Is there an additional part I can purchase to adjust the speed on an ATV?

Question

My son inherited a 1987 Suzuki 50 4 wheeler. It is turned down to the lowest speed, but it still runs over 12 miles per hour. He is turning 5 and that is a little too fast. Is there another part I can purchase to slow it down to around 5 to 7 miles per hour? It is equipped with a thumb lever throttle. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

You could shorten the gearing, either by changing the cogs or using smaller diameter tires. This will make it quicker though so be careful. You can also restrict the intake, take a stiff piece of plastic larger than the intake and drill it out. Better yet you could put a stop on the throttle so it can't open all the way. You could just duct tape a shim in between the thumb lever throttle and the handle bar. At that age you should probably rig a kill switch on to a long piece of fishing line until he gets the hang of it.

Answer 2

Yes....copper tubing.

You'll need a hack saw or dremel tool.

Purchase a piece of copper tubing that will drop down inside the carb body, above the slide. You'll need to experiment with the length, so start with a piece that is almost as long as the slide is deep.

Then simply remove a little bit at a time, until you reach the desired effect.

The tubing will prevent the slide from opening further. Just be sure it is inside the spring, and over the cable. Smooth all rough edges.

Answer 3

Their should be some type of screw that is attached to the thumb lever and can be turned in to limit how far the throttle can be pushed in. If it doesn't have one it shouldn't be hard to find one from another quad that will work. If it doesn't go in far enough, try and find a longer screw.

Answer 4

Use some kind of physical limiter on the right grip to limit the travel of the thumb lever. Maybe a hose clamp and a piece of bent metal. I applaud you for allowing him to ride a such a young age. Teach him to ride with a helmet, boots, gloves, and long sleeve shirt or jacket.

Answer 5

--Remove the top of the carb (where the cable goes into the carb).
--Remove the cable from the throttle slide.
--Insert the cable through a nut (as in nuts & bolts).
--Re-install the spring and attach the cable to the slide.
--Re-install the throttle slide and top of carb.
--The nut will prevent the throttle from lifting all the way, preventing the engine from reving to go faster.
--Install additional nuts to slow it down more, or use washers to fine tune the speed.
--As your son gets more experienced, remove a wahser at a time.

Answer 6

I am not sure the answer to your question but I wanted to praise you for calling it an "ATV" not a "quad". I hate the way everyone calls them quads. I just hate it!!

Answer 7

Gas!!!!