OK, it's opinion time for the masses. I'm looking for a quad for my granddaughter. Narrowed it down to the Suzuki LT/ITZ 80, or Yamaha, Honda 90's. She's a girly girl that hasn't demonstrated too much mechanical genious so far at age eight but has expressed an interest in going riding with Gramma & Grampa. So, from your experience, any particular pros & cons to any of the aformentioned ATV's for a kid just starting out? Ease of use, mechanisms to slow it down for the learning process, power enough for a skinny eight year old to make it around the sand dunes, etc. I could read about this stuff all day in the articles but I'd rather hear it from those that had en' for their own kids. Thanks in advance.

 

I don't know a ton about kids quads but I've heard the Hondas are about the best out there and actually made by Honda. The ones you've mentioned are decent. I would try to get one with a CVT if she isn't mechanically inclined.

 

I think the Honda 90 is a great mini, BUT neither of my kids are very aggressive, and they usually just leave it in 2nd to tool around on. Most 90's are kind of large for the average girly 8 y/o as well. I would steer you towards the LT80, as it is a bit smaller, no shifting, and being a 2 stroke there is plenty of cheap power available via aftermarket when she outgrows the stock output. Honorable mention to the Polaris Predator because it is full auto, 2 stroke, and while it is a larger 90, it has better suspension than most. It may be to big for her though, and the scooter motor setup is susceptible to mud/water issues. Shouldn't be a problem in the dunes though.

 

The LT80 does fit the riding you described. many can be had for 1000 bucks give or take. Course, I'm a lil biased. LOL
Small enough to putt and powerfull enough to go in the sand.
The older Eton,kasea,dinli,polaris are all good options as they have the 2 stroke motors.
The LTZ90 is a 4 stroke and a lil gutless (like most 4 stroke CVT's)
The Honda is bulletproof if you think she'll catch on to shifting.

 

bought my 5 yr old a lt80 great first machine she loves riding it

 

Size and ability to work the controls is very important. One iten I'd consider, ezpecially for a little one, is to put on some widener adaptors to make is less tippy. I started my youngest on a raptor 80, which I believe is no longer in production. Great machine. Kind of big and heavy though. Don't forget the Can-am too. I think all of them could do what you want if you make it a little safer with the widening kits.

Also, spend some money and get a set of helmet mounted radios so you talk in her ear while you ride. A friendly voice goes a long way to calm the nerves of a child.

 

never thought of the radio's draggin but your sure right gonna look into getting some for me and my daughter.