I know there have been numerous posts on this subject, believe me, I've read most of them. My son is turning 4 and we would like to surprise him with his very own 50cc.
I realize that everyone seems divided over the chinese quads. I would like something with front and rear suspension as well as a front and rear brake. I would like to spend less than $1k so that rules out brand name quads. Our big 4 local dealers don't carry 50cc's (only at Christmas) and he is too small for a 90cc anyway. I can't find anyone local who carries chinese quads. It seems crazy to buy one online without even getting to check it out first, but that seems like what we'll have to do.
I like the BTM 50cc models. If anyone has any feedback on these, I'd love to hear it. I also like what I've heard about the little Giovannis but don't think we can get them here in the States. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Also, my husband is a Marine Corps pilot and is gone A LOT! I need something that won't be too difficult to maintain or won't break down every time he rides it.

 

you can get a lt50. for about1400.00 out the door. I know thats more than you got to spend. I have a 2.5 year old that is riding a redcat 50. it runs like a champ. not to be a jerk but you want front suspension, you want front brakes, you want , you want but what I figured out is if you want the best you have to pay for the best. I went with the redcat mpx 50. no front brakes no sus. but for 600.00 it was the best deal. I hope this helps

 

The only reason I want all those things is because I have read all the posts on here and am trying to become more educated. My husband's parents have a hilly farm in WV and I read a post about how the lack of front brakes could cause it to flip over if he was sliding on a hill. (though I don't foresee him riding up a 70% grade anytime soon) There is some terrain where the better suspension would be ideal. I have seen some of the cheaper models with these features and wondered if they were decent little quads. Don't get me wrong, here in our backyard he wouldn't even need brakes or suspension, not a hill in sight! I just know we'll be hauling it to and fro when we visit.
I also worry about dropping a load of cash on a 50cc if he'll grow out of it too soon? Who makes the lt50? I have seen a local 2007 Polaris Predator for sale here for $1500, used with only 4 hrs on it.

 

suzuki makes the lt50. dont know where you are but there is alot on ebay right now. I know of 2 at a dealer in lake geneva WI. there out there just have to find.

 

Something else to think about: You said your son would be riding up some hills. These single speed China quads don't have the grunt with the throttle limited to climb hills with a decent grade. Maybe with a running start he could, but if he stops on the hill for any reason and tries to restart, these things will not get going again. Not without someone to help push it to get it going again. I have read of others changing the sprockets and getting good low end grunt, but as they are geared when new, they are better suited for flat terrain.

 

I know you said that you want front suspension and front brakes, I bought my son( 4 at the time) a Meerkat 50 from Raceway and I have had to do very little to it. I have heard that the new ones are going to have front brakes. My son enjoys his still, 2 yrs later. He has had it in the mud pit we made in our yard, and crossed a river a few times. Look at my pictures.

 

ya the meercat 50 is the same as the redcat mpx50. 4 speed tranny, no clutch. Im 6'2 and 300 lbs and ride it around for fun

 

I looked at the Meerkat on Raceway but they are sold out of the 50cc and the 90 (i think it was) too. Are the Meerkat and Redcat built in the same factory with just a different name slapped on? It seems some people love their Meerkats and others hated them. Maybe they bought theirs when they were still working the kinks out?
The hills are more rolling than straight up. I wouldn't want him riding on much of a grade until he was older. Do you think the Meerkat/Redcat could handle a slow, steady hill okay?

 

No matter what you spend on the atv, make sure you budget enough for a good helmet and that he has gloves, long sleeve shirt, and pants to wear. Over the ankle boots are also a necessity, they don't have to be mx style, but should be sturdy and comfortable. The 50cc Polaris is one of the better minis around for beginners. It is hard to find an econo mini that will not need more maintenance rather than less while the Suzuki/Kawie 50's are pretty much gas and go for years. As long as you aren't in a hurry, check craigslist, the want ads, cycle trader, etc for a used on of those.

 

We have an 03 LT50 and it's a great quad to learn on. Our oldest son went from beating his Powerwheels quad to death to riding the LT50. In fact, they're about the same size which was nice for the little kids. I did some mods to the quad (no port work or transfer work) and it pulls me (240#) around our yard easily. These quads hold their resale value too.