My Wifes 250EX was stolen and she wants something with racks we are familiar with the recon but how does the Beartracker compare to the recon or even the bayou 220 there all pretty much identical but which is best..
2000 450S

 

the bayou and bear tracker are both slower than the recon but i find the suspension , handling , looks and reliability to go to the recon . I had a friend who i always rode with and he had a bayou 220 and i had the recon , i could run circles around him and i beat the hell out of my recon and never had a big problem . also when his bayou was 3 months old the head gasket malfunctioned and blew the motor ! good old kawasaki ! also i went riding in a HUGE sand pit with a kid on my recon and i could climb hills that he couldnt touch he just lost power and had to turn around . And a bonus of the recon for 02' is i hear they are puting the 250ex head on it or something to give it even more power , so just think of your stock recon + 10% more power ! good luck HONDA RULES

 

Well, I'll have to agree with KKKILLER250X for the most part. I faced the same decision last year and was comparing the same machines as you are. I also considered the Polaris TrailBoss (I think that is the name) 325, It is about the same price as the Recon and has a good list of features. (If you like Polaris, I don't really care for the automatic trans.) Anyway here is my take on each machine.

Hondas are definetly going to be the most reliable (I Consider this the most important feature). The Recon is faster, lighter, and handles better. The 2002 model will be available with the "ES" (Electronic Shifting) option, (a class exclusive) and a auxilary oil cooler.

The Yamaha would have to take second place, it's a little bigger than the Recon (has more room for the rider), has disc brakes, and has larger and higher capacity on its racks. But, it drives and handles more on the utility than the sport side and it also has a little less power, If you were buying it for utility or farm use, it might be a better choice than the Recon, but for recreational riding it isn't as fun.

The Bayou 220 would be last, it has a very weak front suspension and it can easily be damaged by even a small jump, It was originally designed in the 80's and has had very few updates or changes. I wouldn't recommend it.

I eventually chose to get a Recon, and I have been very happy with it, I am sure you would be too. My only regret is that I didn't wait for a 2002 model.

 

I would have to agree with Kraig9940,1.Recon 2.Beartracker 3.220 Kawi.I know 3 people with 220's,and for them they work fine.The suspension is a little weak with single a-arms,but they do run fine.The Recon for 2002 gets you an upgrade in power,same as the 250ex plus a good suspension to boot.I don't have any personal exp. with a Beartracker but they seem fine.

 

In 1997 I would've said the Recon, no doubt.
In 2002, the Recon will recieve new upgrades, to give it a sportier RIDE (honda will do some of the same things they did on the recon that they did for the 250ex).

So today, I say RECON WITHOUT A DOUBT!

 

i would say the recon i have a 220 bayou it a 91 it has be put through crap and still run fairly well. I dont really know much about the beartracker but i would go with the HONDA.