new member, tallahassee

[pkeeney]

I'm selling my motorcycle tonight, and going to buy an ATV as soon as possible.  I've been riding a motorcycle for 6 years, and stopped having fun on it.  It's good for gas mileage, but that's about it.  So I'm looking for more fun, and less "I almost got killed on the way over here."  Plus my wife has always wanted one, and I could give my 4-year-old rides on our 3 acres.

I also live literally right on the edge of the Apalachicola National Forest, and I just recently realized how much fun there is to be had out there (while riding in a friend's Wrangler).

I hope to get a utility-type ATV, something 300cc or greater, preferably 4x4, wish me luck.

[Chevy1500z71]

go with a sport quad or at least a kfx700

[pkeeney]

Care to explain why?  I want it for going through mud, or climbing over obstacles, that kind of stuff. 

I want to stay away from anything that involves speed or high-performance riding, because then I'll dump way too much money and time into it, trying to go faster or jump higher.  I already have an '86 Mazda RX-7 modded for autocross, a '90 convertible RX-7 for sunny days, and an '06 Mazda 5 for other stuff.

Oh, and I'm trying to do this without spending anything.  Meaning, I'm getting $3,500 for my bike, I don't want to spend much more than that.

[Dr.Dirt]

Welcome to the site! Go with what you want, I have no idea why he told you to get a sport bike... This is a great site, your gonna meet some cool people on here. 

[MachineDog]

If you're looking for new the smallest 4x4 I know of is the honda rancher, although I've heard some bad reviews about reliability. Besides for that maybe a 400 arctic cat which starts at 4K for the VP Manual.

[VForcedave]

Welcome to the site. How about a mid range type like the 350 honda rancher. Comfortable, easy riding bike. A used one should be about 3 to 4k. I thought the Appalachicola (sp?) National Forect was closed to OHV's/atvs. My sister lives in Crawfordsville (yuk) and I used to ride up there in the jeep years ago. Out to the Big Sink and places like that. There must still be some riding areas open??  

[pkeeney]

Thanks for the welcome!  I'm actually hoping to find a decent used one.  Right now I'm eyeing an ad, but can't reach the guy, hopefully he'll get my message and call me.  2002 Yamaha Big Bear 400, 4x4, $3,500.

OHVs can ride on trails in the ANF, but not on the numbered roads, because those are county maintained.  We're not supposed to go off trails (trail blazing, whatever you call it), but there aren't maps or signs to speak of, just visible paths and such.

I work for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, so I'll be sure to talk to an officer about the laws and such to get the specifics.  Don't want to lose my job because of a dumb mistake!

[dirtyface]

Welcome

[Keeter]

Welcome to ATVFlorida.com. The first thing you should do is buy a really cool ATVFlorida.com sticker. This is a good way to be recognized on the trail.

[yunt2ride]

Welcome to the site, You will be happy with a utilty quad out at the forest. Plus you and the wife can ride together in comfort.

[americanhighlander]

Welcome to web site on here.

You might have to pick up a dirtwheels magzine at local
store like walmarts or winn dixe stores.So if have have sat tv or cable tv
you might have to check out  atv shows theses are best shows
on Ute atv machines and it will tell which machine you should go with.

This show is on the great outdoor network channel.
It's called:Atv tv (This one best atv shows I like)
http://www.atvtv.com/

This one is on Oln channel.
It's called atv magzine tv(This my second best atv show)
http://www.atvnews.com/

 

If your riding in muddy trails if you get stuck
you might have to get atv with front lock diff and 4x4 to get out
of muddy condtions and better grip power on your wheels Thats
what front lock diff does.And one more thing
if get atv get some better tires like Itp atr kits or  other choices with radal tires will last a long time on trails and it can take 4x4 riding abuse.
So Good luck on buying atv and I hope you be happy to ride on trails
at aplachicola nat forest.

Thanks,
amhighlander 

[wbass24]

I live in Northern Wakulla County on the edge of the Nat'l Forest as well. As far as riding, we have it made.... you definetly need a 4x4 if want to do any real riding here, we have way too much mud and water.

Once you get your bike, shoot me a message I have a group at the house riding almost every weekend.

 

[VForcedave]

hey wbass24 you better be careful you may have 2 or 3 thousand people from this site coming over for a ride in the forest. The state has just about closed everything south of Ocala to OHV's. We'll all see you real soon. 

I live in Northern Wakulla County on the edge of the Nat'l Forest as well. As far as riding, we have it made.... you definetly need a 4x4 if want to do any real riding here, we have way too much mud and water.

Once you get your bike, shoot me a message I have a group at the house riding almost every weekend.

 

[BIGWORM3699 ( ECP RACING)]

         


                WELCOME!

[Chuck_Norris]

WELCOME

[pkeeney]

I live in Northern Wakulla County on the edge of the Nat'l Forest as well. As far as riding, we have it made.... you definetly need a 4x4 if want to do any real riding here, we have way too much mud and water.

Once you get your bike, shoot me a message I have a group at the house riding almost every weekend.

 

Awesome, I'll let you know!  Though, I might not be able to transport it.  I don't have a truck, or anything with a hitch (I have a large trailer at my disposal, and can borrow a truck from 1 of 3 differen relatives if I have to).  I just planned on driving my ATV straight into the forest from my house.  But I'll stay in touch!

Thanks for the welcomes!

[SWAMP_DONKEY]

WELCOME