All Terrain Vehicles, better known by the acronym ATVs, are four wheeled rigs made for fun and utility. From hunting and fishing to racing and jumping, ATVs propel the rider to locations that are difficult to get to because of rugged terrain. ATV riding can be an enjoyable family pastime, provided the youngsters in the group have a machine that is of proper size and torque. That is where 110cc ATVs come into the picture. 110cc ATVs are made for younger riders, yet still have the style and functions of their larger cousins.
About 110cc ATVs
Most ATV makers produce a 110cc ATV for the younger riders. These small quads, another nickname for the vehicles, come equipped with the standard suspension systems and a 110cc engine. Some of the smarter features on these ATVs include a remote-control activated kill switch. These are handy for parents and guardians. Keep them on you, and if the child rider goes out of control, gets too far away, or is horsing around too much, simply pull out the switch, flip it, and the 110cc engine turns off, bringing the child and ATV to a stop. Other alternatives to a remote switch is a rear pull cord. If the child begins to lose control, the parent grabs the handle on the cord, off the back of the ATV, and pulls it to kill the engine, leaving the child and ATV safe and sound.
One other safety feature is a governor. Governors set the maximum speed, ensuring safe riding from the youngster. As the child’s riding skills improve, simply adjust the governor to a new maximum speed. This is a great tool to use in teaching the child safe riding skills. It also keeps those speed demons at bay.
A set of protected foot-pegs keeps feet from falling off and becoming exposed to the engine or rocky ground. Look for this feature on any 110cc ATV. Those without this feature may expose children to unnecessary risk.
Most of the ATVs in this range use an automatic transmission to make gear shifting easy for the young riders. To keep the engine cooled, air systems blow ambient air over the core, making sure it stays cool enough for safe operation.
Honda offers a 110cc ATV for little riders that has the full feature package of hydraulic brakes, air cooled engine, governor and kill switch, thumb throttle, maximum speeds of 35 mph, and a choice of 12 different colors, letting the child get a custom colored rig in their favorite hue.TaoTao makes a whole series of 110cc ATVs for young riders. Within this range are ATVs that include coil suspension systems, air-cooled four-stroke 110cc engines, thumb throttles, CDI ignition, hydraulic disc brakes, kill switches and governor, and a choice of one of four camouflaged camo color schemes.
Canadian snow-machine and ATV maker Polaris joins the 110cc market by offering youngsters a 110cc ride that uses air/water cooling as well as thumb throttle, air/coil suspension and a choice of four different colors.
Safety Considerations
It is important to look for the safety and speed functions when selecting a 110cc ATV for a child. Before any child ever even sits on an ATV, they need protective padding and a helmet. Some ATV dealers include a helmet in the price, as a way of keeping customers happy, and children safe.
Like any wheeled vehicle, the tires are very important. ATVs are made for rugged off road use, so the tires are knobby, aggressive looking objects. Be sure the 110cc ATV has the proper tires for the conditions you ride.
Before every ride, teach the child to inspect the ATV, including the tires and brakes. This puts the child on the path of safe and responsible riding. Make it a game, so the idea of safety equals fun. 110cc ATVs require basic maintenance such as oil changes and keeping spark plugs clean of debris and buildup. Like the safety check before each ride, use the 110cc ATVs need for oil to teach the child basic maintenance and responsibility. An ATV that is well tended too is a safe and reliable ATV, something a child needs to appreciate so that they may grow up to larger and more complex ATVs and machines.