If you are not doing highly technical riding, the 250 will serve you well enough. On the other hand, having 4wd available can open up some terrain to you that you might othewise not have available (like riding in snow, which is a real kick!). The 420 is well enough suspended that you won't suffer to much out in the desert whoops, it's just that it isn't the ideal machine in that venue.

Like I said, we ride the 250's and Ranchers together in technical mountain terrain and if we ever really got into a bad situation, the Ranchers could tow the 250's. I would like to point out that this has never happened, and this demonstrates the superiority of these very light machines that you can just pick up and move around without having to tow or use a winch. When my kids were little, they rode their 90's along with me aboslutely everywhere too!

 

Ryeguy,

I think we've probably read the same reviews. At first I was more attracted to the Ozark because of the "bigger" engine but in my last post I just realized the difference is only 17 cc. I think that the 250EX is a much better bike because of the disc brakes, better suspension and lighter weight. If I decide to go with a 250 it is going to come down to what dealer will give me a better price but my preference would still be for the Ozark because of the brakes and suspension. For a larger quad I think I'm pretty set on the Rancher, unless I can get a much better price on something else. Liquid cooling and fuel injection and Honda reliability.

Reconranger,

Thanks for the reply and honesty. I agree that the EX is a better quad than the Recon for all the reasons you mentioned but having ridden a utility and a sport quad on the same day in the wet I really want a utility. The racks and the extra protection are going to be needed for the things I want to use a quad for. If I can swing the extra money for a Rancher I'm going to get one even if it is only 2wd. I have no intentions of financing a quad it is going to be cash on the barrel. I also will probably get a small trailer since my truck bed is only 6.5 feet and it already has a big box in it for my tools, jacks, come along, etc. I saw on your signature line that you had a Recon in the past, how well did the drum brakes up front hold up? I know they are sealed but I was wondering if they ever leaked. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a used Recon or Rancher if the price was right and there is a Honda dealer in the town I am moving to. The nearest Suzuki dealer is over 50 miles away so that is a plus for Honda.

 

I ride in arid country, so the only time we get into big water is briefly crossing streams in the mountains. We don't wallow around in water or mud for hours on end. So, drum brakes have not ever been a problem for me! I'm a downshifter anyway and prefer to use engine braking to slow me down, so I have never even worn out a set of brake pads on any quad yet.

If economics is a big issue, you should be able to pick up a new leftover Rancher 350 for a great price.

 

first of all numnuts i clicked todays new topics. i'm not forum loyal it be the same if it was in the suzuki forum. who cares and i'm just stating the facts 6.5 inches is way to low. thats sport quad territory. i just want people to understand that where most utulity's go there going to be hitting things.

 

I'm in the Coast Guard and except for surfing or doing laps in the pool I have had enough of being wet! I started researching Ranchers because every logger, timber cruiser or rancher here in town is using a 350 Rancher in the woods. You can't find a better endorsement than that for how tough they are. The only thing I would do is add a Warn 4-2-4. I'm not so sure about a great price though, the two Honda shops I have been to are selling the 06 4x4 for 4800 to 5000.