Suzuki and Kawasaki’s model sharing program extends to their junior quad range. Both offer identical 50cc and 80cc machines. Suzuki’s models are dubbed the LT-A50 and LT80 while Kawasaki calls them the KFX50 and KFX80.

The trick little 50cc two-stroke machines offer a low 535mm seat height and start on the pull of a cord. The ignition key needs to be inserted and the parking brake engaged before the machine will burst in to life.

While the opposition use rubber-topped, or cleated, foot pegs the Suzuki and Kawasaki machines provide large running boards. These help prevent a child’s lower legs from slipping off or getting caught.

Another great safety feature is a secondary kill switch at the back of the machine. A lanyard extends from the switch and enables a parent walking next to the rider to cut the ignition and stop the machine, quickly, safely and easily. Good thinking! This works in concert with the adjustable throttle limiter to ensure that the machine can be tailored for those with a lower level of experience.

But don’t start to imagine the 50cc quads offer no excitement. Plenty of power is available when full throttle is unleashed.

The fact that power is provided by a two-stroke engine rather than a four-stroke has both benefits and drawbacks.

The positives are lighter weight, more impressive performance for capacity and a cheaper price. Thankfully there is no need for mixing the two-stroke oil with the fuel as the machines have a separate oil reservoir and pump which automatically mixes the oil with the fuel. A small drawback is that two-stroke machines normally use more fuel than four-stroke engines, combine that with the small 2.6-litre tank and it is easy to imagine that top-ups will need to be quite frequent. Normally two-stroke engines do require more frequent rebuilds than comparable four-stroke units. However, the trusty powerplants in these machines have been around a long time and have proven to have an exceptional service life. So you can rest assured that there are no reliability concerns in regard to these models and both manufacturers back that up with a full one-year warranty.

Kawasaki and Suzuki both offer an 80cc machine. A torquey 82cc two-stroke powerplant offers formidable acceleration and ensures the LT and KFX80 goes like a rocket. Some of this performance can be restrained by the normal throttle limiter system available on all of the junior quads.

Weighing in at 100kg these little hotties ride 110mm from the ground on fully independent suspension. Power is transferred through a V-belt automatic transmission.

The 80 will start when the parking brake is engaged and requires only the press of a button due to a convenient electric starter. The 80cc machine is also covered by a 12-month warranty and retails for $3,999 at both Suzuki and Kawasaki dealers. Suzuki is offering a $100 factory cash-back bonus until Christmas. The smaller 50cc machine retails for $3,299.  Both styles of machine are manufactured in the Suzuki factory.

Pictured here are the two Kawasaki machines - Suzuki produce these models
 

Here is Suzuki's LT80
 

This is the LT-A 50