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Hi Everyone,
I am going to purchase a new quad for my nine year old son. I have read just about every topic in this forum over the last 3 weeks(yeah it took that long-all 110 pages) and from reading everyones opinions I have narrowed it down to 2 quads. The 06 Honda TRX90 and The 06 Eton Viper 90rxl with reverse. I had a Honda ATC 110 when I was a kid and the thing was indestructable. I was a wild one always riding on the edge(speed & difficulty) and wiped out nonstop. I used to do the reservoir dam climb150' up at 40 degree angle. Tires spun, go backwards ,hit rear brake ,flip and watch it roll 15 or 16 times. bring it home melt the handlbars back in shape and do it all over again.
The thing had no front or rear suspension and just a rear brake(which wore uot every 30 days). Thankfully my son has my wifes genes and is fearful when it comes to stuff like this(and watercraft type).
I took my son out to see them and he sat on the Raptor 80, Lt 80, and TRX90. far and away the TRX was the most comfortable as far as seat, feet and handlebars. I was set on the Honda 3 weeks ago prior to me reading all here other than the fact it does not have reverse. I have an Eton dealer 2 miles away and took a liking to them after reading about them here. Initial Cost is not a factor as I want to spend what I have too to get a safe reliable machine. I've looked the ebay, chinese quads and won't do.
Here is my criteria as you have all stated to do.
1- Mostly flat open field riding. will eventually put in some whoops and small jumps
2-Cold weather riding- Live in Massachusetts-probably some snow riding,clay mud in field once he rips it up in spring-THIS is my concern about no reverse(stuck in a little snow
3-Never had a 2 stroke so I am hesitant-(sound,smoke)-maintenance(I am no Mechanic)
4-I am disabled and need very, very little repair&maintenance-Eton dealer will pick up and drop off if repairs needed for $25.00.
5-Concerned that the Honda has no reverse- although son can roll the Trx quite easily out of garage
6-6 yearold daughter will probably ride too(both kids small framed). The Honda has 4 gears and can limit speeds with gear and throttle. From what I read the 2 stroke would need carb adjustments??? if I go back and forth?????
7-Concerned that if electric start fails I cannot pull start the Honda(part of my disability). Eton has kick which my son can do
8- Like the stability factor ,that on paper, the Honda is better(wider, longer, lower seat height by 1". With the price difference Eton $2000 Honda $2500- I think I can set up a few mods(shocks, spacers maybe AArms) on the Eton to make it comparable to the Honda?????Yes/No???(Only problem with Eton dealer is he is a marine dealer and probably has no experience with Mods)
My son Loved the Honda and I am a diehard Honda person. All my cars have been Honda, wife's also. Honda generator, Honda snowblower etc!! He wants the Honda but I think due to the type of riding: open ,fast area and eventually some type of backyard race track that he may like the 2-stroke automatic better. We play ATV Offroad Fury 3 and that is what I think he will like once he gets over the fear of speed.(thats what he says) I think I'm making too big a deal with the reverse. All you out there without reverse do you regret not having it(or actually your kid). There will be no trail riding for a couple of years(till he can lift by himself). Thought about the Polaris predator but it is the heaviest in class and high ground clearance which I don't need.
All opinions wanted.
Great Forum!!!! I can't tell you how helpfull it has been. Only problem not much Honda info which sways me toward it due to the fact it probably has less problems.
I can't wait to sit on my deck and watch him have all the fun, cause i can't anymore!!

Itching to purchase!!!
Raz06

 

I bought my 7 year old son an 06 TRX90 back in October and he loves it.

The lack of no reverse is not a problem with him as he has learned not to get into a situation around the house that would need reverse. I have seen him push it out on the trail when he has more or less got into a situation where he could not turn it around under power. We ride on private property that has 230 acres of woods and open, rolling hills and so far, no reverse has not been a problem.

I bought the Honda on reputation alone. That 90cc engine has been in production a long time and is rock solid and bullet proof.
The lack of a pull start is not a problem as long as the battery is not allowed to run down. Being the machine has a auto clutch, I'm sure it can be push started. I have never had to try that, yet.

My son is a approx. 50 inches tall and weighs 65 pounds. He also has Asperger's Disorder(high functioning autistic) and drives that 90 like it's an extension of his body. I let him pick out his machine when we bought it and like I said, he loves it. Also remember that resale value will be there in the future when and if you ever decide to sell it.
I looked around here for a used TRX90 but none were to be found. My neighbor sold his daughter's Honda 90 that he had reworked(everything except motor) and still got over a 1000 dollars for it....and it was old! It had no suspension!

I reccomend the Honda myself.

 

Thanks DDrumman,
I followed your topic very closely. My son is the same size as your son so thats great to hear. It's nice to hear that he adapted so quickly. I'm sure he will be enjoying it for many years as hopefully mine will. They are very easy to jump start especially if you can quick shift it to 2nd.

I'd still would like any 2 strokers out there or eton owners opinions as I have no experience with them.
ALSO in 2007 Eton will not offer 2 strokes and yamaha has cancelled Blaster production. Are all Quads going to be 4 strokes due to the EPA??


Raz

 

From what I hear....the 2 strokes have "open" stators so they won't go through water without getting wet. The four strokes have sealed systems and water doesn't affect them....at least that is what I have read on these forums.

As for the demise of 2 strokes, that's what I have heard also. But that may not be true. I'm surprised that someone hasn't responded on that statement.

As for the Honda 90, it will pull me around in 4th gear at a shade over 41 mph with no restrictions in place. I have read that you can cut a wire that controls how high the engine revs thus giving a higher top end but I see no reason to do that since it's there for safety. My son drives his around in third and now and I have the throttle screw run in to limit it to a top speed of about 15 mph and it will pull both of us as it's set now and we weigh a total of 250 pounds.

One more thing. It's cold natured if the temp is much below 50 and takes a few minutes to warm up and pull effectively.

Other than that, it's a great machine!

 

We have a GPX same as Unison Desert Cat 90 2-stroke. We only ride at the track and race. For our purposes and the money (saving on initial investoment financed a bunch of after market parts) it was a good buy and have been very happy. Maintenance is alot racing, and the quad has held up well. For the riding that you describe I would suggest you buy the Honda and enjoy. I know a few that have them and they are great quads. For us I have a few 80's era 125 name brand quads that my kids thrash on the local trails around the house. Sometimes I think they have more fun on them then they do on there expensive race machines. Get the Honda.

 

Thanks for the reply Bengen,
I actually submitted an offer on a new Honda yesterday. It was kind of a rough week because it is school vacation week and one dealer(about one hour drive) said they had it, we went to buy it and they didn't have it. My son was absolutely devastated he has no quad for vacation. I have a local dealer who I will have to order from and we wshould have it in a few weeks. I would have liked to leave my son at the other dealer so they could hear how upset he was. Oh well it will be on its way soon.

Raz06

 

well i used to hace a eton 90 2 stroke.the thing was unstopable.i had it in mud up to its fenders.the only thing that ever went bad were the brakes(i had it for 5 years).
i would go with the eton.

 

Hello all,
Well I recieved my new Honda TRX90(black model) yesterday and my son is one happy little bugger!!!!! I am also very pleased with the atv. It has great power, plenty of speed thru 3rd gear and is extremely stable at mid speed and at high speed. Seat and suspension is also very comfortable.
We've been out riding in 10 degree weather with a -5 wind chill for the last two days and I have to beg him to get off it. He says this is the best day of his life, lol!!!
Thanks to all for all the topics covered here as it helped my decision and if anyone is considering buying a Honda TRX90 you will not be disappointed with it!!!

Raz06

New 2006 HondaTRX90 Owner