Motocross style dirt bikes for a 10 year old

[johnr]

My boy has been saving his cash for a little over a year now for a dirt bike. He has acquired around the $2,000 mark and was wanting to finally get his dirt bike.
I have little knowledge of these things, as I ride a street bike, and used a mini bike when I was his age.

Any of you guys have some tips for me on the size he should get, my hopes is he gets one he can handle, but will last him a few years before its too small.

I looked at Honda 110's they are in the $2,000 range, but not sure if that is to much or not enough.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ndbwhunter]

If you haven't already, take him to a dealership and see what fits him. Depending on his size, a 125 may be a little big. I would probably start out on something like a YZ 85, but again, see what fits. Since it sounds like he's just starting out, I would lean toward getting something a little smaller to get him started. These bikes are very powerful, and there is nothing worse than being scared of the machine that you're riding.

Also, don't forget about the protective equipment. Helmet, chest protector, gloves, knee/shin guards, and boots. This stuff is not cheap, but don't let him ride without it.

 

[johnr]

Yeah the safety gear is already on the top of mrs johnrs list. He has the helmet already

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I don't want him to out grow it in one or 2 yrs, as there are no little brothers to pass it along to

 

[Obi-Wan]

Used youth dirt bikes hold there value well which makes easy resale. At age 10 he will outgrow anything that fits him now in a year so buy small and upgrade

 

[fnznfwl]

a YZ 85 for a first time 10 year old rider is huge overkill. It will scare most kids and all mothers Avoid a two stroke for the first bike.

but like has been said, get to a dealership and see what fits. For a first time ride I'd suggest something like a Honda CRF 100 or 80F but get in and see what fits.

 

[huntinforfish]

Grew up riding these things. And for a first bike at ten years old, you cannot beat the smaller 4 strokes. They are a lot more forgiving when learning to ride.

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Like said above by some, The two strokes int he 80-85 CC range are no slouches. I still have a hell of a time when I get on one. But IMHO, the power those things put out now would be a lot for a ten year old. He would likely get the hang of the power band eventually, but it could be scary for both you parents and him right away. Best to get the basics down and get comfortable. Try to find a used smaller four stroke and upgrade later. They are easy to buy and sell. You are in for the long haul now by the way. Once he gets started, he will want more speed, more air and more fun...

 

[Ericb]

If he hasn't riden very much I would definitely stay with a smaller bike. Give him something to work for to upgrade. With that said some may have a learners key that may give you the best of both worlds. I've seen this on ATV'so not sure if the have them for dirt bikes.

You might as well start saving now as you'll probably be getting one shortly after!

 

[ndbwhunter]

a YZ 85 for a first time 10 year old rider is huge overkill. It will scare most kids and all mothers Avoid a two stroke for the first bike.

but like has been said, get to a dealership and see what fits. For a first time ride I'd suggest something like a Honda CRF 100 or 80F but get in and see what fits.

My suggestion on the YZ 85 was based on an unknown factor....size and strength. Even the little 2 strokes will throw around some big guys if they don't know how to ride. I used to have a YZ 250 that scared the hell out of me until I figured it out.

 

[Motohunter]

Having ridden motocross for most of my life I would suggest that you avoid the YZ80 for a beginner. A little to much power for someone new. I would stay with Yamaha though and look into the TTR line of bikes. They are air cooled and available with electric start and are also very reliable. Depending on his size I would look into the 125. Honda also has a similar style of bike that comes in a bunch of sizes too.

 

[Kurtr]

Ha ya I thought I was a cool guy jumped in n a buddies 2 stroke dirt bike don't know what size but I had to go home and clean my pants it had scary power

 

[Captain Ahab]

I'd agree with most and look at something in the 125cc 4-stroke range. Seat height is a big deal for a new rider. Make sure he can stand while stopped. Don't get him a racing-style 2 stroke until he thinks he has mastered the first bike.

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Ha ya I thought I was a cool guy jumped in n a buddies 2 stroke dirt bike don't know what size but I had to go home and clean my pants it had scary power

The first time I test drove a Honda CR 250(I owned a 125 CR and 250 4-stroke prior), I hit 3rd gear and the motor cleaned out while my hat flew off and almost went over backwards. I knew I had to buy it right then and there. After I got used to it, I could ride 5th gear wheelies from about 55mph to 75mph. It was an adrenaline pumping good time until I got older, fatter and wiser. Sold it thinking I would get a CR 500 for hill climbing, but never did make the leap.

 

[guywhofishes]

wheelies are really fun until you f up - then they are sad

 

[deleted_account]

um, yea. I am rather fond of keeping my skin on my body

 

[Captain Ahab]

wheelies are really fun until you f up - then they are sad

I had a buddy go over backwards @ 65mph. He slid for a long ways down that dirt road. He got up, dusted himself off and started doing more 5th gear wheelies. He had some holes in his riding pants and bent set of handle bars, but he was like a honey badger.

 

[3Roosters]

Jackass was a neat show that showed some neat bike blunders:;:thumbsup

 

[guywhofishes]

you know it was a good one if you go back to the scene of the wipe-out with your friends later and blackbirds are picking through the gravel for jerky treats

 

[5575]

Been through this year after year, started with 50s. Mines 16 and racing a 250 my how time flies!
Yes get him a 4stroke. Depending on his size he could fit a wide cc class since many have shorter wheel/tire kits.
This might even fit him and its in dickyville on bisman.

 

[svnmag]

I know this is nancy but I would have a hell of a time putting that boy on a bike. Long story short, what Guy said.

 

[guywhofishes]

mini-bikes and motorcycles are some of my fondest memories and it's hard to deny a young man such dangerously good fun

tough choice - to Nancy or live a little....

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skin does grow back - how neat is that?

 

[fnznfwl]

and ftr i'm glad the kid is getting a dirt bike and not an ATV. Too many "nancy" parents think they are being safe by getting their kids an Atv instead of a bike when in reality they are a million times more dangerous.

My best memories outside of hunting fishing as a kid were riding motorcycles with my buddies.