I think I will sell my daughter's predator. I might even try to trade it in on some type of quad for my wife. My daughter is scaring me to death with it. My nerves just can't take it. I didn't think it would bother me that much. I think it's only had about three tanks of gas ran through it, but it has to go[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

 

Quads, motocross and snowmobiles isn't for everyone. I seen some kids drive a new quad twice, then park it within the corner of their parent's garage. For other kids, you can't get them off it. For some kids, it's their natural sport and they are very good drivers. For some, all the training in the world won't help. We sometimes go driving with another 9 year old (with 4 years riding experience) and that kid scares the neck out of me too. I know my son isn't the best driver with only 2 years of experience, but that other 9 year old is a "death" waiting to happen. I seen that other kid do 2 end/end flips with his TRX-70, drive into 2 trees and seen him slide into his handle bars 6 times. For the last few times, we haven't gone riding with that kid. That's how much he scares me and my son. Yet his father still thinks his son is a really great driver. Go figure!!!! Just like peddle bike riders, some kids can "get it" and others don't. If selling it would calm your inner voice, then you should sell it. Purchase your kid another a mini in the future - when she is ready for one.

If you are looking for training ideas that may help, here's a few:
- Turn the gas throttle way down.
- Do the zig / zagging around cones thing.
- Do the "over various sized logs" things.
- If this works and calms your kid GREAT!!!.
* If required, use the training reward system. Each time they pass, they get a reward.
* If possible, a formalized youth training program may help as well.
- More Safety / Training ideas might be available within: http://www.atvsafety.org/

Hopefully, there's a few Instructors on this forum will be able to provide some training advice. If you've done all the training you can and it doesn't help, then you may have to sell her quad. Not too "pee her off" but to calm your inner voice. As stated above, mini sport isn't for everyone. My kid's favorite sports is hockey, baseball and Karate. To my son, "quading" is one of those things he does more for me and his older brother (re: a family ride thing), then for himself.

Hope this helps.

.

 

I attached my daughters tether cord to a retractable dog leash and followed her at first. Gives you complete control of her engine. She gets out of hand, yank on it. Helped me keep her in line until I felt comfortable letting her loose.

I like wide open spaces for my daughter too. Makes me feel more secure.

 

There's a couple of utility poles on my property, an outbuilding, and of course our vehicles. It's over an acre of relatively flat ground, but that only encourages her to go faster. I know it only takes her looking off once and she could end up paralyzed or even dead. When she has friends over they want to ride it too. This is starting to be a big problem and summer is only getting started. I know I'm getting ready to lose my rear end, but I definitely know it's the right thing to do. I did consider these problems before I bought it, but I down played them and got it anyway. Another bone-head mistake. It's bone stock and near mint. Any idea what I should expect to get out of it?

 

Well, all I can speak from is my experiences. My daughter doesn't mind as well around her friends. She has no business riding around them. She tries to show off.

Maybe you should load up and go somewhere else away from any distractions. And maybe be prepared to discipline your daughter if she doesn't do what she's told. Like you said, she could be seriously injured. I started out telling mine to go five feet and then cut it off, just to make sure she'd follow instructions.

Do what you think is best.

 

Sounds like you made up your mind that you are going to sell it. With only 3 tanks of gas gone through it, you're probably looking at 90% of your original purchase price (before taxes and prep costs). You may be lucky to get more. Start advertising at 95% of your original purchase price. If the buyer chews you down a little, you'll have room (based on your exspected final selling price) to lower to 90%.

When my son and I are doing "around the house" drives with me (on my AC 500i unit), many of the neighborhood kids used to come running to our 5 ft high fence. They are stuck against our fence like Garfields wanting to get it. As son as my son starts to "show off", his quad immediately goes into the garage. No warning - it's turned off. As soon as one of those kids comes around the corner of our fence, his quad goes into the garage. No comment to the other kid - his engine is immediately turned off. After 6 months of doing this, the neighborhood kids finally "got the hint", and stopped running to our fence while we're riding around. Today, the kids in our neighborhood don't come running over. They know his quad will be put inside our garage. Those same kids no longer ask if they can drive my son's quad. They already know the answer.

If your kid isn't ready for a mini, then it would be best to sell it. After all, you know your kid's ability and focus better then any of us...

.

 

being a ATV Safety Instructor i would say use the throtle restricter to lower the speed to a slow crawl , if she has a fit about going to slow put it away till another day , till she understands she has to be more careful rider ..

 

I started my son out very early riding, and found out there is one VERY good training tool out there. I bought a headset and installed it in his helmet so I could YELL at him while he rides!!! Actually I could talk to him while he rides! It is amazing how well he picked it up after doing this! Another thing I do is to try and ride with atleast 2 adults when we go out. I have one person out in front and me behind keeping an eye on what he does, He hates it when I run up next to him and PULL THE RIP CORD!(only did this twice)

Like Spike said, quads are not for every kid


Chris

 

Is she riding out of control or just scaring you cuz she'smoving on a machine?
And you think watching the wife on a machine will be better???[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
You didn't mention her age or ability's.
There could be 2 fixxes::
1) throttle limiter (allready mentioned in another reply)
2)Valium for you [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I would say it has to go!!! If she is not listening then she is NOT ready!!! As much as kids see this as fun it is NOT a toy!! I know how you feel as far as being scared PooPless...though my son does great and has listened to all instructions that we gave when first learning, I was still scared to death and still am today. If I wasn't, then I wouldn't be a good parent in my opinion.

You seemed determined to get her off of it and to sell ASAP. You know your child and if you feel she is not ready then sell.

If you are interested in keeping it and trying it a little longer. #1 find a very secluded area(the only thing u want there is peace and quiet). #2 Dad & Mom stand about 50ft. apart and have her drive between you 2 #3. try hand signals to stop and go. #4 increase the distance, if you feel she can follow the commands. #5 If this fails pull her off and "SELL IT"

When Justin started out this is what we did and he did great. If he didn't he would be in the same lot Today.

Goodluck in what ever you choose....and I am glad to see that you are more concerned about her safety and well being. That's what good responsible ATVing is all about. To bad CBS and the rest of the media should see.

Look to get about $1,600-$1,800 for the bike. Ask high expect lower.

Goodluck.

justinsmom