Hi guys! I will be buying my 7 year old son an atv soon....within next couple of weeks. I have looked at a Honda 90.....reliable machine I'm sure but to me, it doesn't offer enough. I am looking at a Polaris in the 90cc range because for one, it has an auto tranny with reverse.
Plus the price is better than the Honda.
Any advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. I want a good, reliable machine that I can depend on and not have to worry about parts and service. It won't see hard use as we just ride trails through the woods at my girlfriends house.
Any opinions on the Polaris or others?
Thanks.
Richard

 

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Polaris (and many 2 strokes with CVT) have open stator systems and vented trannies. Thus, any water above the running boards will cause long term damage. Due to the electrical config of the Pred-90 (and open stator system), its stator system will blow more then the other brands. I've seen this many times over. The Pred-90 has rear cable pull / Drum brakes. They don't hold "as good" as hydro disc brakes. And, the Pred-90 front hubs get plugged with mud / crud faster then the other 2 strokes. If wondering, we have a '03 Pred-90 and I can prove many times over that it isn't a good mini for water / crud, and it isn't reliable as some people say it is. Some people have great luck with their Polaris and other's don't. For trail riding, it does need lots of brake, chain and other adjustments after 4 long trail rides. If there is E-Ton, Dini, Kasea or simular brands in your area, compare these brands against one another - for your unique riding conditions. You'll may be very surprised of the "new features" of these brands... Sure wish Polaris would install hydro disc brakes in their future design improvements.

Hope this helps...

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If I had to do it again and knowing what I know today, we probably would have bought an '06 Honda TRX90 (assuming body fit was ok). This year, they have electric start. Three years ago, they didn't have electric start - which was my biggest turn off. With a few minor mods (like a rear push bar for more fender support, DRLs, whip flag, widen their front end, etc.), the reputation of the "near bullet proof" Honda engine would have been well worth the initial purchase price difference - compare to its 2 stroke competition. If wondering, Honda does have a sealed stator and tranny system. They also have a foot brake system. Many kids love their rear foot brake. Much better then hand levers. The TRX90 is excellent for trails because they also have bottom end crawl gearing for hills and for soft mud stream crossings. For trails and reliability being your main focus, pay the extra initial dollars and get the Honda. Well worth it in the long run....

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I agree w/spike. The Honda is well worth the extra $ for the type of riding you explained. I consider it king in the woods/and especially any water.
BUT, rest assured the 2 strokes (by the major names kasea/polaris/eton/etc) are all fine machines with parts readilly available and a vast array of help in the ATV Connection forums to help you. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Thanks for the replies guys! I may just go with the Honda just on the fact that the engine alone is dang near bullet proof. The quad may be light enough that turning it around by hand in a tight spot may not be a problem also. I was quoted 3 grand out the door for the Honda.....2006 model so I guess it will be a good investment in the long run. My neighbor has a 90 that his daughter, who's 10 now, started out on. It was just a frame and engine when he bought it and he put new plastic on it, new wheels and tires and she drove it around in 2nd gear for almost 2 years!
If the engine is anything like the old 90's of the 60's and 70's.....it's a tough little engine.