nickal,

I'm just wondering... With all the "1st quad recommendations" in this post and a few other posts, I'm wondering what top 3 brands you've picked so far? To help us provide the better brand and "feature" recommendations for your son, can you tell us more about your current riding conditions and future usage. For example, Sand dunes only, forest only, deep water riding, etc. Trail riding only and/or possible racing in the future. If wondering, certain brands are made better for certain riding conditions. For example, the stcok Pred-90 is much better for extreme dry trails and the E-ton's thicker chain makes it better for sand dunes.

Also, can you tell us if your trails are patrolled by authorities or will your son be limited to back yard / private property only. If wondering, this is critical to recommend the appropriate CC engine size for the age of your son.

.

 

The issue hasn't been with his ability to ride it so much, it is more a case of where he can ride it that is causing us fits. When we bought it, I had a choice between a Bombardier 50 and a Raptor 80. Because of his larger than life size and weight, I opted for the Yamaha as it fit him better. They are a little larger and longer than the other minis. A few months later, Yamaha comes out with their 50 which uses the same chassis...

Since the purchase, I have also fallen victim to changing laws regarding compliance with manufacturers guidelines. It seems that Virginia where I live, Maryland , PA and West Virginia (Where Hatfield/McCoy is and the reason we bought them in the first place) have all made it mandatory that he can now only ride in public areas when in compliance with the age guidelines. I also tried to take a trip this year... and found another hiccup to the mix. Because Virginia does not register ATV's, other states want you to register them with their system. And in the case of Wisconsin, they also want me to pay sales tax. As a NON RESIDENT. Sorry guys, but I paid that in Virginia, I am not going to do that again for a couple of days. DItto for several western states as well. And PA... But at least it only costs $15 in PA, so it looks like they will get my money.

I can't even ride on a large parcel of land I purchased in WI last Dec until they get their registration sticker. Which sucks.

The last strike was triyng to get him into the free safety course offered by the manufacturers... he was denied because according to the guidelines, he has to either ride a 50 or be 12 to ride his 80... and in MD, where the nearest course is held, riders under 12 are prohibited altogether.

So I am giving up... just ordered me a new fishing boat... and I'll take him fishing until he turns 12. Even though the wife says to go down and buy the raptor 50 and be done with it. He will just have to be content to putt around in the back yard, and I do not think he will need to shift gears out back... He just keeps it in first or second.

 

Just FYI: The "Big 3" have been outsourcing their manufacturing to China and Tiawan for a decade... Maxfine models still say "Yamaha" on the engine casings.

To say teir manufacturing is not up to the Big 3's standards is laughable, they build the Big 3.

 

Well I can't say for sure, so I won't dispute your statement above, but I know that at least some of the models are being assembled here in the states. Probably why htey cost so much these days...but hey, I'd rather that then let our dollars go overseas... at least an American worker at least touched mine. Not usre if he built the whole thing, but they got their piece of the action...

 

Draggin', NO WONDER you get so passionate in these forums about taking the sport away and all the regulation. what you described is classic gov't cluster*uck. what a joke. here I am living in a country that is considered way more socialist and regulated than the US, and what you described makes me sick. we're no where near that, but i guess it's a good indicator of what we can expect in the next 10-20 years. I'm speechless at the stupidity of it all. trying to collect taxes in each state???? all the restricted areas? I'm with you, find a new hobby if he's not even allowed to ride.

Oh BTW, the Raptor 50 gets horrible feedback from the owners for being a gas powered atv that doesn't go as fast as a kids electric toy. I was looking at them too, but I would seriously consider something else (and I like Yamaha products, but this one sounds bad).

 

Yeah I kind of figured that. I don't think it will be much different than his 80 in first gear will do....the chassis is the same, although the tires are a little smaller...at least he will not have that much of a transition to the 80 when he gets old enough to ride it. Problem is, he will probably be pushing 6 ft tall when he is 12.

I am committed to either a Yamaha or Honda product. I know a lot of people swear by other brands, but they can save their breath... I have a history with the two I like, so I am not about to change now. I figure that no matter what, he will be riding the 80 most of the time anyway, I just hate spending the 2 grand so he can take the course. I was able to borrow one from a friend for a day, but because the serial numbers on that machine didn't match the ones they have in their data banks for his 80, he got tossed there too.

What are you gonna do? It isn't for the lack of trying, that is for sure. I figure I'll keep the 50 and let my grand kids ride it when they get old enough to putt around in grandpa's back yard....at least I'll get a little use out of it. Maybe let the instructors use it if they come accross a kid in the same dillema as mine is right now.

To say that this whole deal has really spoiled his enthusiasm for the sport would be an understatement. He gets his fishing pole tonight when we celebrate his birthday with friends. The boat should be here in a couple of weeks...

 

Depending on if they enforce it, you could always ride unregistered. Never read anything so strict as WI atv law. Wow!

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/en.../ATVregs03.pdf




ps- Never bothered registering here because it's only applicable to public land.

 

they've added a whole new meaning to cheesehead in Wisconsin. even a used Quadzinger from Yamaha would run well and not cost so much. what a shame adults have to ruin fun for kids. watch the original Bad News Bears movie again. I forgot how they portrayed the stupid parents.

 

I think it's funny that the DS650 appears to be exempt! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

48.5 inches wide!

 

Draggin it may be a bit of a ride, but look into Tower City. Near Harrisburg PA. Pay once for a yearlong family membership, get a campsite, and ride all you want. No state laws or guidlines apply. Only rules are no speeding in the campground and you must wear a helmet.Plus its a family oriented place check it out.

http://www.towercitytrailriders.org/index.htm