Best Dirt Bikes for Kids: A Parent's Buying Guide for 2024

So, you’re thinking about getting your kid a dirt bike? This probably means you have many questions. Buying a kids dirt bike can feel overwhelming, but this guide simplifies the process of choosing the perfect dirt bike. This guide is designed to remove the guesswork involved in selecting the right first dirt bike. Choosing the Right Dirt Bike Size First, size matters. Don't just buy any dirt bike; it must fit correctly. Like Goldilocks and the three bears–not too big, not too small, just right. Seat height, not engine size, is critical. Your child should be able to place the balls of their feet flat on the ground. Remember, riding boots add height. Some dirt bikes may also feel wider. A wider bike, while having a lower seat height, may make balancing with feet on the ground more difficult for young kids. Engine Size Matters Picking the right engine size is crucial. Too much power is dangerous, but not enough power will bore your child. A smaller engine size for younger riders and beginner riders makes for smoother acceleration and ensures kids ride at appropriate speeds for their experience. Here’s a general guideline: For ages 3 to 7, a 50cc dirt bike usually works. For ages 7 to 12, consider 50cc to 110cc dirt bikes. Older kids, 12 to 14, can handle a 125cc dirt bike. Some teens, 14 to 16, are ready for adult bikes, 125cc to 250cc. When starting, choose a smaller engine size than you think they need unless your child has riding dirt bike experience. Two-Stroke or Four-Stroke: What’s Best for Beginners? Parents often ask about engine types. Four-stroke engines are generally more manageable and easier for beginner riders. Two-strokes offer quick, powerful acceleration. This extra power may be too much for new riders. Four-stroke engines, by comparison, offer smoother acceleration, good suspension and the ability to withstand rough terrains. Transmission Talk Most kid-friendly dirt bikes have an automatic transmission, skipping the clutch. This allows new riders to focus on balance without worrying about changing gears. With an automatic transmission they can start electric instead of kick start. Essential Safety Gear Before riding, ensure safety with proper gear like a well-fitting helmet. Also essential are gloves, goggles, and riding boots. Consider chest, knee, elbow, and neck protection for added safety. Letting kids ride should always come with the utmost safety features. Some injuries are unavoidable in dirt biking. Protective riding gear minimizes the risks of letting kids ride, making it safer to experience this fun family activity. Kick Start vs. Electric Start Starting a dirt bike might seem tricky for young children. However, most young riders won't be alone when dirt biking. This is beneficial, especially for young kids as they can receive assistance. An electric start system also assists younger riders in learning how to safely start a dirt bike without worrying about changing gears. This also helps with building their confidence. Eventually, they’ll learn to start it independently. Buying New or Used Dirt Bikes New dirt bikes are expensive. Consider the cost if your child loses interest. Plus, children grow quickly. Buying used dirt bikes may be more practical. Look for durable bikes in good condition from reputable brands. Be prepared for some additional care and maintenance. Bluemoto offers new and used d irtbikes for sale. Specific Bike Recommendations for a First Time Dirt Bike Some brands hold their resale value better than others. When buying a dirt bike for your kid it can become an investment. Some first dirt bike recommendations include: Honda CRF50F: A reliable 50cc bike known for its simplicity and Honda's reputation. It is a great dirt bike for young riders. Yamaha TT-R50: Another great 50cc option. Its low seat height makes it easy for beginners. Budget-Friendly Brands: Keeping the Fun Affordable Balance cost and quality by researching brands like Yamaha and Honda. Look for cc dirt bikes from 50cc dirt bikes to larger engine sizes. Buying used dirt bikes can save money. Look for bikes suitable for the child’s age. Check for leftover models at dealerships. You might find great deals, sometimes up to 40% off MSRP, as dealers clear out older inventory. Be sure it's properly sized so feet touch the ground. The perfect dirt bike is one the child can handle. Teaching Your Child to Ride Start with balance and throttle control, especially on dirt where maintaining balance can be challenging. Be patient as frustration can build. Riding dirt bikes can be challenging at times but always remember confidence building is a slow process. Avoid pushing your child onto bigger bikes (higher cc dirt bike) before they're ready. Ensure they have a throttle limiter to help them gain experience at slower speeds until they get accustomed to their kids dirt bike. Also ensure your dirt bike can withstand rough terrains to help ensure safety. As their skill level develops, consider getting additional riding gear, including gloves goggles and a chest protector, and perhaps add training wheels if the bike doesn't already have any to add more stability. Consider riding gear that also can withstand rough terrains. You can begin introducing more dirt biking safety features to a younger rider by discussing and enforcing safe practices. Learning from an early age how to ensure safety while dirt biking sets them up with excellent habits to protect them from common injuries. Find a Local Courses Near You For riders who wish to transition from an automatic to a manual transmission, look for courses locally. Local clubs and online groups will have information on locations, dates, and types of courses near you. These courses provide valuable rider training to increase confidence and teach best practices. With a manual transmission you'll not only be able to start electric or kick start, but also learn how to change gears and be prepared to move from a 50cc dirt bike to powered dirt bikes and to an adult bike once they become older riders. You should find the perfect dirt that your rider is comfortable with while starting off slow, ensuring that they avoid pushing the throttle fully when first letting kids ride. They are great for both you and young riders. Conclusion Finding the perfect dirt bike for your child can be easy. Use this guide as a starting point and make thoughtful decisions. Consider your child’s current size and abilities, not their future aspirations. Choose a bike suitable for the rider's size, and one that will help to build their confidence. With throttle limiters you can always reduce the maximum throttle amount when letting kids learn to avoid accidents. The weight bike can also matter so perhaps consider lightweight bikes for better balance and handling. Properly sized bikes ensure that the child can handle the bike and change gears safely if using a manual transmission. Prioritize getting kids on the right equipment initially. Find a balance between cost and quality to support their growth and enjoyment. Whether you're buying your child's first dirt bike or sharing this guide with other parents, our greatest reward is seeing children safely enjoying dirt bikes for generations to come.