Youth sled Ages for 120 v. Scoot? Grandkids Yahooooooo

[yamadoo]

I am all excited about getting my 5 Grandsons(ages 1->4) and 1 grand daughter (so far ) into snowmobiling and was wondering what ages for the youth sleds are safest and most appropriate.

Anybody have experience or thoughts and guidance on this?

I was thinking age 5-8 120cc -after proven to be safe riding their bikes etc. then Snow Scoot 8-11 and then fan cooled 368 ski doo touring E or Formula S or similar before getting on to full size at 12 or so.

Am I even close?

What do you guys think?

 

[Turtle]

Well, let me tell you my experience.....

I had originally wanted to get an older sno scoot to start out my son with. But for as much $ as one in good shape gets, that was quickly crossed off the list. So I picked up a mildly used 1999 Ski Doo mini-Z 120 for my 5-year old. In stock form it was just the right size for him. But he quickly out-grew it's performance by the time he was 7. That led to pulling the governor ... better ... but resulted in blown engine. Engine was replaced with a larger 200cc from Harbor Freight, then new clutch and taller gearing. We got the unit up to about 20mph and it served him well for the next few years. By the end of the winter when he was 11, he was physically too big for it. So the next summer we picked up a used 2008 Phazer GT. He wasn't ready to trail ride this past winter yet as he had one more year before he can legally ride on the trails (after passing the safety course). But it did give him a season to play in some fields and such to learn and become comfortable with a larger sled. It is big for him physically, but my thought is he will grow into it and he can ride it well into his teen-years. I didn't want to do a 3/4 sled for only a year or so (nothing that size was offered anyway).

Now, this past season was my younger son's turn. I'm also starting him out on the mini-Z at age 5. But with it being modified already, I had to install a governor to slow it down. My second son is a bit more fearless than boy #1 too. He will likely follow the same progression path as my first son.

With my boys in the state they are now, would I buy a new sno scoot? No. Reasons being ... 1) I still think the new sno scoot offering is too small for a 12-year old. I know they can be taken on the trails, but I wouldn't do it. 2) I already have a modified mini-sled for the younger years, and will have them graduate to the full size sled before they can legally ride the trails. This will have them well-prepared.
Now, if I hadn't already had this in place, would I buy a new sno scoot? Yes. If I could do this all over again with a 3/4 sled offering in the market, I would skip right over the mini-Z and put them on the sno scoot right off the bat. But still having them graduate to a full size sled by legal trail riding age.

Other opinions may vary ....

 

[cannondale27]

Well, let me tell you my experience.....

I had originally wanted to get an older sno scoot to start out my son with. But for as much $ as one in good shape gets, that was quickly crossed off the list. So I picked up a mildly used 1991 Ski Doo mini-Z 120 for my 5-year old. In stock form it was just the right size for him. But he quickly out-grew it's performance by the time he was 7. That led to pulling the governor ... better ... but resulted in blown engine. Engine was replaced with a larger 200cc from Harbor Freight, then new clutch and taller gearing. We got the unit up to about 20mph and it served him well for the next few years. By the end of the winter when he was 11, he was physically too big for it. So the next summer we picked up a used 2008 Phazer GT. He wasn't ready to trail ride this past winter yet as he had one more year before he can legally ride on the trails (after passing the safety course). But it did give him a season to play in some fields and such to learn and become comfortable with a larger sled. It is big for him physically, but my thought is he will grow into it and he can ride it well into his teen-years. I didn't want to do a 3/4 sled for only a year or so (nothing that size was offered anyway).

Now, this past season was my younger son's turn. I'm also starting him out on the mini-Z at age 5. But with it being modified already, I had to install a governor to slow it down. My second son is a bit more fearless than boy #1 too. He will likely follow the same progression path as my first son.

With my boys in the state they are now, would I buy a new sno scoot? No. Reasons being ... 1) I still think the new sno scoot offering is too small for a 12-year old. I know they can be taken on the trails, but I wouldn't do it. 2) I already have a modified mini-sled for the younger years, and will have them graduate to the full size sled before they can legally ride the trails. This will have them well-prepared.
Now, if I hadn't already had this in place, would I buy a new sno scoot? Yes. If I could do this all over again with a 3/4 sled offering in the market, I would skip right over the mini-Z and put them on the sno scoot right off the bat. But still having them graduate to a full size sled by legal trail riding age.

Other opinions may vary ....

X2 SnoScoot then Midsize sled like Phazer,enticer etc. No need for the 120's unless racing and the new SnoScoot is still small enough for kids to have fun on in back yard with limiters engaged. If kids are too small for the SnoScoot just take them with you on small rides. Miss those myself! It will be interesting how they handle the rules in WI. On ATV's mine were trail riding and racing way before the 12 year old rule but on 2stroke 80 and 90cc legally. These were about equivalent speed to a 200 4st SnoScoot. 30mph. They had to be in sight at all times and were not supposed to cross roads. Since the 120 sleds are not trail legal and 200 is perhaps it will become legal for under 12 on trails?

 

[yamadoo]

Thanks Cannondale

No racing for any- including 120s is planned. So sounds like Snow Scoots to small / mid size may be in order.
The kitty kats seem way to small even now at age 4. Just missed two 120s on Craig's list for 17-1900 they were older but clean - extremely. New is only 2600 so not sure worth the difference.

What do others think, no advantage to 120 step other than cheaper? These would be ridden on the lake not trails until they could handle the midsize sleds.

Thanks again Yamadoo

 

[cannondale27]

Thanks Cannondale

No racing for any- including 120s is planned. So sounds like Snow Scoots to small / mid size may be in order.
The kitty kats seem way to small even now at age 4. Just missed two 120s on Craig's list for 17-1900 they were older but clean - extremely. New is only 2600 so not sure worth the difference.

What do others think, no advantage to 120 step other than cheaper? These would be ridden on the lake not trails until they could handle the midsize sleds.

Thanks again Yamadoo

No Problem! The new SnoScoot is not too small. Is more than enough for a 5 year old and up. Maybe too much. Its really up to the parent. I am sure there is clutch and throttle limiters that could be employed or could be made easily. Use them. Child also should be able to stand on runningboards with butt off the seat. You will also have to buy one at dealer without kids present and tell dealer its for yourself. Dealer can get in a lot of trouble if they don't follow age restrictions. Getting my kids on Motorcycles,Quads and Sleds early is one of the best things I ever did as a parent for so many reasons. You are going to really have a blast and so will they!

 

[yamadoo]

No Problem! The new SnoScoot is not too small. Is more than enough for a 5 year old and up. Maybe too much. Its really up to the parent. I am sure there is clutch and throttle limiters that could be employed or could be made easily. Use them. Child also should be able to stand on runningboards with butt off the seat. You will also have to buy one at dealer without kids present and tell dealer its for yourself. Dealer can get in a lot of trouble if they don't follow age restrictions. Getting my kids on Motorcycles,Quads and Sleds early is one of the best things I ever did as a parent for so many reasons. You are going to really have a blast and so will they!

I know what you mean.
My son is so much better driver of everything because of his formative years sliding around corners on a 340 free air JAG, Oh ya the 4 wheelers and tractors (small) didn't hurt either. I tell you if your kid can back up a short tongued two wheeled yard cart he will have no issues at the boat launch.

He has no issues with sliding crossed up etc. it really gives me confidence when I know he is driving on crappy icy/snow covered road conditions and my Grandsons will be the same way.

I am constantly telling my wife, just because we are sliding and maybe spinning does NOT mean we are out of CONTROL. LOL

Yamadoo

 

[Team Lazy]

I'm gonna go the other way, away from the Sno Scoot. I lost my license to print money so I bought a used ZR120 for my son at 4 1/2. He started with governor on and it was plenty fast to learn. He still rode it into trees and off snow banks, ended up on his head a couple times. I'd rather he learn that while at crawling speed.

I also bought a Bravo to ride with him, and that will be his next sled in a few years. When he's done I'll sell it and probably get more than I paid for it. It has he same track width so I can break trail for him, he can run in my skis track. My kid can also operate it with me on it, and any adult friends that come over can play with it. I also do hilarious boondocking on it. Try that with a Sno Scoot Seriously the Bravo is just incredible. I love it. You can fit them both in the bed of a standard pickup too.

My son is riding with the governor defeated now and it's as quick as I'm comfortable with him going for now. If you tighten the tie that defeats the governor too much you will blow the motor as mentioned above, but it's a crazy simple and free modification. One zip tie when they're ready, cut it off when the next beginner gets on.

I'll post a couple pics as soon as they upload, but honestly at 4/5 yrs th 120 is the absolute perfect size. Remember you're Grampa, it's DADS job to buy something too fast and answer to mom when they crash, not yours!

 

[Team Lazy]

 

[Scooter02]

I bought a kitty cat when my oldest daughter was four and she rode that around the yard and lake. Then we moved up to the 120 and then the original snoscoot. As they progressed, the two older ones ride regular sleds now.
My suggestion is find a used 120, let all of the grandkids have their fun with and keep your eyes open for an upgrade as they get older.

 

[mcamzr]

i would think the 120 would be perfect for a 4 year old. My oldest (10) rides a 340 jag now but it is a bit big for my 7yr old. But I think a bravo would be perfect for him. One thing I like about the jag is the narrow ski stance, like you mentioned above the tippyness of this sled is really teaching them to lean into a turn and react to the sudden inside ski popping up. The pic above is of my 7yr old then 6

 

[yamadoo]

Thanks guys I am somewhat kicking myself 2 different MINT 120s came up and gone as I drug my feet.

I am thinking now maybe waiting until 5 to start may be better.

Like Cannondale said they ride in front of me on the
Lake a lot now.

Fun thanks

 

[Team Lazy]

Get to know the prices for a good 120 QNA when you see a deal, or even a fair price, you'll have to jump. I missed a few before we got one. The Arctic Cat / Yamaha is the best IMHO. Polaris and Ski Doo don't have as good suspension, or so I've been told. And they haven't changed them in years, so anything going back to 2003 or so is the same as new pretty much, in the AC sleds anyways.

You're gonna want a Bravo to go with it

 

[thor452]

I say sidewinders all the way around. lol jk of course I started my son 10 on a beat up 91 Phazer I got for 300 bucks. I thought for sure he was going to crash it or roll it or damage it in some way. well he has not. I am almost afraid to let him trail ride until he crashes it in some way. he is 12 now and looking for a safety course. I didn't have the funds to start him earlier but I feel the sled has been a great fit for him from the start and being air cooled he can run it around the yard on very little snow. my youngest is 7 and a little girl but she wants to ride too make her brother give her rides all the time tries to drive my sled when she in in front of me.(I have let her a little bit.) for her because of her size I am looking for something smaller. I hate to get a little sled for her just to grow out of it but they hold value too probably sell for what I pay for it when done if she don't destroy it. (she is the one I worry about). I started my oldest on a 600 when she was 12 and it proved too big of a machine she was responsible with the throttle but could not ride it just drive it if that makes sense and she has lost interest in the sport. I guess in my opinion you should have them sit on a few sleds and see how they fit when starting out they need the sled to be able to be ridden not just drove for them to learn proper technique and to enjoy the sport as well.

 

[yamadoo]

Thanks guys I like the idea of Sidewinders all around......hmmmm 5 grandsons, 3 son+sons in-law and myself of course that is 9. Lets see if I can spring a group rate maybe 13k piece ===> 117,000 dollars pre tax so another 8,000 lets just call it 125,000- minimum . I think I will buy my wife some flowers and talk about it..............NOT LOL WOW this thinking got out of hand.

I was thinking 3 grand for a couple 120s and look what it lead to.

My son went Jag 340 from 5-9 then Ski Doo 368 fan Touring E form 10 13 or so then to Vmax 600 twin.


In a way I would like to skip the 120s BUT with 5 little ones I know they will get used until worn out and hopefully on the lake NOT smashed up - that is why I want to wait until they prove to me they can ride a bike without tipping or running into things constantly.

FUn to dream of.

Yamadoo

 

[blueironranger]

My nephews started on a Polaris 120 until ~7-8 and I found them an Indy lite 340 which was a pretty big jump. The 120 only seem to work well in less than 6" of fluffy snow which led me to packing down trails in /plowing snow off Grandma's field. If the new Scoot was around then it would have done a lot better in the field than the 120 would, actually allowing some powder play and teaching "big sled" riding skills. This year they were riding my Phazer II and next winter my 09' Phazer will be at Grandma's for them (oldest is 14 now)