mornin all,

Am real close to getting my kid his first bike, he is 9yo. Really tall for 9 (most people think he is at least 12) but skinny like me, he only weighs 60+lbs but he eats like a horse!!!!!. Have been seriously considering a 90 to 110cc Kazuma. They seem to be good and the price is right. Am I heading down the right path? any input greatly appreciated. I dont want to spend a bunch of money on something he will grow out of quickly.

Will probably order him one early next week. For me I am getting a P650 or P700.

 

If you search this forum for Kazuma, I'm sure you'll find lots of historical posts. Lots of "Help ME!" posts on this brand.

For me, I don't focus strictly on the price of anything. I often create a "controls, comfort & features" type sheet and put 5 brands down the left side of its grid. In each spot, rate the item from 0 to 5. 0 meaning it sucks and 5 means its excellent. Stuff like auto vrs manual tranny, daytime running lights, availble parts, width for more stability, electric start, shaft vrs chain, suspension depth, reverse, etc. etc. After you review of each brand, add up the numbers at the bottom. This will help you narrow down to the the top 3 brands, then go from there.

If you like 2 strokes, put E-Ton, Dinli, Polaris, Kasea on your initial list. If you like 4 strokes, put Honda, Raptor, etc. on your Review Grid list.

Note: In stock forum, 4-strokes can handle more water, 2 strokes have more bottom end zip and are easier to add upgrade mods. Initial price is a consideration but there are many other things to think about as well.... But most of all, each brand/model must be selected for your unique riding conditions, Rider skill level, Rider "body fit" and the laws within your local area.

Hope this "use a grid to review" idea helps...


.

 

Thanks Spike that does help and I'll do just that. I read alot of the threads and all the issues seemed minor but headaches (or lack of them) are worth money and I cant forget my kids experience, if his bike doesnt run right or has issues he will get turned off to riding.

 

notagain, I will tell you this just so you have more information.

I was at my riding spot the other day and this kid was riding a 90cc quad around on the track. This kid was a nut and was beating the
B-Jesus out of it. He was riding it like the throttle was stuck wide open!!!! I'll give him this, he was a good rider!!!! That thing was FAST and sounded very good for a 4 stroke. After he ran the thing out of gas I went over to have a look. I think the thing was called a "starfire" or something like that. It was a China knock off. It was a shaft drive which I liked but it had a rocker type front end which I did not like. It looked like it handled REAL well.

I asked his dad how he liked it and if he had any problems with it. He said that he owned it about 6 months and and really liked it. He also told me it burn a valve when he first got it (poor set-up) but the place they bought it from warranted it with no problem.

He told me he bought it from the KTM dealer in Ukiah. $1400 out the door. Not too bad of a deal if you ask me. Your right down the street from Ukiah and it may be worth a ride?

From my 5 minute look-over it looked good to me, but be aware, the only thing I know about this brand is what I observed.

 

IM recomending the Honda Recon 250, i got myn when i was 8 years old, my dad only showed me how to start it and lift up to make it go, he never said i could go faster if i lifted the gear up, plus he wont want to grow out of it for atleast 5 years, ive just sold myn and im 15 now, i am now getting a z400 and already have an eiger, i really recommend not getting any off brands, plus its kind of embarissing to be wooped by kids the same age, plus u can have fun on it to

 

thanks everybody, I think a 250 is too big but I will probably get him a 110 something. I'll check out those ukiah guys this week. I'll keep ya all posted on what we get him and how if works

 

I just bought a Kazuma 50 for my kids. It would be to small for your son, but as far as quality, I'm impressed with the brand. If you do some more searches on the forums you'll find more good than bad about them.

 

I have the Redcat 110 for my 7yo and he loves it. I would recomend the Redcat (kazuma) 150 mkII. This is by far the better one to choose. It is shaft drive, rear light, 4" wider in the front, disk brakes and fully automatic. It is only about 150-200 more than the 110. The 110 is great but needs some minor adjustments. If I were to do it all over I would get the 150. It is the same size as the 110 but 4" wider in the frome which makes a huge difference in stability. I had to but wheel spacers for my sons 110 to make it stable.

 

I second the 150 MKII. Ive been looking all over the net for the best quad for my daughter and I think its going to be that. The place in Ukiah somebody referred to is Street Bike Services, they sell "Firestar" which is identical to Yamoto I believe. But theyre not close to 1400 OTD for the 110's, quite a bit more. Much better prices on the net: Raceway, Kidsatv, Wickedrocket, Gasrides, etc. And I'm seeing the 110's and 150's real close to each other in dimesnsions so I think for the 40 more cc and fully auto trans the 150's are the way to go. I sat my daughter on the Firestar 110 and she looked good to go, I would think your 9 yoa should fit as well and give you some growing room, too. Post what you decided to buy and from where, and your experience. Good luck.