I am shopping for my first ATV and leaning toward Honda. I will mostly be trail riding and some utility. I have a 12 year old son who will be riding with me and learning to ride. Any suggestions on model?

 

Keep in mind that many places do not allow 2 on a machine unless it is made that way. Most state riding areas do not allow 2 unless machine was built for that. Most all of the newer machines from brand name makers are good. Find what you are comfortable on. An uncomfortable machine on a long ride is not fun and they all have there little differences...

 

You are a bit limited with the Honda range now as it is 250 in 2WD only so not suitable for strenuous utility applications like heavy towing, or 420 which has gone a bit big for a 12 year old, though electric shift helps if he is small. Strangely, ES and power steering are not available together unless you go full auto. The old model 420 is smaller but is one model to avoid if you are a heavy user, as the rear axle will fail. 350 was heavy on the steering in 4WD form, and the 300 also had rear axle problems, but such a superb engine that it can be forgiven that quirk, 300s are now all over 20 years old though.