DS90 and youth riders

Newbie4Now · #1 04-09-2010, 11:03 AM

So I've been kicking around the idea of getting my 9 year old daughter a DS90. She's a big atv freak and would love her own to get started on. Dad's not so sure. I don't have a problem with her riding out at her grandparents on private land. In fact I want her to be able to get used to the idea of throttle/break/steering, etc.. and thats the perfect place for it. I think its critical that she gets that education and appreciation of it early on.

My real concern? Trail riding. I would like to take her out on some of the trails here in Wisconsin but I just don't know how a little girl on an ATV is going to handle a busy trail day. Has anyone had any experience riding with a youth rider on a somewhat busy trail system? Or any trail system for that matter? I don't know I want to spend the 2500 bucks and have her only option to ride out on grandparents 2 acres.

And yes, I've reviewed the Wisconsin laws and she can in fact ride on a public trail system being only 9 years old. Restrictions are that it is public trail only, no roadway use including even crossing the road, must be accompanied by a parent ONLY, must be riding a registered ATV of 90CC or less, and they must wear a helmet.

Maybe I'm being too impatient and need to let her grow another year or so.

Any input/opinions/etc... would be appreciated.

kleinbus · #2 04-09-2010, 06:51 PM

Choose less busy days to take her to trails, like middle of week or something as small is small meaning she is almost invisible for the oncoming wacko who will notice you first and the haul arse to get their adrenaline kick.

I have done it several times with little ones and we have had so good time that kids want to go back but this is because we go ride during the times when there is no one else yet.

Several times I have had close calls with those oncoming wackos, no matter were I riding big dual-purpose enduro or atv, there is always a day when one comes too fast and we get so close that we can see each others eyes wondering where the hell we gonna fit these things without hitting each other

.

Some folks just doesn't get it that public trails are not their own private racing tracks where they can slide through the oncoming lanes.

Start the handling training now and in no time there is a day when you find right peaceful place to take her for her trail riding.

Prograde Oil · #3 04-09-2010, 07:01 PM

I for one think it's an awesome idea! My oldest is only three and I got him a little power wheels four wheeler to ride around the neighborhood. When he is legal, he will have his own ride! I take myself as an example. Where I am from (Alabama) you can own and operate a motorcycle (200cc or less) at the age of 14. Learning from my dad how to ride at that young taught me things about driving that I will never forget! NOT trying to tell you what to do with your kids! Just giving my 2

Let us know what you decide and good thing helmets are mandatory!

Take care

mbarryracing · #4 04-10-2010, 09:34 PM

Back in 2005 I bought my daughter a DS90 for her 7th B-day and my son was 4 yrs old so we started him on a 50cc.
She is now going on 12 and unfortunately has outgrown that 90 (that is suppose to be for 12 & up, LOL!)
My son is 9 yrs old and has been riding a 90 for the last 3 years.
They learned in the yard until I was comfortable that they were comfortable and capable controlling the machines, eventually progressed to riding on the trails as a family for the past 3 seasons. Gotta say it's been a great family bonding and feels good to be able to teach that special responsibility to my kids. Absolutely the best choice I had made.
If your daughter is genuinely excited about ATV's, embrace and encourage that interest as much as you can. What you do now will influence her for the rest of her life...
It's when you try to push them into ATV's or Dirtbikes when they have NO interest that is not going to go over well. They will be scared and make nervous mistakes, more likely to get hurt...

Hampster rancher · #5 04-11-2010, 10:12 AM

My oldest son has been riding trails with us since he was 7. His Sportsman 90 has always been enough to keep up with the pack on a normal trail ride. He is 10 now and we find him leading the group quite often. As he got older and bigger, he got more adventurous, so we had to modify the 90, which he now seems to have out grown. He has been riding since he was 5.

**RORER-714** · #6 04-11-2010, 11:27 AM

At 9 yrs old,she will outgrow a 90 quick.I had my kid on a Honda 300 at 9-10 yrs old with no problems,and like the amsoil guy above said,my kid was riding a bike on the road at 14 with a license.

schambo · #7 04-16-2010, 06:09 PM

My daughters have been riding for 2 years now. They are 11 and 8 years old. The 11 year is amazing. She keeps up with me and is a careful rider. However, the 8 year old scares me. She is throttle heavy and has had a few good wipe outs. They both started on an lt50 and it was good because of the kill rope. I would jog behind them until they got the hang of it. Than I bought a 2003 DS50 which is an amazing quad. It is the fastest 50 I have ever seen. It's also the same size as a 90 but totally automatic. My 11 year still doesn't have the throttle limiter wide open yet. I picked it up over a year ago for $700. All it needed was new tires. Preowned is the way to go right now. People are practically giving them away for cash.

We ride on 40 acres of open field and mild trails. They do much better in the fields. It's sometimes hard for them to maneuver in the trails but they can do it.

I agree with most, get her riding early. It's a great way to bond with her and provides hours of enjoyment.

Newbie4Now · #8 05-11-2010, 10:05 AM

Sorry for bumping this thread but I wanted to thank everyone for their input. I also wanted to share an experience I had this past weekend that pretty much made my decision for me.

This past weekend I went riding with a buddy of mine and his 10 year old son who rides a Polaris Sportsman 90. They arrived at my house Saturday morning to pick me up. In the meantime my daughter had gotten out of bed and came outside to say goodbye as we were leaving. I had forgotten something and went back inside to get it. I saw my wife sitting at the dining room table with my daughter, and my daughter was in tears. She was crying because she wanted to go with us. Now mind you, she isnt a crier. She doesnt cry unless something is really wrong or she is really hurt.

So its time to pony up the cash and get her started! The dealer just got a used DS90X in.......