KYMCO MONGOOSE 70S ($2199)
Kymco’s 70S is very similar to the 90S with a few exceptions. The motor displaces 69cc, and it has no reverse
gear. The wheels and tires are a little smaller too. It still
features electric start, an automatic transmission, a centrifugal clutch and a real headlight, which is important
for being seen as well as seeing. The throttle has a limiter,
and there’s a lanyard kill switch.
KYMCO MONGOOSE 90S ($2499)
The Mongoose 90S is cleared for use by 10-year-old riders and offers a lot of cool stuff for the price. Tops on the list
is reverse. The transmission and clutch are fully automatic, it has electric start and a rear disc brake with drums up
front. The shocks have adjustable spring preload. Parents
get an adjustable throttle stop and a safety lanyard.
POLARIS SPORTSMAN 90/
OUTLAW 90 ($2699)
Some kids go for the cowboy look of the Sportsman.
Others like the racer look of the Outlaw. Either way, you’re
on safe ground. The two Polaris kid quads are nearly identical aside from the bodywork. Both have a CV transmission with reverse and a number of safety features, like an
adjustable throttle and the buggy whip/flag. It has 5 inches
of travel in front and 6 inches in the rear. It’s also rated Y- 10.
SUZUKI Z90 ($2899)
Suzuki rates the Z90 as appropriate for 12-year-olds,
although it seems a little on the small side. The little quad
is scaled for riders between 80 and 100 pounds. It has an
electric starter, plus a recoil backup. The front suspension
is single A-arm, final drive is chain, brakes are drums,
and there’s a throttle limiter and tether. The Z90 has a CV
transmission but no reverse.
POLARIS OUTLAW 50 ($2099)
Polaris knows the value of starting riders young. The
Polaris 50 is approved by the CPSC for riders who are 6
years old. Power comes from a four-stroke motor with an
automatic transmission and no reverse. The Outlaw 50
comes with a safety flag, a helmet and an instructional
DVD. It has electric start and real daytime running lights.
Available in blue and pink, just like kids.
HONDA TRX90X (TBA)
This engine was originally designed to power mini
chariots for the kids of ancient Egypt, but it’s still one of
the best small-displacement powerplants in the motor-sports world. It’s an 86cc air-cooled four-stroke with an
automatic clutch and a manual four-speed transmission.
These days it has an electric starter, which is something
the pharaohs only dreamed of. ❏
YOUTH
