What Age is a 125cc ATV For? How to Pick Kid-Friendly ATVs


Are you planning to get an ATV for your kid and don’t know what age is suitable for a 125cc ATV? Knowing how to pick the right engine size is essential if you want to buy an ATV, either for yourself or for kids. If you are not familiar with ATV engine sizes and categories, you don’t need to worry about anything because we have your back. Here at ATV-Outdoors, we will show teach you all the skills you need to determine the right age for a 125cc ATV.

As a general rule, ATV engines sizes from 125cc to 250cc are designed for older teens and adults. 125cc engines are quite powerful and this is why they are targeting older teens. Even though I’ve seen younger kids riding 125cc ATVs because they are taller, it’s best to get them started with engines ranging from 70cc to 112cc. The top speed that a 125cc ATV reaches is 40MPH, which is more than enough to have a blast while trail riding.

If you are just getting started with off-road activities and are unsure what engine size to pick, it’s highly recommended to go with 125cc because the engine is powerful enough to go over steep hills while still being fairly easy to control the speed and momentum when swerving. A great idea here is to rent a 125cc ATV and take it for a ride. This will help you determine if the size is right for you or your kids.

Do you want to find out how much weight can a 125cc TV hold? Or are you curious what is a good size quad for a 14-year-old? If that is the case, keep on reading to find the answers to all your burning questions.

How Fast Does a 125cc ATV Go?

kids ATV

The reason why picking the right engine size is so important is because it determines the power and top speed of the four-wheeler. The 125cc size falls right into the mid-range category because it reaches a top speed of 40MPH and offers enough traction to help you go through mud without any problems. However, the ATV doesn’t reach a super-fast speed that makes it difficult to control.

The top speed of a 4-stroke 125cc ATV is 40MPH. This is more than a beginner will ever need. While 40MPH might not seem fast when you think about it, you should trust me when I say that reaching this top speed on a bumpy road will give you the adrenaline-fueled adventure you are looking for. This is why 125cc ATVs are recommended to adult beginners or older teens.

You might want to get a semi-automatic ATV for your kids. Shifting will be much easier to learn. You can also check out a guide that shows how to shift gears on a semi-automatic ATV here. 

What is a Good Size Quad for a 14-year-old?

The best quads for 14-year-olds use 110cc engines. That’s not all. Quads for youth are also equipped with speed limiters that make it easier for teenagers to control the four-wheeler on challenging while also giving parents more control. You should check out this best quad size for a 14-year-old guide I wrote for more info on this topic. I also go over the best overall ATV for youth.

How much weight can a 125cc ATV hold?

What most people forget to consider when searching for the right engine size is that it also impacts how much weight the quad can hold. In general, adult-sized ATVs are designed to carry up to 250lb of cargo. If you are planning to get a 125cc ATV, the max loading capacity is 132lb.

While the loading capacity might not be large enough for you to carry everything that you need for an overnight camping trip, it’s good enough to bring all the essentials for trail riding. What you should know is how to position the cargo and you will be able to carry even a little bit more than 132lb. You should try and place 1/3rd of the weight on the front cargo rack, and the rest on the rear rack. Doing this will ensure that the weight is distributed equally.

How Powerful is a 125cc ATV?

ATV on grass

Since the 125cc engine size is designed for beginners adults and older teens, it should come as no surprise to find out that this type of ATV is not the most powerful. They generally reach a top speed of 40MPH. However, you shouldn’t be fooled to think that 125cc ATVs are not powerful. Quite the opposite! You are guaranteed to feel the speed and power when you go full throttle.

Since ATVs are four-wheelers, you can also get more expensive 125cc engine size models that have 4×4 traction. If you do this, you won’t have to worry about power anymore. You can climb any hill and go through muddy roads without a single problem. Another useful thing that you might like about 125cc ATVs is that they are equipped with many safety features that parents will love. Features such as a remote kill switch, electric start, and flexible tire size.

So, What Age is a 125cc ATV For?

Starting with ages 13 and higher, 125cc ATVs are perfect for beginners. The speed and power they offer is good enough for dirt roads, but not too powerful to make the quad difficult to handle. Whether you are getting an ATV for yourself or for your kids, my advice is to first rent a 125cc size model and check it out. This way, you will get to test the four-wheeler and make sure that it’s the right choice.

Bob Kelly

Hey there, my name is Bob and I've been riding ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs for most of my life. Going on outdoor adventures has always been my passion. I love sharing tips and tricks with beginners who are getting ready to join the world of outdoor enthusiasts. You can reach me at bobtheatvguy@gmail.com if you want to get in touch.

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