Sounds like you have one heck of a collection of Honda's! For us, it all stared on a whim a few weeks ago. The end result was the Rubicon and the XR.

She's getting allot better with the XR. The problem is that mine is fully automatic. So, I am constantly waiting on her. I think that frustrates her a bit. She wants to keep up, but is still learning how and when to shift.

I wanted to get another quad for her to ride so that she could enjoy the ride vs. deal starting and stalling.

So, I am thinking that an automatic model, or a clutchless model would be a good option. Are any of the EX's automatic? How do they do on the hills back in the canyons?

Once we're ready, we want to try the trails in Lake Arrowhead. When I was reading about the Rubicon, most all of the reviews were done in the San Berdo forest. There is supposed to be a pretty impressive trail system up there. Have you seen it??

Do you folks get out to ride in the canyon often?

 

The 250EX (sport), and Recon and Rancher (utilities) are "autoclutch" bikes. There is no manual clutch lever. When you pull up or down on the shift lever it engages the clutch, then when you let go it goes into gear. There is also a centrifugal clutch, so you can sit at idle while in gear (you don't have to remember to pull in the clutch to stop). The autoclutch is a real advantage when riding rough, technical terrain (you don't have to slip the clutch like with a manual). All are really sweet bikes, and do well anywhere you ride. The 250 and Recon are the bikes I start beginners on and they do really well (my daughter started riding a Recon when she was 7)! My bikes are insured, so you're welcome to try them out if she would like.

The SB National Forest has some great trails. Unfortunately, part of them are closed right now because of the Willow Fire rehabilitation, but they should reopen some day (maybe sooner with all this rain??). You can call the Forest Service Visitors Center in Big Bear, and they will send you maps (they have a web site too). There are 4 basic riding areas: Cajon Pass-easy fire roads; Pinnacles (behind Arrowhead)-some pretty tough single track trails (you're glad to have a 4X4 here!); Crab Flats (behind Green Valley Lake)-some fire roads and some trails; and Cactus Flats (Southeast of Big Bear)-pretty easy trails and fire roads. Remember, they have a "closed unless posted open policy", so you can't just ride anywhere. We can give you a tour when you are ready.

I ride the canyon a couple of times a week after work, on the quads or mountain bike. On weekends we mostly ride in Yucaipa.

Good Luck,
Wayne Kelln
wkelln@ahs.llumc.edu