I'm looking for an appropriate sized ATV for my 10 year old and feel like Goldie Locks as the kid ATVs are too small, and the 250's are too big for my 10 year old. So I started looking at the TRX125s and LT125s from the mid 1980s. I know they are without suspension but they fit him well. The problem I see is buying such an old machine. Any advice is appreciated.

FWIW, we also have a 09 Recon 250 and an 08 LTZ250 which my 10 year old isn't safely able to operate independently, so I'm not inclined to go up to this size.

Thanks!

 

As you stated, no suspension. So if he's just learning and putting around on flat ground, I think it would be a fine atv to learn on. My 11 year old rides an LT160, better choice I think, newer, and yet still pretty cheap. Age wise, they are not much different, other than electric start. Id buy either one for the right price.

 

Thanks for the suggestion on the 160. Size wise, are these two machines about the same dimensions?

Price wise, I'm seeing the 160s (in decent shape) around 1k as the asking price. The 125 was much lower if I recall correctly.

 

Yes they are close in size, I think the 160 might be a bit bigger. But its small for an adult. Rear suspension works good, front is too stiff, but the easy button is nice, plus its clutchless as well. I paid $800 for my 2003, and it was in great shape.

 

I'd like to find a nice LT125 for $800, looks like I'll need to do some dealing. I did stumble across a few Yamaha Breeze's (125cc). Any thoughts on these? I know they are an automatic.

 

I have a TRX125 I could part with.
Runs fine but smokes BAD.
Needs brake work too.
$250.
IMO, at 10, he isn't too big for a mini. We used to race mini's till 15 years old.
It's better for a rider to throw the machine aroud as opposed to the machine throwing the rider.
My kids advanced at 12 but they had years of expierience.

 

LT80 - Thanks for the offer, I think I have a lead on a 160 still in Ohio. Going to check it out Sunday.

I drove a 250ex today to see if I could justify moving to a quad this size, but just a bit too big for a kid just turning 10.

Stay tuned..

 

We finally bought a 160 today, nice condition, just some odds/ends. Primarily a tail lamp assembly is broken. Any suggestions for good parts source? I haven't found a good one yet on line. Thanks.

 

How is the 160 working out? Looks like a great quad for a 10 year old. That is what I'm looking for now. Seems like a hard to find model though.

 

It's working out quite well, fills a nice niche between the 70 or 90 cc quads, and the 250s. Parts aren't too hard to find and this one is built rather stout. I suspect he will keep riding this until he can safely operate a 250.