Does anyone know what gear procircuit wore with the helmets that say "metal flake? We'll take it."? It's fifth from the bottom. Always liked those helmets.

I think it all comes down to the cost to physically own a dirtbike. In 2006 I was able to talk my mom into buying me a last year model rm125 for around $3,000. That was a good entry level, full size, bike. That simply doesn't exist anymore.
With that price in mind, many of the smaller bikes were much less expensive, and more reasonably priced too.
My point, I guess, comes down to one simple thing. Parents will be more likely to buy you a dirtbike, if the bike doesn't cost more than what they'll have to pay for their child's first car.
I can buy a pretty new car for less than a dirtbike, just saying.