Newbie getting started with the sport. Starting off with the kids atv. Then mine later (when I can afford it). After alot of time on this forum I have narrowed it down to these to quads. I live in Vancouver, Washington and will be trail riding mostly. Some sand time later when I can get an atv for myself. I am leaning towards the Predator mostly because they are throwing in a helmet and flag. What is the majority vote?

One more question? Just so I got this strait. In order to get the rev limiter on the Predator you have to buy the cdi from a 2001 sportsman 90 then put it on your predator and cut the geen wire? Won't be doing this until the kids are good enough of course, but want to know. If I know my son it won't be long before he wants it to go faster.

 

I left out some info. 2005 eton vipor 90 with reverse vs. 2004 predator 90[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Hey 34,

Welcome to this forum. To me, the Pred-90 is a great trail mini. It has lots of suspension, wider and has a large frame. The E-Ton Viper 90 is also a great brand. They have hydronlic disc brakes, a thicker chain and factory optional lights. The 2005 E-ton 90 with "R" is new this year. Hopefully they'll release it very soon and someone can provide their feedback on its new "R" feature. For the type of riding you (and your kid) plan on doing, both minis will meet your "recreational" riding needs very well. If you are doing lots of forward run riding, "R" is more of a "nice to have". If you are doing rough trailing riding, then lots of suspension is more important. It all depends on your unique riding conditions.

As a suggestion, have your kid fitted for the mini. Depending upon your kid's physical size, the Viper could be too small or the Pred-90 could be too big. If its a surprise, take your "same size as your kid" neice or nephew to each showroom floor and have them "fitted". They must sit comfortably on it, can reach the controls when handle bars are turned both ways and have a little bend to their legs when sitting on the seat. Too much leg bent and they will soon out grow it. If their feet can't touch the floor boards, the frame size is too big for them.

Hope this helps.

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spike99-

I just got off the phone with a dealer and he will have them on the floor tomorrow. I asked him twice if it was the 2005 with reverse and he told me yes both times. So I hope he is sure. I will be making the 45 minute drive tomorrow. I have a polaris dealer 3 miles from my house so I still might have to go with the Predator. I don't want to make the drive to often. Eventually I will be putting some mods on. Speaking of Mods. Is it very tuff to put mods on yourself. Your speaking to someone who is not mechanically inclined.

Thanx

 

Don't worry, I wasn't born with a `wrench in my hand` either. Some mods like chain upgrades / replacements, Air Filter upgrades, brake shoes / pads replacements , Longer Swing Arms, wider A-Arms, etc. are easy to do. Just "take your time" and follow the pictures or instructions that usually come with each upgrade. If you are uncomfortable with these "structure items", invite over a few of your mechanical skilled buddies, and share a few beers with them. When it comes to engines, that stuff is "way too far over my head". I have a great dealer in my area who does all the engine "hands on" work. There are also many high performance engine dealers on this forum. After a while, you'll soon understand which of these dealers really knows their stuff - for your unique riding conditions. If you purchase their parts, these dealers are often available to help you (via phone call / emails). Just like riding a quad, you'lll soon expand your current mechanical limits and decide who you'd like riding on the trails with you. In a way, many of the dealers on this forum are riding beside you - when you are using their upgrade parts. In other words, don't look for a dealer, look for a "performance upgrade partner" in your riding area and on this forum...

On a side note.... Don't worry too much about the 45 minute drive. My Pred-90 dealer & Arctic Cat dealer are 45 minutes away from me. I've only had to take my AC 500i to the dealer once (factory recall) and our Pred-90 has NEVER been returned to our dealer. Perhaps we are "the norm" or just lucky. In any case, a 45 minute drive isn't too long of a drive to keep your kid very happy.

Hope this helps...

.

 

During your E-Ton & Pred-90 comparisons, you may also want to compare other items besides suspension, controls, etc.

If you need immediate mods for your unique riding environment, you'll also know what to look for. These items could be purchased seperately or possibly "included" as part of your negociated selling price (of either brand). Some dealers will include supporting items and other's won't. To view some immediately mod items that you may need / want for your unique riding conditions, surf entire post within .Press Here.

Hope this helps too...

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The Viper isn't really that small.I'm about 5'9" 200lbs and I can ride my sons Viper 90 without hitting the bars or the fenders.The Viper has a good rear suspension while the front I would rate as just average.The pred has lot of travel but its not the best quality travel.They are both good bikes but lately I have been hearing about lots of small gremlins with the pred(mostly just simple annoying electrical probs)but enough to get my attention since my cousin owns an 02 Polaris Scrambler and has had some troubles with it as well.This might be something to think about if your not mechanically inclined.However if your dealer is just around the corner that might not be such a big issue.Dealer support is definitely important,maybe the most important thing.We haven't had to make any repairs on the Viper whatsoever so if the 05s are as good as the 04s you shouldn't have to go to your dealer very often.Also get some imput from your kids.Let them sit on the bikes.For my son when he saw that bright yellow Viper with the oscillating led light and horn he was sold..LOL.Luckily I agreed with him.

 

Thank you for all of your help. I decided to go with the 05 Vipor 90. We picked it up today and love it. Didn't see much of a differance with the rev limiter turned all the way down. The thing moves though. It was cheaper and that was the determining factor. Kids love it. I will keep you updated on it's peformance.

 

very good choice. Eton builds an awsome machine. my son has a Viper 50 and I ride it all the time and I weigh over 200 lbs. pulls me just fine. we've had no problems what so ever and we've had it almost a year now.

 

Traxterman,

I noticed you are located in ME. I might be interested in 1 of your Vipers. I am located in Ma. on the Northshore. How far up are you? An what are you asking for them OTD...PM some info.

TY