Help choosing dirt bike

Edited Date/Time 9/30/2021 12:37pm
Hi :-)

My son is 7 years old and not very tall - 125 cm. For his birthday he got a electric dirt bike. It wasn’t very fast (15 km/t) and first it was a lot of fun, but now too slow. :-)

Now his biggest wish is real dirt bike. But what should we choose? Some say PW 50 (but isn’t it too small for him?)

I have looked at a Husqvarna TC 50 and KTM SX 50, but are they too wild for him?

I think he has okay balance, but a real dirt bike will be more heavy and a lot faster, so it will be a a very different experience for him.

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ATXMX
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9/28/2021 8:04am
Get him a 65 2 stroke.
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McG194
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9/28/2021 8:12am
ATXMX wrote:
Get him a 65 2 stroke.
So the answer to a 50cc being too wild is a 65cc 2 stroke? SMDH
Broseph
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9/28/2021 8:22am
A CRF110 should be about right. If he’s not very tall, a CRF50 probably fits better right now, but the 110 would last longer for him as he grows.

9

The Shop

9/28/2021 9:31am
A PW50 will be to small... is he looking to race or just something to ride around on? at age 7 hes probably to big for a ktm 50, so a 65 would probably be the bike to race. however if he is not racing, then the CRF110 makes more sense, he will probably need to grow into it, but he will never out grow it.
9/28/2021 10:13am
A PW50 will be to small... is he looking to race or just something to ride around on? at age 7 hes probably to big for...
A PW50 will be to small... is he looking to race or just something to ride around on? at age 7 hes probably to big for a ktm 50, so a 65 would probably be the bike to race. however if he is not racing, then the CRF110 makes more sense, he will probably need to grow into it, but he will never out grow it.
He wants to race, i’m not at all into dirt bikes, so it’s a new world for me. :-)

But he’s not very big, so i’m really unsure if a 65 will be to big, heavy and too fast for him at the beginning? Is it too big a difference to go from a electric “slow” bike to a 65 cc ktm?
9/28/2021 10:29am
The KTM 65sx is a serious race bike, and at age 7 thats the type of bike that most kids are racing.
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350ss
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9/28/2021 11:25am Edited Date/Time 9/28/2021 11:28am
the way the power comes on with 2 strokes, it can be a bit much for some kids. especially going from electric without the motor noise, vibration, etc.

easier to learn on a 4 stroke where he can learn how to ride a bigger heavier bike, shifting, etc without having to work the throttle and clutch as much. even if he picks things up and doesn't stay on the 4 stroke forever, it seems better than him getting frustrated/scared and wanting to quit imo

there's also the electric ktm sx-e 5 and husqvarna version if you really want the 2 stroke guys to loose their mind here.
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9/28/2021 11:58am
First off, way to go mom, very cool.

If he wants to ride and race MX instead of telling you which bike to buy my suggestion is to a local mx track, watch and talk with parents that have kids racing/practicing. I bet you’ll leave knowing which bike is right for him and maybe even get a line on one.
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Sawfish
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9/28/2021 12:03pm
Find a mid 90’s Honda XR 80.
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DaveB771
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9/28/2021 12:21pm
It might be time for a trip to Germany or Sweden for a look at a KTM SX-E.
jeffro503
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9/28/2021 2:14pm
I'd try to find a used CRF 70 or older XR 80 or something like that. He's only 7 years old , and without proper help in his corner , I don't think a 65cc 2 stroke is the way to start. Just my opinion.
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jeffro503
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9/28/2021 2:17pm
Something like this would be perfect. 2008 CRF70 , and a perfect beginner bike.


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PNWRider
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Stanwood, WA US
9/28/2021 3:06pm
CR500.

Just kidding. Sorry, no one had said it and it’s required in any “what bike?” thread…Laughing

Good advice on the above. I’d second a 70/80/etc four stroke, he can learn basic stuff with a very forgiving power delivery.
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kijen
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Jacksonville, FL US
9/28/2021 3:50pm
Agree with the 110 or older smaller 4 strokes, for getting into riding the maintenace and up keep will be a lot easier so he can ride more and have fun learning. Would think a 65 race bike will end up ruining the familys dirt bike experience. Saying that with out knowing their situation in regards to maintenence etc...
9/28/2021 4:21pm Edited Date/Time 9/28/2021 4:22pm
First off, way to go mom, very cool. If he wants to ride and race MX instead of telling you which bike to buy my suggestion...
First off, way to go mom, very cool.

If he wants to ride and race MX instead of telling you which bike to buy my suggestion is to a local mx track, watch and talk with parents that have kids racing/practicing. I bet you’ll leave knowing which bike is right for him and maybe even get a line on one.
Lots of good suggestions but I like this. Walk around the pits and talk to parents and kids and watch races of kids his age/size and of course the A/expert or whatever they call it.
crusher773
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Coweta, OK US
9/28/2021 5:05pm
110 and if he really gets into it then a 65 later. you'll end up needing a pitbike anyway
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Spudnut
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9/28/2021 7:29pm
Cr500
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Broseph
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9/28/2021 10:17pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Something like this would be perfect. 2008 CRF70 , and a perfect beginner bike. [img]https://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/jpg/200710/2008-honda-crf70f-4.jpg[/img]
Something like this would be perfect. 2008 CRF70 , and a perfect beginner bike.


If I’m not mistaken, the CRF110 is basically the new CRF70. Same physical size, right?
flarider
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9/29/2021 3:55am
Where do you live?
What shops are nearby, that is convenient and nice to you? You're going to need them, so that is a consideration in your buying process.

You are new, so you're going to need guidance and you can't always trust the brain surgeons here.



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Richy
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9/29/2021 5:02am Edited Date/Time 9/29/2021 5:09am
7 can be a little tricky if they haven't grown up going through the 'usual' moto kid route, unless they're super small.

Probably the best thing you could do is go to your local track, ask a few families who seem like they've been around a while, or even some track staff / owners are super helpful.

Plus the kid can check it out and see what he thinks of the place while you're there.

Swinging by your local shop as said above is a smart move too, even if it is just to have a look and ask some questions for the moment, just be cautious that some salesmen at mixed-use bike shops like we see in Europe know very little about motocross, so be picky with where you go and who you listen to.

If something really doesn't sound right, trust your instinct and ask around.

What seems quite common in the UK, so maybe there too, is try-out days where a former racer or coach has a fleet of 50 / 65 / 85 bikes and you pay for a half day or day of teaching including bike and clothing.
TeamGreen
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9/29/2021 4:10pm Edited Date/Time 9/29/2021 4:20pm
Hmmmm…
We’re talking about a small boy that’s new to riding. Has a little bit of seat time on a little electric scooter & now he wants the real deal. Also, he wants to race? Nice! He’s in home country of a certain bad-ass world champion…so…who knows, the next Herlings?
Then there’s his size:

KTM, Husky & GasGas all have EE5s: Electric “50s”
That wound be a great stepping stone and you can regulate the power.
spimx
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Port Isabel, TX US
9/30/2021 12:37pm
110 will last much longer and you can resell it for the same price or better if he decides to race a 65

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