I want to get my son an inexpensive 4 wheeler for x-mas. He'll mostly be riding it here at the house, less than an acre. I dont want to spend a fortune , but I dont want junk either.

I'm figuring a 50cc-90cc for him.
I see theres alot of cheaper imports popping up but I dont know anything about them.
Whats available in that size range? And whats the price?

 

Purchasing non-major brands of minis is like rolling the dice. You could get a great one and you could get a bad one on day 1. Over time, even the great ones will need maintenance parts. Stuff like brake pads. sprockets, chain and suspension / steering parts are the major parts that will need to be replaced in 3+ years. Pay me know or pay me later always come to mind.

For your type of "around the house" and minor trail riding, you may want to focus on the E-Ton, Dinli, Kasea, Blast and Extreme brands. I hear these brands are comparible in price, you can add future modifications at a reasonble cost, and you can order parts for them across the net. The Pred-90 is a good brand but its a litte more expensive and they have a stator "burn out" problem that haunts many. If possible, try to obtain one with disc brakes. Sure wish our Pred-90 had rear disc brakes. A foot brake might be high priority on your "wish list" as well.

As a suggestion, visit a few of your major brand dealers in your neigbourhood and pick the one that you and your "young rider" likes best. Major selection must also focus on proper body fit. Having a major brand is a little more expensive then "non name" brands but in the long run, the maintenance parts won't cost you a lot more...

Hope this helps...

.

 

I've been looking on the internet at some of the name brand ATVs.
I see the Suzuki 50cc and the Yamaha Raptor 50.

These cost alot more but how do they rate?



Thanks !!!!

 

Stay away from both. No good. Look into either the Eton viper 50cc or the 70cc. Great bikes!!!



There you will get a visual of the bike and specs. From there look for a local dealer or get it from them. Shop around for the best internet pricing.

70cc

or

50cc

Hope this helps

 

Stay away from both? Your kidding, right? Both of those quads are at the top for dependability and low maintaince. They are high in price compared to the brands listed by spike when purchasd new but used they can be found for a bargin. You can use both of those atvs for yard duty and not have to worry. If you plan on your child riding in the dunes,racing, or riding less than easy trails I would say to go with the E-TON 50 or even maybe 70 if your buying new. You will end up with people telling you to purchase a 80 or a 90, just make sure your child is ready no matter what you put them on. I'd stay with the big 4 and e-ton for your choices, How much fun can they have when your waiting for parts?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I agree the Kawasuki is a single speed. It is way underpowered for anything but a hardpacked flat surface. I'm not a fan Yamaha's front end either (I'm trying to change my ways Dragginbutt!). I think these machines would struggle in mud if that's an issue.

2 strokes are easier and less expensive to get more power out of as your child grows. Many of of the 50's have the same chassis as the 90's If you don't worry about enforcement of the cpsc guidelines, you might consider buying a 90 and using the cdi or throttle limiter to reduce speed while your child learns. The quads that Spike listed have very similar engines and parts are readily available from various sources.

Some features that I think are worth looking for are a CVT for beginners, brake light, rear tether kill switch, foot brake (or hydraulic rear), reverse and I really like the etons adjustable cdi too!

 

A stock 90 sucks in sand.

 

Agree, yes I do. But a sucky stock 90 is better than a sucky stock 50 in the sand[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Be sure to check the laws for your state. Some states prohibit even private property operation of a ATV for youth under 12. Some have engine size categories for different age groups. Some states have no restrictions.

(Note for the hillbilly: Im just passing along information that might help this poster make the best decision)

 

True!