I've been pulling my hair out over this decision for two weeks now. I would like to purchase an ATV for my son's 6th birthday. He's just getting too big to continue riding with dad. I have done a fair amount of trolling among these forums as well as others and I have narrowed my selection down to either the Kymco Mongoose 50 or the Unison Desert Cat 50.

If I go the DC route, I'll probably order it from Raceway. The Kymco is available "locally" but will cost a couple hundred more bucks without the option of reverse. I've read some very positive reviews about both machines and my son will be thrilled with either I'm sure. At any rate, I'm posting this one to the community for help.

My son weighs 51lbs and is 49" tall and the two ATVs appear to have similar dimensions. We'll be doing a combination of gravel (chat) and trail riding with minimal water crossing. I think I prefer the specs of the DC better but the Kymco is "local" and I've read some really nice reviews (even a video review).

It also needs to last us several years (mods maybe?) because "mom" isn't going to let us get another any time soon. Did I mention his b-day is 2 weeks from today? Any help and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for your time.

 

The Kymco Mongoose 50 went to a 4stroke motor for 2007 model and I would really venture to say that it would be underpowered in no time. We have a 2005 Kymco 50 2stroke probably the one in the video U saw. Our son is turning 6 also in 4 weeks and has had his Kymco for 2 1/2 yrs now.

It has been a great quad for us BUT, we started racing a year ago and I have had the hardest time getting aftermarket parts and any kind of support from our dealer. Its getting kind of frustrating, especially when I go into the dealer and ask about something simple like a chain and sprocket and it takes 45 minutes for them to tell me that the chain is $100 and the sprocket is no longer available. I found them on my own in 15 minutes $24 for the chain and $40 for the rear sprocket.

If U are interested in the Kymco I would look at the Mongoose 90. Price should be right around $2000. It is 4stroke which is good for a 90. It is the same motor that is now in the Kawasaki 90 and should have plenty of aftermarket parts available for it. It has limiters in place also so that U can start out slow and remove them as he gets better and gains more control and experiance. I would ask Ur dealer some questions before U buy though. Find out about basic maintenance items such as chain, sprockets, air filter, tires, should be all that U need when just normal riding. Ask if they have them in stock and how much.

We will be deciding soon wether to get our son a Mongoose 90 also or a DRR 70 which is a 2stroke race ready quad. If it was just trails and dunes then it would be the Mongoose for sure, but when it comes to the track, available aftermarket parts is really important.

One other brand that I have experienced being good all around for normal riding is the Eton in either 70cc or 90cc.

Hope this helps U in Ur decision.

 

Hi, my 9yr old son has a Mongoose 90 and loves it. We started him out on a 2 stroke 50 that he out grew in no time. The limiters on the mongoose will keep it tame till he needs more power. The good thing about the Kymco is that it comes with a Year warranty. The mongoose is a strong reliable little machine. only problem we've had with it was wearing out the rear brake. That could be because we go on like 25+ mile poker runs.

I have his clutch getting worked on at the moment to get more low end and more speed out of it. $150 is cheeper than gettting him a bigger quad. Theres pipes, nerfs, bumpers out there if your looking to trick it out eventually.

If ya have any questions about the mongoose 90 I'd be glad to answer if I can.

 

I think he will be excited with which ever one you decide on.There should be that much difference between the two so fill a coin

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: aezero

I've been pulling my hair out over this decision for two weeks now. I would like to purchase an ATV for my son's 6th birthday. He's just getting too big to continue riding with dad. I have done a fair amount of trolling among these forums as well as others and I have narrowed my selection down to either the Kymco Mongoose 50 or the Unison Desert Cat 50.



If I go the DC route, I'll probably order it from Raceway. The Kymco is available "locally" but will cost a couple hundred more bucks without the option of reverse. I've read some very positive reviews about both machines and my son will be thrilled with either I'm sure. At any rate, I'm posting this one to the community for help.



My son weighs 51lbs and is 49" tall and the two ATVs appear to have similar dimensions. We'll be doing a combination of gravel (chat) and trail riding with minimal water crossing. I think I prefer the specs of the DC better but the Kymco is "local" and I've read some really nice reviews (even a video review).



It also needs to last us several years (mods maybe?) because "mom" isn't going to let us get another any time soon. Did I mention his b-day is 2 weeks from today? Any help and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.



Thank you all for your time.</end quote></div>

Go with the Kymco

 

Another vote for KYMCO. WE have a 90 and 250 and they have been solid. The 90 is a blast to ride even for older larger riders. The suspension is pretty stiff but airing the tires down to 2 1/2 # takes care that. If you need more speed later you can change out the front clutch pulley sleeve for one without the speed limiter.

 

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">http://forums.atvsource.com/vi...ghlight=#289152
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<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Unison Motors

Thank you everyone for your positive feedback from the Unison line of Desert Cat ATVs. I have some great news I wanted to share with all the Unison riders, and future riders. As most of you may know, Unison is a Taiwan manufacturer. However, sales from Taiwanese manufacturers have dropped 50% since China started manufacturing ATVs. Because of this, some Taiwanese companies have gone out of business. To combat this problem, Unison Motors also has a manufacturing plant in China. The factory in China will be put into use more in order to cut costs in manufacturing the Unison ATVs and give the public bikes at a cheaper, more affordable price. Unison Motors will keep you updated with any changes in warranty. Thank you!

Unison Motors</end quote></div>

Another vote for Kymco. Unison is definitely out of the picture!