1st ATV??
Aug 1, 2005 | 09:36 PM
#12
Pro Rider
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia, near DC
1st ATV??
2 years old???? tippy toes?/??? Nope, I am not going to touch that one.... This is a classic example of why government legislation is enacted to save us from our selves.... I sincerely hope you are kidding..... PLease no offense intended.... I just am shocked that is all... What does he get when he turns 10? A banshee?
Sorry that was a cheap shot...
I think you need to decide what you are comfortable with. There is a lot of junk out there being sold on every corner. It "MIGHT" last a couple of seasons... Who knows. One factor is going to be just how handy you are with fixing them, as typically, there is no support after the sale, and parts availability is next to nothing. Their marketing scheme is to purchase a container full and sell them quick and cheap. Buying cheap has always proven to be more costly in my experience. The parts availability is the same... someone buys a container of parts.. if the one you need is in there, you are golden, but if not.. you may need to wait a month or two for a common item. Generally, the latter happens and you end up trying to modify parts form another make to get the machine back up and running. That is where your mechanical ability comes in.
This is not to say that some of the manufacturers are not cleaning up their act... just that you need to keep both eyes open with your purchase.
One thing that I feel is very important, is that I choose a brand that the company is supporting our sport with funding, AND following the CPSC guidelines. That tells me they are committed to meeting the standards that have been set forth in design and materials. It all comes down to long term committment to staying in the market, not the make a buck and run plan that many of the cheaper models are using today.
You be the judge if it is worth the hassle.
My biggest concern is that if price is the deciding factor, what are you going to do about safety equipment? Gear is just as expensive, if not MORE expensive than the machine... I know it sounds harsh, but if you can't afford the gear... look at something else please. ATV's are not baby sitters. They can and will injure your child at some point. Kids are kids, they will push the limit and eventually find out the hard way just where that line is. Our jobs as parents is to make sure they have all the safety margin we can give them. Set rules, make sure they obey them, or get rid of the machines. At least you will have your child to hug at night. That is the grim reality of ATV's and kids riding them.
Sorry that was a cheap shot...
I think you need to decide what you are comfortable with. There is a lot of junk out there being sold on every corner. It "MIGHT" last a couple of seasons... Who knows. One factor is going to be just how handy you are with fixing them, as typically, there is no support after the sale, and parts availability is next to nothing. Their marketing scheme is to purchase a container full and sell them quick and cheap. Buying cheap has always proven to be more costly in my experience. The parts availability is the same... someone buys a container of parts.. if the one you need is in there, you are golden, but if not.. you may need to wait a month or two for a common item. Generally, the latter happens and you end up trying to modify parts form another make to get the machine back up and running. That is where your mechanical ability comes in.
This is not to say that some of the manufacturers are not cleaning up their act... just that you need to keep both eyes open with your purchase.
One thing that I feel is very important, is that I choose a brand that the company is supporting our sport with funding, AND following the CPSC guidelines. That tells me they are committed to meeting the standards that have been set forth in design and materials. It all comes down to long term committment to staying in the market, not the make a buck and run plan that many of the cheaper models are using today.
You be the judge if it is worth the hassle.
My biggest concern is that if price is the deciding factor, what are you going to do about safety equipment? Gear is just as expensive, if not MORE expensive than the machine... I know it sounds harsh, but if you can't afford the gear... look at something else please. ATV's are not baby sitters. They can and will injure your child at some point. Kids are kids, they will push the limit and eventually find out the hard way just where that line is. Our jobs as parents is to make sure they have all the safety margin we can give them. Set rules, make sure they obey them, or get rid of the machines. At least you will have your child to hug at night. That is the grim reality of ATV's and kids riding them.