I am looking to buy my son his first four wheeler. I am torn between the Polaris and E-Ton. What are the pros and cons of the Polaris Predator 50 and E-Ton Viper 50? Should I consider the Kawasaki 50? Any user experience feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

 

If you want it to grow with your child, get the Eton. More mods available.

Stay away for the kawasuki 50's. They're just shy of crap compared to other makes.

 

I looked here and there a little bit for my 4 yr old son last month and ended up with Eton.
Please note that I am not planning to race this thing, me and my wife just too squimmish when it comes to crash on our 4 yr old. But from people here Eton is very raceable.

The decision on Eton 2005 50M:
1) Fit my son very nicely (not too big nor too small)
2) Hydraulic rear disc brake, easier for little fingers to apply brake (doesn't require too much force)
3) wider than other mini for stability.
4) adjustable CDI box (work as rev limiter not mechanical throttle control, well it has that too)
5) CVT auto, no shifting
6) adjustable rear suspension
7) fit an finish are top notch
8) Comes in red ( a must for my 4 yr old).


Dislike:
1) no reverse
2) 2-cycle engine


Hope this helps.

 

Raptorlegs you quoted the "Kawasuki is crap." I'm wondering what you based this off of and why you feel its crap. I have a suspicion this is based on power issues, but I don't recall the originator mentioning anything about racing. I HAVE a Suzuki LTA 50 and this is perfect for what my 5 y/o needs, and I'd recommend as such. It's a little offensive when someone states it's "crap" without providing a definition/reason. If the need for racing was mentioned I can name off many quads over the Suzuki, but for a young kid learning, the LT50 is great, not "crap." I know minimal about mechanics, but I have easily done work to my son’s quad because this thing is great and easy to work on. And there are plenty of places to pick up parts if needed. The Suzuki 50 has been around a LONG time and deserves to be given a lot more credit then crap. I'm not trying to bag on ya, just be a little more informative when making an accusation, especially when people may make decisions based off your opinion.

My 2 cents sticking up for a good quad...

 

The problem with the Kawazuki LT50 is it's fixed gear single speed transmission.

Bryce

 

Scramblur...that would be a drawback or a dislike, not a "problem." Again, the LT/KFX 50 was designed for young kids learning to ride, not meant for those that race. You'll all notice I'm not pointing out "problems" with other designed quads. Everyone knows the LT/KFX 50 wasn't designed for racing and the originator never asked about this, everyone just makes assumptions that people plan on getting the most power out of a 50cc for their 4-7 y/o to eventually race. As you will know there are numerous 50cc quads that are better for racing and such, but the original question was "Should I consider the Kawasaki 50?" Anyone wanting their child to learn on a 50cc should definately "consider" this quad, it's been around over 15 years and has a great reputation.

Now if I would stoop so low as to point out "problems" with other quads I wouldn't hesitate to point out dependability, something several other makes don't have. This would be a drawback or dislike, for someone simply wanting a quad that runs. But, the choice in what 50cc quad to buy, depends a lot on what someones intentions are.

Again, I'm not trying to get down on anyone, it's just there are many considerations and that is what the question was meant for. I personally was looking at the Eton and LT KFX 50 when we looked and didn't consider racing in the slightest. If he grows and wants to race he'll be best to start at the next level.

Also, my LT 50 will go through at least 3 different children before it gets sold; dependabilty was a huge factor!

Zach

 

No Zane, a single speed transmission is a problem... it's like a clock that doesn't work.. ya, it's right a few times of the day, but not most of it.

put your Z400 in 3rd gear and ride it around withoput changing gears... that's how a fixed gear single spped transmission will be like. sometimes it won't be poerful enough, some times it'll be just right, other times it'll bounce off the rev limiter.

a fixed gear transmission can be dangerous... if the rider doesn't have enough momentum to make it up a hill, it is stuck... at least with a CVT, it can "downshift" to a lower gear and possibly make it up the same hill.


If you want to talk dependability, bring it on... Our Scrambler 50 (now a 70) is highly modified (in some eyes, this equals lesdependable) and through 2 years of racing, we have zero DNSs or DNFs. No dependability issues here. It really boils down to how well you maintain something... if you don't take care of anything it'll fall apart (Cars, Quads, washing machines, air conditioners, etc).

Agreed, not everyone needs something to race. I think the original poster should search here and other forums about the others that have bought KFX/LT50's and sold them shortly as their child quickly out grew both the size and performance of the KFX/LT50. If all your looking for is a yard bike that'll never be on terrain that's not flat, then do for the KFX/LT50.

Bryce

 

Compared to the eton, you can add less suspension, inferior braking system and narrow wheel base.

Zane, you're entitled to your opinion and if buying a major brand gives you a little piece of mind, then I guess a person could justify the purchase. But set them side by side with no pre-conceptions and compare features and cost....it's a no brainer.

 

Scarmblur, yes you made your point on what you "dislike" about the LT/KFX 50, I'll accept that. But there is a reason the LT 50 is a popular item, single speed or not, the purpose of the machine is not to climb hills but for young kids to learn the basics of riding before they get really involved. I don't know what the originators planned usage is and I don't want to guesss and give bad advice.

Now, a little defensive on the dependability issue aren't you? I intentionally made no mentions about specific quads and I certainly wasn't going to mention a Scrambler if I did. For instance (for prevention of offending others I'll leave out brand) Dirt Wheels did a segment on a 50cc a couple months back and during the first test run, the thing fell apart. The dealers that sold the bike couldn't even get the replacement part. This is what I was referring to, so please don't assume I was attacking the Scramble r or anyone elses bike mentioned on here (unlike how the KFX was attacked).

Raptorlegs, yes I am entitled to my opinion and so are you, I just chose to provide usefull feedback, not guessing at what the originator's intention was. Not to mention attacking a good quad without providing a reason.

 

i have no 50cc and never had.
my son started on a honda 70 and now a 90 so i have no favor to any.
my son has been riding/racing going on 8yrs. we have seen all the 50cc units over and over.
kaw/suz is far behind the kasea/eton/drr and others.
what the others are saying is true not only on the race track but also trails,yards,dunes etc.....
i believe the price would favor these units as well.
i wouldn't put much stock in the articles in those magazines.