I'm thinking about buying one or the other for my 14 year old son. I am leaning more towards the Recon. Can anyone offer some opinions on these 2 quads?

 

Since you posted this on the Yamaha forum one would assume you are leaning toward or wanting more input on the beartracker.

The Recon we have is great. No problems or issues so far.

We looked at the Beartracker, Bayou, Recon & trail blazer before purchasing. The Recon fit my wife the best & she liked the way it handled. Thus we purchased a Honda.

Does this mean a Honda is right for your situation? NO

Test drive as many as possible & then get the one you like best.

 

Snowshark,
I agree with you on test driving as many as I can before buying. The problem is most of the dealers I've spoken to, don't seem real happy to let you test drive their machines. I've read a lot of good things on the Recon but not that much on the Beartracker. I did read that the a-arms on the Bayou are weak. That's why I'm mostly relying on this forum and from what I read. I've narrowed it down to these two. Thanks for your reply.

2001 Kodiak - stock

 

I like the Recon and if i had the chance i would get one all over again i am also 14 and i ride a blaster but the first 4wheeler i had was a Recon when i was 12 an i love it havent had one problem except for my shifter screw breaking and that wasnt hondas fault that was me and my friends and it is a long story so dont hold it against honda. I love my recon and wont trade it for anything it is perfect for mudding, towing, and just having fun i mean i would bring it out to motorcross tracks and hit all the jumps with it and didnt bother me none so if you can afford it get it. P.S. dont get a trailblazer just in case you were thinking about it my friend has a 99 and it has had somany problems it isnt funny. Hope this helps. L8TA

 

Bear Tracker......Have u read the review about it on this site???For 2001 i believe it has full disk breaks to and a larger frame then the recon

 

go with the Beartracker over the Recon but have you thought about the 250EX? basically it is a sportier looking Recon with better suspension. The Beatracker is a physically bigger machine, the Recon seems small compared to the Beartracker.

 

Recon....no contest definatly the best built machine in this class. I have ridden both and ended up buying the Recon. The Recon's motor responds better, and it is a very well built machine just start it and ride, have had no problems what so ever. I also have a Wolverine so I'm not just partial to Honda. But ride both you may decide otherwise and besides.... it's your dough.

 

where did you hear that the a-arms on the Bayou are weak? I would like to read that. I like to know what to look out for on my quad. thanks.

 

Go with the beartracker. Top speed on radar for recon 38.5 ( ATV action mag )drum brakes all around. Beartracker front disc brakes slightly larger frame. I own neither, but my wife has a 1999 Bayou 220 with the weaker designed front end, i doubt that it will ever cause her trouble because of her riding style. Looked at all three and bought her the 220 based on her needs. Buy one and have fun. Get the one that fits your needs.

 

I had a Timberwolf, which evolved into the present Beartracker. It was a great machine that loved abuse and low maintenance. I had the first year t-wolf and it had a design flaw that cracked the plastic floor board but they fixed it the next year and was only a cosmetic flaw. I also had a Recon and it was a solid machine. Some weaknesses of the Recon are excessive vibration. I lost a few nuts and bolts due to this. The Recon is VERY cold natured, unless they've cured that. It would not stay started for the first 5 minutes in weather that wasn't warm, but then was fine after that. Also, the Recon has to be started in neutral, (unless that's changed), which is a real pain unlike a Yamaha that can be started in any gear. Both are capable quads though.

2000 Kodiak 4x4/beige
2000 warn winch w/fairlead roller
Escavators x4
alum rear skid
Koplin gun boot and metal mount (deer season).