I picked up a new Mongoose 90 for my son this weekend. I did not ride it, but from observing him ride it seems like it will work well for our intended use. We ride narrow, rocky, sometimes muddy trails in the mountains of SoCal. The biggest problem with his LT 80 is climbing rocky hills and lack of low end torque. The Mongoose just grunts up and over. As it comes, it is slow, but it has 3 speed limiters. The CDI, the clutch, and the throttle limiter can be changed or modified for more power.
It has adjustable shocks, and more travel than the LT. It has the tether to shut down the motor. Electric and kick start. One thing I really like is the brake light, my son has a habit of stopping in front of me, this should help prevent future incidents.
For those in Kalifornia, it is a green sticker vehicle, not many youth atv's are.
It was only $1899. They say you get what you pay for, time will tell.
Just my experience, yours will differ.

 

I bet you will be very happy.
I think the Kymco's are a good machine. They (as you see) have their place. Muddy and rocky are 4 stroke words. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

jimk403,

Congrats on your new purchase and your immediate pleased results. Sounds like this mini is a perfect fit for your riding conditions.

As a suggestion, try to lead your son down the trails. On our trails, I only let me son lead down the straight and wide trails. But in our dark bush trails that contain corners &/or hills, do try to lead your young rider. One never knows when a YAHOO or Moose (or other wild life animals) may suddently appear on your trail.

Congrats on your new purchase. Please keep us informed on the long term usage of your new mini. Your "real world" experiences will help many others. Especially the folks doing research on a new / replacement larger mini.

.

 

Leading youngsters is good advice. I normally lead, but stuff happens. We took a break, he took off down the road before I was ready. I was trying to catch him, yelled for him to wait, he slammed on the brakes, I just barely tapped his rear. I love the brakes on my Prairie.
It seems as if the rev limiter on the Mongoose kicks in before the throttle limiter. I may defeat it and just use the throttle stop. He is used to the LT 80 so speed is not the problem, it's the physical size difference between them that he is getting accustomed to.

 

jimk403,

You make mention of this:
Do you mean speed or "power"? I've kind of had my eye on those Kymco machines. I'd appreciate it if you would keep us posted on future impressions or experiences with your new quad.
Good luck.

 

It has good low end power as compared to the LT 80, even at the limited rpm. As it sits, it's not fast, but I'm not ready for him to go fast on it.

 

Again, I'm very glad you like your Kymco.
Just curious, I've allways considered a stock LT80 a grunt monster. Have you done clutch maintenence? Could there be a problem there?

 

I never touched the clutch. Being as how it's a 2005 I figured it would last awhile before needing maintenance.
The 80 has the power but seems to come on at higher rpm than what my son can handle on the more technical trails. He loves the power of the 80 in the dunes or on the beach.
Maybe a clutch adjustment would allow more power to the wheels at lower rpm?
My son and I both like the LT 80, it was mom who said to get him one he can ride year-round.
Now it will probably be for sale, haven't decided yet.

 

jimk403:
Hey, have you had that Kymco out much since you bought it? How is it running and handling those rocky trails? How's the chain drive on that? Does that have a chain tensioner on it? Are you still impressed with it's ability to "grunt" up rocky inclines? I'm impressed with what I've read on them. Your follow-up impressions would be appreciated.
Good luck.

 

Have not had it out again, but will post again when we do.
It does not have a chain tensioner like a wheel or whatever, but it can be adjusted to take up the slack as the chain wears.