Advice!?

[K2Snow]

Alright, so my parents are FINALLY letting me buy a quad after 17 years... damn. Unfortunately, I'm not extremely rich so my options are limited. Nobody in the family knows a thing about ATVs, so I am going to buy something brand new so I don't have to worry about things breaking down right away. Anyway, what should I do as far as maintenance? I'll be riding at the Pismo dunes mostly, and I know I need to do a lot with the engine caus eof all the sand? What kind of cleaning/ maintenance procedures are necessary? WHat's the best way to go in order to learn more about keeping the engine running right? Unfortunately I gotta go with a 250EX. After tax, tags, and everything else, I'll be paying $5200!!! I could get a nice used 400 for that. But anyway, can anyone help me out at all? Thanks in advance.

[MOUSE]

man you could get a nice new 400 for that :eek2:

[K2Snow]

If I bought it privately I could. California sales tax is killer. Would I be better off just getting something used for a lot cheaper?

[MOUSE]

thats what i would do at 17 hears old i dont think youll be happy with a 250 and think wait a bit longer and save you pennies and get the new yamaha or atleast get a 400ex used but in really good shape

[MOUSE]

or there for sale all the time on here in good shape just have to pay to ship it to you

[XANDADA]

please don't spend $5,200 on a 250ex

[sly400ex]

Yeah man, don't do that!!! Since you'll be at the dunes a lot, you should get a banchee. They aren't too much power stock and when you learn to handle it a little better, throw pipes on it and it will rip! Plus, they are liquid cooled. They can also be just as reliable as any other quad out there. I know in Chicago, you can get one for around $5200 OTD!!!!

[K2Snow]

Sly, I wish I could. Unfortunately, I can't get a 2-stroke. The 2-strokes don't pass emission standards here iN CA, and can only be ridden during certain times of the year. All off-road vehics require a green tag also. 2-strokes aren't allowed to be ridden in most places during the summer from what I've been told. I wouldn't be able to take a Banshee to the dunes or camping during the summer, what a waste. So, I need to get a 4-stroke. Parents don't want me buying used, as they strongly believe that a new quad is going to be better as far as maintenance goes. That limits me to a brand new 250ex.... grrr.

[Ryan]

Well if I was you, I would look for a used 400ex. You can buy one used for much cheepier then 5,200!

[TheRedRebel17]

Originally posted by K2Snow
Sly, I wish I could. Unfortunately, I can't get a 2-stroke. The 2-strokes don't pass emission standards here iN CA, and can only be ridden during certain times of the year. All off-road vehics require a green tag also. 2-strokes aren't allowed to be ridden in most places during the summer from what I've been told. I wouldn't be able to take a Banshee to the dunes or camping during the summer, what a waste. So, I need to get a 4-stroke. Parents don't want me buying used, as they strongly believe that a new quad is going to be better as far as maintenance goes. That limits me to a brand new 250ex.... grrr.
im warnign you...dont
IF you ever decide to sell it, you will get about 2500 outta it..dont get it

[stace609]

i'm from ca, i hear you bout the sales tax.
here's what you do.
email LA honda, you can get the address for their website, just do a search for it. ask them for an OTD price quote on a 400 or whatever you want, and they'll send the quote CHEAP, then just take it to any honda dealer that will match prices. you won't get it exactly but they should take a LOT off. we got both ours for under MSRP.
Grood Luck!

[stace609]

oh yea i forgot, the red stickers are only permitted from like september through may....something like that. i think its actually less.

[MOUSE]

i visited cali and to tell you what i would do ...... i would move :macho

[MOFO]

Save me from beating my head on the desk. $5200 for a new 250EX is a rip off. Look somewhere else before you spend your hard earned cash.

[Flip)(stick]

Yea dont get a 250ex your 17, you will grow out of it QUICK, get a used 400 or warrior or somin like that

[K2Snow]

What about a 300EX then?

[MOFO]

Originally posted by Flip)(stick
Yea dont get a 250ex your 17, you will grow out of it QUICK, get a used 400 or warrior or somin like that


I'd rather have a 300EX than a warrior...but we'll leave that for another discussion. ;)


Seriously, look about buying it out of state or something to avoid those taxes if they are that high...

[MOFO]

Originally posted by K2Snow
What about a 300EX then?


How much do they want for one of those?

[Flip)(stick]

for 5200 u still can get a nice 400ex with some after market parts

[MOFO]

I know around here you can get a new 400ex for a good bit under $5000 out the door and that includes the registration fee's & 7% sales tax.

[K2Snow]

Can't avoid the tax cause of the registration. I am heading over to a big dealer right now and I am gonna see what I can do. They sell new and used, although I still ahve to pay dealer tax on a used one there.

[CHAUNCY]

I would go for a used 400ex. You can get it cheaper than 5200 and it is a much better quad. My bro has a 2000 banshee with some mods and the thing flies. That would be another good quad for dunes. He has a green sticker. Infact the guy at th DMV said that they are sending all red stickers issued before 2003 a green sticker. He got his for his banshee already:)

[Nausty]

personally i would suggest saving longer and getting a better quad off the start because chances are your gonna get tired of the 250ex or 300ex QUICK! At least this way you will only get one quad and your done. I would think there has to be a way to get a quad like that at a decent price. My dad bought his 400ex for 5200 out the door.

[Black400]

whatever you do dont buy a 250ex for 5200 go to nevada or orgen and buy a 400ex for 5200 or lower. Is the sales tax lower in those states:confused: :devil:

[wilkin250r]

There is a lot of experience on this forum, and all of it is saying that you don't want a 250EX. I would try to convince your parents.

The 400EX is bulletproof. Yes, you could possibly have problems with a used banshee that hasn't been maintained, but I can't see you having problems with a used 400EX. Even if they never changed the oil in two years, it's still going to run great, you aren't going to have reliability problems.

The 400EX has a very easy powerband, so it is not too dangerous for a beginner. Trust me when I tell you, and everybody else that has said it, you will outgrow the 250EX within a year. I know this, I had a 250X and had to upgrade within 6 months.

You said you plan to ride in the dunes? Small 4 strokes are terrible in the dunes, you really need a more powerful engine than the 250EX or you won't be able to go anywhere.

Just to say it again, you won't have any problems with a used 400EX. Just make sure that you get one that is completely stock, because you can't always trust somebody else's engine work.

[K2Snow]

Alright, I finally got back from the dealer. I can get a brand new 300ex for about 5200, and a brand new 250ex for about 4600. I am gonna push for the 300ex then. I figure if I start to outgrow it, I can upgrade it a helluva lot easier than a 250. All you guys getting the 400ex for 5200 out the door are obviously from other states. 400ex otd is way more out here in Cali, although I could try purchasing from Nevada or Oregon, that was a good idea. I'm gonna mention the 5200 out the door for the 400ex to my local dealer and see what he says, maybe I can then get the 300ex cheaper. Any other suggestions, comments? Thanks for allt he input so far.

[Tommy 17]

i can get 400s out the door for 4500$ in pa with taxs and registration...

[JOEX]

Originally posted by Black400
whatever you do dont buy a 250ex for 5200 go to nevada or orgen and buy a 400ex for 5200 or lower. Is the sales tax lower in those states:confused: :devil:
No sales tax in Oregon:D ;)

If your a smaller person you should be fine with the 300. But if your still growing i highly suggest the 400:)

Joe

[Black400]

Originally posted by JOEX
No sales tax in Oregon:D ;)

If your a smaller person you should be fine with the 300. But if your still growing i highly suggest the 400:)

Joe

Then get it in oregon!!!:muscle:

[crazybuffalo]

yeah i wouldnt pay the 5200 for the 250 when you could get an extremely nice 400 on here or ebay for less.

[K2Snow]

I'm gonna see about getting a brand new 300ex from oregon, but now i gotta calculate shipping costs... can anyone help with that? shipping to santa maria, california

[CHAUNCY]

Originally posted by K2Snow
I'm gonna see about getting a brand new 300ex from oregon, but now i gotta calculate shipping costs... can anyone help with that? shipping to santa maria, california

It shouldnt be more than 300. I got my 400ex out of Indiana and had it shipped here for under 300(I think, I cant remember) Forward air is how our bikes get shipped. www.forwardair.com is thier website, I think:confused:

[K2Snow]

You got it shipped from Indiana to where?

[CHAUNCY]

SoCal

[K2Snow]

Hmm, I was browsing the site and it would cost me approx. 400 bucks to go from Portland to LA. That is a lot closer than Indiana. Well, it was just an estimated cost. I E-Mailed a dealer from Portland so we'll see how that comes back first.

[QuadJunkies]

Im gald to see your not out buyin gthe first thing oyu see cause your so excited to get a new ride...;) ....Everyone here is sooooooooooright! GET A 400ex........If you REALLY feel you have to settle for less,get a 300ex .I had a blast on mine but like everyone has said..you outgrow them fast!:( ........A 400ex would be a very good investment. I know of someone with a Z400 for sale here in Idaho but not an EX.Keep shopping around and I bet you will find a really nice one,and if you look REALLY hard..........you might find a sweet modded one too.....:cool: good luck!

[batgeek]

try looking for one in NV also...you wont pay CA sales tax and its closer to ship than OR :D

[DEAL]

You can get a nice used 400ex with low hours that will hold together just as good as a new one if you look around. plus you will be saving alot of money.

[CHAUNCY]

Originally posted by K2Snow
Hmm, I was browsing the site and it would cost me approx. 400 bucks to go from Portland to LA. That is a lot closer than Indiana. Well, it was just an estimated cost. I E-Mailed a dealer from Portland so we'll see how that comes back first. Maybe prices went up:ermm:

[stace609]

I'm telling you, check lacyclesports.com and get a quote on a 300ex or 400ex OTD. we saved a ton of money on ours that way.....

[sweet300ex]

Well if I were you, I would look for a leftover 2002 400ex, if you dont have any luck there get a 300ex instead of a 250ex

[K2Snow]

stace609, I E-Mailed a dealer from LA... just waiting for a reply now. Also E-Mailed a couple dealers in Oregon and I'll get a couple from NV today. I'm def. not gonna be able to get a 400EX. Parents don't event want me getting a 300. We have had family members die on motorcycles, buy my persistence has finally convinced them to let me get a quad. They'd rather me get a 250 to start off with, and trade-in as necessary. If I can get it for cheap enough though, I can get a 300. Thanks for all the help!

[Bretmd94]

We jsut bought a 2002 400ex from Medford Powersports (Sothern Oregon) and got it out the door for around 4800$. Its a Canadian bike though.

The Honda Shop here sells brand new ones for 5200$.

Do not get a 250ex, or a 300ex. If you have to, then wait and save up another 500$. A stock 400ex will not have the power you are looking for in the dunes after a year, never mind the 300ex, or 250. The resale on both those bikes is horrable. 400ex's are bad enough.

Finding a used 400ex would be the say to go. You can get them cheap and they last forever. Its probably one of the safest used bikes to buy. Driving up to Sothern Oregon for a weekend would be worth it to have a 400ex over a 300ex.

And your parents wont let you get a 400???? Im sorry...
It't not that fast stock. If they really want you to get a slow bike, get some used 250ex or somethign cheap. Dont buy new when your going to get rid of it in 6 months. You will seriously loose 2,500$.

[QuadJunkies]

Originally posted by K2Snow
stace609, I E-Mailed a dealer from LA... just waiting for a reply now. Also E-Mailed a couple dealers in Oregon and I'll get a couple from NV today. I'm def. not gonna be able to get a 400EX. Parents don't event want me getting a 300. We have had family members die on motorcycles, buy my persistence has finally convinced them to let me get a quad. They'd rather me get a 250 to start off with, and trade-in as necessary. If I can get it for cheap enough though, I can get a 300. Thanks for all the help! Mine is for sale here in Idaho at the dealers:D ITs a really nice quad with a few mods already added in.If you want more info on it, let me know.as far as I know no one has bought it yet....You may have seen a few pics on it here before

[K2Snow]

Wow, I got a quote from Portland, Oregon. They can give me a 300EX for $4500 OTD. Well damn, it was $5200 OTD for a 250EX here in Cali! Unfortunately, they said they can't ship it out because they made a deal with Honda that they wouldn't ship to another dealership's marketing zone. I might have to make a trip up to Oregon, but it would be worth it.

[QuadJunkies]

My 300ex is selling for around 3900.00 I think at the dealer

[XANDADA]

I know you said you wanted a new one but, If your folks are kinda hesitant about a larger cc bike, take a look at banshee's (350cc) or a 250R (250cc):devil: . Sand robs a ton of power so get the biggest ya can. I hear getting the year round sticker in Cali is no biggie at all. Another option is check out Alba motorsports in CA, they sell new quads with slight mods (exhaust & paddle tires) for retail price. The Warrior is $4,999. The 300ex is a nice ride too, you'll have fun. Just throwin some mo' ideas out there...

[cudaman]

hey k2snow. where in santa maria do you live? i live in pismo beach and my best friend lives on monroe st. over by food max and del taco.

[K2Snow]

I live in Hancock park, near the hospital. About a mile away from Edwards Theatre. I'll be riding at Pismo mostly when I get my quad. We'll have to meet up and you can teach me how to ride.

[sly400ex]

Here man, I did a little homework for you. There is a place In Chicago that has the 300EX OTD for $4600. Then forwardair would be about $400 more. So you are looking at $5000 all together for a 300EX.......:)

[K2Snow]

sly, thanks man! I appreciate that. Is that from a Honda dealer? Supposedly the Honda franchises made an agreement with Honda that they wouldn't ship to other dealer's marketing areas. (i think i mentioned that earlier....?) Anyway, can you get the name of that place in Chicago for me and I'll check it out? Thanks again bro

[sly400ex]

Or check these out, I don't know how far from you it is....but you'll save a lot!!!!

http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/3/8/50351938.htm

http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/4/6/49377246.htm

[sly400ex]

Hey, no prob..just trying to help a future rider! What I did is say that I have a cousin in CA and said I was going to ship it myself. So he quoated/taxed me for my area in IL.....Anyhow, the place is

http://www.chicagocycle.com/

[K2Snow]

The second bike is only 3 hours away! Hmm.... I'm def. gonna look into that one. You've been a huge help sly thanks!

[Blake24]

I know everyone else has pretty much convinced you but here it goes anyway. Im also 17, I have a 400ex.......and I wish I had more power..........If I got a 250ex, I would be just plain old bored.........specially in the sand. Two of my younger cousins have 250ex's and if your in your teens, then its too small even if it does go against the 16 recommended age. SAVE SAVE SAVE!!!


I got my brand new 400ex cheaper than $5200 so I dont know who is trying to screw you............:huh

[K2Snow]

Blake, California, that is who is trying to screw me. God damn sales tax is ridiculous.

[ktMan]

k2snow, do ride a k2 snowboard??? iride one, ilove it, its the k2 spitfire:D

[K2Snow]

trxman, yep! K2 rocks. I was thinking about getting a Zeppelin buuuut, I'm buying a quad so I don't have the cash. Gotta stick with my Satellite for like a 5th year lol. I got a season pass to Mammoth Mountain in California, gonna beat the hell out of my board and get a new one next year. K2 really impresses me quality wise, and they don't charge you out the *** for their name like Burton does.

[cudaman]

hey k2. i really recognize your from your pic. what is your name. i might know you for some reason

[QuadJunkies]

Originally posted by K2Snow
sly, thanks man! I appreciate that. Is that from a Honda dealer? Supposedly the Honda franchises made an agreement with Honda that they wouldn't ship to other dealer's marketing areas. (i think i mentioned that earlier....?) Anyway, can you get the name of that place in Chicago for me and I'll check it out? Thanks again bro My quad is at a HOnda dealer:confused: I say give them a call and talk to them, they sometimes have ways around things.....Ok heres the pics I told you I would show you of mine....I think is right up your alley if you can get them to ship it.:blah: I am possting alot of them the last pic will be of the most recent at the dealers,I had to take one final pic of her before I left her......:(

[QuadJunkies]

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[QuadJunkies]

last pic at dealers......

[K2Snow]

Quadjunkies, thanks for the pics! I'll have to get back to you on that a little later though. I've found some awesome deals on some brand new 300s, but if they fall through I'll def let ya know.

[K2Snow]

Originally posted by cudaman
hey k2. i really recognize your from your pic. what is your name. i might know you for some reason

Hmmm, name is Cody Newman. I'm a really short guy thanks to my parents. Ehhh, I dunno. Go to Pismo a lot with a really hot blonde girl. Drive a ****ty black truck....

[310Rduner]

1) DO NOT GET A 250EX..

2) get a clean, well maintained 400ex with some aftermarket parts locally..

3) Offer him that if you pay cash he will write off the sale as something like $200 dollars.. that way you do not have to pay tons of tax for the purchase.. when i bought my 250R here i got it for 4400 and the guy wrote the receipt for 100 dollar, we paid about 50 dollars tax, and 40 dollars for me to register it in California since he purchased it in Oregon..

you can get a nice 400ex used with a pipe and at least nerfs for probably 4400... then you can afford to get the paddles you Will REALLy want to have at Pismo..

The 400ex will be the perfect bike for you, it has an easy learning curve, is easier to modify when you are ready, can be competitive with anything new (except 2 stroke of course :macho) and could be a bike your family could become hooked on and start riding..

My first bike was a 2002 300ex purchased for prolly 5400 otd.. i outgrew that bike in about 4 months, and for the last 2 months rode it full throttle it every gear to keep up with everyone on 400ex's....

That basically solves every problem you brough up, you can also spend the money saved by using the tax right off trick to pay for gas if you want to drive further for that better bike.

Do it this way, no matter what you still come out on top. :cool:

[QuadJunkies]

Originally posted by 310Rduner
1) DO NOT GET A 250EX..

2) get a clean, well maintained 400ex with some aftermarket parts locally..

3) Offer him that if you pay cash he will write off the sale as something like $200 dollars.. that way you do not have to pay tons of tax for the purchase.. when i bought my 250R here i got it for 4400 and the guy wrote the receipt for 100 dollar, we paid about 50 dollars tax, and 40 dollars for me to register it in California since he purchased it in Oregon..

you can get a nice 400ex used with a pipe and at least nerfs for probably 4400... then you can afford to get the paddles you Will REALLy want to have at Pismo..

The 400ex will be the perfect bike for you, it has an easy learning curve, is easier to modify when you are ready, can be competitive with anything new (except 2 stroke of course :macho) and could be a bike your family could become hooked on and start riding..

My first bike was a 2002 300ex purchased for prolly 5400 otd.. i outgrew that bike in about 4 months, and for the last 2 months rode it full throttle it every gear to keep up with everyone on 400ex's....

That basically solves every problem you brough up, you can also spend the money saved by using the tax right off trick to pay for gas if you want to drive further for that better bike.

Do it this way, no matter what you still come out on top. :cool: I think he said his parents wont let him have a 400ex,and a 300ex is pushin the line so I think he is eyeing a 300ex.It would be cool if he could get a 400 but a 300 is WAY better than having to settle for a 250;)

[310Rduner]

hey, were you out there at all this week? i just got back about an hour ago from Pismo.. we were there tuesday till today..

pic of my bike if you recognize it maybe..

[K2Snow]

310Rduner..... thanks for the advice man. Unfortunately, it has been hard enough convincing parents to let me get a 300. My father absolutely insists that a 250EX will be more than enough power. He'd never let me buy a 400 as my first bike. I've already messed my truck up several times doing stupid chit, so they don't exactly trust me :)

[K2Snow]

310, yea my girlfriend and I were out there tuesday I think it was. We played pool at Hot Shots, ate dinner at Pierside, walked around through some of the shops. I was wearing an old socer jersey, #14.

[Flip)(stick]

Wait a couple of months and get the new honda! :macho

[K2Snow]

No way, I've already been waiting too long. I want a new quad NOW! I've been very patient... just a lil longer.

[310Rduner]

didnt see ya then, we never left the beach except for lunch or to go back to my cousins.. she just moved down to Guadalupe so we stay there for free haha

then bought a pretty nice house down there, and now the values gone up so they are going to be selling it next year for like 150 g's more.. then buying nicer one..

[K2Snow]

310, making anymore trips out anytime soon?

[310Rduner]

dont know,, prolly a couple weeks or sooner maybe.. my aunt is off work for the summer soit depends whenever she wants to go..:D

[K2Snow]

Well let me know man. You can teach me how to ride :D I oughtta have my new quad by then. I live 20 minutes from Pismo so I can always go as long as I'm not working.

[310Rduner]

sure thing, ill show you how to ride a 300 to make it keep up.. i was so comfortable on that, knew its every twitch by heart.. that would actually rip the dunes pretty good, just no drag power..

[cudaman]

Originally posted by K2Snow
310, yea my girlfriend and I were out there tuesday I think it was. We played pool at Hot Shots, ate dinner at Pierside, walked around through some of the shops. I was wearing an old socer jersey, #14.

its funny you say you go to pismo a lot. im there almost everynight. im either cruzin in a tan chevy 2500 work truck with a rack or a piece 78 toyota truck blue with white camper shell. and i go to hotshots almost every night too. depending on when you were at hotshots i was probably there. im usually in there kinda late but sometimes its earlier. ill look for your truck from now on lol.

[K2Snow]

cuda, i shouldn't be hard to find... just look for short guy with a blonde... ;) i'll post on here before i head up next time... prob be sometime this weekend, i was thinking sunday

[cudaman]

Originally posted by K2Snow
cuda, i shouldn't be hard to find... just look for short guy with a blonde... ;) i'll post on here before i head up next time... prob be sometime this weekend, i was thinking sunday

well ill be there friday night, i think im going out to the dunes with a couple friends saturday night, then ill prob end up downtown pismo sunday night again. LOL

[cudaman]

Originally posted by K2Snow
cuda, i shouldn't be hard to find... just look for short guy with a blonde... ;) i'll post on here before i head up next time... prob be sometime this weekend, i was thinking sunday

well ill be there friday night, i think im going out to the dunes with a couple friends saturday night, then ill prob end up downtown pismo sunday night again. LOL