Hello everyone. New member and would love some advice on size, manufctr, new, used etc. I want to get a couple of 4 wheelers for the beach to use in north carolina. its relativly flat with a few hills, nothing crazy. Dont need or want anything too fast or big. My kids are 14 and 16 and very fit. I am leaning 125 or 250 but have no idea why. Just looking for something to take beach combing and slow cruising around the casa and on the beach. I see these 125 cc quads for a grand. Are they any good or junk? I am a firm believer that you get what u pay for, so am i better off buying a used honda or other reliable maker or going with one of these inexpensive overseas manufact? We will use them once or twice a month at the most. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forums.

I'd say go with the used Honda or other name brand. You may find a good off brand model, but finding a few that are is a challenge. More likely one or two good, and one or two you'll use for parts.

 

First, welcome to the forums!! About getting some quads, definetly look at something with a good reputation, stay away from the no name foreign mfgrs. Just do a search for any off brand name and see what shows up. Parts and service are very hard to find, some have been waiting months to get parts. Used works well if you can find one that has been taken care of, look for older owners, that have maintenance receipts for there machines. I would recommend at least a 250 size, most of the smaller models are just kids machines and light duty built. Anything in the 300 size will do everything you want it to do and more. I would definetly go with 4wd as it is much more usefull and better resale. Might even consider a side x side because they are so much more versatile. I would also look for a CVT drive, stay away from Honda's with electric shift transmissions, the other type trannys are fine machines but Honda has had some expensive issues with the electric shift trannies. Other wise shop carefully and don't be afraid to ask questions...good luck

 

Welcome.

I agree with the others. Stay away from the Chinese made off brands. Unless you want to wrench more than ride.

Have you or your kids taken any safety classes? I would recommend this as a first step if they have no experience.

At that age, if they know what they are doing, a 250 or higher would be a good way to go. Soft sand really robs a lot of engine power as the quad sinks into it a bit. On par with riding in wet snow.

Honda makes the Honda Recon which is a 229 cc that they sell as a 250. I've never been on one in soft sand so I can't really say how it would do. The most reliable is the foot shifted, semi-automatic. Anyone can learn how to ride it within a couple hours and it will last for years.

If you can swing it a 350-450 cc machine will give a lot more room to grow and you will be able to find 4wd machines in those cc ranges.

 

Don't forget to was off the salty sand after you ride. Salt is bad, and quads have a lot of small hidden traps for it.

 

Get a couple of Honda 250ex's or Recons. Both are semi-auto 250cc machines. The 250ex is a little sportier and the Recon is the utility version with racks front and rear. I'd probably steer clear of the ES Recons, go with the foot shift version instead. Suzuki made similar machines in the Z250(sport version) and the Ozark(utility version). The Suzuki 250 did make slightly more power than the Honda but they are harder to find than the Hondas. Yamaha had the Beartracker and Kawasaki had the Bayou. Any of these would be a good choice for a beginner.

 

Thank you all very much for the replies! I will do my homework and let yall know if i have any more questions. I hope everyone has a healthy and safe 2018. Cheers.

 

Cheers! As everyone already said, get a name brand.

I would suggest getting a 250. I know your just cruising but it does take power and traction to go in sand. Find almost any 250 and it should do the job.

Just a tip, look for the condition of the plastics because it hits at how it was treated, and for sand, you want quads with pretty good tires.

Good luck, keep us updated

 

Hello from Colorado: No sandy beaches here, just rugged mountains. I'm sure you know you can ride on North Carolina beaches. Some states and locals forbid ATV riding on public beaches. I understand it can limit your choices of where to ride.

David