I used the forums to get ideas on a reliable quad and bought myself a Honda 400ex because of the recommendations from here. I love the machine and now want to upgrade my other chinese quad to a name brand.
I am looking for a 250cc machine that has no shifting and is known to be reliable like the Honda 400ex. If the shift is necessary, I don't want the manual clutch. This machine would be used by my girl friend and my kids.
They are currently driving my Coolster 3150DX2 chinese quad, but I am ready to get them something better. This is 150cc and I don't think a 250cc would be a bad upgrade.

Any ideas?

 

I just went through this for my wife last week. The two atvs I came up with were the Honda TRX 250 EX and the Can Am DS 250. I'm sure there are more but these were accesible in my area. We got an 08 EX that has an auto clutch that can be used if you want but you dont have to. Shift pattern is 5 up with a switch for reverse. Its also shaft drive. Its an excellent choice IMO. You already know about Honda reliability. The Can Am DS is completely auto with a centrifical clutch(spelling?). The only downside to the can am I could find is that it could use a clutch upgrade kit which increases its speed and performance-think I read its something like $175 for the kit. Also the suspension seems to be a little soft but that would depend on rider weight. I have not had a chance to ride the Can Am but I can tell you the EX is a blast.

 

Just how small are your kids? An old Yamaha Breeze or newer Grizzly 125 is an auto (belt) about a 7/8's size machine that is light (a little over 300 pounds) and is surpisely fairly quick and fast.

 

250ex if you like the 400ex body style.....

 

250ex (now 250x)
Bullet proof.
Older models (2001 - 2007) had no clutch, new models have a "sport clutch". You don't need to use the sport clutch to shift.

 

Not sure of any 250 class that needs no foot shifting, I think Arctic Cat has the only one.
The DVX 300

 

polaris has the sportsman 300, but thats sport utility...

 

Polaris does have a 330 Trail Blazer its lighter than the Sportsman 300 but still 70lbs more than the DVX300. 2011 Polaris Trail Blazer® 330 ATVs

 

I am looking at a 2006 TRX 250EX. Have one near my area for sale and price is compariable to others when searching the country! Will be looking at it tomorrow and 90% sure this will be the one. Has the nerf bars and other add-ons that my 400 doesn't have. My kids are 7 and 10 along with the girl friend. My oldest isn't having problems handling the 150cc I have now, but the shifting will be new to her. Looks like some parts are shared between the 400 and 250 ex. Makes the spare parts list smaller this way. Sounds like the Honda 250 is close to bullet proof as the 400 is. Thanks for the opinions everyone! The Honda suggestion shortened my search!

 

Not very many shared parts between the 250ex and 400ex.
Completely different engines, suspension, etc,,,,,,,,,