2012 YOUTH ATV BUYER’S GUIDE

On Oct 26, 2011

ARCTIC CAT 90/DVX90 ($2699) The two Arctic Cat 90s are built on the same chassis and engine, but have very different bodywork and styling. The standard 90 is very utility-oriented and has small steel racks, while the DVX is very sporty looking. Both have automatic transmission with reverse and single A-arm suspension in the front. Travel is just under 3 inches.
	CAN-AM DS90X ($3599) This is a completely different model from the utility-oriented DS90, even though it has the same basic motor. The X has a mush sportier chassis, with double A-arm front suspension, longer travel, and even metal nerf bars and bumpers. The X has styling just like the big DS450 that John Natalie rides.
HONDA TRX90X ($2999) Honda’s TRX90X is somewhat iconic in the ATV world and can trace its lineage back to the original ATC90 three-wheeler that Abraham Lincoln rode around the log cabin. It has automatic clutch with a manual gearbox. There’s no reverse, and the suspension is rather basic, but Abraham never complained.
	KAWASAKI KFX90 ($2699) The Kawasaki 90 is a small machine and somewhat straddles the distance between 50cc machines and the other 90s. It has a CT transmission without reverse, so prepare to push your kid backwards. Within the torque converter, there’s a collar that can be moved to limit the machine’s top speed, so you might be able to catch up before he hits the car door.
KYMCO MONGOOSE 90R ($2399) The Kymco Mongoose has some very grown-up features, like reverse, hydraulic-disc front brakes and automatic transmission. It has a lanyard that connects to a kill switch so that you can lose weight by jogging behind little King Richard. It’s available in red and blue and comes with a one-year warranty.
	CAN-AM DS90 ($2699) The standard DS90 is priced $900 less than the X version, despite having the same motor and drivetrain. You have to make do with a single A-arm front suspension and more basic shocks, though. The styling is more conservative too, but this 90 has reverse and a fully automatic transmission. The headlight even works.
POLARIS SPORTSMAN 90/ OUTLAW 90 ($2699/$2699) The Sportsman and the Outlaw 90 are based on the same machine. The Sportsman has plastic racks, and the Outlaw has sexier styling. Both have automatic CV transmissions and single A-arm front suspension. They are rated for riders who are 12 years old. The Outlaw will have limited availability in pink.
	YAMAHA RAPTOR 90 ($2699) The Yamaha Raptor 90 is fully automatic and is one of the few 90s to feature double A-arm front suspension. It also has a little more travel up front than most minis and Maxxis tires. There’s an electric starter with a kickstarter for backup, but there’s no reverse gear. The 90 looks just like the big Raptor 700.
CAN-AM DS70 ($2199) The Can-Am DS70 is the only quad over 50cc that is designated Y6 (for 6-year-old riders). It is essentially the same size as the DS90, with many of the same features. It has a smaller version of the four-stroke motor with its CV transmission, single-shock rear suspension and single A-arms up front.
	POLARIS OUTLAW 50 ($1999) Polaris was one of the few companies that continued to offer a 50 during the lead scare, choosing to make the Outlaw 50 “lead-law compliant.” It is still blessed for riders who are 6 years old. It has an adjustable throttle stop and foot wells that are removable so that the quad can grow with your kid. A limited edition will be available in pink.