Pro Rider
Quote:
Well, I guess I look at it differently than a lot of people.Originally Posted by hoytultratec
I guess i wouldnt be teaching a 11 year old how to drive a 400 ex with a manual clutch one thing kids pick up how to drive atvs quick teach them on a atv thats up to there ability.after this summer and all the miles he has put on i would have no problem him riding a bigger machine then the rancher and i know some will disagree but he is a very responsible and respectful rider on the trails but once were in a play area...he lets loose a bit and has some fun.
I was racing a 250R when I was 12... but did have a lot of experience before then.
Today, they think you have to be 16 to ride anything over 90cc and 12 to ride anything over 70cc. That's a bit much. I wanted to start them on something like a DS90X (wider) to ride by themselves.
She can drive my 400cc Polaris... anyone can because of the CVT. She's tall enough her feet reach the floor boards and everything... So you can imagine her on a 70cc. She's just not big enough for a full size quad or ready for one.
All I've been trying to do is sit her in front of me and see if she can ever grasp the technique of a manual clutch... which is easy on my 400EX. I've taught like 8 people on it in the last year.
Myself, I have been wanting PowerWheels or someone to build a battery powered atv with hand and foot brakes. My 2 year old has already mastered the PowerWheels quad... and it would be nice if going forward she could also learn the concept of braking. My little buddy down the street has an electric dirtbike that's like the real deal... and I would like to see a quad too.
Weekend Warrior
I know it's not an automatic, but it is a clutchless transmission. My 13 year old daughter rides a 2002 and my 15 year old has a 2006. In my opinion, they are bullet proof atv's. If you are a die hard Polaris fan, the Phoenis 200 is okay. I bought a 2007 for my wife, she is a beginner's beginner. She wanted something just to tool around on to watch our two younger kids ( 3 & 5). They both ride the Suzuki lt models, a 50 and a 80, these are pretty tough machines as well. Anyway, the Pheonix is a good choice for a girl or a teenager with little or no experience. It has enough power to go most places but doesn't have enough power to be dangerous. Lots of fun on a short track but boring on the straight aways (I think the top speed is around 30 mph). My only advice is to read as many reviews as you can, there are some negative ones out there. The only issue I have had is a short in the electrical system, but this can happen on any model. Good luck. 