When I started I had a Suzuki LT-160. I had that from about age 10-15. It was a great quad. Throttle limiter so if you dont want him tearing around. This was a bullet proof quad. The only thing we ever had to do in 5 years was re-build the carb and new tires all around. And we just did the carb cause we thought it needed it. Some of the tasks that this "small" quad accomplished still make me wonder at how in the world it did it. That little 160cc machine ran like a champ! And im not a Suzuki freak either. I like Yamaha's more than most. And some Honda's mainly 250r's and their 400ex. For a 160 it could run around with a couple Fourtrax 300 4X4's except it couldn't get through as many of the "ugly" spots. Top end was like 45 not bad for a 160. I'd say it was a great starter quad for me.

 

I too was undecided on a quad for my 10 year old son. He only weighs in a 75 lbs. I could not see him keeping the weight of fuller sized machine under control. He can ride both of our Polaris machines, but I wouldn't be comfortable with him on them out on the trails. When you get into an off-camber situation, he does not have the weight or height for the needed leverage to keep rubber side down. I then looked at a new ('00) Yamaha Breeze 125. Took my son with me to see how he "fit" on it. The same dealer also had a LT-80 and a Fourtrax-90. Both the 80 and 90 were smaller and didn't have reverse. All were around the same money. I just couldn't justify spending $3000 on such a small quad, when I could buy a Trailblazer for about the same. Then I found a used Breeze for sale. He LOVES it. It has a low seat height which keeps it pretty stable, an automatic tranny with reverse. It's also electric start with front and rear lights. It also has full floor boards,to keep their feet safe. It weighs in just under 300 lbs. The only bad thing is that there is no secondary starting system, no recoil, no kick starter, it's electric only. Look into these.

 

The Yamaha Breeze seems like the perfect quad for the young one. I know a guy who just bought onefor his son, and no probs after a month. He goes riding 3 times a week (at least) with him, and no probs. The trail is right by his house, and I ride down it All the time on my bike. It handles good down the trail.

 

I would look at an ATV between the ranges of 200-325cc. Like the 200sx, bayou 220, Trail Boss 325, Recon. I would look more toward the recon. But make sure it is a 2x4. So that way they become a better driver. And give the atv some respect