First of all, since I'm new to this site, I must say... outstanding!! Great source of info for all things ATV. Anyhow, here we go: My boys have learned the ropes on their Raptor 50 and now my 6yr old daughter rides it. While they're not gonna break any speed records (unless racing against an elderly tortoise), it was a safe intro especially since we're all relatively new to the quad experience.

What do you think would be a good transition ATV for the next few years. They weigh about 70lbs but of course they're growing like bamboo shoots. While we'll mostly be trail riding (southeastern US), I want them to be able to follow my lead without too much struggling (i ride a bruin 350 4x4). Even though this topic has been visited in the past, I'd appreciate some fresh input.

I prefer staying with major Japanese mfgs, and right now I'm leaning towards the KFX80. Ideas, opinions, thoughts, etc..... Thanks in advance.

 

I know you stated Japanese, and at one time I would have agreed. Now that I bought my son the Mongoose 90 from Kymco, I'm not so sure.
He also has a 2005 LT 80(same as KFX 80).
The Mongoose has more suspension travel and adjustable shocks. Rear disc brake. The chain tension is adjustable where it's not on the Suzuki. It has a tether kill switch and a brake light. Full floor boards, he did put his foot down once on the Suzuki, I think he learned not to do that.
The Maxxis tires on the Kymco hook-up better in the terrain we ride than the stock Suzuki tires. It is also wider, but also slightly taller so that may negate the wider benefit.
We like it.
Just my experience, yours will differ.

 

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If your young riders love water / mud and other crud, I'd recommend a mini that has a sealed tranny, sealed electrical system and if possible, shaft drive. Most 2 strokes have open CVT trannys and open stators. When water / crud goes above their running boards too many times, they have problems. Kick stater gum up with crud and higher percentages of stator burn outs. If water / crud is your young rider's passion, try to focus on sealed minis. Most 4 strokes are sealed systems.

Some say the shifter type minis are better for hills and/or "bull low" ground speeds. Some young riders adapt to shifter minis and others want the automatic of a CVT tranny. Reverse grear might be a mandatory feature for your riding conditions as well. Sure wish our Pred-90 had reverse gear.

From our experience, hydro disc brakes are much better then cable based systems. Especially cable DRUM based systems. If you can, try to obtain a mini that has hydro disc brakes. If possible, with a hydro foot based system. With some minis, their front brake drums plug up with mud / crud. Our Pred-90 seems to attrack mud in this area. Other brands don't. Not too sure if KFX80 has tighter seals on their front brake drums. Hope they do.

If trail riding, I'd recommend a mini with DLRs (Daytime Driving lights). DRLs are great in the dark bush and for getting caught on the trail at sunset. DRL minis can be seem much faster and further away then non-DRLs minis. If you want to install DRLs on a mini that does NOT come factory with DRLs, let me know. I'll further explain the info within: - Press Here -

If you can, do consider adding wheel spacers on the front of your mini. If rough ground riding, add wider A-Arms. Widening the front end makes the mini less tippy in the sharp corners. Especially if your young riders are taller then most riders their age.

Not too sure if "KFX80" is the best of the best minis on the market. I've read that Kasea, DDR (2005+), Dinli (2005+) and others are great minis as well. As a suggestion, do shop around. Look past the brand label and look at "their features". Specific features that your young riders need for your unique riding conditions. When it comes down to it, features and reliability is what sets each brand apart. Initial cost and future general maitenance parts cost also matters.


Hope my emphasis on these safety features / controls help....


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You cannot go wrong with the LT80. They are built like a german tank and only the roughest kids doing things they shouldnt will break them. I am sorry, but Japanese quads are much better built than taiwan, chinese, etc. Those are facts, not opinions. Bubba

 

OK, first off the lt80 is not Japanese. Was Korean, now I'm told it's built in Tawain. All it does is give you fewer features for a hell of lot more money. Had my cheapo sitting next to one and I couldn't help but laugh. You want a tank, buy a Honda. You want the best bang for your buck, try some of the Polaris clones. I like the DRR, Dinli, Eton, Kasea for high end, Unison and GPX for low end.

 

Funny how the LT has always been ranked with the TRX-90. They were made to ride and not have to work on all the time, If someone has problems with one then it has been abused or not maintenenced. Honda's are high because they are good. the LT80 is priced high for the same reason. Wonder why they keep such a good resale value???

 

Thanks for the good advice, please keep it coming. Just to share some of my thoughts, which will perhaps generate further discussion:

KFX80/LT80 - like it because fully auto, electric start, 2 stroke power; don't like it because of concern that 2 stroke may require more upkeep (again, i ride much better than i turn a wrench). Best out the door price thus far - $2,470

Raptor or Grizzly 80 - good because 4 stroke (lower maint?), electric start, i have two yamahas already and i know they're built well; potentially bad because fear of underpower and kids will outgrow too fast. Best OTD price $2609.

TRX 90 - like it because more displacement = more room to grow (it seems), 4 stroke, i've owned a honda bike in the past and know the quality; don't like because of recoil/pull starter. Best OTD price $2555.

Again, i'm a relative newbie with respect to ATV's, so let me know if my logic is totally flawed. My best prices, as seen above, come from either Mobile, AL, or Hattiesburg, MS. What do ya'll think??

 

You nailed it navyxrays. 2-strokes do not last as long as 4-strokes and will require engine work more frequently. ANY cvt isn't the most durable either. Saying the LT is as reliable as the TRX 90 is ....man, I'm trying to be nice. Come on? What are you thinking, Bubba? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] And, it has a worse suspension than many, worse brakes and lacks a full floor board. I'd go with Polaris before the LT. Compare the DRR.

The Yamaha has a funky front suspension that is not intended for aggressive riding. I wouldn't want one.

Honda is a Honda. Lacks electric start, probably not the fastest, but it'll last.



ps - If you ride in water or mud, stay away from the cvt's.

 

one of the atv mags done a test and the eton viper won against the lt80. eton has been around for a while, parts are easy to find, has a hydro rear disc brake and for trail riding it has reverse also electric and kick start. if you ever want to upgrade for more power or better suspension the aftermarket parts are endless for the eton. this probaly wont affect you but the lt80 has a tendency to break cases when raced on a mx track. the engine cases are part of the rear swing arm. sorry to say but in the lt80"s you are spending extra money just for the suzuki name. most the asian built minis are very good mini quads now days. as others have stated you cant hardly beat the honda for realiabilty but it does not come with as many features as most the asian quads and the design has not been changed since it was first built.

Mark

 

Well folks, I picked up an 05' TRX90 and my boys love it (i do too!!). I finally figured out that I would rather have "a tank" that will last through 3 kids rather than save a buck or two. The recoil starter is not a big deal after all! I appreciate the helpful comments and honest input.