I want to get an ATV for my almost-12-year-old son so he can ride with me and my friends; he's not here year-round so it won't get really heavily used, but I still want to get him a decent one. Unless I can get the loan I'm looking into I won't be able to spend more than maybe $1500. He's a big kid, 5'3" and just over 130 lbs, so he'll be able to handle a larger ATV than the recommended 70/90cc, though I'm not planning to get anything over maybe 110-150cc.
I'm pretty much ruling out the major brands since they don't have much between 70-90cc kids quads and the $3000 200-250cc range. I'm looking for input on quality and durability of Kazuma, Jetmoto, Kymco, etc--Will I be able to get my money's worth out of them? Any brand/model I should avoid? How much maintenance (other than the usual) is usual? I'm leaning toward a utility-style ATV, 4-stroke, preferably CVT, and with shaft drive, though I'd settle for chain-drive if necessary.

Thanks!

 

Reliability seems hit and miss with most of the Chinese brands. Maintenance and know how seem to be the key words with those. Mywifesquad has been doing a long term test on a Jetmoto in that size range, maybe try here From what I have seen, you might be just as well served buying a used 250EX in good condition if you don't have the time and/or knowledge to maintain a Chinese quad. Also might want to look into E-ton and Dinli, as they tend to be somewhere in the middle to top end of quality.

 

From personal experience, I would take a nice used name brand over one of the chinese quads anyday (been there, done that, have the broken pieces).

Suzuki 160 maybe, or a 250ex? You can pick up a clean used one fairly cheap if you are patient about finding the right one and have cash when it appears.

Don't forget full safety gear - chest protector, helmet, boots, goggles, gloves - kids are too precious to risk. Good luck and happy riding with your son.

 

You may want to go with a honda 250ex... auto clutch but still shift through 5 gears. Nice bike, and you can get a used one for 1600 bucks. That is what my friend got his for... it is the red one on my profile.

 

I've been looking for a used one, but they're pretty scarce around here (WA State)...tried Cycle Trader, craigslist, etc, and it seems they're all either 90cc & below, or 250 & above...not much in between. The Chinese cheapies are the gap-filler there, but I'd take a used name-brand over a new dubious quad any day. Just can't find 'em.

 

The Polaris phoenix would be my recomendation. 200cc's, a middle sized frame, CVT tranny, a great 12 year old quad IMO.
The Kymco 300 mongoose is a great quad also. Tough as any of the big 4 quads anyday (I've proved it in 2- 12 hour races).
Both are relatively slow and a great beginner quad.

 

Sir,
If you're wanting a chinese quad...call John at Raceway and he'll set you up with the right size and quality. They have some new ones they swear by! If you want Japanese...Grizzly 125 has an auto and you can get a new one at a great price. Honda TRX 90...superior quality and taste.
If you want a Chinese quad that he can grow into...I give the Redcat DPX 200 a thumbs up on the cheap. SEADAWG

 

Anything that Kymco makes is good. I would also recommend Unison. As for Chinese quads the JetMoto is by far the best Chinese quad out and they make huge strides to get even better year after year. So if you want a Chinese quad JetMoto is the way to go. For your son the 150 or 200 is perfect. If he can learn to work a clutch the JM200 is nice. Any other Japanese/ taiwanese unison, kymco, Polaris or any of the top 5 brands will give you your moneys worth. You cant put Kymco, unison, or adley in the same category as the Chinese quads.

 

I concur with 2manytoys...he is right on! I still like the DPX-200, but Jetmotto seems to be kicking b-hind in Chinese quality[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]