Auto Clutch Newbie Recommendation <$600

[UI Vandal]

My bud and his wife visited over the weekend. Since we have a good bit of snow on the ground and the wives were enjoying my wife’s new sewing machine, I suggested we head out to putt around on my 200s. We went to a local hill/ride area. He has never ridden a four wheeler let alone a three wheeler. Let's just say he couldn’t tell if his hands or his teeth were colder from smiling and having so much fun. So after our outing lasted 5 hours, he is now looking to get one at the end of the month when he has an extra lump of cash coming in.

He is a big guy (5'11" but ~280) but felt my 200s was quick enough (200x carb and xr200 cam, overall pretty mild). He wants an auto clutch so his wifey or anyone can hop on and enjoy it. Cosmetics is not a priority. It would be used as a camping toy, occasional trail rider, and target setter when he goes shooting. Reliable as possible is a huge plus, as is a four stroke. He would prefer a quad but wouldn’t turn away a trike. I was thinking things along the line of a Fourtrax 200sx for a quad (or a 250sx for a trike…if I can find one under $600). What are some other quads that would fit this description?


Reliable
As quick or quicker than my setup
Auto clutch
Possible to find in decent running condition for under $600
Frame no smaller than a 200s

[UI Vandal]

Quadrunner lt230? Bayou? How would they compare to the 200sx?

[Rotten]

Yea A Bayou 220 is a good all around quad

Im a big guy too 6 foot 250lbs and my 250sx pulls my big ass around with no hesitation!

[bugler30]

for less than $600? going to have to keep your eyes peeled for a heck of a deal on a quad that isn't a total basket case, should be able to find a decent 200e or 200es though for that price. If they want to step up a little a polaris 250 trailblazer would be a good one and can be had for about 1200-1500. IMO its better to spend a little more and get something that isn't a basket case, especially for beginners because safety and reliability are #1.

[UI Vandal]

It is not too hard. I have found multiple 200sx (From a ragged $300 one, to a mint one with front + rear racks asking for $700), a couple Bayou (One completely rebuilt and perfect plastics asking for $650 and a little more used one for $400), and a decent lt230 for $500. I started this thread to get peoples opinions on that class of quad (entry level sport and utility quads). Hopefully more people will speak up so I can make a more informed choice.

[oldskool83]

My 1st quad was a bayou 220, it did pretty well. they sell 250's now. could prob find one of them cheap. i wouldnt buy a basket cast if your new to this...u wanna ride not tinker.

[UI Vandal]

I agree about not buying a basket case. At the same time, these models are readily available with fresh rebuilds, smooth bearings, and solid frames for a price of ~$600. People pick up decent three wheelers all the time for under $300 and it seems that quads are available in good condition for a couple hundred more. So, let me rephrase the question:

Assuming the above mentioned intended riding and good condition which would be a better quad and why:

220 Bayou
200sx
Quadrunner lt230
Lakota Sport

Also, keep in mind this is not for me, it is for a friend.

[UI Vandal]

Ended up finding him a 1986 200sx locally in great condition for $800. I wasnt willing to pay that, but he is an impatient guy and would rather pay more for less hassel. The quad feels like a heavier first gen 200x, about equal in power (no surprise since it shares an engine with the second gen 200x, just more weight), and less suspension. My bud didnt care, it is still 100% fun for him.
Wife picked up her first quad this week: 1987 250x.
Now I am eyeing a 350x that is local. Spring is coming and I am ready for it!