Buying new sport atv?

[CJM]

Currently I have a suzuki 230 sport, its old and in decent shape but kinda small and not to powerfull. Was thinking about getting a used yamaha warrior or a honda 400ex, cant really decide which is better. Unless someone has a better suggestion on a make/model, sport only.

Looking to spend at most 3k.. AFAIK:

Warrior: Proven design, older, heavier (more stable?), reverse

400: Nimble b/c of suspension and weighs less, no reverse unless 05+

I am 6ft and about 175lbs, pretty conservative rider and really only ride trails, no racing.

Any thoughts?

[Good Times]

Can't help ya one bit cuz I have no experience in this area (though I wouldn't mind one myself I just can't find the time to play with it). Anyway if you're going to look for something used try craigslist/crazedlist. I'm sure you'll find some great deals if you go that route :)

good luck!

[Stevo3]

Well, in your case, is reverse really something you need? Or is it going to be the lazy way out :-P. Anywho, I go to the dunes quite often. In our group of people that go someone has the mentioned quads. And ill tell you what. The 400ex is one of the most reliable quads I have ever seen to be honest. My brother has a 2000 400ex has has nothing major done to it, just your typical maintenece. And my buddies wife has a 350 warrior. I cant say much for it because I only see it 3 times out of the year, Seems fairly reliable to me. And Im not sure if it has had any major service done to it.

Me personally, I have the Honda 450R. I love the thing to death. Lots of power and torque for being bone stock. I cant tell you how reliable it is yet, its an 05' and has prolly seen only a good 40 - 50 hours riding time. But with that I havent had any problems. Actually getting ready to do some extensive motor work to it though to really make this thing alive :D.

In the long run, its really a personal decision for yourself. Do you really need the reverse? Do you want a lighter or heavier quad? And how much power do you really need for the trails you go on? Pretty much a good majority of the Name Brand quads, not the chinese market quads are all pretty reliable as long as you care for them. Ohh and by the way you can pick up a Honda 450R these days for 3k.

[CJM]

Thanks Stevo3.

I have ridden both before and like I said its tough. I dont enjoy being able to wheelie like crazy in every gear on a 400 b/c its lighter and has more power, butit handled better. The warrior doesnt like to jump up to much but still had decent power.

I like having reverse b/c its just handy overall, I mean its not like a lazy thing, but backing the quad up for whatever reason is just a nice feature. I dunno, is reverse something people really use? I mean I use it on my 230 for various stuff, my older quads didnt have it and I kinda got by.

I wish I could afford a 450R, a 400 suk/artic cat/kawasaki (same atv), or something similar, but those are outta my price range and I think outta my ability with to much power. I have been riding for a long time, but like I said I kinda ride conservatively. I ride fast and do some jumps and whatnot, but I am not the kind to wheelie along or do insane jumps where i catch 6ft of air.

Its a tough choice, if I could find a 400 from 05+ cheaper perhaps that would be the way to go, warriors saving grace is it wasnt changed for manyyears so there is a huge aftermarket and parts are really easy to find.