new guy looking for a machine for my son and one for me!

[bans25]

Hi all,

I am a dirt-bike guy in the past.. its been a couple years since I have ridden hard My son is 5 and we have one of those china buggies we go out in.. while its fun its not the same as him being able to drive by himself.

I am looking to pick up a couple quads.. I was thiking 90cc for him and at least a 300 for me.. I was also thinking a utulity style for me since I will be leaving it at my parents house and my father can use it around the yard etc..

I am looking for used machines.. any suggestions for both the kids machine and one for me?

thanks much!

-Bill

[faruquehabib]

check out this section:

Buying an ATV - ATVConnection.com ATV Enthusiast Community

[jaybeecon55]

90cc is a bit much for most 5 year olds. Unless he's big for his age and advanced in his driving skills, I'd give it a couple more years until you get into 90's.

That said, a decent compromise would be a Suzuki LT80. It can hold it's own with most 90cc ATV's but is scaled down in size. You can also limit throttle in several ways.

[hoytultratec]

2 stroke lt80 will woop on any of the 90cc machines made today, a 90 cc for a 5 year old is fine they can be slowed up to just crawl.

for you buy a used name brand quad (honda ,yami,polaris,ect) you wont be working on it much.

off brands are good for little kids but for adults not that great. ( and i know i will get flamed for that statement).

[oldyeller]

Originally Posted by hoytultratec

2 stroke lt80 will woop on any of the 90cc machines made today, a 90 cc for a 5 year old is fine they can be slowed up to just crawl.

for you buy a used name brand quad (honda ,yami,polaris,ect) you wont be working on it much.

off brands are good for little kids but for adults not that great. ( and i know i will get flamed for that statement).

I agree but I would also include the taiwan based atvs (eton,polaris,kasea etc)..When we go to the cottage to ride with our little cousins who have BAJA 90s(chinese four strokes) I am constantly wrenching on them while my son rides his ETON viper around with never a problem....The engines seem ok on the BAJAs but the plastic,electrical system and general overall quality is very poor on the BAJAs including the front brake cable setup..

[bans25]

Hi Guys,

thanks for all the advice.. I am goin to to look at this pair tomorrow:
A late 80's LT80 that they say is in great running condition and good cosmetic condition, also a 2004 Eton viper 90 in decent condition as well.

They say both have been ridden and show some signs of wear but both run and drive great.

$1100 for the pair.

[Dragginbutt]

Nope not going to do it.. oh well maybe I will... Please do not buy anything based on affordability, price the ability to grow into it etc.... Those are all real good ways to get your son hurt.

Make a safe decision based upon his size, how he fits, his ability to operate teh controls NOW, not grow into it.. and most important, please consider his mental state, his ability to listen to and follow instructions, his ability to recognise danger, and assess how his reaction to emergency conditions will be. We cannot guage that for you.

I believe personally, and statistically speaking, that a typical 5 year old is lacking in the mental skills... but that is my opinion. You be the judge. Make darn sure you get him adequate safety equipment that fits him. Do not buy a helmet too big for him with the plan that they will grow into it. That is a recipe for disaster at a time when the likelyhood of an accident is very high...

[Seth 03]

Originally Posted by Dragginbutt

Nope not going to do it.. oh well maybe I will... Please do not buy anything based on affordability, price the ability to grow into it etc.... Those are all real good ways to get your son hurt.

Make a safe decision based upon his size, how he fits, his ability to operate teh controls NOW, not grow into it.. and most important, please consider his mental state, his ability to listen to and follow instructions, his ability to recognise danger, and assess how his reaction to emergency conditions will be. We cannot guage that for you.

I believe personally, and statistically speaking, that a typical 5 year old is lacking in the mental skills... but that is my opinion. You be the judge. Make darn sure you get him adequate safety equipment that fits him. Do not buy a helmet too big for him with the plan that they will grow into it. That is a recipe for disaster at a time when the likelyhood of an accident is very high...

smart words. my 5 year old daughters hands are to small to really stop her baja 50 in a panic but the 3 year old boy rides it just fine. the machine needs to fit the individual not the other way around.Seth 03

[LT80]

I'd be looking for a nice 50 or 70 cc machine for the kid.
For you dad, a 300ex. I'm a big guy and have as much fun on my 300ex as my 250R.

[carlobee]

your kid will truly appreciate how thoughtful and supportive a father you are. keep it up!