I am looking to purchase 2 used (98-01) atvs. I have been on this site for weeks and have read many different opinions. I have boiled it down to this. I want one 4x4 and one 4x2. My wife wants to get into riding with me so thats why im buying 2. Now I do alot of hunting so that is why I would like a 4x4.But Im sure I will be doing more trail riding with the wifes interest. Ive narrowed it down to a handfull of bikes. First off I want to go honda or yamaha, mabey both. Please let me know what you think of the following models. Honda Rancher4x4,Recon,Trx300 & mabey the300ex. Now for the yamahas.Wolverine4x4,kodiak4x4,Beartraker,& mabey the warrior. With all this can anyone gain that I would like one sport utility an one just for sport. sorry so long winded.

 

rancher and recon

 

I second that... Rancher and Recon, good mix of fun and utility. I had a Recon prior to my Rancher, loved it.

 

well here is what happened to me. I don't know your age, but you are older than me.

well when i was 14 i got a 250 utility, all i want to do is slow trail ride, next thing i know i want to go faster, and faster. So i ended up with my 330ex you see below at 17.

i'd get your wife a 4x4 rancher. the 329cc one. I don't know the model numbers.

And get yourself a 300ex. That way you have a quad for hunting, your wife has a quad she can go riding with you on and you have a sport quad that you can tear up on.

 

Since you asked for some Yamaha guys to respond, I will. If you are looking at the Rancher 4x4, don't overlook the Yamaha Big Bear 400 4x4. I was planning to get a Rancher but after riding both Ranchers and BB 400s owned by my friends, I decided on the Big Bear, and haven't been sorry. However, they are both good bikes and either will serve you well as a sports/utility/hunting machine. Another good, reliable bike is the Fourtrax 300, which is what I used to have. I've never ridden either, but I would suggest either a Recon or a Warrior as a sport bike based on what I've heard. Good luck with your decision.
Kman

 

Hogmaster, The wolverine is a great 4x4 sport quad which would be good for you or your wife. If you want a 4x4 with low range so you can drag deer or whatever it is that your hunting this wouldnt be a good choice but for a good 4x4 trail quad you wont go wrong. Any one of these are good just becarefull when buying your wife a quad because some women think that the 4x4 are hard to turn and it takes a toll on there body when riding for any length of time. I would get your wife a 2 wheel drive unless she if use to the strenth requirements required for a full day of riding. You might want to consider a Polaris Trail Blazer for her because they are automatics and I have seen from personall expierance that most females feal more comfortable on a auto where they dont have to shift expecially on hills Polaris also makes different sizes but the trailblazer will take her anywhere without to much power that could make her feel unsafe. I have heard and seen (my fiancee) alot of people just feel more safe because you dont want to get her anything that will scare her or that is unstable for off cambers etc.. This is just my observation but this is without knowing how comfortable she feels on a quad. I would go and sit on all of them and see what feels best to you two and you wont go wrong with any brand because everything is made to hold up good today unless you get a lemon so good luck and make a good desicion because if your buying new and change your mine you'll take a loss when finally deciding what you want. Anyway sorry to bs so long but my two would be the wolverine and the trailblazer even though the trailblazer wasnt in your selection. Let us know what you decide on.

Plus if your undecided on a couple of different brands/models see if the manufacture is offering any specials such as: financing rates (if you are) free accessories or rebates check around because some shops wont tell you there is a rebate and they'll make out on the deall and if your buying 2 quads from the same place make sure they give you a good deal. Heres something that should help you out generally there is a 17% markup on quads/bikes some more some less but its usually 17%. So take retail and take off 17% and this will get you in the ball park for what the dealer payed for the quad.

 

I would have to dissagree with you just a bit on this Aaron. I agree that a 300ex is a great quad, and they would have a blast on one. But, is his wife big enough, and capable enough to handle a 4x4 on trail rides? Would she tire out from having to use all her armstrength to hold on? I would consider a nice 250 Recon for her, and a 300ex or 400ex for him. The Recon can do some utility work and is also a great trail quad. If you need a 4x4, get one for yourself, and the wife something that she is able to ride within her abilities. Good luck, and there are lots of good used quads out there, check out www.cycletrader.com You should be able to find anything you are looking for in there.

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