I agree with Chrispapy, get the 80... but one thing I have run into is that the riders safety course the manufacturers are offering is not available to them because their age does not fit into their recommendations. I would like to remind everyone that in most states, the recommendations are not LAW, and as such, they are not subject to fines etc. Many children in the 9 to 10 year old range have progressed well beyond the 50cc's capabilities, and should be allowed to transition to a larger machine. But the manufacturers have other ideas. If you are willing to go the 80 road, and can restrict the speeds mechanically, you should be able to make the choice and not have it made for you.

A quick note to the manufacturers here if you are listening... why not give parents the choice between the $100 being offered if the kid takes the course, or allow them to put it against the cost of a helmet? I bet the decision numbers would surprise you...

 

It's probably too late for this reply but My son started on an lt 50 and it was perfect. I am currently selling it in the classifieds. The whole point of a youth quad or "first" quad is that it doesnt goe very fast until the kid gets his balance figured out. Sure there are plenty of quads out there that are faster, but that isnt the point. That like saying "heinze ketchup is redder than someone else's" who cares? Do you like the taste of it? When you need a faster quad, move up to one. For one thing the Suzukis are hard to break and parts are plentiful should you need them. I also like the walk behind tether kill switch. Works great when you put a 4 year old on it. Course, if you want to put your 4 year old on something that will "wipe the floor with it", knock yourself out..maybe your kid, too while you're at it...Just my .02

 

I too have some to add to the this thread. I bought my boy a Raptor 50 and I will admit it will not go more then 18mph but for him it is great and when he is ready I will buy a bigger one. I do not know what it is like in the states but up here in Alaska the used market for kids quad is zero, why? It is because you do not have to advertise it as there is always a buddy or co-worker who is in the market for one and just mentioning that you are thinking about selling the kids quad and they are there with money in hand. Also the resale value is high, if you paid 2 grand for it you can expect to get 1700 hundred for it 2 years later because most kids outgrow them long before they can trash them.

As for size you might as well get the one that fits them right now rather then getting one that it is too big and they get scared of it and now the experience is ruined for them and you. I could of got the 80 for him for another 2 hundred but it is 2 inches taller(tire size) but it is a 3 speed where the 50 is a auto and he has enough to worry about(like braking) so I did not want to overwhelm him. I had ideas of the Polaris sportsman but it was just to big for him now, but in a year it will not be too big as he will know how to handle it. Speed is not everything, just buzzing around with him at 10 to 12 miles an hour has made me slow down and enjoy the moment of being with him. I know later in life he may not want anything to do with me as he starts to make friends and do not forget girls so I am getting all the time while I can and if it is 10mph so be it. AlaskaBoy.

 

Get him a banshee!!!!! just switch a gear higher every time he can handle moe power[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]




















just kidding, Our e-ton 50 was a great starter bike and we was able to step up the performance when he was ready. IE. Cut the green wire, after that we piped it now we got a screaming 68 kit in it that runs with piped 90's