This would kind-of go along with the age of sp500 riders. It just seems when an 13 year old can get on an 700+/- quad and go riding it might be to easy. I know I started riding at a very young age, but not something as big & bad as an sportsman. I don't intend to upset any of the younger riders, but I think that its getting to easy. Whats everone else think?

 

i think that if a rider can show that they are capable of riding safely that age shouldnt be an issue.. at 13-14 i would think the parents would at least be sure they have the ability to ride it safely,i know when my kids are ready to ride i will make sure they know how to do it safely..ive already had my daughter at 19 mos on my bike with me,no not trail riding just a smooth putt in low around the yard..

 

We never had quads this large when i was 13, I think then 110 hondas were big. if they have the ability i see no issues.

 

I starting riding on a Honda 90 ATC. In its day, it was the fastest thing in the neighborhood. (It was the only atv in the neighborhood). I started riding it when I was 10, but was taught how to ride safely and carefully by my father. Do I think my 425 is any more dangerous for a kid to ride? Probably not. With proper training and supervision, a kid can easily ride the bigger quads. These newer quads are safer and a lot more stable than the old three wheelers were. I don't know about other states, but Michigan has really cracked down on youths atv riders. They hardly allow them at all.

 

I started driving a two seater go cart when i was three and got a lt185 suzuki when i was four or five. I think ability has alot to do with it

 

I have to agree that most "yougsters" do not have the proper training and maturity for the big quads. At my camp, I am the only rider who wears a helmet, besides my wife. I ride fast but safely.
Last week I went up and there was a family with about 9 kids. A 6 year old had a little 50cc quad and had a helmet on...not bad. All the rest of his brothers, sisters and cousins had no helmets and were double and triple riding on a couple Grizzlys! They almost hit us coming down the trail! Idiot parents! I do not want to offend any young people or others with these statements but it's true...some people have no scence of responsibility.
Sure, when my kid comes along, he will have a 50cc quad and then an 80cc and so forth. But I wont stick him on my Polaris 1000cc...in a few years you never know?!?!
One kid was in a coma for 3 months last year at camp. He was about 4 and his 10 year old sister drove over him!
That's my 2 cents!

 

I'm suprised at how well my five year old does on our Trial Blazer. I wouldn't turn him loose by himself yet but I have a hard time thinking I ought to spent 2k on a mini 50. Do they really expects kids to ride a 50 until they're 12, it's got to be a liability thing.

I don't have a problem with a 14 year old on a Sportsman, you'll be driving a car in 2 or 3 years.

On the other hand it's easy for anyone to go faster than you probably should on a Sportsman, those things are incredible!

 

Well i now ride 2 2000 Sportman 500s and i have a 750 cc wave runner two of tehm to be exact, and to tell you i think that my 105 cc kawi Kx dirtrbike is sooooooo much more dangerous that my Sp500, it isnt even funny, i started out on a honda 300 4x4....not exactly a screamer....I was taught properly, and I may now look like a maniac in others eyes but I am ALWAYS under control.... U never go over my ability....

The Sp is not one of the stablest atvs on the market but it is NOT too tippy...

I am almost 14 and I know I am a good rider I started when i was 10 for I have about 4 ears under my belt and I let a 23 yr old friend ride my SP and the whole neighborhood was angry and SO I he was running through feilds and everything....

At least I wait till i get out of peplem way pbefore i raise dust

Chris

 

By the way the Polaris is one of the easier Atvs to ride
its an Auto!