Lando 
Posted on 07/19/2005 1:37:59 PM PDT by Lando Lincoln
As many of you know, I have twin boys - they just turned 13 last week. They are good boys with good judgment. They know the ways of the outdoors, shoot and hunt safely, they have snowmobiling experience and they understand the meaning of family and God, etc. But, and I'm sure every parent knows what I mean, they are boys.
Well, between my father and me, we own about 225 acres of timber in northern Wisconsin and the "Lando" boys love to visit the rustic cabin that we have on our property. Now they want an ATV - a 4x4.
I am considering it but I'd like FReeper comments about safety, experiences, recommended make/models, etc. As a practical father, I am considering a John Deere Gator - but the Gator does not have the "cool" factor for the boys.
One last thing.....I will consider any make, but I have a good line on John Deere, so any specific comments about that make are appreciated.
Thanks FReepers.
Lando
buy an old cj2a, there should be a few of them up in your area.
I JUST bought a 2005 Arctic Cat 500 TRV. I've been searching and doing the homework for two years. It's a two seater, so they can both ride safely and comfortably. Bass Pro Shops is having a clearance on them right now if there's one near you.
That said, my brother-in-law hit a bridge abutment and had massive internal injuries. He survived, but spent about a month in ICU.
We still ride there, but believe me, we are careful.
More young people been seriously injured or killed in ATV.
You can't be to careful.
CJ Bump
With two boys are you going to be able to get away with just one vehicle?
Make your own choice on model or whatever, but put a GOVERNOR on the throttle to keep it under a certain level until they are fully capable of controlling it at speed.......
Where's your property?
Yamaha Blaster 200 cc. Cool and fun. It's not one of those heavy old clunky things like the Gator or big Honda 4WD's. It's small, light, sporty, and easy to operate.
Check with you local dealers to see if they can point you to the one day riding courses. I took my boys to the one day Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and it was well worth the very reasonable fee charged.
Uh, Dad, better make that two! We've got three boys pretty close in age, and I can't remember the last time I bought one of anything.
Wait until they are 16.
If you can find it, a "boonie bike" would probably serve you better. It uses a standard 4-cycle engine like that on a lawnmower, so parts/maintenance is easier.
That having been said, since it sounds like the boys will be riding it more than you, don't bother with a 4x4. Get them an older Honda 250 Fourtrax. It uses a chain drive, has a relatively small engine and the "look" I'm sure the boys want, along with decent fun factor. The big 4x4/utility machines are expensive and complex, and not well-suited to the ministrations of teenage boys.
For your consideration
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=atv+accidents+children&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
I have a 5 year old Polaris Sportsman 325 that is perfect for various uses (some trail riding, hunting, work around the property with a small trailer attached, plowing the driveway, etc.) My 13 year old is at the point where he can barely handle it, so I might recommend something smaller for now for you. The Polaris CV transmission is also nice so you don't have to worry about changing the gears as you are working.
Sorry, I should have said TRX250, 250EX, or similar. IOW, a two-wheel drive sport ATV. You don't want the utility ATVS, as I said before, because of the added complexity of the shaft drives, transfer cases etc. They aren't cheap to buy, and probably won't be cheap to maintain/repair. The two-wheel ATV will be at least as much fun, will withstand teenager punishment better, and will probably get more use in the long run.
Whatever you buy get two helmets that fit and a good chest protecter. Honda is advertising a nice four wheeler now that you can set the throttle back on so they cant go so fast , however anything a father can set back can be figured out by the boys.
I agree with the poster who said wait until they're 16.
They have to have something to look forward to. Or at
least let them earn it with chores. Don't hand an ATV
to them or they won't value it and then they won't be
careful with it. Been there, done that.
Count me in on the 'wait till they are 16' side. At minimum, do not let them ride out of sight of an adult. Kids will be kids. And testing their limits on these machines can lead to tragic consequences.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.