it is now time to buy atvs for my girls age 6 and 8 dont know what to get
they have been riding on back of wife and i and have done some riding on there own
my 6 year old is a little tall for her age and she probably will be a more agressive rider than the 8 yr old
any suggestions guys any input will sure help thank you

 

My sons 2002 eton has been the best ! it is easy to work on and he really beats the crap out of it 2 yrs of riding and I just rebuilt it

 

I'd look at the Eton 70 or Scrambler 50 if you want to stay within the age guidelines.

Bigger the better if not. They are gutless in stock form.

Some features I like:
*cvt - constantly variable transmission (like Polaris)
*brake light - good for dads that follow too close shouting advice
*electric start - scratches Honda too (pullstart)
*backup kick - just a good idea
*adjustable cdi/no rev limiter - Polaris and Eton have adjustable cdi's to bypass factory limiters. I know if you jump to a 100, you don't have to worry about it. This can save you money if you start modding it.
*rear foot brake - wish I had one. Kasea/LRX are the only ones I know of. (Well, Hyosung does but I'm leary about aftermarket support)
*independent front suspension - why would you buy anything else? Keep in mind some mini's don't even have a front suspension.
*rear tether kill switch-followed my kid with a retractable dog leash. If she got out of line, I could yank it and kill the engine.

 

I've seen a lot of six year olds that are not ready for anything motorized. My neighbor stopped over yesterday with his new Polaris 90 and his six year old. She had a temper tantrum becuase he turned the key off and she began to fight with him to turn the key on and began to cry and kick her legs. Not ready for motorized toys beyond the electric barbie corvette IMHO.

If you do choose to buy one - keep in mind proper fit. If the feet are not flat on the floor boards while seated and the rider can't turn the handlebars to the stops without raising off the seat - your setting the child up for problems. Its been demonstrated that these two "fits" are significant factors in roll over accidents.

 

thanks for the pointers guys
since i wont get away with only one i have to make sure i buy whats most economical yet good machines

 

This post is going to turn into another battle probably. I recomend the Suzuki lt 80. It has the best power, and can be tuned down for a beginner. These things are tortured tested and proven. You can mod the heck out of them when the kids get more skill built up. there suspension sucks like most other minis they have electric start, rear foot brake, good ergos for small riders and are the most reliable. plus you can always find parts and service, you can't say that about alought of other minis out there other than the japanese and polaris models. Suzuki definitly needs to update it but probably won't because 2 stroke engines are going to be like the dinasaurs, extinct. I heard someone say that suzuki is working on a replacement that is a four stroke but who knows for sure. I haven't seen enough of the eton yet but at least they look to be a good quad. Time will tell.

 

What ever you decide to buy, don't forget the safety gear, and education on how to ride. Who dat had some very good suggestions on fit. Listen to him, as he does this as a professional safety instructor. I'd like to add that the child must be able to employ the brakes as well. If they are not strong enough to squeeze the brakes and stop their machine in a reasonable amount of time, then give them some more time... they are not ready.

A lot has been written about how to choose the right machine, and decide if your child is ready to ride. Honda riders club has materials available that will assist you in making that assessment. Take full advantage of all the material available, as it can help greatly in your decision processes.