ACE 250R2 from Northern Tools

Posts: 218

Yes the buggy is called the 250R2 a lot like the up coming Carter 250. This buggy was sent from Carter. All of the shipping adresses indicated Carter, and the title does as well.

Let me start by answering the question of PRICE. 3199 listed and NT, but you must include shipping (even if you pick it up at the store) and tax so total price around 3600. You can also buy 1 or 2 year extended warranties on the engine for a couple hundred dollars more if wanted. They will only put your buggy together for a price. I put mine together and it wasn't bad.

SERVICE: Northern Tools will service your buggy, including the engine if you buy the warranty. The NT that I bought from has a mechanic on staff, and he has been helpful and knowlegible.

BUILD QUALITY: Initially I'm impressed as compared to my Sunls. Welds appear good, hardware (bolts etc.) still poor quality though. The roll cage fit together easily all of bolts except one were easy to thread into the cage components. Tires look O.K., but feel cheap. Sidewalls seem super thin - but not a surprise. The front suspension has grease points on both the upper and lower arms. I hate the electrical set up in the back, as only has a metal cover (not a box) with no sides to gaurd against water or mud entry. Also the coil wires touch the rear drivers side spring Sad

, also no skid plate. Planning on fabricating a fix for both of these. Oh yeah, the radiator resevoir leaks with only moderate driving.

COMFORT: This is a small buggy. I believe that interior space is even less than my 150b. I'm around 6'1'' and 220 and would not recommend this buggy for anyone taller than me. The seats are poor. While soft, the lower cushion tends to lean downward giving you the feeling of slipping forward out of the seat. Poor vision out the back because of the radiator. E-brake and gear lever are easy to get to and use. Getting into and out of the buggy is not too bad. Buggy width is listed as 54 inches and this is accurate by my tape measure.

DRIVELINE: Swing arm rear, solid axle, CVT, CN250, 36T sprocket, 530 chain, 20" front tires, 22"rear tires.

DRIVE: Let me say this thing has some pep. No speedo on this buggy, but I'm sure it will do well over 30mph. It has a 36 tooth sprocket which I like as I do mostly trail work with my buggies. It will smoke my modded 150b even in stock form. I think the most noticable difference between the two buggies is the torque. I find this most evident when hill climbing. Its kinda like comparing a four cylinder to a V8. The 250 seems happy loping along at lower RPM, as compared to the 150 which requires revs to make power. I also believe this buggy is lighter than my Sunl. I haven't measured their length, but side by side but the ACE also looks to be a little shorter. It rides like a swing arm buggy - choppy. Turning circle is pretty tight thanks to the short wheelbase. I haven't put enough trail time on the machine to fully realize all its good/bad points, this is just my initial impression.

Posts: 890

wow, that ace is identical to my to my twister 150, even the same color.

Posts: 1832

Thats one nice looking buggy! I know you are glad to have it together and running. Since it is noticibly quicker than the 150 can you give us the e.t.'s of both in a 200foot run/straight line?

Posts: 4211

man, that looks like a 150 frame, swingarm. with a 250 engine in it. can you give us an engine pic? it would be nice to see how they got it in there.

Posts: 218

I'll get some pics of the engine tonight. I must say that the swing arm assembly looks very close to the new Carter 250R2 on the web site. I'm planning to do some riding this weekend and will give you some numbers Team913.

Posts: 453

It looks good. I still don't understand why they use a solid swing arm style rear suspension on any buggies these days, it's so outdated.

Posts: 1832

RC, it's cheap to manufacture and it works. "Marketing"

Briarhopper, thank you for doing the comparison testing this weekend. I hope you have good weather for it. Don't forget to check your tire pressure so as to have them set up the same. Shoot me a PM when you know something please.
I guess Bones has me convinced to upgrade my ignition, so tomorrow I need to call BIGE,,,,,, again! Shocked

Posts: 453

Posts: 4211

hey Van, I ordered them yesterday cause i knew you were wetting yourself Laughing

they should be here by tuesday

Posts: 1832

Mucho Gracias GRANDE E
You got that right! It got a bit chilly riding my motorcycle home with wet pants on. Its a good thing you don't sell aftermarket harley stuff, I would be seriously broke. Shocked