ATV Primer

[Fish mojo]

I'm looking for some insights, recommendations, and costs for getting into some ATV fun for the family. What is the minimum size for adults? 4x4 or not? Places to ride? Buying used what to look out for? Thanks for any help.

[1pump]

Depends on what kind of riding you want to do. ATVs are like boats-- you can't do everything with just one.
For busting brush, hunting, and woods riding, my personal favorite is the Honda Foreman. I've ridden Ranchers before, good rigs, but I prefer the bigger bore and shift-on-the-fly 2x4/4x4 option on the Foreman.
If you want scary-type, pull-your-arms-out-of-your-shoulder-sockets performance out in the dunes, go with one of the big bore 2WD hi-perf rides. IMHO, Honda and Yamaha seem to be a little better than the other makes. That's just my taste, though.
I like Polaris snowmobiles above the rest, but I don't care for their ATVs.

[Plong_77]

Fish Mojo,

I will agree with 1pump says. Hondas been in the game for along time and ive never had one let me down. All depends on what type of riding you will be doing.

If you will be riding in the sand, There are a few areas to go. Sand Lake would be the closest for you. Its a small area with ALOT of people from the Portland Metro area PLUS all the Washington people in about 5 square Miles. Florence (about 2 hours south of Sand Lake) has alot more room and more campgrounds and typically you wont run into as many people. Winchester Area and North Bend are father south and might be too much for a weekend trip. As far as size goes, depends on how big you and your family are. Im 6'4" and 250 and ride a Honda TRX400EX (slightly modified with External aftermarket parts). It gets me around and i can still do the jumps, gets me out of all the hills, and can open it up in 5th gear on the flats in Florence. As far as kids, there are restrictions (that are loosely enforced) on what sizes they can and should ride. If theyve never rode quads before.. start them out small and let them learn on their own pace. ATVs retain their resale value really well if they are taken care of.

If you want to ride in the hills, there are alot of areas to ride. Tillamook has alot of trails strictly for ATVs. you can pick up a map at any ATV/Cycle shop that shows all the areas designated for ATVs. I do believe there are around 20-30 in Oregon alone. Not sure on WA.

Sorry for the long post, but there is alot more i could write! hope this gets you started.

[lentz]

This is my sand toy. Wouldn't leave home without it. I do have a different 3-wheeler for the hills though!

[MacEFL]

I have 2 Bombarcier 400's. They are fun in the sand although you won't win any hillclimbs. In the woods they are a blast. And in 4x4 they will go places that you wouldn't believe! There are a lot of places in OR to ride. Some big places in central OR that are fun. Tilly State Forest has some nice trail sysytems. Not many places to ride in SW WA.There is Jones Creek between Yacolt and Camas but there are only 3.5 or so miles of dual track.

[Geemo]

We have 2-400 Trailblazer's 2003, 1-700 EFI 2004 and 1-90 youth Scrambler 2003 all by Polaris.

We like the variety of our ATV's. The grandkids enjoy the 90 Scrambler. The 700-EFI is an easy ride with the independent suspension. The 400 Trailblazer's are fast and sporty.
We skip Sand Lake, too small for the volume of riders. We go to Florence or Central Oregon.

Reverse is a must for us. The 4 wheel drive has pulled other ATV's out of several places in the sand. The 90 doesn't climb some of the sand hills and needs a tow at times.

Make sure you get a trailer large enough to carry all the family toys.

You'll have lots of fun.

[Gus Orviston]

I have been dirt bikes my whole life - raced 10k + miles offroad.. THE most fun I have every had on an ATV /or dirtbike was on a 400 Suzuki Quad sport.. the conditions are what made it so fun.. 14" of new snow in the coast range.. and nobody in sight anywhere..

gus