Need help on deciding what ATV to buy or fix.

[86trizinger]

Well I have been looking to fix my ATV or get another one.. I am only really looking for something to ride some trails , few jumps here .My son is just learning to ride and what something I can teach him with as he rides behind me. Not looking for anythign too serious but something reliable with a little power would be nice. I like to have fun but not insanley fast.
I'm 5'11" 200 lbs.

Here are my options so far but I am open to more:

1. I currently have a 1987 Honda 250x.. that the case was wound up cracked after riding it a few times.. so this would need a new engine. So I can put a 300ex engine into it and a few other goodies for it for around a $1000

2. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 250 NEW for 3000

3. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 350 NEW for 4000

4. USed 2006 Honda 400ex with low hours, new plastic.. $3000 with 6 month
warranty

5. NEW 2008 Honda 250ex shaft drive for 3500

6. USED Honda 300ex I can find a decent one for around $2000

Although I thought about spending almost twice that and get the 2008 Polaris Outlaw 500 with idependent rear suspension they have on sale for $5500.. BUt I can't justify spending quite that much.. Probably way more then I need.

Please give me some input.. I have no clue what one to get.

[brapp]

if its just a cracked case pullthe motro and have a good welding shop tig it back together dependign where its cracked.

[86trizinger]

I was going to do that.. But the previous owner beat me too it.. Case is warped from the heat.. slag is everywhere.. I got 20 pieces of metal the size of a penny out of the case. We tried cleaning up all the welds but the shafts are still in a bind. The top end was good is all thats left.

I am starting to lean towards the used 400ex from teh dealer for $3000 but not sure if that is a good deal or not. Or if I should just go in there and lowball them with a cash offer.

[UlsterATCFan]

For an extra 500 you could have the brand new 250ex, nothing beats the smell of a brand new ATV engine

[86trizinger]

Actaully I looked at one but wast sure about shaft drive though.. If i were to jump anything it would be a max of 5 ft at the very most.. They have it on sale for 3299 right now.

[BigGreenMachine]

Put a 350X motor in your 250X.

Stay clear of the shaft drive sport quads, you will outgrow them way too fast if not already because your a big boy at 200lbs. lol (no offence meant )

[86trizinger]

No offense taken.. I weighes 180 lbs for 12 years.. then I injured my shoulder and 3 surgeries and 2 years later its not better and I gained 50 lbs.. Lost some of it already so Im back down to around 200... shooting for 180 though.. LOL..

Since I have a permanent shoulder injury I need to keep the ATv as light as possible so I can manage to ride it longer.

[BigGreenMachine]

Well Fourstroketech or Powroll make a kit to put the 350X motor into the 250X chassis. Thats the route I would go. Get a solid X motor and work from there I say.

The quads you listed except for the EX would all be too small. The EX is a great choice also.

[86trizinger]

the 350x engines are hard to come by.. I think i should go with the 400 ex.. They are asking 3000 for it.. SHould I offer less to then.. They have had it ove ra month.

[rdlsz24]

3k for an '06 400ex sounds pretty good if there is nothing wrong with it.

Rob

[cody2]

the 350x engines are hard to come by.. I think i should go with the 400 ex.. They are asking 3000 for it.. SHould I offer less to then.. They have had it ove ra month.

Ya, plus warranty is a plus.