im still deciding between a 250ex and 250 raptor. im 15 yrs old and this would be my first atv im getting and was wondering which one is better.

 

Are you more of a performance oriented person, or do you like low maintenance and reliability? The Raptor is going to be reliable in the long run also I believe, but it is a first year model. As far as handling, power, and overall ability, the Raptor wins easily. It is really more competitive with the 300EX than the 250EX. The Honda gives you proven reliability and reverse at the expense of some performance. It has a much lower maintenance shaft drive but also weighs 45 pounds more and makes do with a drum rear brake. Both are nice, but I would go with the Yamaha personally because it has more performance stock and also more potential long term.

 

Depends on your kind of riding!

The Honda is based on the Recon utility quad, and it will do anything and go anywhere a 2wd utility will. It has shaft drive and very good ground clearance for a sport quad. If you do a lot of technical type riding or water or mud, then I would go with the Honda. The shaft drive rear end does limit suspension travel, so it isn't as plush as the others. Has reverse.

If you do pure sport quad type riding (not to many rocks, mud or water), then you are going to get the most bang for your buck out of the Yamaha. Ultralight!

I would also add the Honda 300EX to my list as well. More power and a better ride than the 250EX, has reverse, but heavier than the Yamaha.

 

Consider also that if you are tall, growing fast, or likely to be on the bigger side, you may outgrow these machines in a sort time. Might just want to step up to a 400 now, instead of later....if you feel like you can handle the larger machine. More expensive though....

My son is 15, but at 6' tall he is now cramped on the 250EX. He is more than ready for the 400EX.

 

ya im 15 but if iwas to choose a 300ex vs a 350 raptor i would go with the raptor cause it adds 50more cc's for the same price.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: nitro15

ya im 15 but if iwas to choose a 300ex vs a 350 raptor i would go with the raptor cause it adds 50more cc's for the same price.</end quote></div>

Its more like 66cc differance,the 300EX is 282cc whil the 350 Raptor is 348cc.

Honda is bad for exaggerating displacement. The 250EX is 229cc while the 250 Raptor is 249cc. The EX having reverse would be the selling point for me.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: nitro15ya im 15 but if iwas to choose a 300ex vs a 350 raptor i would go with the raptor cause it adds 50more cc's for the same price.</end quote></div>

The Raptor 350 is really a warmed over Warrior. I was riding a Warrior before you were born, and it was the worst quad I ever owned. Handled heavy and clunky!

I also had a 300EX at that same time, and it was way more fun than the Warrior ever was! It is lighter and more agile, and being medium size it fits between the trees real nice. It's the best tight trail quad out there....

 

The 350 Raptor is lighter than the 300EX.
Not as wide also ,for those trees.

 

i think i like the hondas better they look more like just drive around ones while the raptor is more racy looking