Hey, Im new here and was searching around for awhile. I recently started looking into buying an ATV, always wanted one but now that I have a good paying job, can finally afford one.
Basically I want something I can drive around the yard, on my snow mobile tracks/trails (no real big jumps or anything, but some small bumps) and around hay fields. I'v never owned an ATV and only driven one a few times in the past. I was mostly leaning towards a '05 z250, it's in my price range and not a monster since I am not real experienced. But after reading through posts earlier this afternoon, not sure if its best for me.
I'm just under 6 feet tall and around 150 pounds. With what I plan to do with the ATV and my height and weight, will the z250 be enough for me or should I hold out and get something alittle bigger like a 400? Like I said, the z250 is closer to what I'd want to spend, but if I'm going to grow out of it quick, Id rather not spend the money on it, and just wait and go bigger. Thanks

 

I own an '04 z250 and when I first got it, it seemed to have enough power but after a while i got used to it and now im looking at the 400's. So if you want a real solid bike that has preformance that you will be satisfied with for a long time go with the z400 it is cheaper in the long run. If you are looking to spend around $4,000 then you could definently find a used '03 or '04 z400 for that price. But you could wait until the z450's come out {they will be released this summer} and purchase a '05 z400 for pretty cheap because everyone will be wanting the biggest and baddest 450. I hope this helps...
RIDE YELLOW[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

To be honest, the Z400 might be a bit much for a beginner. But on the other hand a Z250 might become boring too quickly for you. If you have some sled experience as you suggest than perhaps the z400 might be OK, you'd just have to be smart and you would likely be fine.

I've found that people in your range are often better suited towards something like a Warrior, or a new Raptor350, or even a 400ex. All that being said, the 04 and earlier z400 was a bit more friendly in the power band than the '05s. The '05s have quite a bit more mid-range bite than the earlier years and I've heard of less experienced rides getting into trouble.

 

Yeah like I said, its going to be new to me so id rather have something that I can handle from the begining. Also my g/f already said she wants to learn to drive it when I get one, so maybe going for the 250 is best. And in the worst case scenerio, I could always get a bigger one later on and let the g/f drive the 250. That way she'd have sothing to ride along with me.

 

The Z250 will be an excellent choice for your needs, you can jump it, wheelie it, or putt around utility style. The shaft drive eases maintanance and the auto-clutch makes it girl friend, wife, and even kid friendly. Will it rip your arms off, no, but it will get you there and looks pretty good also. I have an 04 that I use in all of the above situations (except th gf part) and I love it.