Buddy wanting to buy a quad

[Scratt]

Hey I have a friend wanting to purchase a quad but he doesn't know to much about them. I got him leaning towards a 250r but I am just checking what other options are out there that compare. It sounds like he wants a 2 stroke but what you guys think would be good were going to do much trail riding in the woods and in the mountains and such. He is also an experienced rider.

[partsmaster]

This area doesn't get much attention, so ill jump on. If he's hung up on a 2 stroke, that's going to narrow his choices down to basically the 250r (awesome!) Quadracers, tecate 4 (if they even exist anymore) or the blaster/banshees. Asside from the yamahas, the other bikes haven't been mfg in 20+ years, further narrowing down his choices. There are probably some other models ( I won't mention polaris) but those are the most popular I believe.

Now, if a 4 stroke is an option, I'm a diehard honda guy so I'll pony up and recomend a 400ex. For trail riding and woods mine has been perfect. Definately not the fastest bike, but plenty of power for me for wheelies and powerslides. Mines an 05, first year for reverse gear so that was the reason I chose it over the newly released 450r. I love mine, electric start, decent power, huge aftermarket support and typical easy 2 work on and reliable. Good luck

[Scratt]

How much do the 400ex's cost just curious? He is wanting to stick to honda's too i think I was just wondering if anyone knows how the tecate 4 handles? I seen a couple for under $2000 and wondering if they are something to consider. If not I think I will try finding him a 250r

[partsmaster]

In my area, it seems the 99-04s are listed on CL all the time for 1500-2K. The 05s and up seem 2 go for 1800-3500. That's in usable ridable condition. You may be lucky if there's much more than a handful of guys on here with T4s, but like I said beings this a 3 wheeler site, the quad boards don't get much action. Maybe one of the experts will chime in

[ezmoney1979]

If your friend doesnt know much about quads I also would say- 400EX. Along with the 250X/300EX they are, in my opinion, the most reliable quads ever made. You specified the terrain you ride (trails, mountains) but how tight and technical are the trails? A 400EX does very well when the trails get tight and has decent power, but what holds it back a bit is weight. I personally ride a 450 in the woods. There are some very steep and technical areas that I ride that I cant make it up on a 400EX, and the extra power and lighter weight of a 450 gives it a big advantage. Of course with the propper set-up a two stroke can do good in the woods. Dont laugh (ok you can) but I actually rode a Blaster for a while as my woods bike and it did well the way I had it set-up, and it was just as fast as a 400EX. Dont forget the Z/DVX/KFX 400 also. I have ridden a few of those machines and they perform a lot like the 400EX. I guess maybe price will make the decision in the end?

[stevensj13]

If he wants a 2 stroke get him a Blaster. It has 20 years of parts and aftermarket support, and they rip when you port/polish and get a 240 kit. Their also cheap too. You can buy a runner in good shape for $800 around here. Great trail quads too. I love em, have owned 5 or 6 of em and have a 12x12 shed full of all kinds of parts and frames....

[Scratt]

He is really experienced with quads just doesn't know the technical information I think were both leaning towards the 250r and why I say that over blaster is because he is a built guy way probably 230 pounds so I think that's to heavy for blaster I was thinking of one of those for my girl friend oh and also were driving all sorts of trails and oPen country like farm fields.

[LT80]

I love my 250R but I'd recommend a 4 stroke.
I'm 250# and I love my 300ex. I leave the R at home to trail ride with the 300ex.
There are so many aftermarket options for the 300/400/450R
If I may...I'd get a 400ex and get good shocks for it.
Quadzone.com usually has loads of used machines for relatively cheap.

[HuffieVA]

Id say if its for trails and woods you cant beat a Blaster for affordable fun, good parts availability and alot of aftermarket support still out there. I wouldn't recommend a modern four stroke unless you bought it new or personally knew the owner... they are nice, they are fast, and they have all kinds of power but they are also ticking time bombs if they aren't maintained correctly, and you could buy two Blasters for the cost of a good rebuild

[LT80]

Why are the 4 strokes time bombs? IMO they last forever.
My 300 I've beat for 5 years and it was used when I got it, no problems.
My Kymco Mongoose! 2- 12 hour races, Countless trail riding miles, 2 MX nationals, and I finally break the foreward gears at a XC event. The motor is still running strong.
My Honda foreman, I won't be into that for years to come.
I've rebuilt my 250R plenty of times. I figured out 1 time that I got like 500 miles out of 1 bore on my R.
My 88 Suz 4x4 (long sold) had 2500 miles on it.
Not to go on and on, but that's my 4/2 stroke expieriences. Just looking for your opinion. :)