Alright...here is the situation. Im looking to get a sport quad, but it has to be an automatic clutch (i.e. no hand clutch), I will be sharing the quad with my wife so it has to be an automatic until next year when we can afford to get another quad. I have narrowed it down to the 250ex and the lakota, I am leaning to the lakota because I think that it has a slight edge in the power department and suspension. My question is how does it do as a sport quad with the automatic clutch, does it have good torque, enough to wheelie if you want? What about the suspension, can it take some jumping? If I go with the lakota I plan on getting the IDS2 supertrapp system and a racing air filter (does K&N make one for the lakota). Are these mods easy to install, as I am not very good with the wrench. Also are there any other mods that anyone would recommend for the lakota.
The lakota I am looking at is a new 00' model that the dealer still has and is offering a great price on, the 01' model even with different plastic and called the lakota sport is essentially the same bike I believe, the specs on the two bikes are nearly the same.
I appreciate any and all advice, good riding to everyone.

thanks,

dirthead

 

The lakota may have the better suspension numbers but its heavey, whereas the honda is light so its the jumper and wheelie bike. Also the lakota has the engine numbers 300vs250, but hey its heavy.

 

I really enjoy my Lakota. It is heavy, but you learn how to ride it. I can ride a wheelie just as far as I can on my buddies 400EX, 50 + yards (dam far if I have enough room). You just have to learn how to do it. It is much easier to slip the clutch a little first and it'll pop right up. I am not convinced the 250EX is in any way a better machine, I'm not saying it's not a decent bike though. It's lighter but that hasn't stopped me from getting 5' of air on my Lakota. The Lakota is also a great woods machine. I believe it would have a much larger towing/rack capacity if you decide to do some work with it too. The Lakota is not a speed demon, but a 300EX will NOT walk all over it. It is a much better machine after you do the mods you mention. Test ride them both and see what you like. Pay attention to how light the steering is on both so it's not going to tire your wife out to easy. I can tell you the Lakota has very light steering, more so than the 400EX. Regardless of your choice, you will not regret it. Whatever you end up with will be the best so ride on and be safe!

 

addendum - My comment after I wrote a 300EX will NOT walk all over it, I stated it is a much better machine after the mods. I didn't mean it's a much better machine over the 300EX, but much better than itself from stock.

Just wanted to clarify a little so not to start any wars if it were taken the wrong way.

Thanks

 

Stebob- I read over on tech connection to go up 1 tooth on the front sprocket. Who ever does that advice forum said better accel. I always figured to go down 1 for quicker, but he said go up 1 since the lakota is a slow revver, let the torque pull it. Did you get the boat?

 

dirthead,-i just got my 2001 lakota sport last friday-and i love it. i too had it narrowed down to a 250ex or lakota. they are both awesome machines-but the lakota was better suited for " exploring the woods and creeks". im impressed with the handling(doughnuts are easy) and although the bike is 459lbs is "feels" very light and is very easy to control. suspension is awesome, all the creeks here are dry and i have been riding through the rocks and tree trunks and the suspension holds up well-it is adjustable. you cant go wrong with either bike



01 lakota sport

 

i have a lakota sport with supertrapp ids 2 exhaust and k&n filter the filter is very easy to put on the supertrapp takes a little pounding to get all the things lined up correctly. I race my lakota sport on mx and it is the better jumper of the to i regular air it over a 30 foot double and table top a 60 foot table top is being built for it to. Go with the lakota it is great.

 

hey Redd888 do you have any trouble with your ball joints in the front i have had 2 to go out in the last week.I see no grease fitting's on the bike any where.

 

i have had no problem with my neither has my friend it does not have grease fittings

 

Dirthead,

That is exactly why I got a Lakota - for me and the WIFE. She wanted a light utility for hauling hay, etc. and I wanted a sport bike. It's been great and the only complaint I have had have been the slippery Goodyears. This bike is not too good in mud with those tires, but then it's not made to be a utility quad either.