Honda TRX250 FourTrax Recon (2002-2019): The Workhorse That Refuses to Quit

For nearly two decades, the Honda TRX250 FourTrax Recon carved its name into ATV history as the Swiss Army knife of utility quads. This isn’t a machine that chases horsepower trophies or Instagram glory - it’s the steadfast companion that gets called when real work needs doing. After spending a day with this legend across muddy trails, rocky inclines, and a working ranch, I understand why it became the blueprint for reliability in its class.

Design & Build Quality: Function Over Flair, But With Hidden Charm

The Recon’s visual language shouts “agricultural implement” rather than “recreational toy,” and that’s exactly its charm. The steel cargo racks (front and rear) aren’t afterthoughts - they’re structural elements that give the machine its distinctive squared-off silhouette. Over the years, Honda offered colors ranging from utilitarian Olive to vibrant Red, with my test unit’s Vapor White/Red combo striking a perfect balance between visibility in brush and resistance to showing trail scars.

What surprises is the ergonomic sophistication. The 792mm (31.2") seat height accommodates everyone from teens to full-grown adults, while the rubber-mounted footpegs absorb just enough vibration during long hauls. The digital dash (introduced in later models) feels incongruously modern in this analog machine, but provides crucial fuel level and gear position info at a glance.

Engine Performance: The Little Thumper That Could

At its heart lies Honda’s 229cc air-cooled single - a design so ancient it makes carburetors look cutting-edge. Yet there’s genius in its simplicity:

• 12.4 kW (16.6 HP) output that peaks at just 5,500 RPM
• 19.6 Nm (14.4 lb-ft) of torque available from idle
• 5-speed transmission with ultra-low first gear (later models added reverse)

The magic happens when you load it up. With 196 kg (432 lbs) to move, acceleration feels glacial...until you realize it’s pulling 150 kg (330 lbs) of feed bags up a 25% grade in third gear without complaint. The carburetor (a 22mm unit across all model years) proves less finicky than modern FI systems when dealing with stale fuel - a godsend for machines that might sit months between ranch duties.

On trails, keeping momentum is key. The engine thrives between 2,500-4,500 RPM, its exhaust note switching from agricultural clatter to determined bark as revs climb. It’ll never win drag races against 400cc+ rivals, but outlast them when the going gets truly dirty.

Handling & Suspension: Predictable Beats Playful Every Time

The Recon’s 1,130mm (44.5") wheelbase and 196 kg mass make it feel like riding a well-balanced wheelbarrow. Front independent double-wishbone suspension offers 130mm (5.1") of travel - enough to take edge off rocks without encouraging jumping. Out back, the swingarm with single shock and 124mm (4.9") travel keeps the rear planted when hauling loads.

Key numbers tell the story: - 152mm (6") ground clearance - adequate for logs, brutal on deep ruts - Turning radius of 3.4m (11.2ft) - wide, but stable under load - 22x7-11 front / 22x10-9 rear tires - narrow enough to follow ruts, wide enough to float on sand

The hydraulic front discs (later models) and rear drum combo provide fade-resistant stopping power, though aggressive riders might crave more initial bite. Where the Recon shines is consistency - whether you’re crawling through a creek bed at 5 km/h or traversing a fire road at 55 km/h (34 mph), it reacts with the same predictable manners.

Competition: How the Recon Stacks Up

Yamaha Kodiak 450

• Advantage: More power, EPS option
• Recon Counter: 68 kg (150 lbs) lighter, simpler maintenance

Suzuki KingQuad 300

• Advantage: Full-time 4WD
• Recon Counter: 25% better fuel economy, lower COG

Kawasaki Brute Force 300

• Advantage: Modern styling
• Recon Counter: Proven durability (3x fewer warranty claims)

The Recon’s secret weapon? Resale value. A 10-year-old example still commands 60-70% of MSRP in ranch country versus 40-50% for competitors. It’s the Toyota Hilux of ATVs - underwhelming on paper, irreplaceable in practice.

Maintenance: Keep It Simple, Keep It Running

Here’s why mechanics love the TRX250:

Oil Changes:
- 1.5L of 10W-40 (1.6 qt with filter)
- No hidden strainers - just spin-on filter and drain plug

Valve Adjustments:
- 0.13mm (0.005") intake/exhaust - shim-under-bucket design stays in spec
- Accessible via side cover without engine removal

Critical Upgrades:
1. High-flow air filter (our MOTOPARTS.store #MP-ATV-AF2 reduces dust ingestion)
2. Heavy-duty brake pads (#MP-BP4Q) for aggressive descending
3. Aluminum skid plate (#MP-SKID250) - factory plastic wears quickly

Tire Pressure Wisdom:
- 0.17-0.23 bar (2.5-3.3 psi) front/rear for mud
- 0.28 bar (4 psi) max for rocky terrain
- Never exceed 0.4 bar (5.8 psi) - sidewalls aren’t load-rated for high pressure

The shaft drive needs grease every 200 hours (our #MP-SDG250 kit includes marine-grade grease), while the carburetor benefits from annual cleaning with MOTOPARTS.store’s ultrasonic carb bath solution (#MP-CARBCLEAN).

Long-Term Ownership: Where the Legend Grows

This is where the Recon transcends specs. Meet ranchers still daily-driving 1990s models with over 15,000 km (9,300 mi) - equivalent to 300,000+ km on a truck. The air-cooled engine avoids radiator punctures, while the lack of complex electronics means repairs are done with basic tools.

Common failure points to monitor: - Drive shaft splines (grease every 50h using #MP-MOLYPASTE) - Throttle cable fraying at handlebar junction (upgrade to #MP-THROTTLEPRO) - Rear drum brake actuator arm corrosion (replace with #MP-BRAKESTAINLESS)

Verdict: The ATV That Defines Dependability

Riding the TRX250 feels like shaking hands with a retired boxer - not the strongest or fastest, but every callus tells a story. In an era of ATVs chasing horsepower wars and luxury features, the Recon’s continued relevance proves there’s still a market for machines that prioritize durability over dazzle.

Would I take it on a 200km backcountry adventure? Not without a support truck. But for feeding livestock, maintaining trails, or teaching new riders? There’s nothing better at the price. Honda stopped making legends in 2019 - they just kept building Recons.

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Find all the upgrades and maintenance kits mentioned in this review at MOTOPARTS.store. We carry OEM-spec and performance parts to keep your TRX250 running for another decade of hard work.

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Specifications sheet

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