I need to get another machine now that my 15 year old son is living with me. I have had thoughts of a Trail Blazer due to the low price (dealer says $3000 plus tax otd) and good suspension. Is the new longer travel suspension a lot better than the old? The only thing I am not too fond of on the Blazer is the rather narrow seat and the fact that it sits you low where it is harder to stand while riding. I am also considering a Trail Boss. I love the big cushy seat and the 4 stroke engine. Can you tell any difference power wise between the old Boss and the "new and improved Boss"?I am looking for comfort on the trail. I still ride fast (on the rough trails where 40 is fast) and I like to jump, but I don't take the pounding as well (I'm 44). Which machine would be best? My son gets the Honda, he can take the rough ride better. Don't suggest a more expensive machine, I can't afford it!

 

Well for starters yes the added supension travel (front and rear) will make a big difference in ride quality. The 03 basically got the Scrambler suspension (MINUS FOX SHOCK IN REAR). MY 02 and prior had 6.7" in the front and 8.2" in the rear VS MY 03 having 8.2" in the front and 10.5 in the rear.
The Trail boss has 6.7" in the front and 9" in the rear.

As for the Boss VS Blazer question, it all comes down to personal preference. The 03 Blazer has better suspension and power STOCK VS STOCK are very close, maybe giveing the edge to the trailboss. The Blazer will resond better to aftermarket mods and a piped and clutched blazer wuold run away from a boss (piped or not). If you plan to buy New, I would go with the TrailBoss if you plan to leave it stock, Trailblazer if you plan to Mod.

Now I am going to suggest what you told me not to do. If you are not dead set on buying new, you should be able to pick up a nice used 400 Scrambler for under $3000.00. Look for one between MY2000 and MY2002. I think you would be very happy with a 500 or a 400 Scrambler. In stock form both the Boss and Blazer are very underpowered.

 

Thanks for the input. I do want to buy new, for the sake of the warranty and so I can break it in the way I want it to be. I have ridden the 400 scrambler and I like it. But I am going to be sharing it with my son and wife and I think it would be too much for either of them. They both have heavy thumbs! I mainly want a good comfortable machine.

 

Buy the trailblazer for yourself,put on a pipe and clutch kit and you will leave that 250 ex in the dust. NO KIDDING either.

 

I bought a 03 Trailblazer in August. I have a 11 year old son and we love it. I ride 2 up with him to teach him how to ride. It does great even with the weight of both of us (275 lbs) on it. We like to ride at Crow Canyon GNCC course in Ohio and the little Trailblazer goes any where!