The eton 50 is a full size mini, but they do have a 40cc micro. Part of what I wanted out of a mini was for it to grow with my child. You throttle them back at first but kids learn fast. Pretty soon they want more (and so does dad if he pushes it up too many hills). The eton 50 is relatively easy and inexpensive to modify as your child gains experience. If your child fits, it would be a good route to go.

If you ride a lot in mud or water, you might consider something like the Yamaha 80 and fight shy of the cvt's. Probably be OK for trails but I really don't care for their solid front ends. I wouldn't buy one personally.

 

The other point I should make is that work that would need to be done on the quad I buy would have to be done by a shop and I really am trying to get the most reliable quad out there. Riding conditions would be both flat solid ground and trail riding. I am not concerned about racing ability.

 

We don't race either. I got tired of pushing my kid's up sand hills (it would have been ideal for hard pack but I don't trail ride). Literally had a guy complain on here one time that his lt50 couldn't make it up his driveway from a stop. And he was dead serious. They just don't impress me much in stock form.

 

Do you think the Eton 70 would be too much if throttled down??

 

YES...when kids are that small they can't reach the brake levers. Buy a mini Eton the re-sale is great. If you try and get a quad she can GROW into she will probably not have fun fighting to steer it and stop it.

Good luck

 

First of all, you be the judge on whether the child is going to be able to ride at 4 years old. Personally I cringe, but like i said it is your decision...one that you are going to have to live with if anything happens, and please understand I am not being critical.

Keep these points in mind when looking. First off, fit the child properly for TODAY. Do not think that they will "GROW INTO IT". Make sure they can operate all the controls fully, including brakes, steering lock to lock, standing on pegs, sitting on seat and feet still on pegs etc. If they can't reach or operate all the controls.. you may want to re-consider.

Next, a little warning here, although a child may be physically capable at such a young age, the most important thing to consider is the mental state of the child. Can they make snap decisions if they get into an emergency situation. Very few if any can at that age. What you generally will end up with is a child running around the back yard in circles looking all over the place to see if anyone is watching until they crash into a bush or a fence. Not a good idea... Make darn sure you remain present and keep the child under visual control. They are trusting mom and dad to protect them...

Next, will the child listen to your guidance? Will they obey your rules even if they manage to go out of sight? All things to consider.

Now for the choice. Definately nothing more than a 50, and although many are capable of speeds in excess of 10 MPH, even that would be too much at first. The Yamaha 50 and 80 share the same suspension and frames, so transitioning from a 50 to an 80 when the child gets older would be a snap. The difference is in tire size and motor size, but the contols and chassis feel would remain the same... so that may be a good choice.

Resale of 50's and 80's are quite good.

Lastly, make sure you buy every piece of safety gear you can afford and make thm wear it like a second skin. If they refuse, no ride today.

Helmets, golves, eye protection, long sleeved shirts/jersey, long pants, boots that go over the ankle... This does not mean they need MX boots, but no tennis shoes. And I'd recommend a chest protector and a neck roll, the latter is for compensating for the weight the helmet will introduce on very small necks. Even a bumpy yard can and will damage the neck of a child. Imagine the forces applied by a sudden stop that a tree or a rock may have.

Now although I will be criticised for saying this... my personal opinion is that a 4 year old is too young. I know it is hard when they are left out.. but I can sleep at night saying that. I sincerely care about the child being an enthusiast for a long long time. Please take this to heart.

Lastly, check your local state laws, in some states, it would be illegal for a 4 year old to be on an ATV, and you could be prosecuted for child endangerment.... Believe it... it happens.

 

I am definitely going to purchase the necessary riding gear. She has been on a Suzuki 50 and loved it. I am leaning towards the Yamaha 50 Raptor or Eton 50. We have a large amount of flat level yard for her to practice in and I will be right there with her. I am still confused on which one to get though.

 

Either will work fine and provide the after sale support you expect. The only advantage of the Raptor 50 will be in ease of transition at some point. I also like the closed driveline where little fingers and toes can't get injured on the Yamaha. Plus I prefer 4 strokes. Zero maintenece.

Good luck on your choice

 

I sure appreciate the advice.

If anyone else has had personal experience with either the Yamaha 50 or Eton 50 please let me know whether positive or negative. I do think I am best to stay in that 50cc group.

 

When I said GROW, I meant performance with experience. Not grow into the size. The Polaris clones have abundant aftermarket parts and support. I started mine out 2 weeks before her 6th b-day on a full size mini. Little bit of difference but she fit fine. And she wasn't tall for her age either. Depends on the kid which size is best.

Take her down and let her sit on them. Make sure she can get off the seat and still have a little bend in her knee.