If he is mature like you say then I don't see a problem with him having a 300EX and being 12. Main thing is no matter what quad or bike he is riding, make him wear a helmet at all times. I see so many kids out riding Foremans and even Warriors with no Helmet and sometimes in sandles! Crazy

Anyways though get that kid a 300EX [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Introduce him to the clutch as early as possible. I think the 300 will be fine as long as you are around him when he rides. Get it for him and teach him that just because you have the power does not mean that you have to use it all the time. Don't be like some parents and just turn them loose. When i go to the dunes there are nine year old running everywhere on 400exs and raptors and shees. What kind of parent just turns a kid loose like that.

 

I'd also evaluate the level of maturity that your kid has as part of the decision. Based on your experience, has he been responsible in terms of riding ATV's previously? Does he listen to your recomendations on safety and consiousness? Having ATV experience already, I don't see a problem with getting an ATV that he can grow into a bit. The 300ex is a great way to get into the sport quad market, without going overboard. I beleive the 250 has 13 HP vs. the 300 @ 17 HP. Getting his used to the 300ex's manual clutch, is another plus. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the replys. Our #1 rule is always wear a helmet. If I catch him without one he loses riding privliges for a month the first time I catch him, havent had a problem so far. Always make him wear boots and jeans too. As it is now, I let him ride by himself some, but only when someone is home and knows where he is. This is a privilage he had to earn by riding with me and showing responsilblity with the way he rides. If I get him a larger quad he will have to earn that privilage all over again, I wont just turn him loose on one. I cringe everytime I see 2 kids in shorts, tank tops and no helmets riding the same 500 cc quad, with no parent in sight.

I am going to evaluate him some on the Rancher and see how he does and then go from there.

 

humm thats a tuffy, i think the 300ex would be a good choice for him, but what type of riding is he doing on the 90 right now? does he like to do wheelies and stunts or does he keep all four on the ground? BTW im 14 and in 2 weeks 3 days(yea im countin) if my grades are good i get a 400ex yay! but to let u know im 5' 10" 180 lbs.

 

I dont think it should be too much for him at all i rode a warrior when i was 11-13 and i was fine im 14 now and ride a piped raptor at 125llb and i have no problems[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

if anything the 300ex is a little underpowered. I don't really see him having a problem riding a 300ex. It is a great first bike. By one month of riding he will be used to the power and want more. Don't even pick up a 250ex. I know 8 year olds that wouldn't have a problem riding a 250ex.

 

to be honest there isn't mutch to worry about, i have a friend that has never road before and got a brand new z400, hes like 5'6 14 and 120 pounds... to be honest he is the best rider i know and he taught all that himself.

 

Have close friends who have had their son on a 300 ex since he was 10 with no problem except that he is not allowed to ride alone. If he gets it hung up or stuck he may be too small to lift it yet. But as far as riding it - no problem if he has some experience. This kid xcomes from a racing family - dad races modifieds, brother races quads (330r national A-class, YZF 426, 440 ex TT), and the 12 year old (now) races go-carts etc. So they think the 300 ex is a "nice tame bike" lol. But as long as your son is sensible and learns with you present - he should be fine.

 

I think it is a great idea to see how he does on your utility first. I was going to mention that but I wasn't sure what you had. If he has shown that he can make the right decision when it comes to safety and the ability to handle the bigger quad then I would get him a 300EX. If he is having trouble with your quad then he is nowhere near ready for the 300EX.