What is the best Mini Quad???
Mar 14, 2002 | 09:55 PM
#2
Weekend Warrior
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
We have a Sundiro 90. Been lots of fun. Bought our on-line at www.eoexpress.com . there is also http://www.anythingatv.com/.
good luck
good luck
Mar 15, 2002 | 12:29 AM
#3
Pro Rider
Sound advice there. "Hey, watch this........"
Sound advice there. "Hey, watch this........"
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 1
The oldie but goodie - Honda TRX90.
Totally bullet proof. My oldest (10) DOES ride his wherever dad goes. That is mostly East Tennessee trails that are loaded with rocks, roots, hills and mud - all trails that challenge my full size 4x4. His TRX has a rear rack and I've bolted on a 2x6 as a bumper board to push him out whenever he gets stuck. Getting high centered in mud is about the only thing that can stop him. Whenever that happens, I just ease up behind the TRX and give him a nudge. (Sometimes the little $%&* will gun it when I'm right behind him in the mud, but that's another story). We have never had any breakdowns - he always drives it wherever my Eiger and my brothers P650 can go. We also had it on some long trails in Wisconsin where we did several over 80 mile one-day rides. We will pass this bike on down to the middle brother (8) and later on to the youngest (5).
Bad stuff about the TRX - Yeah, yeah, I know, it is just a pull start, no electric. Yes, electric start would be nice but it does start on the first pull so it's no big deal. My son can start it although he can't always pull quick enough for it to hit the first time. It's also the most expensive. The 2002 is supposed to go for 2,499 but I've still seen some buyers guides listing it at 2,699.
Good stuff - It will run forever and hold most of it's value. It can be restricted by a throttle limiter or an air intake plug or both. Top speed stock is 34 mph, fast enough to make for a nice ride without poking along all day long. Suspension works well, even though it's only just over 2". Range is somewhat over 50 miles. It is a true auto-clutch 4-speed so your kids can learn how shifting works (this could also be a disadvantage). Brakes are also set up just like most full size quads - RH=front, LH=rear and right foot rear brake. Brakes are drums but stop it well and are easily adjusted.
As to the others - bottom line is you get what you pay for. If you read between the lines in the magazine tests plus what I've heard from local dealers, there are two groups of minis - TRX90, LT80 and Raptor80 (Badger) in the well built group and then all the others. Of the first three, it's really between the Honda and Suzuki. The Honda is a better all around bike while the 'zuki is a better track racer and has more mods. I know there are many who own some of the other brands (E-ton, Sundiro etc) and have had good luck with them. I also know that most dealers around here that tried selling them have quit because many of them kept coming back for repair work. The Korean/Chineese bikes are attractive because they sell for less, usually right at $2,000. The thing is, if you check the classifieds, you'll find one or two year old minis like that for under a thousand. There's a reason for that.
If the Honda's price is a stopper, look around for a used one. I've seen them in the 1,600 to 2,200 range.
One other thing - Get an 80-90cc rather than a 50. We started with the old style Suzuki LT50 when my oldest was 6. He outgrew it by experience within one year and by the time he was 8 was too big to ride it safely (he's a normal size kid). Also, the 50 was just too small to go on trail rides, although it was a good yard-bike. Granted, the newer 50's could probably do much better than our unsuspended LT, but you will still be limited to a top speed in the mid-teens. I plan on starting my youngest on the 90 (restricted) when he turns 6.
At least now you have a few choices. Good Luck.
Jaybee
Totally bullet proof. My oldest (10) DOES ride his wherever dad goes. That is mostly East Tennessee trails that are loaded with rocks, roots, hills and mud - all trails that challenge my full size 4x4. His TRX has a rear rack and I've bolted on a 2x6 as a bumper board to push him out whenever he gets stuck. Getting high centered in mud is about the only thing that can stop him. Whenever that happens, I just ease up behind the TRX and give him a nudge. (Sometimes the little $%&* will gun it when I'm right behind him in the mud, but that's another story). We have never had any breakdowns - he always drives it wherever my Eiger and my brothers P650 can go. We also had it on some long trails in Wisconsin where we did several over 80 mile one-day rides. We will pass this bike on down to the middle brother (8) and later on to the youngest (5).
Bad stuff about the TRX - Yeah, yeah, I know, it is just a pull start, no electric. Yes, electric start would be nice but it does start on the first pull so it's no big deal. My son can start it although he can't always pull quick enough for it to hit the first time. It's also the most expensive. The 2002 is supposed to go for 2,499 but I've still seen some buyers guides listing it at 2,699.
Good stuff - It will run forever and hold most of it's value. It can be restricted by a throttle limiter or an air intake plug or both. Top speed stock is 34 mph, fast enough to make for a nice ride without poking along all day long. Suspension works well, even though it's only just over 2". Range is somewhat over 50 miles. It is a true auto-clutch 4-speed so your kids can learn how shifting works (this could also be a disadvantage). Brakes are also set up just like most full size quads - RH=front, LH=rear and right foot rear brake. Brakes are drums but stop it well and are easily adjusted.
As to the others - bottom line is you get what you pay for. If you read between the lines in the magazine tests plus what I've heard from local dealers, there are two groups of minis - TRX90, LT80 and Raptor80 (Badger) in the well built group and then all the others. Of the first three, it's really between the Honda and Suzuki. The Honda is a better all around bike while the 'zuki is a better track racer and has more mods. I know there are many who own some of the other brands (E-ton, Sundiro etc) and have had good luck with them. I also know that most dealers around here that tried selling them have quit because many of them kept coming back for repair work. The Korean/Chineese bikes are attractive because they sell for less, usually right at $2,000. The thing is, if you check the classifieds, you'll find one or two year old minis like that for under a thousand. There's a reason for that.
If the Honda's price is a stopper, look around for a used one. I've seen them in the 1,600 to 2,200 range.
One other thing - Get an 80-90cc rather than a 50. We started with the old style Suzuki LT50 when my oldest was 6. He outgrew it by experience within one year and by the time he was 8 was too big to ride it safely (he's a normal size kid). Also, the 50 was just too small to go on trail rides, although it was a good yard-bike. Granted, the newer 50's could probably do much better than our unsuspended LT, but you will still be limited to a top speed in the mid-teens. I plan on starting my youngest on the 90 (restricted) when he turns 6.
At least now you have a few choices. Good Luck.
Jaybee
Mar 15, 2002 | 11:48 AM
#6
Trailblazer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
<< Stick with a reputable company, ie. suzuki, yamaha, honda, ect. Do not buy alpha sport. These are pure crap!!!! I would strongly recommend the mini raptor !!! My preference !!! or honda >>
In this months atv action they say the mini raptor is nothing but a badger with fake headlights... And they are not to impressed with it. I am not a expert but I would think these guys know what they are talking about.
Now Off-road doesnt like the Alpha too much either.
http://www.off-road.com/atv/kidskorn...phasports.html
They really liked the T-rex
http://www.off-road.com/dunes/products/trex/
I paid $1300 for each of my 2001 T-rex's and I couldnt be happier. Guarddog what mini quad do you own? Did you have bad luck with a alpha? I also had a E-ton 50 Never a problem. I agree to be carefull on what one you choose but to discount the cheaper ones because they are cheaper shouldnt stop you from at least checking them out. Heck alot of them offer options and cost almost half as much.
Mar 15, 2002 | 12:03 PM
#7
Pro Rider
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 0
We had an LT80 for years. It was a good bike, but as the kids got older, we found the LT just wasn't up to making long cross country rides. Plus, the air filter got dirty REALLY fast, and was a pain to change. And, the lack of engine braking, made it harder for the kids to handle.
We now have TRX 90's. They are very cold blooded, so you have to nurse the throtle until they warm up, but once warm they run great. I am really impresed by their abilities!! There is lots of low end power, but not a whole lot of top end (which is just fine with me). The suspension of the best of all the minis.
We now have TRX 90's. They are very cold blooded, so you have to nurse the throtle until they warm up, but once warm they run great. I am really impresed by their abilities!! There is lots of low end power, but not a whole lot of top end (which is just fine with me). The suspension of the best of all the minis.
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Mar 15, 2002 | 02:57 PM
#8
Pro Rider
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
carjocky, Yeah I had a real bad experience with the alphasport 90. It was nothing but a headache. Every time my boy rode it, something broke. I was so frustrated, I almost through it away. I ended up trading it in for an LT-160 suzuki. It is a great quad and has never left my son sit at all. And the dealer has offered great customer support and service... so far. I don't know any of the statistics about all the mini's and I am not a pro. I am just a father like most of you who really enjoy riding with our kids!!! I said I liked the mini raptor ( my opinion) I did not say it was the best !! Remeber, it's about the kids and the kid in all of us
Mar 15, 2002 | 05:37 PM
#9
Trailblazer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Guarddog I also had a real bad time with a mini. A Midwest Bobcat...ugh... 8 months later I told the dealer you either buy it back or I am sueing you. I got my money back. That is when I bought the E-ton. Great quad just needed bigger. I hope these T-rex 90's will last them many years.
Jon
(who needs fresh air after putting roll on bed liner on the trailer ramps)
Jon
(who needs fresh air after putting roll on bed liner on the trailer ramps)
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