Aloha! I am new to the board and I own a 03 Rancher. My son is 13 and he can ride my rancher but i don't like him getting out of 4th gear. I want to buy him a atv that is more his size and something easy for him to manage. I have been looking into the 90 cc range but I feel he will out grow it fast, but that is not a big issue because his sisters can take it over. But I don't want to get him something with too much power that he can't manage like a 250. Do you have any suggestions for me? They would be appreciated much.

Mahalo
Clint

 

A thirteen year old of average size should be able to handle a 250 alright. A Recon or Bayou 250 would be ideal. Not super powerful or fast, but with enough of both to be fun. If you are concerned there, go with a Breeze 125. But he will outgrow it very fast.
I know 10 year olds riding 100s, and my daughter was riding a 125 when she was 8, speed limited of course.
She is now 23, and the Bayou 220 she rides now is all the power she needs.

 

Thanks for your input, I was looking at the honda 250ex, I think he would have alot of fun not to mention lots of years riding . I just don't want to get him something that's going to be to powerful. But at his age he wants speed. I guess I will have to just break him in slowly on it until he get comfortable.

 

13 is a hard age to fit to a quad. Legally they should be on a 90 but it's too small for most all 13 yr old kids. Don't get him a monster. Let him learn on a mild, smaller bike.

 

I'd get him a 250.He would be too big for a 90 and be bored with it quickly unless he's very small for his age.I'm not sure about the other manufacturer's but Yamaha still has the throttle limiter screw even on their full size quads.

 

Yamaha Breeze is a good step-up from the 90's, but it's fully automatic so he won't learn much. My 8 year old is on a Suzuki LT160. It's a 4-stroke/5spd. He's never beyond 3rd gear (yet). He can go in deeper water and mud, plus he's got reverse, which he loves. It seems to be one of the few "transitional" quads. A lot of the off-shores are making 100-150's, but there's not a lot of history to draw from there. The LT160 has been a pretty bullet-proof model for Suzuki. I don't think you'd go wrong with that and there's always good resale with a known brand.

 

I think a 250EX would be ideal for your son. Not a high power quad, but a lot of fun for any age.
Anything less he will be bored in 6 months or less.

 

I'd also say the 250 class - Ozark, Recon or maybe z250 or 250EX. If you're worried about speed, you can limit him to 3rd or 4th gear. Unless he has no riding ability or experience, a normal size 13 year old should fit well on a 250.

Jaybee

 

hey welcome to the fourms! If i were you i would go with the trailblazer 250. Now, it is a big quad, but its not that powerful or fast yet. My cousin is 13 and bought a cobra 180. Big mistake! whatever you do, dont buy that! He is small for his age and can handle my TB250 fine. My sister is 11 and she has rode the tb with no problems. The tb is a very well built machine that will last for a long time with the proper care, which isnt much more then some greasin, keepin oil in it, and repaceing the airfilter once in a while.

The Tb is a great starter quad that is fully automatic. There is also the great feature of one break lever to control both front and rear breaks. It has the reverse which is great! ALso, it is larger then most 250's, but not less stable. The price also helps, used i got a 2000 in 2002 for $1800 and it was in great shape.

Speed and power are no poblem for smaller riders on this quad. Stock it has only 22 hp, and mine lags a little becuase i am 6' 220 lbs. A lighter kid should be fine. I wanted more power so i put a pipe and clutch kit on it. There are a lot of mods for the tb so later he can keep up with the big dog.

Whatever you decide to do, i hope its the right choice for you. I hope my imput helped in some way, and good luck with your son's future quad!!!!!!

nick

 

Welcome!

I would stick with a 250 either a Honda or Suzuki, or maybe even a 350 Warrior. My daughter is 12 and not an agrressive rider and but she can handle the deep rivited, muddy trails better than what this mom thought on my former 250EX! The Honda is a great quad, pro - has top end speed compared to the Z250 but - con, because I moved out of the auto clutch 250EX and into manual clutch Warrior 350 - that I have to "relearn" to use the foot brake instead of the "left brake that is now a clutch!" I hope this makes sense to you.

My daughter will soon be in my Warrior. My son (now 6) will soon be in the 250EX if we don't get something manual clutch for him do to cost. I don't see much in the 150's line that I care for.

You might want to read the November 2003 issue of Dirtwheels Magazine. They have an shootout article on Suzuki Z250 vs. honda 250EX. I hope this help a little.