Everyone should have one. They are quiet, fuel efficient, nimble, and capable. They’ll get you nearly anywhere w/ a hundred lbs of gear. A full tank will get you 70 miles. My 2018 fits nicely in the bed of a Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline size truck. Easy to load..easy to store..and really fun too. I’m 6’5” 220 and feel like I can man handle it and throw it around by shifting my weight. It has a bit of sport quad feel to it because it’s so light. A lot of folks see 250cc and dismiss this ATV. Don’t, because this thing is a blast and is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
Good point, I actually own a Honda Ridgeline, and this fits just fine in the back. I don’t even need ramps to load it, I just lift up the front end onto the gate and then lift up the back end up the rest of the way.
This video helps ole grandpa out as my grandson is getting one for Christmas, I know he will be excited, because I was like a kid waiting for his dad to bring here to the house to hide it, it is really nice, thx again for a great review video! Merry Christmas and stay well, take care!
I'm a Ranger and I use this EVERY day. This is a very dependable ATV and it has never left me stranded. I have used it along creeks, woods, and sand. It will go up huge embankments if you know how to work the throttle and gears. Tires are a great investment and buy accordingly to usage it will be very noticeable. We have female Rangers as well and they were put at ease immediately during training when I had them pick up the back to show how light it was so dont worry about getting it stuck. It's fun, rider friendly, and RELIABLE. Great review
Hey dude! I was wondering if you could do another vid on the recon? Like a short little trail ride video and your thoughts on it? I’m not pressuring you or anything, though.
I have been riding for around 8 years now and i currently own this one my best four wheeler i have had in my opinion it is the best for hill climbing maching and good for rough trails
Just got a 2021 recon es in tan yesterday and love it soo far. I have a deposit on a footshift rancher 4x4 coming in mid Dec but got the recon eventually for my gf and son if we go trail riding. The size of the recon is good, i am 6ft 300lbs and the recon gets up and goes even with my fat ass on it. I woulda preferred footshift on the recon but all the atv dealers near me seem to be slim pickings right now and I really love the tan color vs the olive or red. My 2021 does not have a gear indicatoe, only reverse, neutral and dummy light for fuek/check engine.
Hi Eric great video. My question is what's the difference in gas usage between the carb like yours or the equivalent model in fuel injection? I wanted to buy a 2020 250 ex but now that I'm searching a little more these models are more versatile in my opinion. I just might switch. I enjoyed your thoural owner review. I hope you continue to due updates. One more question. You mentioned your recon doesn't have a chain. Does that set up have a short life span that we would have to replace the unit vs maintenance on a chain and replacing it when worn. Thank you.
4:45 not the recon it always had independent front suspension and solid rear. I had a 2001 recon and the only thing that has changed really, is looks and a few things here and there but basically the same ATV and definitely recommend getting
Story time! I was on a 2009-ish fourtrax (rancher) several years ago. I was headed up a hill and at the last second I saw a guy on a Grizzly (giant quad) coming down the hill. I instinctively turned to the right to avoid him when the quad started to tip. I jumped off the quad and booked it down the hill as the quad rolled after me. I was told I looked like I was in a cartoon chase scene. After about 20 feet, the quad came to a rest. We inspected it and there was no damage except a third party windshield that was on it cracked.
I'm gonna say this HONDA has there shit together I had a 95 300 4x4 carborated and that thing was a tank would crank first try during 20 degree cold temps
I don’t know if people missed it but you said the right side Handlebar break was being rear brake that’s actually the front brake and a left side bar break is the rear brake 😂 I know you prolly didn’t mean to say that but it’s fixed now.
@@Anonymouso283 I went down last night just before they closed after a buddy of mine told me about it. It sits real nice and I'm a big guy. I was concerned it may be too small but it's not. Going back down after work today to swing the deal.
@DEE CEE Good for you. And what’s crazy, almost an hour ago, I just purchased a Recon for $4300 (Tax but I didn’t include it) Had to sell my John Deere Gator though, because it was breaking too much. Kinda sad at the moment...
Really appreciate this i plan on a new 2018 tomorrow Is the reverse system revised on the recon model to go into reverse from any forward gear? Cheers from wi
I just bought one. It better be good because Kawasaki, Arctic Cat, Polaris and Can Am all have less expensive machines with more accessories. Only bought it because I hear they are bullet proof. Expensive for what you get though.
HooDRidEWhiteY So far so good, badic but easy maintenance. I miss the accessories though. No speedometer, temp, gas gauge. But mechanically and performance wise it is great. I love my Arctic Cats too but since they sold the company its hard to find dealers, parts and service where I live and their customer service sucks. Still good machines otherwise.
HooDRidEWhiteY I have an Arctic Cat 300 which I believe is manufactured by the same company in Taiwan that makes the Brute Force. They look identical other than the logo. Fun machines and built well but the Honda Recon keeps up and actually seems to stay grounded better than the 300 for whatever reason. Odd since I can lift the Recon up to move it in the garage. Also the Recon uses regular 30 weight oil like a lawn mower so it needs nothing special and has no oil filter need. Very low maintenance. The oil filter on the 300 is internal, little more work and needs special oil.
I have a 1999 that still runs and shifts fine. I recently added a new OEM carb and it purrs like a kitten. No smoke. Its an amazing machine. It finally quit charging back to the battery so i'll probably have to install a new stator. So i bought a new 2022 to keep it company. The Recons are well worth their price. #postscript....it was just the battery. Put a new no name battery on her and shes back charging 14.4 Volts.
Thank you for such a great review! Im looking to order a 2022 Recon but i'm torn between the foot shift and the ES. QUESTION: When shifting a foot shift do you have to "blip" the throttle or can you simply keep the throttle held while shifting? How about the ES, can you keep the throttle held?
@@userfour-2087 I finally located and bought the 2022 Recon ES. As you said for the manual it's the same for the electronic shift. I can hold the throttle and up/down shift (pressing the buttons) but it clunks into gear and doesn't sound healthy. However, a simple throttle blip and it's a seamless shift.
I have a mint 2002 Recon. Very low hours. But I must say also that it has electric shift with the illuminated gear indicator on the dash. So this feature is not relatively new. It goes back to at least 02 models.
Bought the same model, foot shift, great condition. I’m about 205lbs and my dads 215-225. Was shocked this tiny thing hauled both of us around so easy. It’s a perfect fusion of sporty feel with utility body.
These Recons have rather noisy valves we have a few at work one at home and a 250EX so I get to hear this engine all the time. If it seems excessive it may need to be adjusted but excessive is hard to describe if at all possible go listen to some other 229CC Hondas IRL.
Can you put a trailer hitch on it? I had a 2002 model for 18 years and it got stolen. I would hall me and my two sons on it or a deer me and my sons . I pulled a trailer with three people on it etc. It was unbelievable work horse for 18 year. I was wonder if you can still put a hitch on it and are they still built great like 2002 model .
Word is that they are halting production in order to revamp the quad from the ground up. In my opinion, this is a good move because they’ve essentially been producing the same machine for over a decade. It would be nice to see some modest improvements. I’ve also heard murmurs that they could be coming up with a 4 wheel drive version, which would be slower, but better suited for off-roading and utility purposes. So my guess is that they will resume production in a year or 2 once they have the new design and all of their production set up.
They did halt for a revamp. Reason being is in 2018 (I believe maybe 17) even Suzuki changed the game on the King quad. I have a KQ 750 and my wife has a 500.. if Honda does a nice revamp I’ll buy one for either my wife or daughter. I love a Honda since I grew up on Honda bikes, but always had KQ atvs. Nice review!
“Go for 19,18, or 17 model if it’s been gently used” Imagine this scenario: Hahahaha and then he said, “I’ll sell you my mud vehicle for 3200, it’s been gently used” hahah
@@l.d.roberts2194 What’s the story on these with shifting man? Is it semi automatic? And if so, say you are in 3rd gear and then stop all of a sudden…will the engine die if you don’t shift down fast enough?
@@damon323 electronic shift, at least mine is, as long as you get the right oil for a wet clutch shifts fine. Mine dont die out when I let off an dont down shift.
Lol, it’s a 229cc engine geared for multipurpose use. The top speed is listed as 42-46 on EVERY website I see. 60-65 is only achieved with substantial modifications. You criticized the objective facts, and made yourself look stupid, 😂😂😂
@@Anonymouso283 my 2005 Honda recon hit 45mph with stick tires on the gps. It’s governed to that speed but I did put some really aggressive sunF mud tires that are really have and a badland 2500lb winch and winch mount so it added about 80 plus pounds to the stock configuration so now it probably will only do 40mph.
Everyone should have one. They are quiet, fuel efficient, nimble, and capable. They’ll get you nearly anywhere w/ a hundred lbs of gear. A full tank will get you 70 miles. My 2018 fits nicely in the bed of a Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline size truck. Easy to load..easy to store..and really fun too. I’m 6’5” 220 and feel like I can man handle it and throw it around by shifting my weight. It has a bit of sport quad feel to it because it’s so light. A lot of folks see 250cc and dismiss this ATV. Don’t, because this thing is a blast and is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
Good point, I actually own a Honda Ridgeline, and this fits just fine in the back. I don’t even need ramps to load it, I just lift up the front end onto the gate and then lift up the back end up the rest of the way.
This video helps ole grandpa out as my grandson is getting one for Christmas, I know he will be excited, because I was like a kid waiting for his dad to bring here to the house to hide it, it is really nice, thx again for a great review video!
Merry Christmas and stay well, take care!
I love this thing, I can drift it around my trails like it’s nothing and it’s so fun
Me to I just got a 2021 yesterday
just got a 2022 yesterday, its incredible
I'm a Ranger and I use this EVERY day. This is a very dependable ATV and it has never left me stranded. I have used it along creeks, woods, and sand. It will go up huge embankments if you know how to work the throttle and gears. Tires are a great investment and buy accordingly to usage it will be very noticeable. We have female Rangers as well and they were put at ease immediately during training when I had them pick up the back to show how light it was so dont worry about getting it stuck. It's fun, rider friendly, and RELIABLE. Great review
Hey dude! I was wondering if you could do another vid on the recon? Like a short little trail ride video and your thoughts on it?
I’m not pressuring you or anything, though.
I have been riding for around 8 years now and i currently own this one my best four wheeler i have had in my opinion it is the best for hill climbing maching and good for rough trails
Just got a 2021 recon es in tan yesterday and love it soo far. I have a deposit on a footshift rancher 4x4 coming in mid Dec but got the recon eventually for my gf and son if we go trail riding. The size of the recon is good, i am 6ft 300lbs and the recon gets up and goes even with my fat ass on it.
I woulda preferred footshift on the recon but all the atv dealers near me seem to be slim pickings right now and I really love the tan color vs the olive or red.
My 2021 does not have a gear indicatoe, only reverse, neutral and dummy light for fuek/check engine.
I just got 21 tan es the other day lol
We have a 2009. Still runs like new!!! I feel like others that I wish it come in 4×4.
I ride mine in negative 40 in Alaska. It still won’t let me use the choke. Choke stalls it. Maybe one day it will go negative 100 so I can use choke
How i used choke a few days ago on my in 30 degree weather
Your idle jet is running too rich, you need to adjust the fuel screw.
Just bought a 2022… it’s a perfect machine! Honda shouldn’t change a thing!
I have had my in mud over the Handalbars with no snorkel still runs
roden outdoors it’s a Honda
Hi Eric great video. My question is what's the difference in gas usage between the carb like yours or the equivalent model in fuel injection? I wanted to buy a 2020 250 ex but now that I'm searching a little more these models are more versatile in my opinion. I just might switch. I enjoyed your thoural owner review. I hope you continue to due updates. One more question. You mentioned your recon doesn't have a chain. Does that set up have a short life span that we would have to replace the unit vs maintenance on a chain and replacing it when worn. Thank you.
4:45 not the recon it always had independent front suspension and solid rear. I had a 2001 recon and the only thing that has changed really, is looks and a few things here and there but basically the same ATV and definitely recommend getting
I missed a deal on king quad 400 for 4K with 50 miles . Might have to just get this
Story time!
I was on a 2009-ish fourtrax (rancher) several years ago. I was headed up a hill and at the last second I saw a guy on a Grizzly (giant quad) coming down the hill. I instinctively turned to the right to avoid him when the quad started to tip. I jumped off the quad and booked it down the hill as the quad rolled after me. I was told I looked like I was in a cartoon chase scene.
After about 20 feet, the quad came to a rest. We inspected it and there was no damage except a third party windshield that was on it cracked.
Built like tanks!
HONDA👍
Honda’s are great 👍
Nice story
I have a 2000 model. It starts better than your demo. I also GPS checked my top speed in a cornfield, just over 40 mph. Still plenty fast for me.
I'm gonna say this HONDA has there shit together I had a 95 300 4x4 carborated and that thing was a tank would crank first try during 20 degree cold temps
Honda knows how to make a bullet proof machine, that’s for sure
My can start in10 digress With out a chok
I don’t know if people missed it but you said the right side Handlebar break was being rear brake that’s actually the front brake and a left side bar break is the rear brake 😂 I know you prolly didn’t mean to say that but it’s fixed now.
The older ES models of the Honda Recon (2002-present) have came with gear indicators. The manual shift models did not.
Drive shaft waaaaay better then chain. 100% transfer of power, and strong as an ox. Chain has slack, so some power lost in the transfer.
Local dealer is liquidating the 2019 model for $2788. I may have to go buy it.
What?!?!
That’s a frikin deal!!
@@Anonymouso283 I went down last night just before they closed after a buddy of mine told me about it. It sits real nice and I'm a big guy. I was concerned it may be too small but it's not. Going back down after work today to swing the deal.
@DEE CEE
Good for you. And what’s crazy, almost an hour ago, I just purchased a Recon for $4300 (Tax but I didn’t include it)
Had to sell my John Deere Gator though, because it was breaking too much. Kinda sad at the moment...
@@Anonymouso283 Ah man, bummer!
Where is there a low fuel light? I am not aware of this feature on any recon.
Really appreciate this i plan on a new 2018 tomorrow
Is the reverse system revised on the recon model to go into reverse from any forward gear? Cheers from wi
Unfortunately not, you will need to downshift all the way to neutral before going into reverse.
I just bought one. It better be good because Kawasaki, Arctic Cat, Polaris and Can Am all have less expensive machines with more accessories. Only bought it because I hear they are bullet proof. Expensive for what you get though.
I'm about to buy one for the same reason over the others, its a Honda. Would you buy it again over the brute force 300?
HooDRidEWhiteY So far so good, badic but easy maintenance. I miss the accessories though. No speedometer, temp, gas gauge. But mechanically and performance wise it is great. I love my Arctic Cats too but since they sold the company its hard to find dealers, parts and service where I live and their customer service sucks. Still good machines otherwise.
HooDRidEWhiteY I have an Arctic Cat 300 which I believe is manufactured by the same company in Taiwan that makes the Brute Force. They look identical other than the logo. Fun machines and built well but the Honda Recon keeps up and actually seems to stay grounded better than the 300 for whatever reason. Odd since I can lift the Recon up to move it in the garage. Also the Recon uses regular 30 weight oil like a lawn mower so it needs nothing special and has no oil filter need. Very low maintenance. The oil filter on the 300 is internal, little more work and needs special oil.
I had a 2017 and it was foot shift and no gauge or anything to look at
I have a 1999 that still runs and shifts fine. I recently added a new OEM carb and it purrs like a kitten. No smoke. Its an amazing machine. It finally quit charging back to the battery so i'll probably have to install a new stator. So i bought a new 2022 to keep it company. The Recons are well worth their price.
#postscript....it was just the battery. Put a new no name battery on her and shes back charging 14.4 Volts.
Thank you for such a great review! Im looking to order a 2022 Recon but i'm torn between the foot shift and the ES.
QUESTION: When shifting a foot shift do you have to "blip" the throttle or can you simply keep the throttle held while shifting? How about the ES, can you keep the throttle held?
In my experience it's a slightly smoother shift if you blip the throttle but holding the throttle and jamming it into the next gear doesn't hurt
@@userfour-2087 I finally located and bought the 2022 Recon ES. As you said for the manual it's the same for the electronic shift. I can hold the throttle and up/down shift (pressing the buttons) but it clunks into gear and doesn't sound healthy. However, a simple throttle blip and it's a seamless shift.
my 2002 Honda recon had a gear indicator i'm just saying, also great video, i miss my ol Honda every day
So does mine
Thanks - with its 2 wheel drive can a recon be driven up ramps into the bed of a pickup?
yes
Hell yeah. Easily. Just did it today. Picked one up new. Its a little beast.
So on the 2020 recons is the gear indicator just for the ESP models and not for the foot shift models or is it just an option in general?
Per my understanding it is a standard feature now, regardless of which transmission you have
Ok, Thanks
I found a used 2020 model that was lightly used, the seller was asking 4600 but I negotiated it down to 3950.
I regretted selling it to you.
For the money I would look for a used 4x4 420 if you want a nice machine
I have a mint 2002 Recon. Very low hours. But I must say also that it has electric shift with the illuminated gear indicator on the dash. So this feature is not relatively new. It goes back to at least 02 models.
Thanks Gary, I stand corrected!
Bought the same model, foot shift, great condition. I’m about 205lbs and my dads 215-225. Was shocked this tiny thing hauled both of us around so easy. It’s a perfect fusion of sporty feel with utility body.
@@frydaddy1535 it is a very torquey little machine. I do wish it had a lower first gear though so that you could creep it along.
I believe only es model comes with gear indicator. Just looked at a 2019 recon foot shift model- no indicator.
Hi love you're video. I'm looking to buy a 2018 220 for $3,800.74hr on it do you think it a good deal. Thank you
I have a 2017 purchased it brand new. I did the normal break in. Is it normal to hear the valves?
These Recons have rather noisy valves we have a few at work one at home and a 250EX so I get to hear this engine all the time. If it seems excessive it may need to be adjusted but excessive is hard to describe if at all possible go listen to some other 229CC Hondas IRL.
Do you use this with a snow plow? If so how well does it work.
I wouldn’t it’s only 2wd I’d use the rancher 420
How well does it take bumps if you stand up will you get throw off the bike ?
Handles bumps pretty good man i have no complains on my 07 so i'm guessing a newer model will handle even better
I have a 2003 recon a great machine
Can you put a trailer hitch on it? I had a 2002 model for 18 years and it got stolen. I would hall me and my two sons on it or a deer me and my sons . I pulled a trailer with three people on it etc. It was unbelievable work horse for 18 year. I was wonder if you can still put a hitch on it and are they still built great like 2002 model .
Yes you can I have a 2017
Excellent Review👍
Hi. What is your height? thanks
Does anyone know if you can put a speedometer on it? Pls let me know
For 2021 the es model doesn’t display the gear you’re in anymore I wonder why??
Just got a 2021 yesterday and noticed I have no gear indicator. Not a big deal but odd that they would add that feature and then remove it.
Is this quad meant for the youth?
Does.the.recon
.have.a.ball.hitch
Would you know why honda stopped making the recon 250 , would like to get people's view on it
Word is that they are halting production in order to revamp the quad from the ground up. In my opinion, this is a good move because they’ve essentially been producing the same machine for over a decade. It would be nice to see some modest improvements. I’ve also heard murmurs that they could be coming up with a 4 wheel drive version, which would be slower, but better suited for off-roading and utility purposes. So my guess is that they will resume production in a year or 2 once they have the new design and all of their production set up.
They did halt for a revamp. Reason being is in 2018 (I believe maybe 17) even Suzuki changed the game on the King quad. I have a KQ 750 and my wife has a 500.. if Honda does a nice revamp I’ll buy one for either my wife or daughter. I love a Honda since I grew up on Honda bikes, but always had KQ atvs. Nice review!
“Go for 19,18, or 17 model if it’s been gently used”
Imagine this scenario:
Hahahaha and then he said, “I’ll sell you my mud vehicle for 3200, it’s been gently used” hahah
Great video!!!!
Thanks!
How tall are you? I’m 6’1 220 am i to big for it?
No my buddy has the 2020 hes 6'4" 250 pounds and he keeps up wuth the 500 foremans
I'm 5'11 an 280lbs, it's fine for me.
@@l.d.roberts2194 What’s the story on these with shifting man? Is it semi automatic? And if so, say you are in 3rd gear and then stop all of a sudden…will the engine die if you don’t shift down fast enough?
@@damon323 electronic shift, at least mine is, as long as you get the right oil for a wet clutch shifts fine. Mine dont die out when I let off an dont down shift.
@@l.d.roberts2194 Ok, figured so with electronic shift, but I’m looking at a manual foot shift for my wife
Awesome for hunting
This thing good for hauling deer out?
Absolutely! Did just that this past season: ibb.co/mTWH25Q
Very cool I'm looking for a 15 threw 18 myself green or camofloged very good shape North Carolina.
Can it fit 2 people? I want to buy one
No. Design only for one rider.
JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
hes fr callinf that atv a bike lmao
What size is it
The engine? Or the dimensions of the body?
Ok you sold me
Tell Honda! Maybe they will give me a free one to review, LOL
How fast does it go
About 50
And I know that bc I have done a top speed run
Mason Riddle to me it alright in speed it pretty fast
I have mine and I ride the fuck out of it like full or no throttle and jumps and wheelies and on two wheels
i have 2006 rancher trx400 with 700 miles LOL
Wow dude you don’t even know what you are talking about the go like 60 or 65
With mods
Nope. Impossible. 42 is the max.
Lol, it’s a 229cc engine geared for multipurpose use. The top speed is listed as 42-46 on EVERY website I see. 60-65 is only achieved with substantial modifications. You criticized the objective facts, and made yourself look stupid, 😂😂😂
Maybe with a six year old driving it down hill but not a grown man
@@Anonymouso283 my 2005 Honda recon hit 45mph with stick tires on the gps. It’s governed to that speed but I did put some really aggressive sunF mud tires that are really have and a badland 2500lb winch and winch mount so it added about 80 plus pounds to the stock configuration so now it probably will only do 40mph.
JESUS IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!!!!!