Completely off topic - dirt bikes

[Dark Angel]

Can anyone learn me about dirt bikes? We are thinking about getting my 6yo son one for Christmas, and know absolutely nothing about them. From what I have read, I am thinking a 50cc bike will be best for him. (He is about 4 ft tall, and weighs about 50 pounds.) We would definately be getting him a helmet and knee/elbow pads. Does he really need boots/chest protector/leathers for just riding around in an open field while we keep an eye on him? What type of bike would you recommend for him? What other pertinent info can you tell me, or what sort of questions should we ask when looking at bikes. (Most likely, we will be looking for a used bike - it's more in our price range than a new one.)

[elawler14]

The boots and chest protector are a definite. Riding around even on your land you can hit a rock or something or that nature. A 50cc sounds good for him at this stage in the game. Yamaha and Kawasaki are both good bikes. It more comes down to what is in your price range. Make sure to look over the bike like you were buying a car. Look at the tires. The motor. the shell. How clean is it. How much did they ride it. have it ever been crashed.

Hope this helps.

[Medic_QT]

CRF50 by Honda is what I'd suggest. He will probably grow out of it within the year, so don't buy new. If you do decide to do a CRF70 instead, they're still auto-clutched, so that's a big plus. They're not too powerful to learn on, but can get away from you if you start to go backwards and grab a handful of throttle. Honestly, I can still have fun on a 70, and I even do little jumps on them.


It is all up to you what type of protective gear you would like to get. They have jerseys and pants, boots, helmets, goggles, chest protectors, etc that would fit him. I think he'd be fine with sturdy shoes, jeans, a long sleeve shirt, a helmet and goggles, gloves and knee/shin guards. That's what I learned to ride dirt in and I'm still here. www.ironpony.com is a great site for closeouts. I live not too far from there, and I have more than a week's worth of free t-shirts from buying so much crap. I got most of my dirt and street gear from the closeouts.

[Dark Angel]

Thanks for the info guys! I am thinking we are going to have to take a good look at the Honda. I have had multiple people recommend it for a first bike.

[cwl3gemt]

I agree with going with Honda. The other thing I will mention is it having electric start along with a kickstart. if its only kickstart, there may be a good chance he may not be able to get it started by himself, which leads to the cries of mom (dad, closest adult, ect) help me!

gear wise, i agree with QT, its up to you. leather may be a little overkill (and pricy sometimes) so ballistic nylon may be better. A good pair of boots, they dont necessarly have to be actual dirt biking boots, good thick jeans, the knee/shin and elbow guards, and a helmet with goggles or a full face helmet. either one if its muddy the goggles or sheild will have to be cleaned, so once again its up to you. Also, make dang sure the helmet fits him right!!

[Medic_QT]

I agree with going with Honda. The other thing I will mention is it having electric start along with a kickstart. if its only kickstart, there may be a good chance he may not be able to get it started by himself, which leads to the cries of mom (dad, closest adult, ect) help me!

This is very true.. I had no issues kickstarting the CRF70, or my RM80 2-stroke, but my CRF150 is a b*tch to kickstart. I still to this day need help with it if it is cold. On the flipside, my ex's little sisters got the hang of kickstarting pretty quickly, and the 70's weren't too bad for them.