As someone that recently helped their nine-year-old son pick out his first dirt bike, I know there’s a lot to think about when searching through the best dirt bikes for kids. Still, nothing compares to the excitement and joy of watching the next generation enjoy the thrill the same way we do.
When I went searching online to find a handy resource to find the best starter bike, I found myself underwhelmed at the resources available. To change this, I set out to create my own guide to the Best Dirt Bikes for Kids. And what do you know, Dirt Legal liked it so much they posted it here.
Now, there’s a one-stop resource for parents that want to share the enjoyment with their kiddos. We will answer these questions:
How old do kids need to be to start riding dirt bikes?
Do you want an electric or gas-powered dirt bike for your kid?
What safety features and accessories are available for my child?
Let’s start by taking a look at our top five picks, hand-picked by me after doing all the research. Then, I will tell you about the criteria you should evaluate your kids’ dirt bikes by and some great tips for finding the right bike. Let’s start with…
The 5 Best Dirt Bikes for Kids
1. Honda CRF50F
In my eyes, every kid should start here.
There’s no question that Honda has earned a reputation for reliability. Americans trust the name with their cars and their bikes, and any home with young riders should include the Honda CRF50F if you ask me.
This 50cc dirt bike offers the right amount of control and power. Igniting a deep passion in your young rider is guaranteed with this bike. It’s a great way to get their feet wet without too much power.
The four-stroke engine has three gears but no clutch interaction. That allows your kid to focus on one gear while learning how to balance and stop. There’s also a throttle limiter screw so you can control how much gas your young one can grab. Neat!
The best part is, you don’t have to buy a brand new model. Not too much has changed over the years, so feel free to grab one used in your area. With a 5.8-inch ground clearance and 10-inch wheels, there’s plenty of control and maneuverability for younger riders. The Honda CRF50 is kick start only - no electric start available - but other than that it’s perfect.
Just check out this video of a six-year-old riding a Honda 50cc bike.
2. Honda CRF125F
While we are talking about Honda bikes, let’s touch on their 125cc model for a second.
The Honda CRF125F is a newer model the company offers and is quite impressive. This is a good dirt bike for an older kid who is ready for a little more power but still wants a low ground clearance.
Sometimes, kids find themselves overwhelmed with the clutch lever on a dirt bike, but the CRF125 has four gears combined with an efficient powerband so the clutch lever doesn’t cause too many worries. There is also a kick start or electric start button so you can save the kicking and screaming for another time.
The wheels measure 17-inches in the front and 14-inches in the rear. This helps your growing kid keep their feet on the ground. If your child needs something bigger, you can upgrade to the big wheel edition instead. It’s the same bike but comes with a 19-inch front tire and 16-inch rear.
This video shows a quick walk around of a 2016 model so you can see a Honda CRF125 in more detail.
3. Yamaha TT-R50
Another 50cc model that is hot with kids is the Yamaha TT-R50. The low ground clearance allows your young riders to have the full experience on a smaller machine. They can sit confidently with both of their feet down considering it’s only 5.3-inches off the ground.
With the throttle limiting function, parents can limit the amount of gas sent to the engine. This offers some peace of mind against crashing and lets you run next to your kiddo. Once they get comfortable, you can free the reins a little more.
This four-stroke dirt bike has three gears and no clutch. This allows you to spend time teaching your kids balance, braking and throttle control and lets you leave the clutch for later on.
You’ll also find the Yamaha TT-R50 bike just about everywhere. Take a look locally and see what deal you can get off someone who bought their kid something bigger.
The one thing I like about this Yamaha over the Honda is the electric start button. Some people prefer to have kick start for riders that want to race one later, but it doesn’t hurt to learn on electric start.
Make sure you check out this adorable pair on their first dirt bikes. They did an exceptional job!
4. KTM 50 SX
At first glance, you might think this bike is nothing special. Take another look because this little bike is fast. This kid-sized dirt bike is meant to inspire a new generation of racers. If your child wants to be aggressive, then this is a fantastic way to train.
The KTM 50 SX has no gears to mess with. All your kid has to do is go, go, go! The main difference with this bike versus others of its caliber is the seat height. At 27 inches, it’s ideal for taller children. It also features a stiffer suspension plus superior weight distribution.
There is a 12-inch front tire and a 10-inch rear on this bike. It also comes with a limited gas tank capacity and lightweight frame to keep everything easy to manipulate. At just about 100 pounds wet, you’ll be stunned at the power-to-weight ratio on this little firecracker.
Just check out the way this four-year-old handles this dirt bike like a pro.
5. KTM 65 SX
For my final choice as the best dirt bike for kids, it made sense to jump up to the KTM 65 SX two-stroke. The biggest addition here is six gears and a clutch. This helps children go beyond the basics into learning how to be an amazing motocross racer.
If you’re cool with that, anyway.
What many parents find is that their child is beyond a 50cc, but not quite ready for the 125cc yet. The KTM 65 SX is an excellent stepping stone for that interim. The wheels are a step up as well, with a 14-inch tire in the front and 12-inch in the rear.
This bike comes complete with a modern suspension package, transmission and engine that are all geared toward teaching your kid how to handle a powerful two-stroke. It does weigh about 122 pounds wet and is easy to manipulate around a track.
That makes this one of the best dirt bikes for kids who show promise at getting serious about the sport.
Just check out what this kid is capable of on this little beast.
Dirt Bikes for Kids: Buying Hints and Tips
Now that you’ve seen my top picks for the best dirt bikes for kids, let’s take a look at some of the factors you need to think about when buying your first dirt bike for your youth.
Tire sizes
This is a critical factor and one of the components you must take into consideration. Many people will tell you the larger the tire, the smaller the holes are, and they are correct. Bigger tires do help to navigate around obstacles, but they also compromise control when learning to ride.
In a kid’s dirt bike, you actually want to go with smaller tires. Not only do the bigger tires make your kids sit too high off the ground, but they also reduce the center of gravity. A low center of gravity allows your little one to control the bike better with their lighter weight.
It also allows them to put their foot down if they are going to tip off or need to stop.
Throttle limiters
Engine displacement on a bike is measured by cubic centimeters, otherwise written as CCs. The higher this number is, the more power is created by the motor and the higher the speeds are it can achieve.
Having an engine with low CCs on a small kids dirt bike is a great thing for a young rider. Another benefit to this smaller design is that these bikes often come with a safety device called a throttle control. This can restrict the speed the rider can achieve, letting you control how quickly your kid takes off - literally.
Parents use the throttle limiter screw to restrict the amount of power the kid can grab. You’ll find this feature on the handlebars for easy access. Once your child gets good at riding, you can simply remove the screw and give them free rein of the bike. Until they grow out of it, that is!
Wheelies are bound to happen eventually | source
Throttle control
You also need to give some thought to the powerband. This isn’t a physical part, but instead the ratio of power as RPMs rise.
With a two-stroke bike, you are going to have a snappy powerband that pushes abruptly and quickly. A four-stroke dirt bike provides more consistent power as it continues to climb the RPMs.
Most times, a four-stroke bike is the ideal choice if you are looking for an easy to control, efficient dirt bike for your kid. And as they get better at controlling the bike, wheelies will happen. It’s just a fact of life.
Brand reliability
Your child is precious to you, which is exactly why you don’t want to put them on the back of a bike that’s unreliable. Some choose their first bike based solely on power, but that’s not wise. The factory brand should also be a consideration.
Picking one brand and sticking with it helps your child to learn the bikes in that lineup. That’s because if you were to ride every bike, you would see that there are certain handling characteristics unique to Hondas and others to Yamahas, and others still to KTMs, and so forth.
If your child learns on a Honda 50cc, the next logical step is to move up to their bigger model in line. Your child is already familiar with the way a Honda handles and has gotten their riding style down; you are just adding some more power to the mix.
It’s not unusual for a family to become brand loyal after trying out a certain bike. This dedication is warranted and allows you to encourage growth with your children. It also makes your buying decisions a lot easier.
Cost and resale value
How many activities did your parents try to get you involved in as a kid that you hated? Whether it was playing a sport or a musical instrument, we’ve all been there. Your parents ended up mad because they bought a bunch of equipment you never used.
While there’s a small chance your kid won’t like dirt bike riding, I personally think it’s highly unlikely. Most parents don’t want to put out a lot of money to find that out. I get it.
Kids dirt bikes for sale | source
It’s wise to think about how much money you are investing in the sport. Between the bike and riding gear, you could shell out a good deal of cash. Still, you don’t want to sacrifice quality and go with something unreliable.
Don’t buy a brand-new bike
I don’t recommend that you head to the motorcycle shop and purchase a brand new model off the showroom floor. You are going to quickly spend more than you would on many full-size dirt bikes. Instead, check your local Craigslist for used deals.
A new-to-you bike is just as fun as a new one and maintenance won’t really be that big of a concern.
You also want to consider the value you’ll get when you sell it. Chances are, you will eventually want to sell it. Your kid isn’t going to be content riding 50ccs forever. Buying a good brand is a key factor in getting your money back out of it.
How Old Do Kids Need to Be to Ride a Dirt Bike?
We hear this question a lot. The truth is, it’s never too young to introduce your children to dirt bikes. The key is to make it all age-appropriate for them. Each age brings a new level of what they are capable of. Only you know your child and what they can handle. We’ve provided a guide of the natural progression of things, but you must use your own judgment.
Toddlers
The second you mention putting a toddler on a dirt bike, you will start a controversy.
The truth is, with the right precautions and safety measures in place, there’s nothing to worry about. Put your toddler on a 6-volt battery powered dirt bike fitted with some training wheels. This gives them the chance to get a feel for the bike.
By the time that child is three or four years old, they will be riding around like a young professional.
Just check out this two-year-old champ trying out his bike. He deserves that Superman cape.
3 to 6 years old
Kids this young should stick to going 10 mph or less. Going faster than this is the main reason for injuries and accidents. You want your child to slowly progress as they become better riders. You also want a lightweight bike that is easy for them to control.
So unless you’re training a future motocross champion, stick to smaller dirt bikes in this age group.
Another thing to think about is finding a place for this kid to ride. It’s not wise to throw them on a track and let them go to town. Maybe you can have them ride in the backyard for a while or take them to a park or a family friend who has some land.
At this age, it’s mainly about letting them get awareness about their body and the bike. They don’t have the strength yet to handle the full capacity of dirt bike riding. You can keep some training wheels on the bike at this stage to keep the bike upright at all times.
Take a minute to check out this three-year-old. Honestly, we haven’t seen some adult riders this skilled.
7 to 9 years old
Once you get into this age bracket, there’s a good chance that your kids have gotten the basics down. If they haven’t, it won’t take them long. Most kids this age are capable of handling a larger bike. Most of them are going to want the faster, bigger option anyway. Naturally.
You will find that during this age, most kids can’t keep their dreams in check. They will imagine themselves as the next big star jumping mountains. Of course, some really could be. Watch for consistency and core understanding to start showing at this age.
If you are concerned about them getting wildly out of control, then stick to a 50cc bike even at this age. It’s the safest option.
Many parents are also moving to electric bikes, which makes sense. After all, the future will be electric.
Just check out this adorable tutorial by a seven-year-old. It’s done better than most adults would do.
10 to 11 years old
Your kid should be ready to jump their dirt bike by now. This is the age of wanting more and it’s time you give it to them.
Whether it’s a bigger bike or a larger track, it’s time to open up the possibilities for your child on a dirt bike.
Even if your kid is just starting out at this age, don’t hold them back too much. They will learn quickly with just a slight nudge. Not only will they love making noise, but they will find plenty of friends that will want to enjoy the sport with them.
While I wouldn’t put one of my young kids on a 450, this kid does an amazing job, don’t you think?
12 years old and above
This is the time to go big or go home. Your youth deserves the best quality, power and stability you would get yourself, especially if they started riding dirt bikes as a tiny kid.
Many kids at this age get involved in competitions, so don’t skimp. We’ve seen plenty of kids do really well on 250cc bikes and the competition circuit can be extremely rewarding.
Above all, just make sure you consult the boss of the house before you do anything. Otherwise, you could find yourself in hot water when you put your child on the back of a monster. We just don’t want to see you sleeping in the dog house.
Do Kids Need Electric or Gas-Powered Dirt Bikes?
This is the big question these days. Should you look at giving you kid a traditional gas-powered bike or move toward the future and let them on the back of an electric dirt bike? This is a question only you can answer, but we would love to offer some input.
Electric bikes do have rechargeable batteries. This saves you money on fuel and reduces the cost of maintenance. They are also quieter which is nice if you plan to have them ride in your backyard.
Gas bikes, on the other hand, tend to offer more torque and speeds. The bigger the engine is, the faster you can go. It also tends to be more stable. Personally, I think all kids should learn how to ride one of the conventional gas bikes. Then, if you want to get them on an electric bike – go for it.
Important Dirt Bike Safety Features and Accessories for Kids
We briefly touched on some safety features of the kids dirt bikes listed above. If you are mainly concerned about child dirt bike safety, then you want to make that a priority.
Of course, the best way to do this is to control the maximum speed of the bike using a throttle limiter which many youth models have. Many bikes give you the power to set how fast the bike can go. This is also a common offering on electric bikes such as the Monster Moto 250-Watt Electric Mini Bike or the Kuberg Start Electric Trial Bike.
You might also want to look for a model that allows you to adjust the handlebars. This ensures a comfortable hold and gives your child more control. Other safety features to consider include a no-dent polypropylene fender which won’t leave plastic shards when they crash.
Love and affection
Your child’s most important safety feature is you. The best thing you can do is learn to balance your kid’s ambition with their limits. You remember being that age and feeling like anything was possible, and it’s now up to you to be the wiser party to help set guidelines and choose the appropriate bike for your child.
They will most likely feel ready to hop on a much larger bike about three days after they first learn to ride, but you know better.
Training wheels
Before you get your kid on the back of a dirt bike, consider some of the accessories that are available to them. The most obvious one is training wheels. Most likely you didn’t teach them to ride their pedal bike without training wheels, so it’s common sense to consider them for the dirt bike as well.
Dirt bike training wheels provide control and stability while your child learns the basics of riding. They also reduce the likelihood that your child will be involved in a serious tip-over. Not only could these types of crashes lead to injury but it could destroy the confidence your little one needs to keep going.
Automatic transmissions
You might also consider getting a bike with an automatic clutch instead of a manual. This allows your kid to work on the fundamentals of staying upright before adding in complex aspects of riding.
Safety gear
When a kid rides a dirt bike, they need all the common safety gear and apparel. This includes boots, helmet, gloves, goggles and chest protection. All of these items are investments that keep your child safe. You can find lots of combo options online to make the purchasing even easier.
While we told you earlier that buying a used bike is a great way to save money, we can’t offer the same advice with safety gear. You never want to purchase your kid's gear using the hand-me-down approach. Small crashes can impair the quality of equipment and your child’s life isn’t worth the few dollars you will save. A helmet can be structurally ruined from simply dropping it on concrete from hip height.
Still, there are plenty of options out there that are reasonably priced. You can even have your kids do some extra chores around the house to earn it!
Have fun and enjoy life.
When you buy one of the best dirt bikes for kids, you are looking to have fun as a family. Remember the ultimate goal is happiness and let loose a little. You will create memories with them that will last a lifetime - I guarantee it.
About the Author
Brian Jones is an ASE Certified Master Tech that lives outside of Dallas, TX with his wife and children. He has a passion for old muscle cars, big pickup trucks and anything motorsport related. In his spare time, he does a lot of traveling and writing for dealerships across the country through CarBlogWriters.com.