Opinions wanted on early/mid 90's sport ATV's.

[NYH1]

We're thinking about getting another ATV. We currently have four, but there are five of us. I'd like to get a early/mid 90's sport ATV. It will be used as a trail ATV and just general riding.

The ATV's I'm considering are the Honda Fourtrax 250X and 300EX, Kawasaki Mojave 250, Suzuki Quad Sport 250 and Yamaha Warrior 350. I have experience with the 250X and Warrior. I had a 92 250X for a few years. My uncle had a late 80's Warrior. I've always liked the Warrior's size. I'm 6 foot, 250 lbs.

I rode a Quad Sport 230 years ago. I use to ride with a guy that had a 250 Quad Sport. I never rode it though. My 250X and his QS 250 seemed to perform pretty much the same as far as power and speed.

I don't have any experience with the 300EX or the Mojave. I did ride a 400EX once. I don't need the power the 400EX has. Is it safe to assume that the 250X and 300EX are pretty much the same machine with the 300EX having a little more power?

How do the five ATV's I mentioned stack up against each other as far as performance, handling and overall quality go's? I'm sure each model has their own flaws. What are some things to look for with them? Hopefully I can find one that is still stock.

The Kawasaki Lakota looks nice too. I think I want a manual clutch though.

[Lloyd Smale]

aint going to be much help as the only one i have experience with is the warrior and you allready know about them. Mine is and old red one from the first year of production and its been bullet proof!!

[NYH1]

Thanks for the reply Lloyd! 

[charles p]

Have never owned but one.  It is a Honda 300 TRX made in 90 or 91.  Still runs great.  Wish I could get a car that was a dependable.

[1 farmer]

I had a Honda 250X for about 7 years, Great machine,I never had to work on it just regular maintenance. My brother had a 300ex and it also was a great machine, just a little more power over the 250x.He has a mint 250x that just sets. For some reason the back shock leaked its fluid out so he never rode it. I bet it doesnt have 200 miles on it.

[WildCat301]

I have heard nothing but problems out of the Kawa and it is by far the least popular. The 250ex might be a little bit on the smaller side for you and if it isnt, I would take a look at a 03 or newer yamaha blaster. I would take the 300ex over the warrior if I was a more aggressive rider, if I was just a slow trail rider I would look at the warrior. I wouldnt scratch the 400ex off the list just yet. Yes it has more power then the other quads, but its easy to handle power. If you are looking at something that is just cheap in price, look at the suzuki lt230.

[NYH1]

Thanks for the replies! 

[2zuks]

The 300ex is bulletproof. It also has reverse. If I am not mistaken, the 250 does not have reverse. My little brother has ridden a 300ex for years with no problems at all.

[Hunter_Smurf]

I have no idea what year the kawasaki bayous are but i was very impressed with the bayou 220 of a friends I rode . i wpould imagine it is comparable to the ones you listed.  2 X 4 - shifts with foot-no clutch

they had a 325 magnum and a polaris 700 and this bayou went every place they did and a little more .  i was over the tires in mud and water and it pulled threw.i got stuck and needed a tow once but that was driver error ( first time on one ) .  if i ever get to where i need an extra around for a cheap priced ( i seen them around here for $250 - $1000 ) the bayou has my vote..

my brother picked up a bayou that needed repair with a plow for $200  turns out the carb needed a good going threw they had it running about 2 hours after bringing it home and some other part i forget what it was, around $30 made it run like a champ..