Okay...stopped into the local Kawi dealer yesterday for new riding gear for my 11yr old. Low and behold they were having a blowout on the KFX80's and 50's. Incredible prices on these little quads and a good local shop too. My delimma is: this quad is for a 6yr old who is a little on the "wild" side. I know he's gonna advance quickly...but I want to be able to "pull his reigns back" as needed also. The KFX 80 has the CVT tranny, the 50 only has the single speed. I've read numerous posts on here about the single speed having trouble climbing the smallest of hills in the yard. He sat on the 80 and reached the foot pegs fine, but I kind of prefer the full floor boards on the 50!!

So, the delimma. I have no reserves about something like the GPX Raider as our 90 has been fabulous thus far. Can the KFX 80 be dialed down to really put around while learning? Is there some other 50cc models I should be considering in that $1200 range? Bear in mind, my biggest issues are to be able to dial this lil thing down for a beginner. I don't mind putting a remote kill switch on it if necessary for training. But he will progress quickly and I want a mini that will keep up with him for a couple of years. I prefer a two stroke.

Do you owners of the KFX80 consider the foot peg configuration adequate/safe?

Thanks guys.

 

There are several ways to restrict the LT80/ KFX80 (intake, exhaust, throttle screw) so you can definately dial it down for training. As to the foot pegs - no doubt that full floorboards are much safer. We've never had a problem with our LT, although many years ago one son twisted a foot when it slipped off the pegs on our TRX.

IIRC, the KFX80 normally sells for around $2,400. What are you considering 'blowout' prices?

Jaybee

 

$1499 for the KFX80. Seems too good to pass up with the local service and all. I just have the reservations about the usability for him right away.

 

Will67,

For aggressive and "learning" new riders who push the engineering flaws of any mini, I'd recommend replacing the factory foot pegs with Nerf bars. If wondering, this is a netted area for one's feet. When researching nerf bars, obtain one that has a heel kick plate. If one doesn't exist, get your local welder guy to add heel kick plates. Another mandatory fix is wider A-Arms or at a minimum, wheel spacers on the front. By widening the front end (on any brand of mini), it dramatically reduces the risk of roll-over. Especially on the sharp technical corners and/or doing donuts. If you have a young rider who pushes the limits, then he/she WILL want to do donuts. Also, run the tires are little harder then factory recommends. Say 4.5 lbs instead of factory recommended 3.5 lbs. Harder tires will make the mini "slip & slide" (especially the rear wheels) instead of digging in and rolling.

Hope this helps as well...

.

 

Please note there are no plans to race...just some good recreational fun. We have a place to trail ride in the timber with some pretty good hills so the 50cc is probably out due to the single speed tranny.

The real question is can the KFX80 be restricted down to a mire "putt putt" for a little while while he's learning? Does the throttle limiter allow for this much limitation?

Thanks guys.

 

There are easy ways to limit the top speed of the bike as well as amount of throttle it can be given. I'd get the 80 and some $150-175 nerfs like spike said.

 

you can always put foot boards(nerf bars), on any quad u choose for him. I would suggest thinking into the future...something he can handle now, but won't get bored with by next year(unless ur willing to upgrade when he grows out of it). anyway, get a quad that is just a LITTLE BIT out of his skill range, and let him adjust to it. It will give him more confidence, improve his riding skill set, and he won't grow out of it in the first year... this is all dependent on your trust in him as a rider... My nephew was about that age when I started letting him ride, and he does great now...kids have great skills, they just need to balance that with experience and common sense... that's dads job..quads are the best thing to happen to my relationship to my nephew, and now all he wants to do is race my banshee... good luck and good riding!!! BANSHEES RULE DUNAGE!!!