I am posting this up for a friend (single mother limited funds for repair)who found a kids atv for her son and this would be his first one. He is 5 years old. http://www.familygokarts.com/main.ph...im_tierra_70cc but I am not sure if this is really worth the investment(not that it is that much just would rather recommend a better one if only a little more). The old saying of "You get what you pay for" is sounding real loud. What is a good first atv and why and how much are they?

As always Thank you for your time

Oldmancrash

 

call raceway atv, they will set her up with best one if on a budget, i seen he had some on sale? dont know whats left. plus you will get good customer service there the only online dealer that ive heard has good customer sevice.

 

hey oldmancrash, i checked out your pics, i must tell you im jealous that has got to be the best scenery ive seen, i sure wish i had areas to ride like that, mabey when i make my first million im moving out there.

hoyt

 

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Knowing what I know today and knowing how dangerious a mini-ATV (any brand) is, I would NOT get my kid an ATV again. Instead, I'd spend a few more dollars and get a mini-dune buggy instead. Something with roll bars, something with cross chested seat belts and something that keeps the arms/legs inside a protection cage. For lots of pictures of different models, surf: http://www.familygokarts.com/main.ph...Page=blade50kt


If I could start all over again, I'd get my kid a mini-dune buggy (instead) and I'd get an RUV. Artic Cat Prowler or Yamaha Rhino (with added side doors) would be great for me. Each has 4 wheels (that are made for mud / sand), each have the same trail driving speed as a utility ATV and most of all, both RUVs and dune buggies have roll cages. Thus, dramatic lower risk of injury / death from roll overs.


I know, RUVs and mini-dune buggies isn't for everyone. Some need to be "like the Jones who live down the road". If you look past that and one's focus is on greater safety, a mini-dune buggy is much "safer" to drive. Especially in the trails that have lots of hills, technical sharp corners and tree limbs...


Something to think about....

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i have to disagree a little bit, the little quads are safe, if kids are taught the proper and safe way to drive, and there not over machined for there age, as far as riding trails with mud and rock,bumps, those things beat you up, my buddy has a mule or something like that, we were cruising some trails and holy cow that was boring.

but that is my opinion, hope i did not get anyone mad.

hoyt

 

hoytultratec,

Na - you didn't get me angy. Everyone has their own favorite "things". And one's 1st choice changes over time. Especially when they gain many hours of "seat time" on it. My son & I are "put put" drivers on our trails so going "normal speed" (compared to the other "rocket" ATVs on our trails) doesn't bother me.... As many would say, we like it "boring". (smile).

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Back to the original question...

If buying a mini-ATV, I would focus on the following features / design:
- If mud / crud riding, go with a 4 stroke. Many 2 strokes have open stators, open cooling and some have open CVT systems. If mud / crud / water (even splashing) gets above the running boards too much, then high risk of expensive repairs will happen. We already burned out 1 stator on our 2 stroke. If "dry" trail riding, then 2 stokes are very cool minis. Very easy to "upgrade / modify" its engine as well.
- If trail riding, get a mini with DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). If a mini-doesn't come with DRLs and that mini has a battery, then add some DRLs. Low wattage K-Mart special lights on the front work great. Especially if dark bush and dusty riding conditions. If DRLs exist on motorcycles, snowmobiles and newer ATVs then to me, DRLs must also be installed on the minis. Definately a good way "to be seen" design feature. Especially during the day while driving on the trials.
- Get a mini with a "foot brake". Our mini only came with a rear hand brake lever. After some time, I finally designed / installed a foot brake on our mini. My young rider can easily stop his mini (with his right foot) and still have his arms / fingers available to steer it. To me, all minis must come with both hand lever and foot brake. Some young riders use both but many will say that a foot brake is much better. Especially during panic stops. If the mini doesn't come with a foot brake, ask a few dealers on this forum to obtain their optional foot brake.
- To me, disc brakes must be mandatory on all minis. Drum brakes loose 50% (IMO) stopping power after going through a dirty stream / water crossing. If they make many autos with rear disc brakes today, that alone proves that disc brakes are much better then open drum brakes.
- To me, all minis must be wider on the front end. We installed 1.5" wheel spacers on the front of our mini. After making the front end of our mini 3" wider, my son stopped tipping his mini. Especially when doing donuts in soft sand. If possible, spend a few dollars and get wider 2" A-Arms (with proper geometry) instead. Making a mini 4" wider on the front is even better. Especially for young riders who haven't mastered the art of "proper body posture" on those sharp technical corners.
- Full auto or manual tranny is driver's choice. However, I've been told that semi-auto with its "bull low" gearing is much better for hills and technical trails.
- To me, a mini with a front cross padded handle bar beam is a good thing. Being padded, the young rider slams into the front padding - instead of going face 1st into its front area. If you can, do get handle bars with a padded cross member bar. And if you can't, replace its factory handle bars with an after market "better" handle bar.
- Some love shaft drive and some love chain drive. Chain drive is great because if needed, you can easily change its gearing. re: installing custom size sprockets. Some love shaft drive for deep mud / crud riding conditions because of its sealed system. Only you can decide what is best for your unique riding conditions.
- If bush, water or sand driving, I'd install a front skid plate. These minis sit too low to the ground. Having a skid plate will allow the mini to "skid" over the object - instead of digging in, and sending the rider into its front handle bars. You can make your own skid plate or install a store bought plate. What ever works best for you. If wondering, we have a skid plate on our mini. One of the best add-ons I ever installed on it. Wish all factory minis came with front skid plates.
- To me, driver "body fit" is very critical. Some 90s have small frames and some have large frames. Some 50s have small frames and some have large frames. To me, body fit is more important then engine size to kid's age. The young rider must be able to turn its handle bars all the way in both directions. If they have to "reach" or look very uncomfortable, then that mini's frame is too big for them. For the lifespan of the mini, plan a 3 your life span. Very "little growing" into on year 1, pefect body fit on year 2 and for year 3, the young rider is a little too big for the mini. "Body fit" is a very argumentive statement. Be reasonable and only expect 3 years of riding - if body sized properly on year 1.


These are a few things to add to your "features / controls" checklist.


Hope this helps....


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oldmancrash, I would probably steer clear of that mini. It isn't a well known brand(at least to me) and it only comes with a rear brake. It might work out great for you, but with limited funds she needs to buy something that is a lock for not breaking down. Spike99 has a lot of great info, but I wanted to just give you a little more to think about. I have been told a lot of minis don't come with a foot brake because it was found the kids were more likely to take their eyes off the trail to look down and find a foot brake than a hand brake. My son does look down to hunt for the shifter, he rarely uses the foot brake even though I constantly remind him to do so. He has no problem locking the rear wheels with the hand lever. Personally, I would rather have the foot brake option. Lack thereof would not be a deal breaker as long as the hand levers are of proper size and pull strength. Also, as someone that flipped a quad by spiking the front brakes once upon a time, I am glad that the front drums on my son's quad are not powerful enough to do likewise. That would be a sure trip to the hospital i am afraid. The rear drum on his mini is plenty powerful to lock the rear wheels, but I would also prefer a hydraulic disc system back there.

Proper fit is the most important thing bar none, and appropriate controls are a big part of that. Also, who will the child be riding with? I would have to say that in this case, the mother may be better off buying the kid a 50cc dirtbike with the training wheels, as she can get a major brand, run forever type of bike much cheaper than a quad. They are easier to store and transport, and while the kid will crash occasionally, he is less likely to get seriously hurt from the machine crushing him. Maintenance on something like an XR50 is minimal to keep it running for years.

 

I agree with most of the points that have been made. Fit is important, and just about every machine can be limited to a slow speed. If you did any research on the Hensim, it is a Kazuma - but with more options. This model comes with a hand and foot brake (rear disc) which is nice, and it has front shocks. I personally think even a mini 50 should have more than just the tires for suspension.

 

After last time out watching my daughter sneak off with her buddy on a Yerf Dog while her quad just sat there, I tend to agree with you. Been thinking hard about a buggy. You can strap them in, they don't tip as easy....seems safer to me.