I have been considering getting a good reliable atv for some time now. Have been a fan of the warrior for as long as I remember. Don't want a two-stroke, don't need 4wd and a raptor is a little over my budget ($5000.00). I know there is a rumored new quad coming out but I really don't see it being under $5000.00 and I am a little "iffy" about buying a new design.
Not really looking for the fastest on the street either.
Reliability is very important and being able to mod it is slightly important.
Is there any major reservations on buying a new warrior?
thanks for any info.

 

I've had a warrior for a few months now and I kind of wish I had gone with a higher end bike but same as you I had budget restraints, didn't want 2 stroke and wanted Yamaha... soooo... that leaves the warrior. There is alot of mod potential for the warrior it seems so hopefully any performance issues I have will be taken care of but that leaves the looks. Most all new high end bikes have that wicked look like the Raptor... the warrior doesn't have it and I don't think much can be done so Im just gonna have to learn to deal with it.

Those are pretty much my feelings so far... otherwise its been a very tough bike I haven't flipped it yet but Ive rammed fences and poles and been thrown a few times =) Done considerable jumping and while I don't really have anything to compare it to I haven't had anything to complain about. Most of my friends that have quads have enjoyed riding mine so its not terrible... but its average. If you can handle that, no problems =). I just wish it was more like the Honda 400EX in looks and performance.

 

I'm not a faithful Yamaha Guy just a lover of ATV's in general. I think maybe a good used 400ex or save a little longer and get a new one but For what you say you want this would be my recomendation to ya!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I would go with 400ex, love the 2 I have. I also have a 300ex which I will be getting rid of for a bigger quad. The Warrior is in between the two, but my 300 with mods would beat the warriors we hung out with that had mods. But there are others in the same ball park to consider.

 

Man,
Had a warrior and great trails bike. Made trips all over NC and WV with mine. I live in SC. The only drawback is if you ever want to run with your friends. I mean run as in "play race". Save more money or buy used EX. As great as a trail bike as it is it is not in same league as newer bikes. I'm not bashing but one of the happiest days I had is getting the EX after constantly getting left on by newer bikes. If you aren't into play racing or jumping it will be great. Very dependable and easy to ride. I had a blast on mine but quickly was ready for more quad. Have fun and be safe.

 

Thanks guys. I knew the honda 400ex would come up. Unless they have made a model with reverse, I won't buy it. I know alot of people disagree with needing reverse but this thing will be 90% trail/woods riding and some small creeks. It may seem useless to some but when you need reverse, it is invaluable.

Sooooo, not considering the 400ex, anyone have any other input?

 

I have an 03 Warrior. I agree with DietCokeOfEvil...except on one level. With the right mods it will keep up with almost everything in the trails. If you do go with the Warrior the first mods i would get are new back tires, K&N airfilter, and a new exhaust. That put more bark in the Warriors bike.

 

thanks fenton.

I have ridden a 2000 model and it is plenty fast for the type of riding I do. I'll probably go down to the shop today and take a look at them.
Still looking for any more input.

de

 

The Warrior is a very fun and capable trail quad. Mine is highly modded and guess what...it will pull away from my brother's piped 400EX. I think it's funny that everyone has to buy the most powerfull and best handling quad, and then can't ride it to it's potential!

There are guys who ride Raptors, but are not fast. I should have bought a newer style quad, but since I didn't, I just built mine up. If you do woods riding, HP is not going to make you fast. Riding experience is what will get you going.

It sounds like the Warrior will be perfect for you. The first mod should be new rear tires. When you start wanting more power then you can build it up. When you need even more power, hopefully the quad will be paid off and you can trade it in for the new model that wil replace the Warrior!

The Warrior may not be the sportiest looking quad, but you can get it looking good.
Check out my quad.

 

Hey de8212,

I was in the same place as you a while back. I already had a CR500, so speed wasn't my concern. I will probably get killed for this, but I just wanted to slow down (a little) and ride the woods, and I wanted something my wife wouldn't be afraid to ride. Also I wanted something reliable that would last ten or more years, so I can give it to my son when he gets old enough (he is one now). I got a 2003 Warrior, and havent regreted it yet. My friend rides with me on a 400ex, and when we go to the track he is quicker, but 95% of the time we ride woods, and I usually wait for him to catch up. Also, if you climb hills much, his 4000ex always stalls, were I just keep climbing. He also regrets not having reverse. I love the reverse because I make wrong turns a lot.

As far as mods, there's a ton of stuff out there. So far all I have done is the full body and swingarm PRM Skidplates (which I would highly recomend if you are woods and trail riding, the stock plates suck). That is all the mods I have done and I love my Warrior. I plan on getting new rear tires and a WB E-series pipe soon, then later a new front bumper. Other than that I just ride, and don't worry about buying stuff for it.

If that is all you want to do with your quad you won't regret the Warrior. I am actualy thinking about getting a second Warrior for my wife soon (as soon as she gets more comfortable riding quads).