Suggestions For Kid's Quads

JCelentano · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 04:36 PM

Hey guys, I've got two kids (7 & 9) on Predator 50's that are growing out of them. They were great starter quads but now I'm looking for the next step up. Hopefully you guys can give me some good feedback on what to look for. I'm trying to buy used as new prices for these things are insane! I'd love a 4 stroke because the 2 strokes are just too finicky for me to deal with for the kids.

The little 50's ground clearance is rated at 4 inches, but when I looked at a bunch of other 70's, 80's, even some 90's the ground clearance was about the same. My kids are always getting stuck on small branches, stumps, rocks, etc. and if the ground clearance is the same I'm afraid they'll be getting stuck the same. Are there any good bikes in this range with good ground clearance? All suggestions welcome!

Also, the Yamaha Raptor 80 seems like a great little bike with the shaft drive, 4-stroke, auto clutch, etc. but that single-bar front-end looks ridiculous. Anybody out there with one of them that can comment on the front end setup?

Thanks,
Joe

BIGCATDAVE · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 05:49 PM

We have an Arctic Cat 250, which is actually a rebadged Kymco. My 8 year old can steer it and drive it in the yard with no problem, although she's not big enough to touch the floorboards. She's a couple years away from being able to actually control it well enough to drive it on the trails. I think kymco makes a smaller 110 with a similar suspension system.

Kingzuki · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:11 PM

I would also look into the Yamaha Grizzly 125. The ground clearance is 5.7 inches and it looks like a pretty mean machine. I don't remember seeing any used for sale, but I will keep my eye out for you with prices and locations.

The only one I found was a 2005 Yamaha Grizzly 125. Asking price was about $2600 and it was located at Monmouth Cycles in Middletown, NJ.

MarGinJoey · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:16 PM

My neighbor has the Grizz125, great machine, reverse, headlights, front n rear racks. A bit dinosaurish when it comes to suspension, the single spar front suspension is also on this bike like you mentioned on the Raptor 80, but this kid rarely gets stuck. They are about to upgrade wheels n tires for just a hair more clearence and traction. Should work out well provided he doesnt overbuy some way-too-aggressive tread for a 125 to overcome....

Great choice!

MGJ