does anyone have any info. or input on a certain typ. atv for a 8 yr old, 2-stroke v/s 4-stroke auto.v/s stnd. and who makes these atvs
thanks.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Mr Spratt,
I am a licensed ATV instructor.I teach the safe and responsable use of ATVs to all ages,especially the under 16yr old group.

Some conciderations before a ATV purchase for a youngster should be,

1.His attention span?
2.Maturity?
3.Abilities to PROPERLY ride and UNDERSTAND an ATV?
4.Local laws regarding use for youngsters?

Manufactures ''RECOMMEND'' the following,

ENGINE SIZE..........AGE LEVELS
Under 70cc-----------6 and older
70-90cc--------------12 and older
Over 90cc------------16 and older

Notice that I highlighted the word ''RECOMMEND''.These are what the manufactures ''recommend'' that you follow,however,in most States,you do not need to adhere to these ''recommendations''.Most any child that is in the 12-15 yr old recommended age group is FAR to big to ride a 90cc ATV.These recommendations where put there as part of a CONSENT DECREE signed by the manufactures AND the Consumer Product Safety Commision[CPSC] of ATVs back in 1988.For the most part,they are there to protect the MANUFACTURES!

My first question is?Does this child have any ATV experience?Based on the questions that you asked in your opening post,I would guess the answer would be no?If so,I would suggust that you call ASI at 1800-887-2887 and tell them that you would like to enroll your kid in a 4hr ATV safety class BEFORE your purchase an ATV.Most all instructors have ''loaner''ATVs that they can provide your kid with to complete the training class.When you arrive at the training site,explain to the instructor that you are looking for his ''input'' for the correct ATV for your child at the conclussion of training.After the instructor has had a chance to evaluate your child,he can than set you in the right direction on which ATV to purchase.

BEST REGARDS,
Bill

 

My son is 3 years old (will be four in October) and he has been riding a new Suzuki LT-A50 for about 2 months now. Admittedly he is young for this bike but he has demonstrated good ability and judgement. My main reason for purchasing this quad was its ability to throttle down from 0 to approx 20 miles per hour. I was going completely crazy with those expensive electric models that arent worth the plastic they are made of! Even if the youngster grows out ot it or dosent like it these Suzuki 50cc quads have always had a high resale value. I purchased the Suzuki for the safety features, resale value, and durability (believe me I did tons of research). The quad has a low, wide stance and and thus feels very stable for the kids. I even had my nephew on it (he is 6) and he was riding like a champ inside of 15 minutes. Of course with any motorized vehicle at this age I NEVER TAKE MY EYES OF OF HIM WHEN HE IS ON IT AND I MAKE SURE TO TEACH HIM SAFE RIDING AT ALL TIMES. One even minor mishap and he will probably not want to get back on so take it really slow even when he appears to be getting better. Anyway good luck hope that helps.

 

I too am looking for a quad for my son. He is almost 5 and I have taken him on some slow rides with me and he loves it. I think I will get him a 50cc soon. I like the idea of being able to slow it down until he can show me that he is responsible and able to handle a little more and then slowly up it so that he gets the chance to master it a very slow speeds.

I would like to get any others opinions on these quads. My local salesperson said she likes the 50cc two wheelers better and her 4 year old has one, but I think I like the 4 wheeler idea better.

I have been riding quads for about 12 years, I got a late start. I started riding when I was about 22.

I want my son to have the opportunity to do it at an earlier age.

Paul

 

My son also has a JR50 with training wheels that he was riding regularly...that was until he got the quad. Since that day the motorcycle has been unused.

 

My son also has a JR50 with training wheels that he was riding regularly...that was until he got the quad. Since that day the motorcycle has been unused.

 

I bought my eldest son a Polaris Sportsman 90 (made by Aeon) a couple weeks ago. There are lots of good ATV's out there for kids, but this one seems very solidly built. I've got two younger boys (8 and 7 years old) who also ride it on occasion (under more restricted circumstances). All around, it's a good choice for safety and durability.

I'd considered several others in my search, and have no doubt that there are faster units out there, but this quad was packed with safety features I couldn't pass up and seems to have been the best choice for the general trail riding I plan on taking my son on.

Check my photo album site below for picts of this ride in motion.

Photo Album

 

My son (4yrs) has a 2002 Suzuki LT50, and it's a great quad for him. It's very stable, has floorboards, and is a very dependable quad, with kid-size levers and a lower stance than most 50's. My daughter has a Polaris Scrambler 90, and it's also a very nice little quad (she's almost 7). They both start up right away, and have enough suspension for them to be comfortable. They also both are fully automatic, with throttle limiters - so you can make them go as slow as you need to at first, and they are easy to adjust when they can handle more speed.

I honestly would stick to well-known brands, and these two have been great for us. I would highly recommend either of them.

 

Hey Corry, If you don't mind could you let me know what you paid for your little guys quad. The suzuki 50 sounds like the quad for my little man also 4 yrs old and I am going to be pricing them out very soon. Might be a present from santa. I can't believe I am thinking about christmas already.

Thanks for the info on the 50
Paul

 

Hi Paul!

Hmmmm, I'm trying to remember. I think I paid...too much! (just kidding!) I bought it new, cuz I didn't want to get an old one, and this is the first year they are making them again after like a 10 year hiatus! Ok, I looked it up - I paid $2300 out the door. But it was PERFECT for my son - it IS perfect for him. And the resale should be good when he moves up to his sis's quad in a few years.

The Suzuki actually has two power reduction devices. The throttle limiter, and then something else in the carb that we took out. It's got the full floorboards, oil injection (it's a two stroke), pull start (like a lawnmower!), and a tether in the back that you can walk along and hold when he is learning - and if he gets all crazy, you can just pull the tether, and it kills the engine. VERY handy! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]) At least until they learn to brake when you tell them to!

Good luck! Let me know what you wind up getting!