Bike for 9 year old son (first bike)

[Ncognito]

Anyone with some input for a beginner's "real" dirtbike. Something that can be raised/lowered as he grows and something with at least decent suspension. He is a complete beginner, he has a 49cc "motorcycle", a cheap ninja look-alike that is suited for his size now. I want him to get very used to riding on that but it wont be long before he gets bored with it. I want him to get used to throttle control/braking on the small bike before he moves to something that is so fast. So he has some experience as far as riding something motorized, but it will be his first dirtbike. I was at the honda shop today and seen some CRF50's and 80's. But I would really like something 2-stroke as I ride a 2-stroke and it would make maintenance easier and fill-ups easier. But if there is a great 4-stroke small bike, by all means suggest it. He is about 53 inches tall and about 55 pounds. What bikes should I keep a lookout for ?

[pragmatic393]

Sounds like he's comfy on the Japanese-Bullet bike. Now its going to be a bit of a jump and it'll take some close attention on your part and his learning will be longer, but it sounds like you and he are ready for a 65. The three most common choices are the KTM, KX/RM (KX~Kawasaki &RM~Suzuki are basically the same bike).

He's a lil small for the 65, so look for some lowering-links to build his confidence. My son started @ 8 and he's still riding his now @ 11~But whining for an 85.

Mxmama started a good thread on lowering~lowering a bike

[ossagp1]

KX 60's are still out their in numbers and they sell pretty reasonably. They do not have the suspension or the brakes that a kx65 does, but they are shorter. See which of those he fits on the easiest. Most of my recent experience has come from watching my friend's grandchildren learn to ride. He has 3 pw 50's, a pw 80, a yamaha 110, and a kx60. Recently his two granddaughters graduated off the smaller bikes and onto the 110 and the 60. they are 9 and 11. The 60 is pretty user friendly in stock form. Niether of the two girls was as tall as your son when they began riding the kx 60 on grandpa's home track and flat land.

The pw80 is a nice two stroke if you want it ridden in your own yard and want something quiet, but I think at 9 the kx60 would fit him today.

[brapp]

I started on a Suzuki DS-80. Which is a shorter, more off road type bike. It still had the same controls, 5 sp. clutch and such, as any other motorcycle. At the time (I was 8 yrs old), I couldn't reach the ground on a RM-80, more motocross designed with bigger suspension. I out grew the DS in a year or two and desperatley needed a bigger bike.

I would suggest you have him sit on a few different models. Make sure he can start the bike on his own, and go from there. I wouldn't go and spend alot of money on his next 2 bikes though, because he will grow out of them rather quickly at his age. You could also look into models that have an option for a lower seat. Then just replace the seat when he gets taller.

Let us know what you decided on.

[ossagp1]

A ds 80 is a good choice,,my son's first one came from a yard sale with a kx 80 as well. the ds got fixed, ridden,,sold. an easy learner, that i just dont see many of.

[mxmama393]

Well this is my 2 cents and probably inst even worth that much.

Is the maintain ability that much better on two strokes for bikes that size?

I personally decided against a 2 stroke for my son until he can fit on a KX65, because it was more maintenance.

I know your son is 9, But I think a KLX110 is a perfect beginner bike. Its a 4 stroke, but its a really good bike.

Where would he be riding the most? Track or trail? Around the house? Does he need racing suspension?

The 65 is a 2 stoke, and has a clutch. If he is newer to riding that something to keep in mind. The KLX110 has no clutch. But it is also a heavier bike.

Just some things to think about. Or cause confusion.

[Ncognito]

Thanks for all the input, I knew there was quite a few of you that had small ones on dirtbikes. He will be riding behind the house mostly, and at a few offroad parks after he gets very comfy on it. It will be up to him to want to try the track, I won't nudge him there unless he starts asking. We went today and sized him up. I looked at the KTM bikes... They got a nice price on them and I think its quite a bit of overkill for now, however they had a PW80 that was oil injected and had a clutchless shifting trans. He fit on it really well, and it seems they are a commom bike. After looking today, it really doesn't seem like more or less maintenance on either the 2 or 4 and they seem fairly close as far as room to work also.

[brapp]

Originally Posted by mxmama

The 65 is a 2 stoke, and has a clutch. If he is newer to riding that something to keep in mind. The KLX110 has no clutch. But it is also a heavier bike.

All good points, but learning to ride with a clutch is the biggest hurdle a new rider can accomplish.

My DS-80 had a clutch. Parents: "Here's the bike you wanted, now go have fun." I learned on my own how to shift. It took about 2-3 weeks before I could even get out of 1st. And another couple of weeks to learn how to use the clutch and brakes together. It's like breathing to me now. I cant even ride a bicycle without having to think about what lever does what.

[mxmama393]

More Good points!!

[ossagp1]

The PW80 would be my first choice if you are going to have him riding it around the house. You won't find an engine of any sort that is less trouble free either. One child will not be enough to wear it out. He will likely outgrow it fairly fast, but they sell easily, so if you buy it right, you won't lose much if anything. The one I am familiar with is over 10 years old now, and I think it is on it's 3rd spark plug.

A used KX 60 here goes for 700-800 in rideable condition. A kx65 about 1200. So when it comes time to move up there is a pretty good alternative to the 3500 new ones. Of course, you will be here asking how to do 100-400 dollar overhauls. Then he can see how to rebuild one;-).

[pragmatic393]

Originally Posted by ossagp1

The PW80 would be my first choice if you are going to have him riding it around the house. You won't find an engine of any sort that is less trouble free either. One child will not be enough to wear it out. He will likely outgrow it fairly fast, but they sell easily, so if you buy it right, you won't lose much if anything. The one I am familiar with is over 10 years old now, and I think it is on it's 3rd spark plug.

A used KX 60 here goes for 700-800 in rideable condition. A kx65 about 1200. So when it comes time to move up there is a pretty good alternative to the 3500 new ones. Of course, you will be here asking how to do 100-400 dollar overhauls. Then he can see how to rebuild one;-).

Excellent advice Ossa!

[Ncognito]

I think the PW80 is what I'm leaning towards, he will still have to shift and not have the hassle of a clutch for the time being. I think if he learns how to shift first and then goes to a bike with a clutch next it wont be such a steep learning curve to learn the clutch after he already knows hot to ride well. I seen Motoman had a KTM 50 in the classifieds for a good price. Do you all think that it is too small for him already ? The PW80 is quite a good bit bigger, I was looking at them side by side at the shop we was at yesterday. Also, it looks like Yamaha d/ced the PW80 for 07. It is not on their website, but they list the 06 for 1300. That is a fair price if they are as tough as I keep hearing. Again, I appreciate all the input. I'll be sure to post some pics when we find "the" bike.

[char393]

Did you have him sit on the PW80? I could be wrong, but I think at this point, even if the bike is a bit too small for him, it won't be a bad thing. I would think, if anything, it would give him a little extra confidence as he gets used to the bike.

I'm with Ossa, I think the PW80 is a great starting point. As with most mini's, they hold their value really well.

FWIW, we started our daughter on a ttr90 and she's just moved up to a kx65. She's 10 years old and the bike seems to fit her well. She picked up the clutch very easily. Good luck with your bike search, it's so cool when you find "the" bike.

[cr250scott]

Everyone's putting in their 2 cents, so I thought I'd join them.. My son is turning 12 soon and I started him on an Crf80 which was a bit big for him at 8 but he grew into it quick. The real choice for your son should be determined on what type of riding he is going to do. If he going to ride on a track and he wants to jump, stay away from all the 4 strokes. They have no suspension and are not good for jumping at all. Yes, the 2-strokes are more maintenance, but are made for the track and jumping. I say if he just wants to play and ride on trails, go for a four stroke. If he wants to jump and ride the track, go for a 2-stroke.

[cr250scott]

One more thing, I just moved my son from a crf80 to a yz85 and he improved in the whoops, jumps and all around riding extremely quick. The only problem starting a kid on a 2-stroke at 8 is that it can be intimidating and the power is harder to control for a beginner. My son is far from a beginner and starting on a 4-stroke was the right decision for me so he wasn't scared to death the first time he rode. My friend started his son at 9 on a kx65 and the kid popped the clutch on time with too much throttle and the kid crashed and was spooked from getting back on a bike for a long time.. Just my 2-cents...base the bike on how your kid is..

[ossagp1]

Incog,
dont worry about the hard to ride syndrome of two strokes when you are considering the ds 80 or pw80.

[911_Racing_Dad]

I have an incredible KLX 110 that we will be selling. It has bigger bars and mod suspension so it can handle the jumps when he is ready. It is easy to ride and I have video proof of my son passing big bikes on it and lauching huge doubles so it can handle anything a 65 can and does not have a clutch or the snap that would scare a beginner. I started Nat at 11 on a TTR and it lasted less than 6 months because the suspension could not handle the jumping! If I had to do it again I would use a mod 110 because it brings him into the sport safely and then becomes a great pitbike when he moves up. We are in Ohio so drop me a note and we can get him riding!

I know this sounds like a shameless sales pitch but ask around ... that's not my style.

[char393]

I don't know 911Dad personally, but I do know him from this board and I know that he wouldn't throw you a line like that just to sell a bike. Definitely give him a shout.

[Ncognito]

Originally Posted by char393

Did you have him sit on the PW80?

Yay, he sat on it and it fit him like I think a bike should fit. He can flat foot on one side leaning the bike and touch both feet fairly comfortably on his toes. Enough to hold the bike steady and look comfortable. He said he felt fine on it and he didn't feel it was too big. That's how my CR fits me anyway.


911_Racing_Dad, I will pm you and maybe we can get something going. He's chomping at the bit to get a "real" bike.

Again, I appreciate everyone's input greatly. Mom is a little protective over the boy, and is cringing at the thought of him getting hurt. I know it's not a matter of if he'll get hurt, just a matter of when. It is a dangerous sport/hobby and has its ups and downs. I've sat him down and talked to him about what can happen as far as injuries, etc. Not trying to scare him, but I want him to be aware of the risks. Did any of you have this "talk" with your children ?

[ken_atm]

Originally Posted by Ncognito

Yay, he sat on it and it fit him like I think a bike should fit. He can flat foot on one side leaning the bike and touch both feet fairly comfortably on his toes. Enough to hold the bike steady and look comfortable. He said he felt fine on it and he didn't feel it was too big. That's how my CR fits me anyway.


911_Racing_Dad, I will pm you and maybe we can get something going. He's chomping at the bit to get a "real" bike.

Again, I appreciate everyone's input greatly. Mom is a little protective over the boy, and is cringing at the thought of him getting hurt. I know it's not a matter of if he'll get hurt, just a matter of when. It is a dangerous sport/hobby and has its ups and downs. I've sat him down and talked to him about what can happen as far as injuries, etc. Not trying to scare him, but I want him to be aware of the risks. Did any of you have this "talk" with your children ?

Just wanted to chime in and say what a lucky kid getting a bike so young

I never got "the talk". I got the "your mom said no...so, I guess no" from my dad and didn't get a bike till I was 21.
The nice thing about kids is they are tough as can be and low to the ground lol
Good luck in your search.