Ok, I understand the 2002 Recon got some improvements in the way of an oil cooler, different carburetor, and improved cylinder head. So are the improvements noticeable? I had a 2001 Recon and couldn't say anything bad about it. The engine never seemed to give off excessive heat but an oil cooler probably wouldn't have hurt anything either. Do the engine improvements affect low end power or only the upper end? The Recon was a nice ATV, improvements will make it hard to beat!

 

That's kind of a tough one. Test drive a new one. I have the 2002 Recon. I like it. In a flat out staight run, my 6 y/o kicks my butt w/ a 90 until I get into 3rd. But I really have nothing to base my happiness on because I didn't own a previous Recon, People seem to go to a different model when they buy again. The only beef I have is the cold bloodedness nature of it. Would I buy another one? For this situation? Yes. But only because in the not to distant future my son will take this over, and I'll be "forced" to get something else.

Andrew

2002 Recon (the future hand-me-down)
2002 T-Rex 90 (Unpogo sticked)

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that the '02 Recon shared the 250 EX motor. That would mean a much quicker Recon, than the earlier models. The EX motor has different cam, carb, and exhaust. Also think the intake valves are larger than the old Recon motors. AND you get that EX oil cooler to boot! Very nice little bike. Very good learner's bike. That is why I bought one for the girlfriend.

 

Don't get me wrong. I love the Recon. Otherwise I wouldn't still have it. My cousin has some big huge Suzuki, and in the tight trail riding that we do, I have no problem keeping up. Open up to a field and I'm dead. My 6 y/o has started riding this around the yard a little and he has no problems with it. He can reach the pegs and muscle it around. It's a perfectly we mannered machine.

 

The reason I'm asking is that when I sold the Recon and got the Rancher, I sort of miss the Recon. Will give the Rancher a fair chance when the weather turns warm again, but I miss the way one could throw the Recon around, the lightness in loading & unloading it in the pickup. Don't get me wrong as I'm not bad mouthing the Rancher but it seems like it's just enough bigger that it has a different feel to it (handling wise). The Rancher does have more clearance and does absorb the bumps better, and is a better utility machine but I miss the Recon 's light, easy handling. The Rancher does have a lower 1st gear and that was one of my main reasons in getting rid of the Recon as I do use an ATV for slow speed use while spot spraying noxious weeds. Thank you all for your inputs. Wouldn't it be nice to go to an ATV Fair where we could try out all the ATV's!