Im trying to decide if a used raptor or polaris 50 is best for my 8 yr old, hes never ridden otherwise id go with something bigger......thanks

 

Welcome to the ATV Connection forums. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
I understand your idea on a 50 cuz of expierience but a 90cc would be best. Keep in mind that most all mini's have a screw that limits the throttle travel.
The 50cc will become very boring very soon IMO.
I do congradulate you on being cautious!! (see the crack cocain thread). [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

My son is 8, i bought him the raptor 50. great to learn on. he's ready for an 80.its only been 3mo. of riding. i'm now training him on his sisters 80.

my opinion: i would get the raptor 80,put on nerfbars,get the throtel plate from a 50 so the throtle only opens up 2/3 way. change the slide in the carb with the 50.the carb will only open half way.change the shift lever with the 50 hand shifter. now you can put it in 1st and its as slow as a 50! as his level of riding increases you can change things back slowly.
also there is a remote controll kill switch on ebay. that would be a good investment.
as his speed increases add wheel spacers and better tires (raptor80racing.com)
has these and more.

as soon as i sell the 50 i'm going to do this exact same thing.

good luck!

if you still want to buy a raptor 50, i got one for sale!!

DC

 

I agree with LT80. A 50 is too small for an 8yr old. We bought a Polaris 50 for our daughter last year (who was 7 at the time.) After only a few weeks, we realized that it was too small for her. We were heistant to purchase her a Polaris 90, but reluctantly, we did. She handled it just fine (and she weighs only 50 lbs.) She has been racing it since last May. Our son (who was 3 at the time) was given the 50 and he handled it great too - (of course we adjusted the throttle very low and gave him close supervision.)

I have never had experience with the raptor, but I can tell you that the Polaris is a great machine! If you go with an 05 or an 06, it has reverse! I also think the Polaris is the best looking mini quad out there!

When my daughter first started racing, she was just racing the stock machine. Even though she wasn't pulling 1st place overall, she was taking the holeshot every time!

Provide your son with a good fitting helmet, goggles and close supervision! A lot of people thing racing is dangerous, when actually, leisure riding is more dangerous. With racing, the riders are following rules, going in the same direction, wearing proper safety gear and have great adult supervision!

Good luck and ride safe!

 

Thanks for the insight, I went to the dealer today and looked at a bunch of 50's.....they gonna be way too small in a month or two.......for sure im getting an 80.....