I just received my April issue of Dirtwheels. They have a shootout on "easy to ride sport quads". They pit the 250EX against the TrailBlazer, and the Lakota sport. I'm only going to highlight the differences between the Honda and Polaris.

Here's a quick rundown: as stated in the article.

displacement: Polaris- 244 ccs, Honda-229
wheel travel: Polaris- 8.2", Honda-5.7"
braking: Polaris-disc all around, Honda-rear drum, disc up front.
Fuel capacity: Polaris-4 gal., Honda-2.7 gal.
easiest to ride: Polaris.
quickest stopping power: Polaris
fastest on woodsy like trail: Polaris
Hillclimbing ability: Honda
Price: Polaris-$3199, Honda-$3899
jumping: Honda
Best skid plate protection: Polaris

Comments made by test riders:

Described the 250EX as nimble and maneuverable, however, its downfall is its tendancy to two wheel in the corners.

The Polaris and Honda were best at sliding around corners, however, you have to stay on top of the Honda to keep it from two wheeling.

On speed runs, there was a momentary lag with the Polaris, due to its tranny, but it was too close to call. With the Polaris, you get a little of that two stroke hit.

Uor riders reported that they could stop the quickest on the Polaris, allowing them to go that much deeper into the corners before letting off.

As I neared the end of the article, I thought to myself, I can't believe it, they're gonna pick the Polaris. I was shocked. Then I got to their conclusion. You guessed it, they picked the Honda. Then I was really shocked. I then went through the entire magazine, and counted the advertisement pages. Honda had four (4) full page ads. Polaris had one (1) full page ad. I will be letting my subscription expire this time around, along with a letter letting them know why.

Nah Quadfather, you don't wanna let your subscription run out. Just laugh to yourself at those fools. Be happy you're smart enough to know the cold hard truth that the Trailblazer really was the best. Besides, its kinda funny reading some of that garbage. They completely contradict themselves. Just like you stated. About three fourths of the stuff the Polaris did better, yet they gave the title to the machine that only one one fourth.

I stopped buying the selazines when they ragged the scrambler 400 against the 300ex.

They go where the money flows, and honda and yamaha are their main source of income.

Start your letter saying.

Dear DirtSqeals

You C*********ing, M*********ing Son of a.....

You get the rest.LOL.

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400

its all about money!! its really sad to see. the snowmobile magazines are the same way

Ya know the difference between ATV shoot out articles and toilet paper? Answer: Nothing :)
And I don't even care if Polaris wins. The way they test e'm is absurd.

I don't know about that ChopperBill...The toilet paper is more absorbent and a lot softer. I'd never compare toilet paper to those magazines...Toilet paper at least has a good use...=)

the only creditable mag is Atv magazine. the newest issue seems to have a good article on the big bore quads.

has anyone ever got a answer from dirt wheels or atv action about being biased toward advertisers???

later
jon

For get about the Trail Blazer, how did it even beat the 300 Lakota?

Quadfather: I agree. While I do not personally own a Honda, I belive they make a great product. I have often wondered why Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha (and any others) do not win the overall in the "shoot-outs". I can tell that if they have ANY Honda in the lineup, the prize will go to them. (All this time I thought that I was just paranoid or something). I have never turned down anyone for a ride in the woods just because of the manufacturer of their ATV, It's all about the ride.... (However, the magazines belive it's all about the money they get from their advertisers ... I guess its their choice.... Nice to see they can't fool all of us)!

Quadnut

I think you are missing the point,3tv.The magazines set up the criteria for a test.A particular machine wins the majority of the parts of the test but the magazine picks a different machine.If they want to show objectivity and maintain any credibility,they should call it as it plays.You see this often in street bike mags also.Motorcyclist addresses this by printing a sidebar with the individual testers personal opinions.BTW,I have not seen the article but this is an old story.Don't stop reading the magazines,there is usually SOMETHING of interest in each issue.