All, I know mostly this section deals with the China stuff, but i have noticed over the years that this section does give the best unbiased reports and opinions of any of them. I too started with the China bikes to make sure the kids were going to take to riding. I still dont at this point regret that. I have a 120lb 10yr old that started on a Yamoto 150 and his been riding his mom's trailboss when the 150 just does not do it anymore. He handles it fine, but we all know its just to big and heavy. Anyway, i want to stick with an auto and 4 stroke so I think it really comes down to the Phoenix, Canam DS250 and the Kymco mongoose 250. Any thoughts or opinions on these? Personally I have looked at all of them and I really like the Kymco. Yes, its still not one of the big 3, but seems like the network and support are there. What about resale value? does that take a hit on the kymco? What do you all think of these 3 bikes? Is there anything else out there that I am missing?

Thanks all

 

used2boat,

My first choice would be the Kymco Mongoose 250, then the DS250, and the Phoenix 200 would be my last choice. I'm waiting to see what the new Jetmoto 250's look like. I think I may put the Kymco MXU300 into the list of toys some time next year. And depending how the Jetmoto 250 turns out I may also purchase that one.

Good Luck.

SB.

 

Sir,
I'm just speaking for me, but the Phoenix has a lot of little issues. My buddy just bought one last year, the shock broke, the seat clip, colt blooded...and etc. I can't give it a thumbs up, it is better the the average Chinese quads, but lack quality of the top three/four.
Have you thought about the Honda Recon 250es? It has electronic push button shifting with gear lighted display. It is so easy, but 9 year old daughter can really ride it. Also, you lose no speed like you do with the total autos. I WATCH her like a hawk[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] SEADAWG

 

I have the Mongoose for 2 years now. I don't take very often, it was mostly for my girl friend. But when I ride it, it's wide open, and it's bullet proof. The only "problem" is the very stiff suspension in front and it's too narrow. They need it for being street lagal in Europe. I made a Perfex front suspension kit, it consist of bracket you bolt on the frame. It lowers the front a little, increases suspension travel and make the front end 4" wider. With rear wheel spacers, it's like having a new Mongoose!

 

The kymco is a great machine!
I have the mongoose that we raced in 2- 12 hour of ATV America races. Believe me, they can take it!
Kymco has Honda roots and it shows. Honda wheels bolt right up and other lil things that make it a wonderful machine.

 

Hey all, thanks for all the advice both online and offline. Ended up going a different direction and found a sweet 04 250EX.. I finally decided it was time for the boy to learn to shift LOL. I think everybody will be happy with this one. Thanks again

 

That's a great machine.
Happy holidays. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

used2boat,

Good choice. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] You won't be disappointed, it's a great quad.

Have fun riding. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

SB.