I'm sure this has been discussed before but couldnt seem to find it.... ;-) I am looking at getting the kids their 1st atv...ages 9-9 and 11. Which one of these would be the better pick?? I want one that will last them a while and they wont out grow in the next three years. Thanks for the help.

 

Now that they have added Elec. start to the TRX 90, It would be the better choice. It has a much better suspension and the aftermarket support is very vast. The Raptor 80 is a very reliable and maint. free quad, but it is brutal in the suspension department. After two years my son has moved from a Raptor 80 to a TT-R90E and refuses to ride the Raptor, because of the suspenson.

 

I don't want to start a war here. But the Raptor's suspension stinks. They need to get rid of their junky front suspension. It's dangerous. Plus it lacks alot of power compared to the Honda. Plus mods for the Honda are VERY easy to find. I think the Honda is the best mini on the planet. Not counting the high $$ mini's built just for racing. It may be $2600. But you get what you pay for. I really like our 06 Honda.It's built very good. But this is just my belief. Others may see differ.The Honda will last for a long long time. The engine is the best 4 stroke made.

 

Raptor 80's are piles of turds........un til you sink huge dollars into them, then you have a high dollar turd that shines. Get the Honda, you will be better off in the years to come.

 

I just recently purchased the 06 TRX90 for my nine yearold son. We looked at every make in the small atv and decided to go with the Honda. I've never driven the Raptor but have read many bad posts about it. The Honda suspension is excellent. It is very stable due to longer wheelbase and wider base. The gearing will allow you to learn the atv without worrying about shifting right away. It has great starting power even in 3rd gear. I'm 5'6" and 160 and I fit very comfortable on this quad plus it pulls me with no problem. If you go to a dealer and they have both sit on them. The Raptor handlebars are uncomfortable and so is the seat. I prefer the 4 speed to the 3 speed. Honda's 1st gear is geared very low and it is helpful in learnig hill climbs and decents(just did that this weekend with my son. You will not be dissapointed with the Honda it is the best out there. It is quieter than the 2 strokes and does not vibrate as bad as the CVT's. It also has a larger fuel tank and the all important reserve tank if you run out. I live in Mass and the 4 stroke takes 10-15 minutes to warm up in cold weather, its only flaw.
Spend the extra $50.00-$100 to get the Honda!
Good luck

 

Thanks for the info. Just got a reply on one of those online apps for a TRX90 and got approved.....now to see what kind of good deal they will shoot me. :-)

 

Just like Raz said.....the only flaw I have found in our 06 TRX90 is that in cold temps.....she's slow to warm up.
Other than that....it's a fine machine. Plenty of power for us in stock form and it takes a lot of abuse from beginning riders.