question about 16 and under riders

[osprey250]

Is it true at onf that if your under 16 you cant operate anything with more than 150cc motor?

[GrizzlyBear]

No, when the time comes to give them the safety class, they will have to be riding the size ATV recommended by the manufacturer. 

[alwaysblue]

Is this safety class going to be mandatory for under 16 to ride?

[stacktester]

I was told recently that they are in the process of changing the manufacturer suggestion on age to height and weight. My daughter is on a 125 Grizzly and she is 9. She outgrew her 90 and I personally thing the weight and height will be more correct.

[GrizzlyBear]

Yes, starting July 1, 2008 all riders, on public land, under 16 must have had a safety training class, and have proof with them, our class is not mandatory if they have taken any other State approved class.  If the change the size requirements, we will accept whatever SVIA approves (or the state approves)

[Stewards]

Taken from the Atv saftey institute - that is there training requirements.

2. Age and model size requirements for ATV's ridden during the course: 
          Model                         Size           Student Age
          less than                     70cc  ......  age 6 and older
          70cc up to and including 90cc  ......  age 12 and older
          greater than 90cc  ......                  age 16 and over

[randyz]

That is crazy!  My son was 9yoa when I bought him his first atv, a 110cc.  He quickly outgrew that both in power and size.  The frame and was just too small for him to be comfortable on.  He is now 11 and rides a 250cc which is the perfect size for him.  If this is true he is going to be restricted to a 90cc unit, he wont even fit on that.

[Eric5555]

ya im 15 and i ride a 400......and I just recently outgrew in power and size my 250......and im smalll for being 15

[Palmettobay_recon]

Yeah I'm 14 and 5'6 like 120 and I'm supposed to ride a 90! lmao I have ridden one before just for kicks and i can say I felt VERY uncomfortable and slowwwwwwwwww.

[pywacket1955]

The size and age thing is crazy. My son's first atv was a Lt160 at the age of 7.  When he could kick start the 1988 250X at the age of 9 we put him on the 250X.  When he was 12 years old and (straight A's in school he wanted a Foreman 4X4.  Well he got it, he is my riding buddy.  Won't leave home with out him.  We have riden the mountains of Tennesses for 2 years now on the Foremans.  I know he can handle the bike in the sand and mudd in Florida. I know he has enough horse power to help me if I get stuck in the mudd. He is a great rider, better than some adults.

[GrizzlyBear]

Please do not think that the Forest Service is saying you must ride an atv based on the manufacturer's size.  It is only safety course that SVIA gives and the course that ONFA will be giving that is requiring that you take the course on the size atv that the manufacturer says is the size that age child should ride.  When the time comes to take the course, borrow one.

[LeBlanc Outdoors]

Okay, since there are no state statutes regarding age/engine size, I understand you will require man. recommendations I REPEAT RECOMMENDATIONS, not statutes, for the class, but are you going to be attempting to enforce these for riding in the forest.

[GrizzlyBear]

There has never been any mention to me or anyone I know about the Forest Service enforcing size regulations.  Doe'st mean they can't change that in the furure, but not now.

[alwaysblue]

Do you know if they are going to be requiring a class for dirt bikes as well? My son will have just turned 5 by the July '08 deadline will he still be able to take the class or even ride in the forest?

[GrizzlyBear]

I know absolutely nothing about dirt bikes.  Our safety classes are designed on SVIA's atv safety course only.  The state law did not refer to dirt bikes.

[Stewards]

Grizz:

Real quick to see if I can answer some questions.

Dirt Bikes - no you don't need a safety course, but it is always a good idea, it will make the kid a better rider.

If I read the regs right it is a safety class for 16 and under. Even if the kid is 16 he will need the safety course.

ATV's need the safety course due to state regulations. Someone on this forum should check SVIG requirements posted before to the Manufactures requirements, are they different??

I know there has been dicussion on this subject of size, but that is all there has been dicussion. Perhaps in the future they will enforce this.

Don't forget also we are talking two different entities, state VS Federal. As it looks now the Federal are going pretty close to the state guide lines.



Happy Trials..

[GrizzlyBear]

thank you Sewards.  Your help is always appreciated.

[Stewards]

One thing I forgot the motorcycle still needs to acquire the state sticker in order to ride on public land.

Stewards