I'm looking for a new quad for the kids. I've looked at the Honda 90, Yamaha 80 and suzuki 80. They all look like good machines. Has anyone had much experience with any of these with a 10 year old? Just wondering about reliablity, safety etc...Also I'm looking at the Arcticat 250 2x4 for me. I like the large size of the machine, the floorboards and independant rear axle. Anyone had experience with one of these. Will I have trouble with cv boots on the rear axle if I do alot of woods riding? thanks in advance.

 

My little brother has a Suzuki 80 and he loves it. He is 11 and it will be a while before he grows out of it. It is fun even for me and pretty big guys can ride it. It will probably last your kid for a long time too. It is a very well built quad and very quick. You can limit the speed easily so they can handle it. I have also ridden the Honda 90 and I like the Suzuki much better. The Suzuki is faster, has less parts, easier to maintain and has electric start which works great. The Honda has recoil start and is sometimes harder to get started. It also has an automatic transmission which is alot easier to learn to ride. I don't know anything about the Yamaha though. But you wont be disappointed with the Suzuki if you get it.

Greg
96 Trailblazer

 

those suzuki 80 are great little quads!

A friend of mine has one for his little boy. Hes around 8..He has the throttle cut way back..

When he first got it. I took a ride on it..

I'm 6' 200 pounds and that thing pulled me around like i was nothing!

it really suprised me!

 

Suzuki Lt-80
Pro's: Full suspension, electric start, auto-trans (push gas & go), 2-stroke, good power.
Cons: less suspension travel than the Honda Trx90. Will require top end maint. (rings & gaskets) sooner than other (2) Atv's.

Honda TRX90
Pro's: Smoothe even 4-stroke powerband, nearly bullet proof, excellent suspension (best of the 3), 4 speed manual shift trans (no clutch).
Cons: Pull start

Yamaha 80 (Badger?)
Pro's: Smoothe even 4-stroke powerband, nearly bullet proof, electric start, full suspension, 3 speed manual shift trans (no clutch), shaft drive.
Cons: ???

All of these quads have thottle limiting capabilities to regulate speed. All have drum brakes. I myself have looked at all of these models as well. Based on my application (90% riding in "sand dunes") I'm going with the Suzuki LT-80. It, I feel has more speed and power for this specific use. If I were riding more dirt, trail, Etc I would defintely go with the Honda TRX90.

Rude Dog


[This message has been edited by Rudedog (edited 11-18-1999).]

 

One of my friends had an lt80 their great machines they are pretty quick and have great suspention you cant break em he beat his to crap the engine never stoped.

 

The first quad I ever rode was an LT80 and they are really cool. It was a couple years ago and now at 13 I ride a Bayou 220. If I were you i'd save some money and just buy the Bayou 220. Not quite as powerful as the AC but your kids could handle it and it could be used for some light chores. I have also ridden mine on all kinds of terrain and my friends and I have been very impressed with its ability to whatever I want it to. I hope this helps.

 

Westport, my first ATV was a LT80 I too was 10 years old. My best friend also had an LT80. We still to this day talk about memories of our 80s. We used to take them on pro motorcross tracks and race, extreme trail riding and other great stuff. I think the 80 is one of hte best quads out, better than some full sizes even. Its a great jumper, racer, trail rider, and everything else there is to do. I don't know what else to say but its awesome.

PS-I'm now 14 and ride a 400EX and 250R, I don't think I could have gotten the ability to ride these 2 quads if it weren't for the 80's.

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Evan Johnson 88 LT250R 99 400EX

 

well I finally bought something. I sure appreciate everyones input. I ended up buying used as a cousin of my wife's a friend of his each had a Honda 90 for sale. I also found a used ktm 50 dirt bike for my other son who insist he wants a dirt bike, not a fourwheeler. So I guess I ended up with two honda 90's, one a 93 the other a 95, and a ktm 50. It's gonna be a fun Christmas. Now it's time to buy myself something. Again thanks for the input. By the way I have nothing against the LT80 I just couldn't find any around here, new or used. They sell like hotcakes.

 

Anyone heard anything about the little E-Ton 4 Wheelers?