2018 Suzuki Quadsport Z50: 5 Key Safety Features On Suzuki's Child-Sized ATV
Whether there's already a 4-wheeler in the garage and you're looking to expand the fleet, whether you're thinking that four wheels could be a steadier starting point than two, or whether your little one's lemonade stand was profitable enough this summer to splurge on something grand, the 2018 Suzuki Quadsport Z50 is a fun, reliable, and cost-effective solution.
More importantly, it's the safe choice, as well.
Recommended for riders age 6 and up, the Quadsport Z50 is bite-sized compared with conventional ATVs. A Suzuki Kingquad 750, for example, is roughly 550 pounds heavier, nearly three feet longer, and a foot and a half wider. The small Z50's seat height is 15 inches closer to the ground, as well. That makes the Quadsport Z50 much more maneuverable for riders with shorter arms.
But beyond being easier to drive, a great part of the Quadsport Z50's appeal revolves around safety. With four wheels and a fully independent suspension, the Suzuki's balance and predictability bring a great deal of confidence to parents. There's more to the Quadsport Z50's safety quotient than mere balance, however.
Here are five of the 2018 Suzuki Quadsport Z50's top safety features.
#5: Continuously Variable Transmission
Just as with drivers who shouldn't be distracted by cell phones or overly convoluted touchscreen infotainment units, young ATV riders ride most safely when free from distraction. With Suzuki's remarkably smooth continuously variable transmission, there's no foot shifter and no clutch. That means your new rider can focus on the throttle, steering, and braking.
#4: Full Floorboards
With legs tucked behind the front fenders, you don't need to be so worried about obstructions on the path. Plus, with feet perched atop broad floorboards, ankle injuries aren't the major concern they might otherwise be.
#3: Tether Remote Engine Stop
For brand new Quadsport Z50 riders, you'll want speeds to be low and supervision to be high. The tether remote engine stop means that your little one can become accustomed to throttle control, turning, and braking, while at any moment you deem necessary, one pull of the tether cuts the engine.
#2: Hand Brake Ignition Lock
Here's what you don't want: you don't want your 3-year-old walking into the garage, starting up an ATV, scraping your Honda Civic Type R on the way out of the garage, and heading for the hills. Here's the good news: for a young child, the 2018 Suzuki Quadsport Z50 isn't that easy to start. The biggest security function is the hand brake ignition lock. The Z50 simply will not start unless the hand brake is pulled fully against the handgrip and then locked. Easy enough for you; but challenging for a youngster.
#1: Screw-Type Throttle Limiter
The Suzuki Quadsport Z50, like bigger ATVs, uses a thumb throttle rather than a traditional handgrip twist throttle. That, in and of itself, brings a greater level of modulated control to the rider. But parents acquire an even greater level of control because a simple screw-type throttle limiter restricts the amount of throttle input, and thus the amount of speed.
The 2020 Suzuki Quadsport Z50 is on sale now at Centennial Auto-Sport & Tire in Charlottetown and Summerside with a $2,699 MSRP.