Would you go with the Honda 90, Yamaha 80, Bobardier 90, Suzuki 80, polaris 90, or the E-ton 150, or 90. I know you said Honda if you don't mind giving me a lesson in why, because you seem to know what you are talking about. Your help is going to help me deceide which one to buy. I don't mind spending the money, because I believe you get what you pay for. I also have another son who is 6 and can step into it when my oldest one out grows it.

 

The Hondas seem to fit larger kids a little better than some of the other minis and they are extremely reliable. Hands down, if you take the money out of the equation, that's what I would buy my own child.


OK, let's see how many people I can make mad.
Yamaha 80- I hate the solid front axle. Sorry, I just can't get past it.
Suzuki 80- outdated imo. Don't believe me? Set it side by side and compare.
Polaris 90 - There are better values for near identical "off-brand" quads.
Bombardier - really not familiar with them.

Off-brands to consider - DRR, Dinli, Eton, LRX, Kasea, Unison, GPX.

 

I bought my son the Yamoto 150cc. He is 9 yrs old, about 90lbs and a tall kid. The size is just right. it is a bit tippy from being so narrow, but i keep him at about half throttle with the throttle limiter. He loves it, loves the Rappy look like his dads quad.

For me, if i had to do it again I probably would not buy one again. Having said that for a very first quad, and not knowing if he was going to like riding or not the price was perfect. $1500 brand new delivered. bottom line is now i know he loves to ride and it will probably last a few years (knock on wood). Then he'll jump up to the raptor 350 when he is ready.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

I like the Honda for reliability. Its a really old design, but it works well for what I need. I trail ride mostly with the kids. Once a month, i go with the big boys, and can still keep up with them over rough terrain.

I think the 90 may be too small for a 10 year old, but may be perfect for a year or 2, and then make it a hand me down..

For the Yamoto, switching the front tires around does wonders. The Eton seems to be the best off brand quad on the market. A few of my riding buddies ahve them, and they haven't had problems.

 

I attempted swapping the front tires. But, when i got them off i realized that the brakes seemed to be in the way of doing it so i put them back. Is there something I am missing? Also, what type of K&N filter do I get for the 150?

 

For the Yamoto, the tires should bolt right back on the other side. For teh filter, you have to check the large thread on here. Its listed in there.

 

I agree. If he didn't have a little one, I'd say 250ex, z250 or blaster.

 

I would go with the closest dealer with the best Service.

Make and model can be figured out as you go along.

Good dealer is what you need!!!!!

 

My 200 cents: Since you said $$ isn't an issue and it doesn't sound like you have any inklings of racing, from experience I'd say if durability is important then the trx90.
Couple of years ago I bought my 8 yr old a Sportsman 90 (he started at 4). It was a nice cute little machine, but last year when I finally felt comfortable with his skills and let him go with on the trails, we found out that it really was a "backyard" machine. Luckily we made it home that day, but I got to spend a lot of time and $$ finding the problem and fixing the Stator. (It's common knowledge now)
With another open wkend coming and in my frustration, I just went out and bought a 05 trx90. We've kept track of how far we ride and last weekend his total miles of "Hard" trail riding crossed over the 700-mile mark. When I say hard, I mean any where from windy rocky trails to dusty RR bed runs to "dad careful you don't go over your hips boots when you come get me" Mud. He likes the mud the best and naturally goes in places he shouldn't . Total Cost of fixes (not counting reg maint) $$ 1.18. One of the bolts on the rear axel fell out (my fault)
Anyone that has had to "give up a ride" because of a broken Wheeler will back me on how important durability is. When you consider how much time/effort you put into an outing, in my mind the extra $$ are well spent.

Now for the Fun parts, that’s another story. Maybe this should go in another post, but hey as long as I’m here
Let me say up front, this is not a Race machine, so race guys, don't get on my case. Also, $$ is of concern, so I do practice some restraint.
There are tons of after market items for Dad to have fun putting on. Since we ride in the woods and try not to annoy everyone that lives near the trail system, I stayed away from the loud pipes and concentrated mostly on safety type items. None of these are needed, but all are helpful. Also, I’m not trying to promote anybodies products, but I think it’s helpful when people actually state who made what. And I want to point out that I’ve gotten a lot of “GREAT” info from this forum that has lead to the items below. Thanks All

Added Items:
Ricky stator, 90 W Stator.
Two sets of Lights, (2-35W on the handle bars, 1-50W on the front, setup with a selection switch) Started with lights mounted down behind the stock front bumper, but changed to the above setup has worked much better)
DG Front Bumper and Nerfs. (Careful, the Nerfs aren’t quite right for a stock machine)
ITP Holeshots Front and Back 20x6x10 front, 18x11x8 back (rims sized for the future 250ex, See below)
DiamonJCustoms (ebay guy) A-Arm wideners, Rear Shock adapter, and Wheel adapters
(I really like these products)
The wider stance etc. has been a huge improvement in stability, which was pretty good for a small ATV to start with.
300 EX Front shocks mounted both Front and Back using the above adapters.
Shock covers, Acerbis Hand guards, Slime

Since, nobody seems to make them, I’m making my own “under armor” out of sheet aluminum. (Sorry, I don’t remember who, but these are similar to ones that were discussed in this forum awhile back)
And for a little improved perf, K&N air filter and I removed the Pink wire.
For my 70lb 9 yr old, 40mph is fast enuf

Sorry for the long post, but its Fri afternoon and I didn’t feel like working too hard

 

I would say get either a 80cc or 90cc!! Those whould be the best!