Anyone ride a dirt bike?

[newmoon]

My 12 yro son wants a dirt bike, he has saved the money. The only problem is Dad knows nothing about it. My only experience was riding a RM-125 a few times about 30 years ago, lol.

[Powhusku]

From what I hear it's not a cheap hobby.

[SWAT]

I've been riding for 25 yrs. How much is he looking at spending? If it's his 1st bike, it's easier to learn on a 4 stroke. How big is he?

[gotroost]

They are expensive even if you do the work yourself. The Honda CRF series has a size to match just about anyone. A buddy of mine has a CRF80 and a CRF150 and his kids ride them to death. Been reliable so far and the kids put a ton of hours on them.

[Weezerj]

I have a 12 year old that rides with me very often. The best company for making kids bikes is HONDA....

Here is why,...

1. Honda's lineup is 4 stroke bikes. 2 strokes are loud, require mixing gas, and today's modern 4 strokes are better rides for kids to learn on because they have low end torque and don't have to ride the clutch and maintain rpms like a 2 stroke.

2. Honda has every sized bike covered. Unlike the other companies that have one or two models, you will find a CRF50, 70, 80, 100, and 150 in the honda line up. If you son is an averaged sized 12 year old, then the 80 or 100 is going to fit him best. Both the 50 and the 70 are clutchless bikes (still have gears), while the 80s and up have a hand clutch.

3. Pricing. A kids KTM will break the bank. You can go on craigslist and find a used CRF80 for $800 - $1200 depending on condition and location. If he rides it for 2 years or so and you re-list it on craigslist, you should be able be recover 80-90% of your investment.

4. Build quality is excellent. Honda bikes run FOREVER.

Kids bikes are actually not the expensive once you get the initial purchase out of the way. Like I stated above, you can upgrade every couple of years and only lose a few dollars from what you paid, and the next sized up bike will only be a few dollars more than when he/she was on.

Hope this helps. If you would like any additional information, feel free to shoot me a pm or post a question in here....

Jess

[yzrider58]

Originally Posted by Weezerj

I have a 12 year old that rides with me very often. The best company for making kids bikes is HONDA....

Here is why,...

1. Honda's lineup is 4 stroke bikes. 2 strokes are loud, require mixing gas, and today's modern 4 strokes are better rides for kids to learn on because they have low end torque and don't have to ride the clutch and maintain rpms like a 2 stroke.

2. Honda has every sized bike covered. Unlike the other companies that have one or two models, you will find a CRF50, 70, 80, 100, and 150 in the honda line up. If you son is an averaged sized 12 year old, then the 80 or 100 is going to fit him best. Both the 50 and the 70 are clutchless bikes (still have gears), while the 80s and up have a hand clutch.

3. Pricing. A kids KTM will break the bank. You can go on craigslist and find a used CRF80 for $800 - $1200 depending on condition and location. If he rides it for 2 years or so and you re-list it on craigslist, you should be able be recover 80-90% of your investment.

4. Build quality is excellent. Honda bikes run FOREVER.

Kids bikes are actually not the expensive once you get the initial purchase out of the way. Like I stated above, you can upgrade every couple of years and only lose a few dollars from what you paid, and the next sized up bike will only be a few dollars more than when he/she was on.

Hope this helps. If you would like any additional information, feel free to shoot me a pm or post a question in here....

Jess

This guy is crazy. Honda makes the worst dirt bikes. I road on the dirt from kid through college. Yamaha is hands down the best. Although KTM is up and coming with some great designs and they're dealer base is growing every year.

You will have to spend money on gas to and from the local track or trail. Plus maintenance items like tires tend to add up.

The biggest bills usually come in the form of the hospital. Every dirt rider knows its not if he will break a bone, but when. But thats not a terrible thing. Its a good experience. At minimum collar bone breakage is the most common.

Okay enough of the negative. It's a blast to ride them and race around a track. There's a ton of power in those bikes and as a kid it feels awesome to play in the dirt. So most important thing is have fun!!!

[Txmxracer]

I started riding when I was 11 years old, and my first bike was a 2004 Honda CRF 80. It was a really good starter bike for me. While it took me a little bit of time to figure out how to work the clutch and shift gears smoothly, everything else was nice. It was easy to ride, and it did not have that much power where I would hurt myself. I would recommend it as a starter bike for anyone.

Where does he plan on riding? Track or trails? If he is riding in the trails, expect to be buying a bike for yourself very soon so you can ride with him and keep sight of him making sure he is safe.

People saying that it is an expensive sport are completely right. I spend so much money on repairing my bike that it is becoming ridiculous. However, a starter bike is much cheaper to maintain and they don't break down often. Just standard maintenance, tires, filters, tubes, and the occasional repair adds up though.

And there really isn't a 'hands down' best manufacture. I have ridden all the new bikes from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki (not KTM though because I know no one with one of their bikes), and while they are different, they are really nice. I just prefer Kawasaki.

No matter what he goes with, make sure it is a 4-stroke. It is much easier to learn on.

[newmoon]

Thanks for the input folks. My son is 5' maybe 100 lbs, he is a fit kid. He has been bmx'ing for 2 years but now wants to move up, he is also a gear-head. I was thinking about a Yamaha TT-R110E for him and a Yamaha YZ-250, I am 185 lbs 5'10", for me. Riding would be mainly trails, but maybe a trip to a motocross track once in a while.

[Wantconvertible]

my kids started on an Honda 80/100 I agree there are a good bike to learn on
but after a month we had to get rid of those slow learning Honda's moved to KX Kaw's now we kinda go Kaw /Yamaha

[He11bent]

My son and I started riding them when he was 8 with a Yamaha PW80. Then he out grew it and we up'd him to a Yamaha TTR125. He rode so much I bought one to ride with him instead of just watching. A lot of memories and fun. He is now 18 and in college. I just sold my dirt bike and putiing his up on Craig's list...I still have my Harley though!!
I recommend it! Just make sure you spend the money to get ALL the safety equipment (Boots, Chest Protector, Helmet, Gloves, and Goggles) and it is a fun sport. When buying the bike look at the wear on the rear sprocket to judge how much it has been used. I always buy used bikes. If the engine and clutch are strong he will be just fine. They are all plastic and the replacement parts are cheap.

[Nvincent4708]

I've ridden Honda my whole life. If he plans on sticking with it. A CRF150F will be perfect.

He will grow into it a little.

I have a CRF230F that I ride in the woods for fun. Great, dependable bike

[newmoon]

What do you folks think about a 2008 KX-85 with only 8-hrs on it for $1000.00? The bike looks brand new.

[Nvincent4708]

Originally Posted by newmoon

What do you folks think about a 2008 KX-85 with only 8-hrs on it for $1000.00? The bike looks brand new.

For 1k sure.

It's a powerful bike just so you know

[newmoon]

Originally Posted by Nvincent4708

For 1k sure.

It's a powerful bike just so you know

Do you think it would be too much for a beginner 12 yro?