>>Problem, at least with the older lt50 is that they are centrifugal clutch and lack take off power. Once it gets going, it'll do OK. The little 50 is not cut out for mud, sand or hills.<<

True, it does have a c-clutch and no true transmission (no gears or CVT). That does limit it for some things. But ours climbs firm hills remarkably well even with some of the restrictors still in place. We don't ride in mud nor sand so those "limitations" don't affect us. We're trail riders, mostly, with some snow and rocks and pavement thrown in for good measure. With ~50 pounds of operator ours climbs a steep trail near our lake property that I'd estimate at 20% grade and that's with the throttle limiter screwed in a long ways. There's a lot of oomph left in that engine we're not using yet.

I'd only accept an LT-A50 (the "A" is important). Suzuki started with the LT-50 back in the mid-80's sometime. It had NO suspension, just a solid frame (yikes!). The A-version showed up in 2001-2002 and gained independent front suspension and rear swing suspension. Good used ones seem to go for about $1000 these days. Look for suspension front and rear - if it's missing, don't buy it regardless of price.

Around 2004-2005 Suzuki started using a 4-stroke engine, if that's important. You can also get youth quads with 2's and 4's from various other reputable manufacturers... just watch out for the complexity factor. Some of the 49cc units start piling on the shifters, electric start, etc. which add cost, complexity, maintenance, and so forth when the basic goal was just to give your child a safe, easy introduction to ATV's. Don't lose sight of who is supposed to be riding it.

 

All,
This is what this forum is about. This is the best detailed advice one could see. Everything is a trade off and I think we all weighed this well. Great job and good on keeping it honest! SEADAWG

 

If you are really worried about her outgrowing the atv in a few years, maybe you should look into the E-ton 70's. They are decent little machines, CPSC approved for 6 and up, with plenty of potential. There is a 2 and 4 stroke version for '06, both with cvt trannies. About the only thing on your list they don't have is a foot brake. I have to say, the foot brake was a big thing for me, as I thought it would be safer than hand brakes only. My boy on the other hand rarely uses the foot pedal unless I constantly remind him to. The hand levers on our mini pull easily and provide plenty of stopping power for the speeds he rides at right now, so it is all good. If I was shopping now, I would be less concerned with the foot brake as I would with the hand lever fit and pull strength. A few of the cheaper minis have a rediculously stiff lever pull. Anothe option that I think was already mentioned is to get her a go-kart. If she is just riding around the neighborhood, this may be a better option. Plus they are available in 2 seater versions for daddy-daughter rides[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Just an FYI on the Viper 70 foot brake. You can buy one from E-ton its an add on. Its 279.00 pricey but it is available. The hand brakes on the Eton are very good and the levers are made for little hands. Thats the main reason I went with the Viper 70.

 

I it really boils down to how much do you want to spend for an ATV. Everyone is on a tight budget and we all want to stretch our dollar as far as it can go. With that said...

1. Buy something that your child can ride now that offers some growth that has safety foremost on your mind.
2. Buy quality every time. (Example...do you buy pressed wood furniture for the short haul or that solid wood piece that will last a lifetime?)
3. If you are on a budget...wait for the deal.
4. If you cannot buy new, buy used.
5. Be very selective and buy want you want. (Example: my son is willing to sacrifice everything he wants so he can have it right now.)

Here are first hand stories I have concerning kids ATVs.

FIRST HAND ABOUT CHINESE ATV
--A friend of mine bought a Chinese ATV for his son. After three times riding the bike, the boy hit a ditch and broke the frame. (He honestly didn't hit it very hard) The chain also came off and cracked the crank case. He went back to factory to get parts and wondered if it was under warranty. Long story short, nonexistent customer service and or parts. He will have to find a welder to fix the frame and lay a bead on the broken crank case.
--Another friend of mine bought a Chinese dirt bike. Within a year the bike was blowing so much smoke (rings are totally shot) that he spray painted "Smokey" on the side of the gas tank. This guy is a stickler for changing oil every 5 hours of riding time!


FIRST HAND ABOUT HONDA
My son was riding a TRX90 and lost control down a steep hill. He jumped off before the ATV went head over tea kettle down the hill. In my horror I ran to my child and brushed him off a bit (thank god he wears all the protective gear I can buy) and he was fine. I went to the ATV and believe it or not...other than a few scratches where it had bashed itself bouncing down the rocky hill -- totally fine. Started up first pull and we were able to ride it back to camp. It did blow a tire though.

You will find these stories throughout this forum. Take a few minutes and you will see a trend.

 

Eton uses a rear hydraulic brake that is much easier for small hands than a hand drum. Eton makes a nice mini.

 

I haven't managed to find an Eton dealer in Ontario Canada. Anyone know where I could locate one?

 

Go to the Eton website, they will have a list of dealers.........

 

Yes before you buy a Chinese ATV, read some of the following. You do get what you pay for.
IF YOU MUST BUY based on price....find something used.

http://thesqueakywheel.com/complaint...laint10071.cfm
http://thesqueakywheel.com/complaint...plaint9789.cfm
http://thesqueakywheel.com/complaint...plaint9797.cfm
http://thesqueakywheel.com/complaint...plaint8614.cfm
http://ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff206912.htm

 

Not all off brands are equal. Stock for stock, I'd put a Polaris, DRR DRX or Extreme Pro Shark or Typhoon against the big 4 anyday. Other good brands are Eton, Dinli, Kasea, and Unison.