Proposal for new Age Guidelines, ,revised, ,heights,,examples.....
Feb 17, 2002 | 12:27 PM
#11
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 462
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WHOOOHOOOO!!! Well said, Fourlix!
When I wanted to introduce my son to ATVing I tried to follow the guidelines and bought him a Sportsman 90 (he was 11 then, but "close enough" and is tall for his age). It was apparent within a month that the machine was too small for him. With proper guidance and instruction he quickly became more skilled than the machine could handle. We broke it riding on a trail that was well within his capabilities but exceeded the limits of the little machine.
This is when I learned about the subtle lie of the ATV industry. With very few exceptions, machines built under the CPSC guildlines for the 12-15 age range are designed as if the 6-11 year old will be riding them. Likewise, the smaller machines are build for the under 5 age group (except for the narrow width, that Fourlix pointed out).
The manufacturers are aware of who's buying their machines and what age group they are for. They know the Blaster, 250EX, etc are actually (for the most part) being ridden by the 12-15 group. They also know that the 90cc class machines are being ridden by the younger crowds. This knowledge is evident in the way the machines are designed (There are a few exceptions, like Kasea, to this rule).
My son, now 12, takes turns on my '02 400 Cat. A machine even I think is too big for him, so he has restrictions on what I will let him do on it. His younger brother has inherited the SP90. Some day soon, I hope to get a Wolverine for the 12 year old to ride and when I do, he will go through the same "training" he did when learning on the 90.
Which brings up an important point. Parent guidance is essential in letting young riders (really any rider) on a larger machine.
I've recently learned that in Minnesota, children in the 12-15 age group will be allowed on larger machines providing the take and pass a safety training class on the machine they wish to ride. This program is supposed to start in 2003 and you can be certain my son will be included. Until then, he continues under my watchful eye.
For reference, my 12 year old is 5'4" and about 110 lbs.
When I wanted to introduce my son to ATVing I tried to follow the guidelines and bought him a Sportsman 90 (he was 11 then, but "close enough" and is tall for his age). It was apparent within a month that the machine was too small for him. With proper guidance and instruction he quickly became more skilled than the machine could handle. We broke it riding on a trail that was well within his capabilities but exceeded the limits of the little machine.
This is when I learned about the subtle lie of the ATV industry. With very few exceptions, machines built under the CPSC guildlines for the 12-15 age range are designed as if the 6-11 year old will be riding them. Likewise, the smaller machines are build for the under 5 age group (except for the narrow width, that Fourlix pointed out).
The manufacturers are aware of who's buying their machines and what age group they are for. They know the Blaster, 250EX, etc are actually (for the most part) being ridden by the 12-15 group. They also know that the 90cc class machines are being ridden by the younger crowds. This knowledge is evident in the way the machines are designed (There are a few exceptions, like Kasea, to this rule).
My son, now 12, takes turns on my '02 400 Cat. A machine even I think is too big for him, so he has restrictions on what I will let him do on it. His younger brother has inherited the SP90. Some day soon, I hope to get a Wolverine for the 12 year old to ride and when I do, he will go through the same "training" he did when learning on the 90.
Which brings up an important point. Parent guidance is essential in letting young riders (really any rider) on a larger machine.
I've recently learned that in Minnesota, children in the 12-15 age group will be allowed on larger machines providing the take and pass a safety training class on the machine they wish to ride. This program is supposed to start in 2003 and you can be certain my son will be included. Until then, he continues under my watchful eye.
For reference, my 12 year old is 5'4" and about 110 lbs.
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