Off Brand Atv's

[Spoonman]

OK, we are considering a 4-wheeler for our six year old for Christmas. I really do not want to break the bank for a Honda, Yamaha ect, (big name). Does anyone know if any of these Flea market, PepBoy's, corner dealer ATV's that are quite affordable are worth a damn? I know they are cheap for a reason but will we regret getting one? He would not be very demanding, flat field type of riding. I am seeing some 110cc models from $400-700. Any info would be appreciated.

[Wingnut]

Don't do it.

 

Parts are impossible to find, and the parts on them break from very light use.

 

Little things like the switches, throttle cables, and non-important things like...Oh...BRAKES.

 

If I were going to buy one for a kid and I wanted it in that price range...I'd go buy a used Yammie or Zuki or something.

[pennzoil29]

Don't do it.

 

Parts are impossible to find, and the parts on them break from very light use.

 

Little things like the switches, throttle cables, and non-important things like...Oh...BRAKES.

 

If I were going to buy one for a kid and I wanted it in that price range...I'd go buy a used Yammie or Zuki or something.

 

Remember the old saying, "you get what you pay for"

[Z45]

Read this................

June 16, 2005

 

INJURIES FROM ATV ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE

UVa Children’s Hospital Seeing More Cases

 

Injuries to children riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are on the rise nationally, spurring a new debate about creating federal legislation to manage the problem. It is an issue familiar to several physicians at the UVa Children’s Hospital who have lobbied in the past for tougher restrictions on ATV use. In the past two years, the UVa Children’s Hospital has treated patients for 98[1] ATV-related admissions; three deaths also occurred because of ATV-related injuries. Nearly half of those severely injured were under 18 years of age. There is new hope that this attention will lead to actions aimed at preventing further tragedies.

 

“Those of us who care for pediatric trauma patients feel that these devastating injuries we see from ATV accidents are completely preventable,” said Dr. Julie Haizlip, assistant professor of pediatrics in the critical care division of the UVa Children’s Hospital. “Two thirds of the patients we see with ATV-related injuries have head or spinal cord injuries. Clearly, this type of injury can be life-threatening or permanently disabling.”

 

According to the UVa Children’s Hospital Safe Kids chapter , a 1997 survey showed that 60 percent of ATV-owning households are located in areas with populations of less than 100,000 persons. These households are more prevalent in the South and less prevalent in the Northeast. “I understand that ATVs are not only used recreationally, but are also important in many people’s daily work,” adds Haizlip. “It’s not an end to ATV use that we’re advocating, but safe use with restrictions where young children are concerned.”

 

Until laws can be changed regulating the age at which ATVs can be used, there are ways for families to prevent accidents while riding these vehicles.

 

* No children under six should ride on ATVs.

* No child under 16 should operate an adult-sized all-terrain vehicle under any circumstances. If a child operates a youth-sized ATV, it should be according to the manufacturer’s instructions on a machine that is an appropriate size.

* Children should never operate ATVs on public roads or paved surfaces. ATVs should be operated only on designated trails.

* All youth-sized ATVs should employ throttle limiters and be equipped with identification flags.

* Personal protective equipment for ATV operators should include U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet with face protection, goggles (if the helmet does not have face protection), a long-sleeved shirt or long pants, non-skid boots and gloves.

* Never carry passengers on ATVs.

* Children and their parent or guardian should enroll in and successfully complete an approved ATV safety course.

 

Virginia mandates adult-size ATV operators be 16 years of age or older. For more information, please call The UVa Children’s Hospital Safe Kids chapter at (434) 243-5862.

 

[1] Number gathered from the UVa Trauma Program Database

[Draenor]

Don't do it.

 

Parts are impossible to find, and the parts on them break from very light use.

+1

[dietz4ibanez]

IMO, If it was my child I would be as most as possible to make sure that the equipment/toys that they were playing with were 100% safe. If I couldnt afford it I wouldnt buy it for them until I can save up to buy what is safe...

[J-man67]

Yeah, they are junk. A buddy of mine bought one b/c he didnt have the cash to pick a better one up. I warned him but he didnt listen. We were riding at our local spot. He landed a SMALL jump and the swing arm cracked.... It was no good. I would search for a kawasaki/Suzuki 50 or 80. They are plentiful and a good used one can be had for about 1000-12000, or less. Plus they have some cool safety features. They have an adjustable throttle stop, and some have a leash. You run/walk behind them holding a kill rope. They get too far ahead of you, pull the rope and the quad stops.

[Kodiak450]

Those off brands are totall garbage! I've heard stories about them not even starting while just unpacked out of the crate. Do not think you are saving money buying one of them, they will break. I would look around for a used brand name, considering how fast he will out grow it. Yes I agree that the new brand names are costly, and that a child would quickly out grow it, that is why buying a used one is best here. You save money and can hoefully sale it for what you bought it for.

[grampadirt]

Yeah, they are junk. A buddy of mine bought one b/c he didnt have the cash to pick a better one up. I warned him but he didnt listen. We were riding at our local spot. He landed a SMALL jump and the swing arm cracked.... It was no good. I would search for a kawasaki/Suzuki 50 or 80. They are plentiful and a good used one can be had for about 1000-12000, or less.

[grampadirt]

Yeah, they are junk. A buddy of mine bought one b/c he didnt have the cash to pick a better one up. I warned him but he didnt listen. We were riding at our local spot. He landed a SMALL jump and the swing arm cracked.... It was no good. I would search for a kawasaki/Suzuki 50 or 80. They are plentiful and a good used one can be had for about 1000-12000, or less.

 

 

 

Sorry,meant to add +1.I have one,wouldn't buy another

[L29er]

Well for the price i know guys that buy 2, one for parts! i heard the engines arn`t made so well...

[Spoonman]

Thanks guys, those "cheapos" sure look nice or decent. I figured as much about the quality. I will look around some for a nice used one.

[2000DV4.8]

IMO, If it was my child I would be as most as possible to make sure that the equipment/toys that they were playing with were 100% safe. If I couldnt afford it I wouldnt buy it for them until I can save up to buy what is safe...

 

For once, Brian makes perfect sense.

[thecraft]

 

 

I would look around for a used brand name, considering how fast he will out grow it.

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