I posted this on another forum, but I was looking for more input from people who have owned a Recon or a Beartracker. I'm 14 and am trying to find a cheap, reliable, and fairly quick machine to play around on and do light pulling and work with. I've heard good things and bad things about both machines and was hoping for some first-hand commentary on either one. Thanks!

 

Im a fan but i would say go for the recon....they are much better,ive rode both(my bother has a recon).....The recon has much better low end power and overall power,the beartracker feels weak on hills when compared but the biggest difffrence is in the handling,the recon handles so much better and has better suspension,the only thing the beartracker hason the recon is its bigger and has front disc brakes!

 

Consider the Ozark and the Recon, but forget about the Beartracker, it is not in the same class.
The Ozark wins the shoot-outs, but ride them both and decide for yourself....

 

Well, what is so bad about the Beartracker that I should completely forget about it?

 

Im not saying the beartracker is a bad machine and it would be fine for utility work and light trail riding but the recon and ozark are just better in almost every area,you would just have to ride them to know the diffrence....The beartrackers suspension is not up to par neither is the motor or the handling...you will probably be happy with whatever machine you get though.

 

Peltrax and fourlix have hit it on the head. Search out some older posts of mine, I have replied many times with better detail on thi subject. Recon and Ozark are clearly the best!

 

BearT is old design and technology. I think it even has single A arm front suspension, but it has been a while since I rode one. I recall them being heavy, slow, sluggish, and having a really lame reverse shifting system that requires grabbing a handle on the side of the engine case and shoving it forward or back. Do yourself a favor, test ride the other 250s and let the ride decide. Someone said: "The disappointment of poor quality endures long after the pleasure of low price has faded," or words to that effect. Good luck.

 

I would stick with either the Ozark or the Recon. The Beartracker is basically the same atv that it was when it originated back in the early 90's as the Timberwolf. It is outdated in comparison to either the Ozark or Recon. Among other differences the Beartracker is heavier, slower, has only a single a-arm up front, and like someone said before the Reverse layout is awkward. I liked the Ozark I had a lot, just needed something with four-wheel drive so I went to a Kodiak. I personally think the Ozark is a little better overall than the Recon but with that being said you definately will have to ride them and see for yourself.

 

Another consideration should be the bayou 250.A no frills reliable trail and light work machine.All the machines would fill your needs,the ozark and recon will do it with a little more zip.The beartracker has the biggest racks by far,the ozark racks look to be there for show.

 

One more thing on the Beartracker, the shifter is very stiff. I rode one last year, I thought it was the worst quad I have ever ridden, suspension, handling, a real squirrel meister. Make your choice between the Ozark and the Recon, or better yet, the Z-250 and the 250 EX. How much work are you really going to do?