I have the Suzuki KQ 450 and this thing is awesome. This machine don't have power steering but don't seem to have a need for it yet.
Only trouble is, its a heavy clunky utility....not a sport quad. Some folks imagine that "sport/utes" are "sporty", but the sport in sport ute is just marketing hype!
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So. Calif. Deserts and Mountains!
Desert- 450R
Trail- 400EX
Mountain Technical Trail- Rancher 420 and 350
Kids- Two 250EX's, TRX 90
Dual-Sport Bikes- KLX250S, XT225
The 400EX, Z400 and 700R are all logical choices... just be careful.
Riding more of the open areas I'd lean toward the latter two.
If you have trouble getting the hang of the clutch, just buy a smaller front sprocket to start on. Drop a tooth. This will slow it down a little and beef up the stall resistance a little. Then you can always swap back as you advance.
__________________ '00 TRX400EX
A project in progress......brought to a screeching halt (3/09)....Time for a new 450R!