Need advice on quad brand and size for older beginner

[ggdualsport]

I would like to buy a used quad and learn how to trail ride, jump a little, and do hare scrambles.

If it matters, my stats are:
Female, 40+, 5'5", 130

Experience:
Could not handle the KX100 I purchased 3 yrs ago--throttle too touchy and I crashed a lot trying to jump--broke my wrist.

Switched to a CRF 150F and I love this bike! I'm comfortable jumping singles, I love our club's 4.5 mile woods trail and 2.7 mile single track inner trail, and I finished one lap of a hare scramble at Boyer's Farm, WV (I need practice on hills and rocks).

I watched the GNCC at Snow Shoe this weekend, and I want to be able to ride a quad on that trail! (not necessarily race since I'm starting out a bit later in life...).

So, what would be a good brand and size quad for me? Thanks for your suggestions!
ggdualsport

[finsteratv]

id try out a 300ex or possibly a 400ex if you can handle it. i had a 300ex and it was a great beginner trail bike! now im about 5'11" 140 and i love my 400ex.

[ggdualsport]

Thanks finsteratv. Does it matter if I get 4 or 2-wheel drive, and reverse? If I get stuck in the woods/mud I'm sure these things are a lot heavier than my bike, so I may not be lifting it out of trouble.

:)

[kbnorth99]

I started a few years ago by borrowing a 400ex once a year to ride the dunes in Oregon. Last summer I bought on '06 400ex for pretty much the same kind of riding you described. I love trails and the track but I am not an MX racer. I don't hit double or triple jumps etc.

I love my 400ex. I think it's the perfect starter machine for an adult. It has plenty of power and it can make more if you need it as you gain experience. It is the most reliable atv on the planet so you don't have to spend all your time wrenching. It has good low end torque to learning to ride trails and steep inclines can be done at a slow pace, you don't have to ride faster than you are comfortable.

[ggdualsport]

Thanks kbnorth99. So far it sounds like 400ex!

[fearlessfred]

the suzuki ltz 400 has reverse and is at least equal to the 400ex

[kbnorth99]

Fearless has a good point. If you want reverse and you want a 400ex you have to get an '05 or later. That could affect your price.

[tt racer]

LTZ 400 for sure 05 and up its all round better quad, suspension and water cooled motor!

[sunco]

Honda 300ex was my first quad. 6' 190 dude. 2 wheel drive is fine. Its smaller than the 400ex so you can turn easily......... either one will work for you

based on what you stated = 300ex

good luck

[finsteratv]

i think a 300 would be a better starting point for a person of a smaller build.

[fast450r70]

I would start out on a 06+ trx400ex, well balanced machine, easy to handle, the power is there when you need it, has reverse, my 13 yr old daughter went from a trx90 to a 400ex and handles it well in the woods- she's 5' and 120#.

[wild250rman]

Being a honda person i would recommend an 05 up 400ex next would be the z 400 they are nice and have a little more extras like liquid cooled etc. but a 400ex is a bullet prof machine and as your skills on it increase you can build it for more power. since you already ride a dirt bike you will like the 400 over a 300. man was it cold at snowshoe!

[250x_kyle]

i would say look for a 400ex. my exgirlfriend rode one and didnt have any isues with lifting it out of any muddy situations. and she was far from a weight lifting animal. there power to be had out of a 400ex motor if you would happen to get bored with it and parts are a dime a dozen. possibly even a raptor 250 or a 300ex as well. take a look at a few ride them and see wich you feel most comfortable on. Another thing to think about is if you take a ride on one and feel that it has just enough power or maybe even lacking a little power it would probably be better to get something differnt. the reason i say this is because you will get comfortable on it fairly quick and may end up lacking power and looking for a new machine shortly down the road.

[B.C.#11TRX400EX]

im 15 and i bought my 08 400ex around christmas time last year and its my first quad, it can take beating and still get u wherever u wanna go, im gonna race XC next year and im using my 400ex its perfect for it, so i suggest getting a 05' and up 400ex