What used quad fits a 9 and 10 year old?

[thefox]

One of the guys I work with wants to buy his kids a used quad for Christmas so I told him I would help. The kids had a small chineese quad a few years ago until it broke. He would like automatic and reliable.

I'm thinking the Suzuki LT80 or Eton 90 would work great, but are they the right size?

[atctim]

I always recommend the trusty TRX125 for this age range - reliable - cheap - teach him how to use gears with automatic clutch!

It will take a while for him to out grow it as well. I guess if he has experience - even the TRX200 would be a food one. the older Hondas are super reliable like our precious trikes - parts are available - and they jut don't break!

[The Goat]

yamaha badger 80

3 speed, dead reliable, cheap. it's a HORSE too. geared lower than low.

[smokinwrench]

Kymco Mongoose 250

I bought my 9 year old daughter one this summer. Fully automatic, seems built really well, and very comfortable to ride. It is by no means a tearem up wheelie riding quad, I can't make it pop a wheelie. New price isn't much cheaper then a Honda but used price is good. Heck I took it to Little Sahara a few weeks ago and rode it around following all the kids without paddles and it climbed everything they did with my lard butt on it.

I sold my daughters LT80 to get this she was just getting to big for it.

[The Goat]

I'm opposed to all the chinese quads. the engines are reasonably reliable on the reputable ones, but all the other stuff is crap.

Any time you can grab a rotor and bend it over by hand...that ain't right!

[ProCarbine2k1]

Suzuki LT80, all the way. Very reliable machines, and there is still quite a bit out there for them.

[thefox]

The only consern I have with the LT80 is the frame size, is it big enough?

I like the TRX125 but I think auto is the way to go for the kids.

[smokinwrench]

We have had 2 LT80's both were good. Both of my kids moved off of them at 8 and 9, at that point my boy was killing his by riding it so hard. Shifting is a pain for kids and yes I know they learn it fast, my boy learned it quick but my daughter would never get the down shift part.

[350Xhilaration]

Size will have a lot to do with what quad fits.

My daughter was fine at 10 on her DS90, but at 12, she's now physically big enough to ride my banshee. See below (she's about 5'4")
http://www.350xriders.com/atvriding/content/bin/images/large/CRW_3335.jpg

My middle daughter fits on the DS90 just fine (she's going to be 10 in January). See below pic of her on the 90.
http://www.350xriders.com/brookepanning.jpg

The youngest at 6.5 fits on the TRX70 perfectly. See below:
http://www.350xriders.com/atvriding/content/bin/images/large/CRW_3399.jpg


The Honda TRX90, Suzuki Quadsport Z90, Kawasaki KFX90, and Can-Am DS90 are all great starter quads that have been around for a few years. I'd steer clear of a badger or Raptor 80 (unless they've updated, it's the same quad, different plastic).

Problem with a TRX125 is the age. Finding a nice one will be tough, I think. Also the older Honda TRX kid quads cost almost as much as some newer model ones. I paid $1400 for my '86 TRX70 6 years ago, but it was in mint condition.

As far as shifting, I think it's also better to start them off learning on a quad with gears if there's the hope of them moving on to bigger and better ATVs someday. I started my oldest at age 6 on the LT80 and didn't really like it for trails. There was little to NO engine braking down hills. I sold it and got the DS90 4 stroke (4 spd auto). She learned how to shift on it and due to years of riding that, she was able to transition to the manual clutch on my banshee in about 15 minutes.

A lot has to do with the kid and the parents. Some parents and kids are timid and others "balls to the wall", so it's tough to say which will be best for any particular kid without knowing their "style".

Good luck with the search and research. I hope your buddy finds something that "fits" the kid's size and temperament.

[86trizinger]

I prefer the TRX90.. Semi auto 4 speed.. Great not a problem ever with it. I paid $600 for our 2004 and its in perfect shape. It will pull me my 200lb but around and its even fun for me. My 8 yr old rides it and he fits on it but is still a little large for him but it will stay running for ever. Plus tons of parts for it.. If they want more power you can throw a lifan engine right in it.

The problem I was told with the LT80 is the rear swing arm attachment point is to the engine.. and is prone to cracking.

[atvnut]

Yamaha breeze/grizz 125 mellow enough for when they are little and physically big enough for a girl to ride into her teens.....my 14 yr old still rides hers downsides are no engine braking (freewheels downhill) and price Same price as a blaster was $2999.....sweet bullit proof little quad that holds their resale quite well....

[racer....X]

my son started on a 87 yamaha moto4 80.We still have it and he gets it out and rides it once in a while.My 6 year old daughter will be starting on it soon.she is on a 50 rite now.

[factoryX]

i would say the lt80, there so many modifications for these bikes its stupid. with a pipe/carb/slight porting it turns into a monster.