Kids ATVs and mini-bikes?

[cfr]

I'm toying with the idea of getting an ATV or mini-bike for the kids. Mainstream-brands only. 4-stroke. 50-90cc. My boys are 6 and 10. Of course, we'd buy helmets, gear, and take it easy.

Anybody know much about these? I'm tempted to buy new to avoid problems, but would rather not drop $3k for something they'll outgrow in a short amount of time. I'd like to pick something up for $500 or so.

I've also considered rentals to see if they'd like it, but the cut off appears to be 12 years old at the places I've checked.

Anyone know something about this stuff?

Here's a recent example from craigslist,

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/1557845483.html

[Smash]

All I know is you can't go wrong with Honda. Good luck!!

[Mporter]

All I know is you can't go wrong with Honda. Good luck!!

I second that!

I just have a couple questions:
Have they ever ridden on a dirt bike/quad before?
If NO, Probably check out a quad first so they can get used to it.
I know on some of Honda's lower cc bikes, they have a "intro to manual" transmission. It's got a 3 or 4 speed gear shift but no clutch, so they can learn how to shift, without the pressure of torching a trans by not clutching.

Another option would be to get like a 80cc Dirt bike (like a Honda CRF80) and a 80cc Quad (probably like a Yamaha Raptor, only comes in 90)

[cfr]

I second that!

I just have a couple questions:
Have they ever ridden on a dirt bike/quad before?
If NO, Probably check out a quad first so they can get used to it.
I know on some of Honda's lower cc bikes, they have a "intro to manual" transmission. It's got a 3 or 4 speed gear shift but no clutch, so they can learn how to shift, without the pressure of torching a trans by not clutching.

Another option would be to get like a 80cc Dirt bike (like a Honda CRF80) and a 80cc Quad (probably like a Yamaha Raptor, only comes in 90)

They've never ridden anything motorized. Yep, I've been thinking about a 75 or 80cc as something in the middle. My wife would agree to an ATV/Quad before a bike.

[Mporter]

Not really sure what your budget is:
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/1568300695.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/1564394244.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/1557845483.html (this one isn't bad, he says he has a 50cc and a 90cc, both for 1500)

[Dan]

I disagree with the quad idea. I bought a YZ zinger 50cc minibike for my kids first bike. My son was 5 his first time on it. He crashed and was scared at first, but it taught him a lot of respect for it that he didn't have prior. My two girls first time they were 6 and 8. They both loved it and did extremely well.

I won't buy a quad for my kids.

[greenramp]

I concur with the above statement. My son started on a PW50 when he was 4 and was scared as well but learned a good deal of respect for the bike

[cfr]

Revisiting this. Santa wants to buy a minibike. Boys are now 7 and 11. The 11 year old is tall and skinny and the 7 year old is pretty small. Sounds like I'd have to get two. I think 50cc for the little guy but don't know how big for the 11 year old.

[=WINKY=]

just make sure they dont start chewing on the bikes or eating them... "theres lead in them".... HAHAHAHAHA

[Mporter]

It's not a mainstream brand but I have a Black X7 from:
http://minipocketrockets.com/x7-super-pocket-bike/

Needs to have the air filter/carb cleaned a little so it idles better, but it ran well last time I had it out (probably like 2 years ago). I'd be willing to sell it to you, as it just sits in the shed all the time since i've grown out of it (and got me a nice 230cc dirt bike :D)

Let me know.

[Roostercruiser]

my daughter has this one since she was 3
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac11/cowboyjarman/aly%20and%20jesse%20and%20the%20buggies%20and%20al y%20in%20a%20dress/0224091139.jpg
amd this was gonna be hers before the divorce and i had to sell this one
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac11/cowboyjarman/aly%20and%20jesse%20and%20the%20buggies%20and%20al y%20in%20a%20dress/0317091419a.jpg