Manuals aren't that hard to learn how to ride on. So don't let that deter you from getting one. Depending on what brand it won't break that easy, the only difficult part I had when I learned how was getting into first gear, which quickly got easier. For a trail bike, you can look at the Honda 300EX, they are really reliable and a great fourwheeler for beginners. But then I am a HUGE fan of Honda, wouldn't buy or ride anything else...except for the Brute 750i, that thing is a beast...anyway, Kawasaki and Yamaha also make good quads too. They aren't quite as expensive either, at least I think they aren't.

Tobe