I'm not sure what type of quad to buy...this will be the first. I have some moderate experience on a dirtbike. I've been on the track, dunes and trails on a 125 4stroke but have also ridden a KX125 2stroke. I definately want enough speed but do not want to kill myself. I was bored with the 125 4stroke that very season and I do not want to make the same mistake. The 125 2stroke was a good amount of speed. Please help!
I've been looking at the Raptor350s. Is that too little? Too much? Should I go with th 450 or is that getting a little to crazy??? Please give me any advise you may have.
Tx.
 

how old are you? and what is your weight and height.

these do play into the size atv you'll need.

if you are 150 pounds or less a used yamaha blaser will definately turn your head around.
and the 350 raptor will do you well.

iam 160 and the blaster i have has been modified and drags me around like iam a flea.
and with the 6 speed transmission i get a seriously nice top end as well.

the 350 would serve my purpose but if i were to go buy a new one i would go buy the yamaha yfz450
absolutely good atv to ride, plenty of power.  

tx wolf1. i am 25 yrs old, weigh 120 lbs and am about 5'-5". I will look into the blaster. i just want to make sure i do not get bored of a new machine i'm investing in. i catch on pretty quick so i just wanted to make sure i'm getting the best bang for my buck (especially if i buy new). i'll look at the yfz's too. because i've never really ridden the quads it sounds like i will be pretty impressed with anything 300cc +. tx again...  

yes 300cc would really do you well although anything new is 4 stroke or 4 poke as alot of people call them.

but i think you'd be happy.the blaster you'd have to buy used but the modifications are almost endless and very inexpensive.

you can really make a blaster scream!!!
and they very controllable.
they weigh in at 324 pounds total weight and they are 2cycle engines which means alot of raw horsepower!  

nice...tx again in helping make a decision wolf  

Hey,

I'd like to throw in my 2 cents here. Wolf made great suggestions. I'd also like to mention the Suzuki LTZ400 and the Honda 400EX. Both great recreational rides with reverse, decent suspension and plenty of power and speed. But not the kind of speed that the 450's put out. They are also as reliable as it comes.

Hope this helps:

ATVR Editor  

yes you are right, i didn't mean to leave them out.
both of them are good rides.
however if you buy a Suzuki ltz400 try to buy new.

the earlier models had a rear axle that was prone to bending.
they fixed this problem later.
or if you buy a used one look for one that has a dura blue or equivalent axle replacement.
all in all a stout machine.

the 400ex is pretty darn stout too. nice ride i don't have any complaints on it.
Normally Honda builds their machines so that as long as you change the oil and filter regularly you can give them to your grandchildren.

I have owned both the ltz400 and the 400ex they were great machines, and i had no complaints.

after years as a cycle technician, i have learned you buy only from the manufacturers you can trust to build a good machine.
in my opinion the best quality comes from any of the big four.

Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.

they have all been in business long enough to know how to build an atv that will stay together and not leave you stranded on the trail.  

I agree with atveditor on this.. i trail ride alot and right now the best bikes for the job are the 400ex and the 400z suzuki.I myself ride the 400ex and it comes with plenty of power and a good overall ride.the 400z has more power and also a great ride.Ifeel like the 400 suzuki is a little more tight trail friendly and the honda is a little more comfortable with its stabality.  

I have a blaster and it rips pretty good. I'm about 5'4" and 105 lbs and always heard bad things about the blaster, but i just ignored em and bought 1 anyway and i'm glad. I love 2 strokes, they sound mean, and the blaster has a ton of upgrades. My cousin has one with about 1500$ in it and it leaves my friends 400ex in the dust in the bottom and top end. All around good quad, just gotta keep the rpms up so u dont foul plugs too much hahaha i learned the hard way  

wow. it sounds like i am on the large end of the size spectrum. i am 6' 190lbs. i started on a used and abused blaster and rode it to death. even starting out, it just didn't have the motor to pull me. rather than spend a few thousand on upgrades to make this something i could ride and feel my limits, a year later jumped to a raptor 660. i bought the raptor fairly tweaked with an fmf phatty iv exhaust, jet kit and race cam. it was still on the origional wheels and tires, and my next move is to upgrade the shocks so i can adjust the compression and rebound. i have done a basic race height setup on the rear and the front are yamaha factory with the spring tension tabs instead of a lockring, and no valve adjustment. my woman rides the blaster now and she is 5'10 150lb. she likes it because it's easier for her to handle, but she is hinting that she wants to jump to a 400.  

nah bore her blaster .40 over and she'll feel the power, usually it costs around 200.00 to bore and purchase the oversized piston kit and gaskets.   .40 over really makes the blaster come alive.

if you are in the Chattanooga Tennessee area bring it on by.
as long you are willing to buy the parts and pay for the bore out i'll put it together for ya free.

if you want to ride one that has been bored .40 over come on by you can take mine for a spin.