One of the things we like best about ATV riding is the family aspect of the sport. There’s nothing better than watching a parent, or even a grandparent, help a young boy or girl learn to ride. Like baseball, ATV riding has become one of the very few sports and activities that can transcend age and generational differences, and it’s not uncommon to see 3 generations of riders enjoying that same trailside exploration that we came to know so many years ago. It’s what family activities were meant to be!
Before heading to the trails, though, youth riders need to have age and size appropriate machines and gear, and today there are some excellent machines to learn on and the safety gear to go along with it. One company that offers a good selection of machines built for young riders is DRR. They’ve been building quality youth machines for many years, and today they’ve got the broadest youth model lineup in the sport. It was time to take a closer look.
DRR 2015
Based in Brunswick, Ohio, DRR began operations in 2000 and their sole purpose was to create safer ATVs for kids. They didn’t build machines for adults, but instead opted to fill a gap the big OEMs virtually ignored. The DRR models were designed to be safe, have more features, and provide an excellent machine on which new riders could learn.
It’s all about size when it comes to youth machines, both the physical size of the machine and engine cc’s, and today the DRR lineup has six youth models with engines ranging from 50 to 90 cc’s. Option packages give you plenty of choices for added performance and dealer installed accessories, but the six base machines are as follows:
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DRX 50 - A 50cc base machine with easy to use features Msrp: $ 2,899
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DRX 50R - Upgrade model with additional features Msrp: $ 3,049
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DRX 50 Ltd - Premium features – More power, More suspension Msrp: $3,499 to $3,799 depending on options
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DRX 70 - A 70cc base machine with easy to use features Msrp: $ 2,999
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DRX 90 - A 90cc base machine with easy to use features Msrp: $ 3,399
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DRX 90 Ltd - Premium features – More power, More suspension Msrp: $3,999 to $4,299 depending on options
Like most manufacturers, DRR builds a base model and then offers option packages allowing customers to choose upgrades and premium features they might enjoy. Some of the DRR options packages even work great for competition, and youth racers have been campaigning the DRR youth ATVs for years with great success. However, it all starts with a solid base model.
DRX 50 Base Model Specifications:
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Engine: 50cc 2 stroke water cooled High torque engine with Performance porting and squish. High Compression head and cylinder
Carburetor: 21mm PWK D slide high performance carb & intake manifold featuring fiberglass reeds with flow control
Air Filter: Remote pod filter or Uni on carb with outerwear
Starting: Electric Start, Kick back-up
Lubricant: pre mix only 32 to 1
Exhaust: High Performance, torque tuned, works style 2pc exhaust. US Forestry approved spark arrestor
Fuel Tank: 1.32 gal fuel tank
Transmission: High performance CVT Automatic front variator with increased ramp angles and a lightened rear clutch. Mallossi style torsion spring & clutch spring standard
Brakes: Front: Closed hydraulic 7.25 inch dual disc wave rotor braking system
Rear: Super stop foot brake system with single 7.25 inch cross drilled wave rotor
Suspension: Front: Dual A-Arm Gas Charged adjustable "DRR Works" piggy back adjustable with rebound and cushion adjustment. Billet aluminum and lock nut adjustment.
Rear: Remote Reservoir Adjustable Mono-Shock "DRR Works" Racing style square tube swing arm
Wheels: Steel rims on base model. LTD Models Feature Aluminum rims.
Front Tires: 19x7x7 Maxxis Razr MX
Rear Tires: 19x7x7 Kenda Pathfinders
Overall Width: 41 inches
Seat Height: 25 inches
Wheel Base: 42 inches
Dry Weight: 232 lbs.
Safety: CPSC COMPLIANT, Fully enclosed floor boards. Day time running light, Rear brake light, Safety tether engine kill switch, Ergonomic kid-size levers, Gripper Seat cover, Throttle limiter
DRX 70 Specifications:
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Engine: 70cc 2 stroke water cooled High torque engine with Performance porting and squish. High Compression head and cylinder
Carburetor: 24mm PWK D slide high performance carb & intake manifold featuring fiberglass reeds with flow control
Air Filter: Remote pod filter or Uni on carb with outerwear
Starting: Electric Start, Kick back-up
Lubricant: pre mix only 32 to 1
Exhaust: High Performance, torque tuned, works style 2pc exhaust. US Forestry approved spark arrestor
Fuel Tank: 1.32 gal fuel tank
Transmission: High performance CVT Automatic front variator with increased ramp angles and a lightened rear clutch. Mallossi style torsion spring & clutch spring standard
Brakes: Front: Closed hydraulic 7.25 inch dual disc wave rotor braking system
Rear: Super stop foot brake system with single 7.25 inch cross drilled wave rotor
Suspension: Front: Dual A-Arm Gas Charged adjustable "DRR Works" piggy back adjustable with rebound and cushion adjustment. Billet aluminum and lock nut adjustment. 8” Wheel Travel
Rear: Remote Reservoir Adjustable Mono-Shock "DRR Works" Racing style square tube swing arm. 6” Wheel Travel
Wheels: Steel rims on base model. LTD Models Feature Aluminum rims.
Front Tires: 19x7x7 Maxxis Razr MX
Rear Tires: 19x7x7 Kenda Pathfinders
Overall Width: 41 inches
Seat Height: 25 inches
Wheel Base: 42 inches
Dry Weight: 232 lbs.
Safety: CPSC COMPLIANT, Fully enclosed floor boards. Day time running light, Rear brake light, Safety tether engine kill switch, Ergonomic kid-size levers, Gripper Seat cover, Throttle limiter
PIC: DRX 90
DRX 90 Base Model Specifications:
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Engine: 90cc 2 stroke water cooled High torque engine with Performance porting and squish. High Compression head and cylinder
Ignition: HCD style CDI box with improved spark curve and increased spark duration
Carburetor: 28mm PWK D slide high performance carb & intake manifold featuring fiberglass reeds with flow control
Air Filter: Dual Stage filter with OuterWear cover
Starting: Electric Start, Kick back-up
Lubricant: pre mix only 32 to 1
Exhaust: High Performance, torque tuned, works style 2pc exhaust. US Forestry approved spark arrestor
Fuel Tank: 1.32 gal fuel tank
Transmission: High performance CVT Automatic front variator with increased ramp angles and a lightened rear clutch. Mallossi style torsion spring & clutch spring standard
Brakes: Front: Closed hydraulic 7.25 inch dual disc wave rotor braking system
Rear: Super stop foot brake system with single 7.25 inch cross drilled wave rotor
Suspension: Front: Dual A-Arm Gas Charged adjustable "DRR Works" piggy back adjustable with rebound and cushion adjustment. Billet aluminum and lock nut adjustment.
Rear: Remote Reservoir Adjustable Mono-Shock "DRR Works" Racing style square tube swing arm.
Wheels: Steel rims on base model. LTD Models Feature Aluminum rims.
Front Tires: 19x7x7 Maxxis Razr MX
Rear Tires: 19x7x7 Kenda Pathfinders
Overall Width: 44 inches
Seat Height: 25 inches
Wheel Base: 42 inches
Dry Weight: 232 lbs.
Safety: CPSC COMPLIANT, Fully enclosed floor boards. Day time running light, Rear brake light, Safety tether engine kill switch, Ergonomic kid-size levers, Gripper Seat cover, Throttle limiter
Note: DRR youth ATVs meet and exceed CPSC & EPA standards and are fully compliant. All current models are also approved for AMA competition. 
All of the DRR youth ATVs are designed to be easy to operate and learn proper riding skills on, and they do that extremely well. To fit the young pilots, overall chassis design is obviously much smaller than a full sized quad, and with the wide range of sizes kids are available in, the DRR 50 should be fine for many riders’ first off-road experience. Control layout is quite basic and the smaller bars, thumb throttle, and levers are easy for most kids to get their sticky, chocolate stained fingers around. Seating position seems quite good also, and a new rider’s legs and feet are well protected by a full set of fenders that provide excellent splash and safety protection, while their feet remain firmly planted on a full set of floor boards. Another feature we really like is the electric start. Not all manufacturers include electric start on their youth models, and pull ropes or kick-start levers can quickly become annoying for beginners. Our only caution to the parents would be to hide the key so junior can’t simply take an unsupervised ride someday. Should the battery ever have a problem, each model also includes a backup kick starter. As an added safety precaution, the DRR models include an adjustable throttle limiter to keep speeds down.
ENGINES & CHASSIS
All of the DRR youth quads run a simple, liquid cooled, single cylinder engine mated to a CVT transmission and the DRR engines are derived from scooter engines, making them reliable and easy to operate. Final drive is accomplished by a traditional ATV chain and sprocket system to the rear solid axle. While most engines in larger quads have been switched to four-strokes, mainly to meet emissions standards, DRR chooses to run two-strokes in their machines and we agree with this decision. The two-stroke engines are very easy to maintain, build less heat, and have proven themselves reliable. The only drawback is having to use pre-mix fuel, but this is a simple task. There is another area where DRR stands above the competition as well.
For unknown reasons, some youth ATV manufacturers still use antiquated drum brakes. These eventually become infiltrated with water, mud, and grit, greatly reducing stopping power. DRR equips all of their machines with hydraulic disc brakes and we applaud this decision. Disc brakes have enormous stopping power, they are very reliable, and they are easy to maintain. Even when caked with grit, they are easy to wash out and quickly get you back to full stopping power. There is a reason every serious sport quad comes with disc brakes - they work! DRR even includes a lightweight wave rotor for a sporty look and increased performance.
FAMILY SPORT
Kids love to ride, and once they have a taste of the freedom and exploration off-roading offers, they’ll never forget that feeling. It’s the same feeling we all came to know and love many years ago. ATV riding also allows the entire family to get out and spend quality time together and the DRR youth ATVs are a great way to make it happen.
DRR USA, Inc.
Brunswick, Ohio 44212
Phone: 330.220.3102
Kid Safety Gear – Get Junior Covered
Before junior ever takes their first ride, it is absolutely critical that they first learn proper safety gear is part of the picture for off-roading fun. As much as we love to see kids enjoy ATV riding, nothing gets us more irritated than seeing youth riders circling the yard or field without any safety gear. One of the best ways for kids to learn to ride safely is by watching you, their parent. Model proper riding behavior and wear the right safety gear every time –especially a helmet! Set a good example and your kids will be more likely to start off as safe, responsible riders. Make sure that new riders understand that no helmet, goggle, gloves and boots means no riding! It’s not that hard actually since kids like to dress in the full gear anyway. It’s a little like wearing their Halloween costume for half of October, and it’s a lot easier than a trip to the emergency room for both of you. Here’s what you need.
Helmet: There are plenty of good helmets at very reasonable prices for youth riders. Get them one that fits, and don’t grab one from a garage sale and think it’s good enough. One of our favorite youth helmets is made by HJC, and they have performed very well at a very good price, and they’re in practically every dealership. Make sure junior knows how to strap it on securely as well.
Goggles: This is another must have piece of equipment, and there are plenty of goggles available in every size, color, and style. Be sure to get youth goggles because full frame goggles may not fit in the smaller helmets.
Boots: We generally ride with motocross boots and they provide great protection, but they are not the only option. What is completely necessary is something better than a set of flip-flops or Nikes. Hiking boots or work boots will work just fine as long as you have them laced up. It’s critical to protect the feet and ankles.
Gloves: Work gloves are OK, but off-road gloves perform much better. They’re a little like batting gloves with breathable fabric and padding.
Jersey and Pants: Plenty of riders wear long sleeve shirts and jeans, but a set of riding pants and jersey offers better protection, is more comfortable, and just looks better. Riding gear also breathes better and is much more durable than denim thanks to the tough fabrics and heavy duty stitching.
If new gear is out of your budget, eBay is chock full of youth riding gear, and plenty of it hasn’t seen much use. We wouldn’t buy a used helmet on eBay (you don’t know if it’s been through a crash) but goggles, gloves, pants and jerseys are fine. It’s a source worth checking.
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