I'm surprised to see all the upset Raptor 50 owners. I bought this ATV for my son in Feb. of 2006, and we love it. Obviously if your child is too old, the quad won't be fast enough to entertain them. But for a new beginner like my son, it's perfect. My son was 2yrs old and still wearing diapers when I first put his helmet on him and he looked like a bobble head trying to balance it, and we began to ride around on the quad. I love it because this quad will be the one that he will learn how to control and respect the machine. It will go faster with some aftermarket upgrades but overall for a dad like myself who wants to make sure that my son can ride safely and be a defensive rider, it is perfect. It's also
rider-learner friendly because as it is for a little tike like my son, he's going to be concentrating on learning how to drive the thing and he doesn't need to be distracted by having to shift. The Raptor 50 is a single gear automatic. Anything larger like an 80 has a shifter and the rider needs to know how to shift. When your kids were born, you didn't expect them to crawl before they could roll over, did you? This quad lets the kids be kids and if they are new beginners like my son they will love it, and if you are concerned parent for their safety you will love the fact that it can't pop a wheelie with your child on it. The quad has a very agressive stance and look, and it is quite low to the ground for a lower center of gravity to reduce roll overs. It is not too strong for a beginner but it has enough power to ride around with my son and I on board (Together we are about 290lbs.). So far we have been able to climb a 45 degree slope at about 15' tall. Beware, that the quad can roll over on a sharp turn at full throttle. It hasn't happened to us, but I can feel it on a fast turn. Slowly I have been able to build up my son's gear, so when he's ready to take off on his own, he'll be all geared up.
Yamaha, like all other big named, deep pocketed manufacturers, uses a thing called unlimited liability to rate their motorized vehicles. This means that like any other manufacturer, once you build something and sell it for profit, you can be held liable for anything wrong that may happen to someone on the vehicle, (example, the Ford Expedition, Firestone Tire problem.) That's why the quad is rated at 6yrs and older, and some dealers will only sell it on those guidelines due to liability. Obviously my son doesn't meet those guidelines, but I am overly cautious with him on it and all the times that he rides it and see's what I do with it will build his respect for the machine. An older beginner will pick things up like safety and operation of the quad much faster than a 3 yr old, and will get bored of the machine much faster, hence the unhappiness of the others rating this quad. Once my son learns how to ride and control this, we will be learning how to ride a two wheeled bicycle, and once we accomplish that we will be moving on to a Yamaha dirtbike. Overall, if you're looking for fun for your child rather than emergency room time, the Yamaha Raptor 50 is an excellent choice. Good luck, and if anyone has any ?'s please feel free to e-mail me.
Upgrades/Accessories: None at this time, maybe a pipe, next month.
Reviews are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty and should be considered entertainment only. Reviews should not be used for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to, making decisions about any referenced vehicles, products, modifications or other information.
ATV Disclaimer & Safety Information
Riding an ATV can be dangerous. To ensure your safety proper protective gear should always be worn. Remember to always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Never carry passengers unless the ATV is specifically engineered to accommodate them. Riding at excessive speeds or engaging in stunt riding is extremely dangerous. Be extremely careful on difficult or unknown terrain. Never ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Many ATV’s are recommended only for highly experienced riders 16 years and older. Please make sure that you are riding an ATV that is age appropriate. Riders younger than 16 years of age should always be supervised by an adult. We recommend that all ATV riders take an approved ATV training course and read their vehicle owner's manual thoroughly. When riding your ATV always stay on established trails in approved areas. Keep your riding areas clean and respect the rights of others. Always obtain permission before riding on private lands, and obey all the laws and regulations governing your riding areas.
