Hi,

My first post. I'm gonna get my first quad and I'm hoping to get some definative info to help me decide which one. I'm 45 y.o. and weight 230. I just want the quad to blast around in the woods with a buddy who recently bought his first trail bike. I like the fact that the 300EX has reverse, and that's the one I want to get. My biggest worry is my weight- I have no idea what sized engine is required to haul 230 pounds around in the woods. One more thing- I'm not a thrill seeker... I won't be doing jumps or stunts. If the 300 will take me up hills and on most every trail without groaning under my weight I'll be happy. The dealer has the 300 on sale for $4,300. The 400 is on sale for $5,000

Thanks!
Bill

 

4 years back I was in your position and I purchased the 300EX because I thought I needed reverse. The 300EX was a great machine but if I had to do it over again the choice now would be the 400EX. No reverse but simply a much better machine. On your weight issue you will be happier on the 400ex.

Chet[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

That price seems a bit high for a 400ex. Make sure you find out about any add-on charges. Honda dealers in Michigan did that in 2002, which is why I didn't get a 400ex. They wanted to charge an extra $1000 for shipping or some whacked-out thing.

If you're good with your hands, try and find a used 400ex and save yourself $1000 or so.

I'd go with the 400ex because of all it's advantages over the 300ex (especially suspension travel). If you really want reverse, get a Suzuki Z400. I got mine for $5150 + tax.

 

You didn't say if you only wanted Honda, or a certain brand, so I would also suggest you check out a Yamaha Warrior. Engine is very torquey,electric start and reverse, and would have no problem hauling you around. You could find a 2001 or 2002 for around 3500 or so, and it can still jump and give you a very sporty ride, when ever you feel like it. I'm 42, been riding for quite a while, started out on a Yamaha 200 moto4, just playing around with my buddies, then moved up to my Wolverine (bought new) and have not regretted it since. I do have to say, it is nice to have reverse,watching my buddies get off and lift theirs around,or try to rock them around trying to turn in a tight spot,or get out of a sudden bad spot in the trail still makes me grin. Don't get me wrong, I still love to jump on my son's 300ex and whip it around,it feels like a dirt bike compared to my 4x4, and still has reverse,too!! Definately get something bigger than the 300, you will soon want more power and may need a bigger quad to have more room to move around on,you didn't mention how tall you were, the 300ex is a little smaller than some sport quads. No matter what you get, welcome to the sport, have fun, and ride responsible !!!!

 

Go with a USED 400EX, its wroth the extra money [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]!

 

they sure arent on sale then.

 

get a 300 i mean i wiegh like 280 6 feet tall and i feel comfterable and it jumps,climbs and muds with the best of them. It will do a good 60 mph after my mods and im completely happy. And it is cheaper. GO with the 300 it fits your needs better. JMO

 

mine can mud jump and climb great too. ive about sunk it in a creek but it kept on runnin.

 

WOLV95.... DONT U READ THE TOPIC NAME??? HE SAYED 400 or 300EX!!! EX=HONDA!!

 

Thank God we have sharp eyed guys like you to catch all the little mistakes !!!! I guess I was paying more attention to the fact he was looking for a 300 - on up cc quad to ride, and didn't want to limit his choices to one brand. There are a lot of good quads out there, I was just offering some of my experience from riding over the years, without brand bashing or slanted opinions. To me the perfect quad is the one that makes you happy, I could care less about the brand,that's why I recommended he also look at the Warrior,since he did say he liked reverse. In short -- lighten up man, life's too short !!