I just got myself a Polaris Scrambler 500., and I'm now looking for a quad for my 11 year old son. Of course the manufacturer says a 90 is the limit once he turns 12 but to look at him on a 90 is peretty amusing. One buddy is telling me he needs a 325 another says nothing over a 125 and I'm looking at a Phoenix 200. I'm looking for more opinions from poeple more involved in the sport than I. Any pointers appreciated.

 

We went through this same problem when my son turned 11. He had been riding a Polaris Sportsman 90 and he was just to big for it. After visiting this forum many times we decided to go with a Honda 300EX. This is an excellent starter sport quad that just glides through the trails. It took him about 2-3 hours to learn how to shift, but he has been riding lights out ever since. He is now 14 and we are looking to move him up again. We also have a Yamaha Grizzly 125 that my 11 year old daughter rides. Its perfect for my daughter, but my son would have been bored with it when he was 11. I don't own any of these, but I have ridden trails with people on a Honda Recon's, 250EX's, and Polaris Phoenix's. My opinion is that either of the Honda's would be a better choice for your son. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

250 to 300 class, if he isn't really small for his age. The new Yamaha Raptor 250 is looking like it will be an excellent choice for those looking for a full-on sport quad. If you want a sport machine that will do anything any 2wd utility will do (and it's a lot lighter), that would be the Honda 250EX. If you want a solid machine that will last forever, then the Honda 300EX.

 

He weighs in at about 77 Lbs. and stands about 4'9. I wouldn't say he's small for his age , just looks huge sitting on any 90 he sits on.

 

The Honda 90 is big, compared to the other 90s. These machines are solid, reliable, and will take a pretty big kid! I say check it out at this size and weight, because I don't think he is big enough to jump to a 250.

 

I am with reconranger on this one. The Honda 90 is wider and longer than other 90s, which makes it more stable. It is a solid machine and if taken care of will last a long time. I have one that is on its second kid. My youngest son is 95 pounds and it fits him just right. Don't be in too big of a hurry to put a child on a bigger machine, train him and let him get experience and understanding about riding.