when i started out with quads i started out with some honda knockoff 125cc... it had an extended swinger already on it cuz it was meant for young ones so they wouldnt wheelie it and get hurt. i got it when i was 7, i experienced some problems with it, but it was a great beginner quad..... it always ran great and was actually pretty fast!! it was an automatic.... i would beat my brother everytime we raced (he had a honda xr80 clutch 5 speed) it was a great beginner quad.... but its ur choice, if u want to get something good, i would get a raptor 90 prob for the 8 year old.... good luck!!!