Honda TRX90 v Kawasaki KFX90

Mini Quad Showdown: Honda TRX90 v Kawasaki KFX90

The KFX90 uses a similarly configured SOHC engine but with a slighter larger 89cc capacity. It also has the convenience of an electric start, with manual kick-start backup for those pesky afternoons when the battery dies on you. The engine is coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission which is very novice friendly. Final drive to the rear wheels is via the conventional chain and sprocket arrangement on both quads.

Both ATVs have throttle limiting screws that give parents the ability to limit the throttle opening, thus allowing beginner riders to gain experience at slower speeds. When it comes to an out and out drag race the little green machine holeshots every time, thanks to the auto tranny, but by three quarters of the way down the strip the red rocket reels the Kawasaki in and they finish in a dead heat.

HOW DO THEY HANDLE?
Good - unlike some of the backyard Chinese imitators that have been invading our shores of late. Both quads exhibit a light, neutral feel and go exactly where the rider points them. Even when pushed hard on rough terrain, both quads stay on course. Overall dimensions are almost identical with both offering good balance and stability.

HOW DOES THE SUSPENSION RATE?
Not too bad. While both these machines will never come close to their big brother stable mates in either ride quality or suspension travel, they're quite adequate for their intended use. Both have single A-arm front suspension with a two coil-over shocks, and in the rear a non-linkage swing-arm with a single coil over shock.

Our junior test pilots found the TRX90E shocks provided a more compliant ride and better resisted bottoming out when pushed hard. The KFX90 has slightly more suspension travel than the Honda but surprisingly it offered the riders a firmer ride and jarred abruptly when reaching the end of its travel. When it came to turning up the wick, our experienced junior riders had little trouble bottoming out the respective suspensions on the tiny red and green rockets.

HOW WELL DO THEY STOP AND GRIP?
Pretty good. The Kawasaki has the best anchors in this match up, with dual mechanical drums on the front and a hydraulically operated disc on the rear. The Honda runs sealed mechanical drums front and rear and doesn't have the same strong, consistent stopping power the KFX90 rear disc offers.

Both ATVs come with Maxxis tyres on the front and the rear, and while they're different in profile there was no great difference in traction or handling on our dirt test track (though this may vary on other types of terrain).

ERGONOMICS
The controls are rider friendly and easy to access on both quads, though the seating position is a little cramped for bigger kids on Kawasaki. Riders are also offered excellent foot protection with full floorboards running under the foot-pegs between the front and rear fenders on both machines. All in all our testers preferred the overall comfort, feel and sporty look of the Honda. That said they still liked the look and feel of the KFX90.

CONCLUSION
Honda has had a big head start on the Kawasaki in the junior ATV market and that time has been spent honing the TRX90 into the most durable, reliable and fun mini ATV on the market. It's unrealistic to expect that the KFX90 could steal the title away from the TRX90 on its first attempt. Even so, it is a worthy contender for a new buyer's hard earned dollars and at $3790 will certainly attract attention among those who won't have anything but green.