Kids tend to ask for a lot of things when they’re growing up, from pets to pianos, their imaginations run wild with all the things they suddenly cannot live without. But what if there’s a dirtbike on the top of their wish list?! Are they safe? What other equipment is required? Here’s everything you need to know.
Depending on your views on giving your child a dirtbike, you are either in a state of shocking confusion or delighted anticipation. Wherever you fall on the emotional spectrum, if you’ve decided to splash out and give your child this big ticket item, choosing the right type to ensure their safety is a must.
Factors to consider
Size: The first thing to consider is size, both the bike’s size and the size of your child. Size compatibility between the two will determine how comfortable they will be on the two seated bike and whether they will ride the bike or the bike will ride them.
Age: Depending on the age of your child you can decide the complexity of the bike. Age is a good indicator of how much or how little control and power you should give them to manage. (You’ll find an appropriate age to bike mapping at the end of the article.)
Gears: Shifting gears can be a tough job to manage for your little rider in the beginning. It’s recommended that you consider their age, level of interest, coaching, and terrain type before you decide to switch to a more powerful and complex geared version bike.
Limiter: If you decide to opt for a bike without gears, then you can also consider putting an engine or throttle limiter on the bike to limit the power and speed of the bike. Along with the safety factor, this will also allow progressive control over the power and speed of the bike.
Tire Size: When it comes to dirt bikes for kids, smaller tires offer better grip and control. This is essential while training so they can have a better learning and riding experience.
Cost: Smaller bikes can still drive big costs. You can consider getting a used bike over a new one if you think this craze might soon be forgotten and garaged.
Best Starter Dirt Bikes
Ages: 5-7
CC: For such a young age, a 50cc dirt bike would be ample power, preferably with an engine and/or throttle limiters. Consider: Honda CRF50, Yamaha PW50, Yamaha TTR50, Suzuki DRZ-50, and KTM 50 SX.
Ages: 7-11
CC: Kids in this age range are much better equipped to handle more complex machinery and power. An engine above 50cc and going to 125cc depending on your kid is a good choice. You can also go with a manual transmission at this point. Consider: Honda CRF60 and CRF70; Yamaha YX65 and YX85; KTM KX 65 and 85 SX.
Ages: 11 to 16
CC: Now they’re starting to edge towards an age where they can responsibly handle more power and manage their balance on rocky terrain. 110cc to 150cc is the ideal engine power for the early-to-mid-teens. Consider: Yamaha TTR110E and Kawasaki KLX110, Yamaha YX125, Honda CRF150, and KTM 150 SX.
Essential Dirt Bike Gear
Once they’ve got a bike waiting for them that they are eagerly waiting to hop on and start zooming around, you have to make sure they’re first geared up and safe. Along with making your kids look adorably cool, kids motocross gear plays a huge part in safety. Depending on the level of supervision and the power of the bike, you can choose the gear which you think is required. Here are the essentials.
- Helmet
- Body armour
- Gloves
- Elbow pads
- Knee pads
- Boots
Most of these are non-optional – not only do they give your child enough security, they also teach responsible riding should they keep it up into the future.
Ready To Ride
Riding a dirt bike is a thrilling experience for children with big energy who have the need for extreme excitement and adrenaline. Using the above information to help you find the right bike and the right gear, there will be nothing stopping your little daredevils from their biking adventure.
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