the recon, and I don't want to go that way if the 300 is the same.
Also, I am only 5' tall and about 110lbs, and very old, so I doubt if I will be doing any wheelies in the near future. I will be happy with staying on the quad if I bump into a tree root or a rock.
That is the problem I had with the Recon, I got bumped off alot! LOL

 

YZ guy you must like spacious machines..i'm 6' and feel totally fine on my 300ex.

I don't understand how you can feel cramped..the 400ex is much bigger at all!

Punch it and wheelie? i can do that in 1st 2nd and 3rd with my supertrapp pipe on.

They are a great ATV..i picked one over a 400ex.!

 

As for the reverse shifter, a company named Erickson tool makes a new shifter. The shifter is $29.00 and it makes a world of difference. Instead of using your right hand to pull it up you use your foot. If anyone needs the phone number I can get it for you.

 

The 300EX stearing isn't "twichey" by any means. I just think most any bike will benefit from a stabilizer (I remembered from a previous post that you have elbow trouble or something, I have trouble with an elbow too). I know what you mean about the Recon, sometimes the stearing "talks back" in the rough stuff.

The Recon suspension has a very fast rebound, which is appropriate for a utility, but it can really make the bike buck if you go fast in the whoops. The 300 is much more plush, and has more travel, though I could'nt call it a "magic carpet ride".

 

94DGblaster-I notice that you are running 20" rear tires. I put on 20" Holeshots, and my rear bashguard already has a bunch of dents in it. I'm thinking I should have stuck with 22", though I like the more torquey feel of the smaller diameter tire.

Anyway, I am over 200 lbs., so I have to work harder to do a wheelie than most people. My point was, that the power is good, but you don't constantly feel like you're going to wheelie the thing out from under you if you punch the throttle. I don't know what it is, but on the 300 I just don't feel like I can extend my arms out as far as I would sometimes like, particularly when jumping. I have a long torso, so that doesn't help, but I don't get that same feeling on the 400EX, Warrior, or even the Blaster.

 

YZGUY: Must just be how you are built.

As for the 20" tires, i hit the skid plate all the time. I am going to go to 22" Razors, or 22" bandits next time. I got the vipers for free. So i figured what the heck, they have more bite than stock.

 

kilrfx: could you please give me that phone #?
That would be really great. Thanks.