I got my reacon new Dec. 2006, I took the atv for a short ride, got home READ the owners man., about the maintenace, and I have NEVER had abit of problems out of it. The atv Has all done me good. Never left me stuck.
Some of this post I have been reading here sound like It has been more operator related problems, then mechine.

READ THE BOOK!!

 

The 250 2wd class ATVs are the built simple, they have less thing to go wrong and are above average for reliability.
There guys in our fishing group with a 1990 Honda TRX 200 and a 1987 250 Yamaha Moto4 that never have any problems.

 

I just got a hold of a 2005 Recon ES for my daughter and I gotta say that is one excellent machine. The ES is smooth as silk, the engine is powerful and quiet and the overall design fits an adult pretty good unless your really tall. My daughter blasted through a deep mud hole after a bunch of guys egged her on...that thing just zipped right on through. It's a proven simple design that holds its own against almost anything. We also have a 1986 trx 250 and that thing runs like a top and has taken some serious abuse over the years. I do agree on reading the manual and keeping up on the maintenance...even Hondas need to be taken care of properly once in a while.

Jon

07 Rancher 4x4 ES
05 Recon ES

 

My 99 Recon is an awesome ATV. I ride with th ebig guys at Hatfield McCoy and I am continually impressed with this quad. Both in reliability and capability. Here's a pic of it loaded up for the trails.

 

glad to here your recon is doing well............
the only Honda i got is a 2007 TRX250EX, and i must say, i love the machine. that 250 is a tough booger. that sucker does nothing but run......i'm impressed.