I am considering buying a Blaster for my 10 yr old boy that has ridden in the past a Honda 200. I have few question being, how much is the new blaster selling for? How much would a year or two old machine cost me? I own a Prairie 650 and have never ridden a blaster or Yamaha, how do people feel about this machine for a ten year old and reliability? I would like to spend not much more then $2000. and would love to find something just a bit cheaper if possible.

Thanks
Mike NH

 

a new blaster is about 3100 plus tax. u can find a used one, a couple years old for a little less then 2000. the blaster is a good machine cause its very light and small, it has a throttle limiter in case its too fast for your 10 year old.also, there's no fooling with premixes cause the blaster has a oil injectore. it can easily be made faster when he's older. however its a 2 stroke so u hafta be careful. if u buy a used one try to find one with a fresh top end.the frame is sturdy and the machine can take a beating. so if ur 10 year old can handle a blaster than it would be a great choice in my opinion

 

I would say that if you can afford it go with purchasing a new one. For the money its a steal. I like how the 2002 model Blaster has the rear brake light. Like Treat said you have to worry about the top end. Lets say you could have a real cherry looking 1998 model and its rings need to be replaced. If your looking at used and it hard to get started I would pass on that one for sure. Check to see if compression is within specs. My Nephew had a 98 blaster for 2 years. He was pretty hard on it and never even changed the trans. fluid, Air filter cleaning, whats that and it always ran. Before he traded it in it was getting harder to start and it needed a top end rebuild. At 10 years of age if you purchased new it would last him a long time if it is maintained. I would set that screw on the throttle real Quick because them there little 200cc blasters aren't they slowest machines around. Hey Dad I think you might even have fun on that blaster. Chet

 

I'll back that....The blaster is quite capable machine right out of the box. Very fast for a ten year old...But with a bit of respect, he will love it.

 

A Blaster should be fine for your 10 year old. As posted it has a
throttle limiting screw that can be screwed in to regulate the power.
So as your son learns you can screw it out which will give him more
power. Yamaha has made a ton of blasters, so consequently there's a
always a ton of used ones for sale. Don't let used scare you if your
able to get one cheap. You should be able to find a lot of Blasters
in the $1,400.00-$2,000.00 range that are in decent shape. Try and
find a stock/un-molested one if possible as it probably won't be as
beat-up. I picked up a 1989 for my daughter stock, complete & in
great condition for $1,200.00. I've had it 2-1/2 years so far with
no problems. I think parts to rebuild a top end and a bore job would
cost around $200.00.

Rude Dog

 

the blaster would be awesome for a 10Y/o. Not enough for me at 15 though. *if anyone wants to give me a 250r, or banshee for free, shout me a holla*lol* And whoever said the frame is sturdy, it is but i bent mine in a rollover right by the steering stem.

 

i think a blaster is a little to much for a 10 year old,i would try a a recon or bear tracker.



00 blaster
pro circuit pipes and silencer
maxxis razrs
renthal bars

 

Thanks for all the good information. Why would you buy a recon or bear tracker, do not know a lot about them? How is the Supension of the older ones to the newer ones, lets say 89 early 90's VS later 90's early 2000? Is it common to have to rebuild the top end and by the fact that is starts by one kick a sure sign of a good top end? Thanks

 

ProCrctBlaster1 has a good idea when he suggested recon. It has electric start, reverse, Everything is in the correct position when you sit on it. He wouldn't out gtow it at all. I rode mine on monday 16 miles over to a neat spot and back. It runs forever on a tank of fuel. No chain to mess with. It would be a good starting out machine. I have about 336 hours on mine now. I would recommend it to anyone. I don't think it is that much more than the blaster. Chet