Hello all,

I am new to the forums but have been lurking for some time. I would appreciate some advice about getting into ATV's. I have a 12 year old son who is itching for either a dirtbike or an ATV. I've decided it would be a good father/son thing to get into, although neither one of us has done any riding. At first I thought I would get both of us onto ATV's, but after some thought I am considering starting him on a dirtbike and myself on an ATV. A prime concern is his safety. There seems to be a general consenus on the web that you will tend to get hurt more often on a bike, but it will be much less severe.

He is big for his age, but hasn't developed much strength yet. So putting him on a 350-400 lb machine (ATV) worries me a bit. I also suspect that he will get more of a physical workout on a dirtbike, which is a good thing for him.

As for myself, I don't have the riding experience but I have the judgement of an adult. So an ATV is an attractive choice for me. In terms of riding, we would probably frequent one of the local off-road parks like Hollister Hills. I also doubt either one of us will get into anything too radical or fast. We're not big time risk takers.

I would also assume that he and I could still ride together on the same trails even though we are on different style vehicles.

I appreciate your opinions and feel free to punch holes in my reasoning if your experience runs counter to it. Thanks in advance.

Doug

 

Welcome to the forum SuperDutyDoug!

I agree with you that the dirt bike is safer than the ATV..I think it has a lot to do with the fact that the dirt bike looks more dangerous than the quad...so you have more respect for it and dot try things you might with the perceived safety of 4 wheels....I would get him a XR 200 if he is big enough for it...

Only drawback to 1 of you on a dirt bike and 1 on a quad is the dirt bike will be able to go places the quad cant...

 

12 is a little old to start on a dirt bike. my dad got me started at around 5 on a 50 and then you gradually gain, but at 12 the balance may not be natural, and you could end up getting seriously hurt, how big is your son, because if he is bigger and he has to get a bigger bike it is difficult to learn on. get him a quad like a raptor 350 and he will still get a work out

 

I subscribe to that theory also. It seems that bike riders crash more often, but quad riders are more likely to get hurt. However, with proper training and responsible riding, either should deliver tons of injury free use. Whichever way you go, make the investment into a rider safety course and good safety gear. I think DOT only helmets are better for kids/slower speeds. Additionally I would suggest riding boots, chest protector, goggles, gloves, and pants/long sleeve shirt at a minimum for your kid. Although I am a huge atv guy, bikes are generally cheaper to buy. If the budget is a concern, I would rather see you both on bikes and wearing quality gear then quads and low end gear. Good luck with your decision/shopping. Riding is a great way to spend time with your kids.

 

OK, I'll be the other side to this !!! My opinion is find out what your son would like to have. My wifes nephew bought his son a dirt bike (he had the same idea as you) however his son wanted a quad. Well he learned to ride the bike but still wants a quad, mostly due to the fact that all his friends have quads. He likes his bike, but really doesn't ride it much anymore. That was more than 2 years ago. Also when I take him to the mountains we have to borrow a quad from family for him to ride cause some of the trails are too rocky for a dirt bike, and an all day ride on a quad is easier to accomplist on a 4wheeler than it is on a dirt bike. Another plus is being able to carry gear if you ever decide to take him on a riding/camping trip. Besides, anything you are first starting out learning how to ride can be dangerous and learning to ride the vehicle that you are going to enjoy the most is whats important. JMO!!! Good Luck with your decision and Welcome to the forums!!!

 

I agree with the poster that said 12 is a bit old for a dirtbike rookie. I'd got with the ATV and just teach responsible riding.

As far as him getting a good workout on an ATV versus a bike, it all depends on how you ride.... I have a good friend that used to race professional motocross on a bike, but he destroyed his ankle in a crash and cannot put his foot down in turns like he used to, so he switched to ATVs..... And he says the workout is just as intense, but a little bit different. In some ways it is harder and in some ways easier.......But all around it is still a good workout.....

Turning an ATV is a lot more work than turning a bike.....On an ATV you are hanging off the side, using a lot of muscles to hang on. You arms and your legs get a real beating on a sport machine....

Of course if you are going to be a casual trail rider, or sightseer the workout is a lot less intense no matter what you are on. So really the intensity of the sport is all in how you ride, and the workout will reflect that......

I know one thing, when we get out on my track and do a few hot laps, your heart is pounding like you just ran a mile, your arms are pumped, your legs and shaking, and your abs, butt and back are feeling the muscle burn.

Look at it like this.... The average MX racer on a bike might hit 190 on the heart rate scale during a race, and the average ATV MX racer will hit that same 190 so both are pretty equal as far as the workout goes.....

 

That is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard...12 is too old to get into bikes?

If your son wants a bike over a quad get him one. Not everyone has the luxury of starting on bikes at age 5, does that mean they shouldn't do it? Absolutely not, good luck to you and your son, riding really is a good way to bond together. I have friends that started riding in their teens and I have friends that stared in theri 20's. They all love it and ride regularly.

 

you would have to be an idiot to say that anyone can ride a dirtbike, if the skill isnt there , sometimes it will never be . i have a cousin who is totally oblivious to riding and even after several times out with us i still would never trust him on a dirtbike, or even a race quad. there are many people like that, although i never understood it, in the opinion of someone who has had many atvs and dirtbikes, and lots of experience i would go with the quad, even for a kid it is more fun. people with dirt bikes argue untill they ride atvs. if he wants a sport atv go with the 400ex and if he wants a utility that is sporty, you cant go wrong with the rancher 420

 

I agree, not everyone can ride a dirtbike. You either pick it up or you don't. That doesn't make a quad a safe alternative. People think that quads are some safe machine that anyone can ride, 4 wheels is a false sense of security.

 

I agree with this assessment. When I lay my bike over, it slides ahead of me...usually! When the quad flips, it usually rolls over me, which is bad. Not something you want when 5-700 pounds rolls over you.