New toy

[SPDSNYPR]

Well, I have wanted to buy the wife a 250ex for awhile so she could go ride with me, and it would be something my kids could grow into. So I bought one a few days ago, and have to say I love this little thing. It won't pull your arms out of socket with the acceleration, but it has no problems climbing hills. It's just a hoot to take this little thing around the track. Seems like it weighs nothing, and is very easy to ride. Plus, it looks good next to the 400ex. Really happy with the new toy.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a307/jlatzke/quads/0318091615.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a307/jlatzke/quads/IMG_1558.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a307/jlatzke/quads/IMG_1538.jpg

[hondariderdylan]

looks good man
right at home with your 400 in the garage

she will have a blast
:D

[SPDSNYPR]

Now I just need a 700xx to complete the set (450 a little too high-strung for the trail riding we do).

[hondariderdylan]

agreed
plus the 450 has no reverse


but yea, 700 would be a nice addition
plus you can make them look sick

[SPDSNYPR]

I've noticed the 250 is a bit more prone to tipping. Without a wider axle and front end, would slightly smaller tires alleviate this somewhat? If so, what would be a good size rear to go with? General use, not MX.

[hondariderdylan]

you could

but since your wife rides it im sure it doesnt get any serious pounding so i would look at a set of wheel spacers first, then get some wider back tires and get rid of those crappy balloon tires and get some front tires that will grab good

[SPDSNYPR]

Excellent idea. Thanks. No real hard riding, and spacers are relatively inexpensive until the tires get worn out.

[hondariderdylan]

yea

not sure about tires wearing out
i pounded my back tires hard, burnouts on rocks, pavement, jumps,nails, plugs, the works, and they almost lasted 2 years
(they were bald as crap and were about to pop but still)

the fronts last a little longer b/c i still am running mine

might have to pony up some $ sooner than the tires go bad

but one idea would be to go ahead and pull them off and get a set of wider aftermarket tires, and sell your stockers to get some of your money back

[BERT306]

I replace my fiances rear 22" tires with some 20x10x9 Dunlops that come stock on the 450. also added some wheel spacers front and rear. 5" wider in rear and 3" total in front. HELPED A TON!!! She really loves it now and hasn't rolled it yet :)

I bought the Durablue spacers, i think they are graphite or ?? some kinda plastic crap. I should've got aluminum spacers. These suck putting on, if u tighten one stud more than another the wheels wobble lol

[tri5ron]

SPDSNYPR,
I swappedout the rear tires on my wifes 250ex for the same reason. the stock ballons are waaay to rounded and tend to feel unstable.
Since she is a mild mannered trial rider, she does not need a expensive race tire.
I got a set of Carlisle Badlands tires from Pepboys, for something like $27 bucks each. (they actually look alot like the Holeshots), and have a much more squared off profile.

(Another good choice would be the Turf Tamers tires. they are very squared off, and I actually have them on my 400EX, and like them quite well).

then, Since she is NOT an aggresive rider, I flipped the front wheels and it is about 4" wider in the front, for the price of 4 stainles steel valve stems, and drilled two holes. (WAAAY more stable).

Most everyone here will tell you that flipping the fronts is a bad idea, and I basically agree with that train of thought, for any fast/rough/jumping or aggressive riding.
It can cuase more bumpsteer, and put more wear on the spindles, hubs, and tierods.

But since she is a mild mannered trail rider, does no jumping, and basically enjoys her quad as a trailbike, I figure it's ok.

(there is no way, that she puts as much stress on it with the flipped rims, as I can put on it without the rims being flipped).

and besides,... as her skills improve, and she learns to handle it better, and gets a little more aggresive,...
I can always flip them back.


here's a pic of my wifes bike with flipped fronts, and $50 bucks in new rear tires....

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Honda%20trx250ex%20quad/IMG_8847.jpg


but keep in mind that the brake calipers are more exposed to the rocks also...
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Honda%20trx250ex%20quad/IMG_8854.jpg

[SPDSNYPR]

That's awesome. I bought my Jeep tires at Pep Boys - never thought to look for ATV tires there. Also, never thought about turning the wheels around. Breat ideas. Thanks.

[450rJam]

for mild riders I agree with flipping the rims (and its cheap)

with spacers on the rear you can make it about 5-6" wider for less than 50 bucks

I have the zuki 250 and two 250ex that all 3 have this set up
(wife and two daughters love the added stability)

you could always pop your 400ex tires/wheels on the back for test purposes to see how it handles with flat tires
(only 8 nuts)

[tri5ron]

this will give you an idea of just how squared off a set of Turf Tamers are. these are mounted on my stock 400EX rear rims.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_8846.jpg

here's another angle that shows the TT'sprofile pretty well.
They do feel very stable.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_8204.jpg

I've used them on hardpack, softpack, Desert sandy trails, ... (not dunes), rock covered trails, rock faced hills, and am happy with their performance.
But I doubt they would do mud very well, due to they would probably pack up pretty quickly.

I am going to be getting a set of these for my daughters TRX90

[SPDSNYPR]

Thanks again. Took a cell vid of the kids riding around the neihgborhood. Kinda fun to watch the boy (who turns 11 this next week) ride it. BTW - private road, so not illegal. Also a cul-de-sac so almost no traffic. We live a ways outside of town.


<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid14.photobucket.com/albums/a307/jlatzke/quads/0329091559.flv">

[SPDSNYPR]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a307/jlatzke/quads/IMG_1903.jpg

[hondariderdylan]

nice pic

theres not any dirt on it yet????:p

dig the MSR gear
what style/year are they?

[SPDSNYPR]

08 MSR Axxis in red. His Shift 09 boots came in right after that pic, so he's pretty well set up.

And that was like the 4th or 5th ride on that thing. He just does a great job of keeping it clean.

I also just replaced the rear tires with the stock ones off my 400ex. They're more squared-off and smaller - makes it a lot less tippy. Seems to pull harder too.

[hondariderdylan]

cool

i just picked up a set of 09 maxxis gear:D

[SPDSNYPR]

I just got a set of MS09 Axxis gear for me. :D

Workin' OT assignments gives me a bit of money for toys.

[hondariderdylan]

ha
cool

whitch colors did you get?

[SPDSNYPR]

Grey/red pants. Ordered the same colored shirt, but I guess someone else got the last one. They sent me an e-mail, and I sub'd the black. Wish I'd have gotten the black pants now. I'll find a grey-red jersey somewhere. Just gotta look.

[racer 557]

22 on the rear are better i exparenmented with both the 20 pull harder because of gearing like on a chain driven atv smaller gear more low end speed but less top speed 20's to me were to boring around my house but thats just my oppinion

[450rJam]

jmo but the 250ex is alot more fun to ride with 20's

I put my stock rears on my wifes 250ex and it made gave it alot more spunk

we dont ride roads or open fields (just boring to me)
only place we hold them open for any length of time at top end is at the dunes (where the 250ex will bog and fall off speed to fast at the slightest hill)

just me but I would put some light weight stock 20's on the rear (off a 400ex or 450r)

[racer 557]

Well don't put 450r stocks on rear they wear way to fast dude

[hondariderdylan]

Originally posted by racer 557
Well don't put 450r stocks on rear they wear way to fast dude

what does it matter?
there gonna wear no matter what quad there on
they would actually wear faster in the 450 becuase of the greater power being put to them

[450rJam]

I love the 450r stockers, they are light and great for all around riding and mine are lasting great (still on original '06's)
but I ride alot of dunes

the 250ex is a great quad but its not high on performance, so anything you do to take away power is not too smart IMO

[Julken]

I just bought an 07 250ex the other day and found a good deal on some holeshot XCTs for the rear in 22X11X9. Havent gotten around to putting them on yet, trying to decide if i want to use wheel spacers before i put the tires on, so i can do it all at one time. I was looking for some wider tires, but i didnt want to give up the ground clearance in the back. Thats why i went with the 22's.

[hondariderdylan]

if you pound on the quad much(jumps,rocks,MX) wheel spacers are bad news:ermm:

[Julken]

We just usually do mild trail riding, nothing too crazy, my son might get it 3 inches off the ground:)

[450rJam]

here is my wifes 08 250ex, it has flipped rims and 3" spacers on the rear

(6" of added width makes it soooo much more stable)

flipping rims leaves the brakes exposed so watch for large rocks
but you can see how the tires are now wider than the fenders

[racer 557]

Originally posted by SPDSNYPR
That's awesome. I bought my Jeep tires at Pep Boys - never thought to look for ATV tires there. Also, never thought about turning the wheels around. Breat ideas. Thanks.

dont turn wheels inside out the valve cap hits the brake rotor

[racer 557]

$30 i beleive you can get + 5 spacers for front and if you wanted to turn wheels inside out after that these are skrew on spacers per lug but $30 gets you 8 total for the +5 and there cheaper for smaller ones

heres link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ATV-Wheel-Spacers-Spacer-Honda-Yamaha-Kawasaki-Suzuki_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a15Q7c66Q3a 2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec 0Q2em14QQhashZitem27a654ed42QQitemZ170294308162QQp tZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-SRD-ATV-Wheel-Spacers-Honda-400ex-trx450r-300ex_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a15Q7c66Q3a2 Q7c39Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0 Q2em14QQhashZitem29ffb33c0bQQitemZ180383595531QQpt ZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Julken]

Nice quad, i was going to get the white 08, but they wanted way more money for it than the 07 so i have the red one. I love th way that you have widened it, hope to get mine looking like that soon:)

[450rJam]

if you do it right the stem wont hit

you need to drill a 3/8" new hole on inside of rim and put the valve stem in backwards (cap inside wheel)

no problems

[jzpapa]

For those that widened the front, what affect did it have on steering? Any harder, bump steer?? I widened the rear on my kid's, but would like to widen the front also.

[jzpapa]

Originally posted by 450rJam
here is my wifes 08 250ex, it has flipped rims and 3" spacers on the rear

(6" of added width makes it soooo much more stable)

flipping rims leaves the brakes exposed so watch for large rocks
but you can see how the tires are now wider than the fenders

Flipping the front wheels is equivalent to how large a spacer?

[Julken]

Has anyone used the spacers that are on e-bay for 30.00? Any problems with them as opposed to dura-blue spacers?

[jzpapa]

I used these, a little more expensive, but well made.

$50 spacers (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220447099014&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT)

[Julken]

ok, thanks

[racer 557]

i had them on our 250 but took them off for my 400 now there not on completly because of cross country racing

work good havnt broken one line up perfect to

[racer 557]

Originally posted by jzpapa
I used these, a little more expensive, but well made.

$50 spacers (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220447099014&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT)


thats the ones i have i couldnt find them again but those pairs i found still look good

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by jzpapa
For those that widened the front, what affect did it have on steering? Any harder, bump steer?? I widened the rear on my kid's, but would like to widen the front also. I currently have flipped front rims on my wifes 250EX.
Yes it does make for harder Bump Steer. as well, any type of spacer, will also cause more, and harder, Bump Steer. it was my wifes main complaint on our last trail ride, and was the cause of her getting fatiuged sooner than normal.

the correct way to acheive a wider front end, for more stability, and no increased Bump Steer,would be either longer a-arms, or one of the a-arm widening kits.

[jzpapa]

^^ Thanks!

[wheelman]

These 250 ex 's really are great little quads. I got this one for my girl to ride with me after I got my 700xx. It's a 2002 and I got it for $1150, all stock and excellent shape. Runs awesome and is perfect for her.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_TjWmsQ4uLMo/TGSahY7-1qI/AAAAAAAAA-I/szXe0jWhAJo/s800/081210200519.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_TjWmsQ4uLMo/TGv9Kr4bUaI/AAAAAAAAA-4/NRjIN1Gglzw/s800/2010-08-12_19-50-29_517.jpg

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by wheelman
These 250 ex 's really are great little quads. I got this one for my girl to ride with me after I got my 700xx. It's a 2002 and I got it for $1150, all stock and excellent shape. Runs awesome and is perfect for her.
Awesome buy! and yes they are GREAT machines. Litteraly bulletproof.
Now,
although there is not alot in the way of upgrades or modifications for the 250EX, it really does'nt NEED much.
BUT !,...... SHE needs some protection,for her to learn to ride, enjoy the ride, and to want to continue to ride...
(I'm not just refering to the obvious saftey gear).

First and foremost,.... GET SOME NERFBARS.
The LAST thing you want for her to do, is to have her foot slip off of the peg, and break her ankle/leg.
That would be a surefire way to turn her off of the whole riding thing.

Next, get some good handguards.
This will protect her from some bonehead roosting by in front of her, and throwing a rock into her knuckles.
(Dont forget about the chest protector too).

Then you can start to add some stuff to HER quad,... that YOU get to benefit from. (do you know how cool it is to be able to have a packed lunch, some cold drinks, munchies, a pack of baby wipes, camera, tools, Flat tire repair kit, tow rope, and OF COURSE,...TTP-(Trail Toilet Paper),... (because I've never met a woman YET, that can go ANYWHERE with out having some tissue paper with her), LOL!

pretty soon, you've basically got a traveling pit crew following you, that brings your lunch and a cold beer TOO !!!
Here's what my wifes 250EX looks like now......

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Honda%20trx250ex%20quad/IMG_8847.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Honda%20trx250ex%20quad/IMG_8266.jpg


I also have a detachable rack and bag for mine, and we have even gone on a camping trip, (Quads only), and had a Blast!
Everthing in the picture below, was packed in on our quads.
This includes Tent, Airmatress, Pump, Sleepingbags, Pots/pans, Stove, Lantern, Music, Table, Chairs, Food, Drinks, Pistols, (oh yeah,.... and of course the vital TTP).

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Pinnacles%20ride%207-04-09/IMG_9928.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Pinnacles%20ride%207-04-09/IMG_9931.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Pinnacles%20ride%207-04-09/IMG_9925.jpg


Trail Ready, and on the move.....

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Pinnacles%20ride%207-04-09/IMG_9947.jpg


She loves her quad, and loves to ride. She is a novice rider, and has no intrest in doing jumps, rooster tails, donuts, wheelies etc.
She will probably never "graduate" into a bigger, faster, more powerful machine, and that is just fine.
She just likes to cruise, and have a good time. and THAT means more riding time enjoyed by all...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Pinnacles%20ride%207-04-09/IMG_9975.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Pinnacles%20ride%207-04-09/IMG_9968.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Fathers%20Day%202009/IMG_9886.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Fathers%20Day%202009/IMG_9909.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Mothers%20day%20camping%202010/IMG_1502.jpg


Enjoy, and now get that thing all tricked out for her !!!

I've even got 2-way radios with "in helmet" speakers and mic's, and PTT buttons on the handlebars,...
So that we can talk while riding. It is nice to be able to warn her of an obstacle, on coming riders, etc., and I've got about a 2 mile range with them in case we were to get seperated.

( now I'm even working on a little amp, handlebar mounted speakers and Ipod mount, for her to be able to cruise with her favorite tunes, Hahaha !!!)

A.A.D.S. Knows NO REST !!!

Welcome to the forums, alot of good knowledgeable folks here.

Ride Hard, Ride safe, and Keep the rubber side down,
Ron

[HondaRacing83]

lmao,no offence ron but i think its hilarious to see SPORT quads with all that stuff on it lol

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by HondaRacing83
lmao,no offence ron but i think its hilarious to see SPORT quads with all that stuff on it lol Yeah, your not the first to make that comment, and no offence taken.

I'll just say the same as I always have.
Not all of us here are into MX racing, Track riding, or Grandure and Glory.
I have no desire to be the fastest or most radical guy out there.
I have never ridden my quad at a place that has Spectators in the grandstands, Announcers on loudspeakers, Sponsored teams in the parking lot, Vendors peddeling hotdogs, or Clowns selling ballons for the kiddies.

My racks and bags can be removed in under 3 minutes, and with the mods I have done to the bike, it is a respectable, reliable, XC/Trail machine that has never let me down. I may be carrying a tire repair kit, signal mirror, tools, snake bite kit, towrope, or a .357
sort of depends on the ride.

I am, and will always be a trail rider, and I enjoy riding with my family and friends, teaching my kids, sharing a campfire, grilling a good steak, and drinking a cold brew.

I get a big kick out of hearing how the younger "hotrod riders" are constantly trying to out-do each other, and are on a quest to beat the next guy riding a 450.
Yet knowing all good and well, that they are probably not up for a 7 or 8 hour ride, out through the middle of the desert, with no means of support or assistance when they break down, get hungry, or need to go take their nappy time.

I'm on my own out there, and it is my responsibility to insure that my family is safe, having a good time, and that we all make it back to camp in one piece.

For Me, it's all about camping and riding with my family ,Lending a hand, repairing a broken down fellow rider or helping some lost rider find their way back to the safety of his Mommy or Daddy.

So as hilarious as it may be for some, to see a rack/pack on a "SPORT" quad,....
I've never once been laughed at, (nor would I care), when I'm pulling some needy rider back to his camp.

As a matter of fact, I've ended up having a steak or burger cooked for me, a cold 12 pack stuck into my ice chest that wasn't there a few minutes ago, and I get Christmas cards from people I've only met once.

Like the song says,
"I'm a Cowboy,... On a Steel Horse, I Ride,... ".

I'll See ya 25 - 30 miles out on the trail.
I'll have a cold drink, something to eat, a band-aid, and a tow rope waiting for ya.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[HondaRacing83]

lol yeah youve got quite the point,i dont worry about that cuz as of now the only person i ride with his my friend on a 250ex,if i had to go on a long ride with anyone on here it would be you ron!

[wheelman]

Man that looks like alot of fun. We do love to camp, and I've always thought a quad trip like that would be amazing. BTW, she does at least have a quality helmet. That's just a poser pic (not moving). And I'll probably get some nerf bars soon. If anybody has a certain brand to suggest, hit me with em. Oh and I've already been looking at racks too, she drives slow so we can use her quad to load all of the equipment! lol.

[hondariderdylan]

i personally like AC racings nerfs. they are kind of a pain on the fit, but are very strong.

look around on the picture thread and find some you like.

[tri5ron]

The nerfs on my wife's bike are the DG Fat series.

I like them because they are VERY rigid/strong, not too big and bulky, they install easily, fit perfectly, and they do not require removing the OEM pegs or heel guards.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Honda%20trx250ex%20quad/IMG_73071.jpg

Another thing I suggest installing is skid plates.
At LEAST a upgraded Diff plate. (Skid plate).

The way I see it,... a rock could crack the Diff casing, and that would be FAR mor expensive to replace than the cost of the heavy duty plate. I guess it's more "Insurance" and piece of mind for me, than anything else.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Honda%20trx250ex%20quad/IMG_73001.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Honda%20trx250ex%20quad/IMG_72991.jpg


here's a pic of the rear rack, without the cargo bag installed...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_8210.jpg


Another thing that you might want to consider, is a mod I did to her bike that really has worked out well.
Women have smaller, weaker hards than we do, and are more prone to getting cramps in their hands and thumbs.

The thumb throttle is in such a position, that they never really get their hand into a comfortable position, and this causes cramps and a sore thumb rather quickly.

there are alot of aftermarket "Extenders" available, but they just make the throttle lever longer, and don't do muck about the POSITION of the thumb.
(Besides, I just didn't like the design of any of them)
So I made my own, and my wife likes it ALOT better.

Here's a link to the "How To" thread I did on it...

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=370765&highlight=more+sore


Then of course,...
You have to pesonalize/monogram it for her...... LOL!

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Honda%20trx250ex%20quad/IMG_73121.jpg

Have fun and hope you enjoy,
Ron