Test Riders: Kelly and Kristen DeLoach, Kelly and Christopher Williams, Jed Johnson, Bailey Howard
The transition from mini 90cc quads to full-size 450cc machines is a tough one for many riders. Historically speaking, there simply weren’t too many quality offerings to fill the gap. On top of that, kids simply grow way too quickly once hitting the golden age of puberty, and more often than not they outgrow the transitional quads way too fast. We’re glad to report that the 91–449cc machine deficit no longer exists and that the 250cc segment is actually kind of thriving. Let’s show you four readily available, distinctly different machines with equally different target audiences that can accommodate just about any situation. The only real thing these machines have in common is displacement—they’re all 250cc machines—but that’s as far as the similarities go. These ATVs are geared at everything from true beginners to casual riders to highly experienced racers.
To properly put the machines through their paces, we tapped six riders, all varying in skill from bona fide beginners to seasoned GNCC and ATV MX racers. We selected Union Point, Georgia’s Durhamtown Plantation (www.durhamtown.com) as our test area because Durhamtown has every terrain and track style known to man. It’s Mecca to Southeastern off-roaders, and the fact that the staff treats us like VIPs when we’re there certainly doesn’t hurt.
2012 Honda TRX250X
The Honda not only looks really cool but performs great. The TRX takes styling cues from its 450cc sibling, and the result is a sleek-looking machine with a very sporty attitude. Ergonomically, the TRX is well laid out, and its size accommodates a pretty wide range of riders. We found that 5-foot-1-inch test rider Jed seemed just as comfortable as the 5-foot-11-inch Bailey. Regardless of size, all of our testers eventually came to enjoy the SportClutch feature (which basically allows riders to learn the ins and outs of a manual clutch without the risk of stalling), and it was a hit with our youngest (and least experienced) test rider. The faster riders actually used the clutch to build power and keep the rpm up as they would on a traditionally clutched machine. The dual hydraulic disc brakes up front are awesome, the mechanical drum in the rear is OK, and the machine has no problem stopping at any speed. The stock 22-inch tires are pretty well suited for most situations with the exception of a full-on MX track, yet even there, a slight drop in tire pressure was enough to help the TRX handle the technical terrain much better.
Suspensionwise, the TRX250X uses double-wishbone A-arms and boasts 5.9 inches of travel in the front and a swingarm with 5.7 inches in the rear, which is enough for the average rec rider to attack a trail without taking a beating. The five-speed transmission is smooth, and the aforementioned SportClutch makes shifting a no-brainer. Reverse is a nice feature, and easy to engage via a combination of simultaneously operating a knob and shifting down past neutral.
The 229cc engine is an air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke mated to a 22mm carburetor, and starts at the push of a button. The sound, or lack thereof, was great, as the Honda is barely audible while idling, making it pretty friendly for trail and neighbor.
The TRX isn’t a race-ready machine off the showroom floor and doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a solid choice for almost any rider coming off of a mini or a beginner wanting a machine to play around on, yet is fast enough and handles well enough that it could be fun for just about anybody. The sporty 2012 TRX250X is available in black and, as of going to print, the MSRP hadn’t been determined but the 2011 model went for $4,399
Spec chart
Length/width/height: 68.5/41.8/42.4 in.
Seat height: 31.4 in.
Ground clearance: 5.9 in.
Wheelbase: 44.3 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.5 gal., including 0.7-gal. reserve
Curb weight: 379 lb, includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank
2011 Can-Am DS 250
The Can-Am DS 250 is the only CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) equipped machine in our comparison, and it certainly fills a niche that no other machine in this group can. The DS is by far the most beginner-friendly offering; without the need for shifting just about anyone who can operate a throttle and brakes can ride it comfortably. Yet despite the CVT and lack of a manual clutch, the 249.4cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve engine offers just enough pep to make it a fun ride for anyone not trying to race. The quiet engine is mated to a Keihin carburetor and starts electrically. While our more advanced testers were less enthusiastic about the DS, our beginners really took to the machine. The DS is easy to ride, looks good and handles well enough to allow you to ride it to its full potential. The hydraulic brakes front and rear are great and do a nice job of getting you stopped.
Ergonomically, the DS is comfy, the controls are straightforward and easily reachable, the seat is plush and everyone who rode it seemed to fit the machine pretty well. The floorboards are spacious enough to easily accommodate size 11.5 boots, and the handlebar bend keeps you in pretty neutral position, making it a comfortable ride all around.
Suspensionwise, five-position preload-adjustable shocks are used front and rear, with dual A-arms and 5.5 inches of travel up front and 6.7 inches of travel via swingarm in the rear. The shocks work well and seem perfectly suited to the overall package. The motor won’t exceed the suspension capacity, or vice versa. The front 22-inch tires and 20-inch rears are all mated to steel wheels. We dropped the air pressure a tad to make the machine a bit more slidable, but the second we pushed it a bit too far, we were reminded that this isn’t a race machine. It’s not intended to be sailed off of huge jumps or sailed into whoop sections, but what it does do it does well; which is to provide a solid, well-built machine for riders transitioning up or smaller beginner-level adults.
The DS 250 is available in Can-Am yellow and retails for $3,699.
Spec chart
Length/width/height: 72.0/40.5/43.5 in.
Seat height: 31.5 in.
Ground clearance: 10.2 in.
Wheelbase: 47.0 in.
Fuel capacity: 3.3 gal.
Claimed dry weight: 429 lb