Best Dirt Bike
For many children, dirt biking provides an exciting hobby and helps develop important life skills like balance, coordination and responsibility. However, it's crucial that parents carefully select a proper dirt bike tailored to their child's age, size and skill level. Choosing wisely sets kids up for success and ensures dirt biking remains a safe activity as they progress. This in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know to pick the optimal first dirt bike.
Fit and Size
The most important factors are ensuring the bike properly fits the child and they can easily maneuver it. As a general guideline:
Ages 5-8: Look for dirt bikes in the 12-16 inch wheel size range. These smaller bikes are lightweight and low to the ground for stability.
Ages 9-12: Bikes with 18-24-inch wheels are suitable. These still allow new riders to plant both feet firmly but provide more power suited to older children.
When sizing a bike, the seat should be low enough that the child can straddle it comfortably with both feet flat on the ground. Their arms should also easily reach the handlebars without stretching. Take measurements of their height, inseam and arm span to compare against the bike's specifications. Proper fit will translate to more control and less fatigue during rides.
Engine Size
Engine power levels must match the rider's size and experience. Too much grunt can overwhelm beginners and compromise safety. General guidelines:
Ages 5-8: Stick to 50cc or less. These have minimal power output suitable for learning basic maneuvering.
Ages 9-12: 100cc or smaller two-stroke engines are appropriate. Larger displacement bikes require more finesse kids have yet to develop.
Four-stroke engines generally produce smoother power delivery better for novices versus two-stroke. However for the youngest riders starting out, a 50cc two-stroke may offer adequate speed. Regardless, supervised testing of any bike should happen before committing.
Transmission Type
The gearbox style impacts ease of use. Kids need to focus on balance without worrying about operating a clutch:
Automatic clutch/gearbox: Makes the bike "one-pedal" like a scooter. Pressure on the rear brake shifts down, throttle up to engage the next gear. Ideal for complete beginners.
Manual clutch: Requires left hand coordination to engage/disengage the clutch lever while maintaining speed with the right hand throttle twist grip and shifting feet positions. More advanced skill level.
If budget allows, automatic/semi-automatic transmissions remove one variable from the learning process. A manual clutch bike shouldn't be considered until a child masters basic movement, braking and balance.
Suspension and Braking
Front suspension, at minimum, provides control over bumps. Rear suspension also benefits younger, lighter riders:
Front suspension: Essential for traction, stability and absorbing impacts on rough trails.
Rear suspension: This makes the bike less jarring over bumps and easier to handle, though not always needed on beginner models.
All dirt bikes marketed for kids should have both front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. These offer powerful, linear stopping performance critical for safety. Drum brakes lack the feel and modulation young riders require.
Safety Gear
Like on the road, full protective attire prevents injuries and allows kids to focus solely on improving skills. Basic helmet, gloves, boots and goggles standards apply:
Helmet: Youth specific fit with Snell or DOT certification. Replace after 5+ years or if damaged.
Goggles: Wraparound or motocross style suitable for off-road dust. Anti-fog coatings help.
Gloves: Sturdy leather with wrist closure and knuckle protection. No loose fabric.
Boots: Ankle-high designed for off-road riding control. Soles secure feet from bike pegs/floorboards.
Kids naturally grow each year, so budget ongoing replacements as protective gear wear out or no longer fits. Layered riding clothing provides impact and abrasion resistance along with comfort during sessions. Safety shouldn't take a backseat to fun - it enables fun activities to continue injury-free.
Choosing a Dirt Bike Brand
Reliable manufacturers dominate the youth dirt bike category with proven designs. Consider models from the top options:
Yamaha: PW and TTR series are tried-and-true beginner choices. Automatic and manual transmissions are available.
Kawasaki: KLX110 is an excellent choice. Known for ride quality and durability.
KTM: Offer tough off-road performance. 50 SX jumps right in but lacks an automatic option.
Honda: CRF110 is manual only but smooth four-stroke power appeals to some.
Suzuki: JR50 is a classic. Reliable two-stroke with low power and weight.
Research common issues online to evaluate long-term dependability. New is best both for factory warranty coverage and avoiding unknowns from used bikes. A short test ride allows for evaluating fit and feel too.
Buying New or Used
While used bikes save money upfront, several downsides exist:
- Unknown service/maintenance history leaves worn items like chains, sprockets, and tires unknown factors.
- Prior crashes could mainframe/component fatigue not visually apparent.
- Lack of warranty coverage for defects potentially expensive to repair.
New bikes set clear baselines for equipment condition and allow for building a consistent maintenance timeline tailored to the owner's manual guidelines. For a learner, costs are offset by peace of mind and avoiding pre-existing issues. A used bike may seem like a bargain but risks prove otherwise down the road.
Handling Skills and Practice Areas
On dirt bikes, balance and body positioning determine control. Teach these core techniques first in safe, confined areas:
Balance point: The sweet spot where riders feel balanced over the bike and can accelerate/brake smoothly.
Body positioning: Leaning forward/aft adjusts weight distribution for maneuvering or altering speed.
Clutch control: Learning proper engagement/disengagement leads to smooth gear shifts.
Braking techniques: Applying both brakes together increases stopping power versus rear only.
Flat, wide-open fields provide a low-risk playground for practicing basics. Off-road tracks designed for youth size/skill level introduce mild terrain challenges. Coach proper form and only slowly build difficulty with time in the saddle. Forgetting safety basics can undermine future progression and damage enthusiasm.
Avoiding Too Much Too Soon
Common mistakes involve attempting trials/conditions too advanced or losing focus on the fundamentals:
- Jumping without mastering basic throttle/brake modulation invites crashes.
- Steep, technical downhill trails exceed younger riding skills and risk speed wobbles.
- Wooded areas limit visibility and introduce obstacles like fallen trees/branches.
- Mud, sand or slippery surfaces decrease traction substantially until riders develop experience reading terrain.
- Riding solely for speed reduces concentration on proper technique prone to bad habits later.
Small obstacle courses, gradual hills and hard packed dirt allow confidence to build at low risk. As skills progress, expand terrain challenges by easing into more difficult situations slowly over time rather than making sudden leaps. Keeping control through challenging conditions requires prudent progression.
Continuing the Learning Process
Maintaining enthusiasm means evolution doesn't stop after the first riding season:
- Joining a youth motocross club exposes riders to coaching, track time and meet new riding partners.
- Take riding lessons from trained instructors to analyze techniques, learn advanced skills and address flaws.
- Seek mentorship from experienced riders for advice and guided trail sessions at the next ability level.
- Additional practice throughout the year prevents lapses in progress - even winter months can involve basic skills loops on sleds or snow bikes.
- Read dirt bike magazines and instructional books to expose riders to new ideas and stay engaged during off seasons.
- As kids grow in size and coordination, graduated step ups to 85cc, 125cc and larger bikes can occur through the teenage years and beyond.
Dirt biking represents a lifelong sport when the learning mindset remains active. Guidance from invested coaches and mentors plays a huge role in continued enjoyment, skill building and safety.
With the right scaled-down dirt bike and diligent focus on safety fundamentals, kids can thoroughly enjoy off-road riding for years to come. Proper fit, lower engine sizes, automatic transmissions and age-appropriate guidance establishing self-control set youngsters up for long-term success. Parents investing in a “learn to ride” approach see dividends in the life lessons taught, as dirt biking offers fun family recreation when approached properly from the start. Most importantly, keeping safety as the number one priority enables all riders, no matter their experience level, to make the most of dirt bike adventures safely and without fear of injury inhibiting enthusiasm for the sport. Done right, dirt biking can introduce children to responsibilities, courage and a passion for the outdoors carrying a lifetime.
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Some of the best dirt bike suggestions
Love motocross? Check out this New-Ray KTM 450 SXF Dirt Bike model. It's a 1/10 scale with cool details like moving rear tracks. Great for collectors and playtime too. Looks just like the real motorbike!
2. Razor MX350 Dirt Off-Road Bike
The Razor MX350 is an electric dirt bike. It's for riders 13 and up. Its max weight is 140 lb. It has a strong motor and goes up to 14 mph. It has 12" air-filled tires with knobs. The handlebars adjust. It has a hand brake. You can ride for 30 minutes. Great for off-road fun!
Zoom! The Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket is fast. A motor powers it. It goes 17 mph. The battery lasts 40 minutes. It looks like a motocross bike. It has suspension. The tires grip dirt. Riders 13+ can use it off-road.
4. Aokoy Electric Dirt Bike for Kids
This is the AOKOY Electric Dirt Bike for Kids. It is a fun battery bike for kids to ride. The bike has two speeds and can go for 40 to 60 minutes on one charge. It is safe and exciting. The bike has training wheels to keep it steady. It makes the engine sound like a real bike. It plays music too. Kids from 3 to 6 years old will love riding this cool bike.
Experience the thrill of off-road excitement with the Oryxearth Mini Dirt Bike for Kids. It has a strong 105CC 4-Stroke engine that can reach top speeds of 24 mph. The bike is EPA-approved and great for riders aged 13 and above. It is made with long-lasting materials and works well. Assembly is easy, so you can ride with joy. With a focus on being safe and steady, it is a perfect pick for new riders and enthusiasts alike.
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