You guys were so helpful last time...let me ask another question.

My sister has a twelve year old son and she wants to buy him an ATV.

Got any recomendations on machines for youth riders and why?

I know they offer 90cc machines for kids, but that seems as if he will grow out of it quickly and they are high priced too.

Thanks for any advice!

Steve

 

I'm going to have to agree with you on the 90cc quads being overpriced (and a 12-year-old is probably going to outgrow it pretty fast anyway).

I bought a Yamaha Blaster when I was 12. I would definitely reccommend this quad to any young rider. The power delivery is smooth and plenty rideable for almost any age rider (I know a 7-year-old who rides a Blaster and handles it well.) The 200cc air-cooled motor can also be easily modified for when the kid gets older, and even raceable with a little money. The Blaster is a perfect quad for young riders, and if you look around, you may be as lucky as I was (I got my '91 Blaster in almost brand new condition, which mostly sat in the garage, for $1,000!) When I was 14, I sold it for $1,700. Look around, you can find Blasters for cheap.

 

I am a ATV safety instructor.The dealerships throughout the USA are NOT suppose to sell an ATV outside of the manufactures age/cc recommendations which are,

6-11 yrs old,under 70cc
12-15 yrs old,not over 90cc

In most cases,im AGAINST this recommendation and feel that it is there to protect the manufactures of ATV against lawsuits.I have yet to see one single 14yr old fit on a 90cc ATV correctly.The quad is just to damn small for most kids that age.

I recommend the Honda Recon.It has a automatic clutch and is 229cc,is shaft driven,and very reliable.The kid will be able to fit on this quad for many yrs to come.Its a great quad to learn on as well,I know,I bought my 13yr old daughter one.

One thing I need to tell you when quad shopping,DONT LET THE DEALERSHIP KNOW THE ATV IS FOR A 12YR OLD if you are going to get an ATV with an engine size bigger than 90cc,they are not legally suppose to sell you it than.Make them think its for YOU.

Good Luck

 

I'd suggest a Honda 250EX.