Dirt Bike Recommendations

I grew up riding dirt bikes, but have been out of the scene for a while. Now my little dude (5 y/o) is expressing interest in getting into it. I made the deal with him that when he got proficient with his bicycle, we'd start looking at dirt bikes. Well that fart didn't take long before he was popping wheelies and asking me to build him ramps! (He'll be 5 in Dec.) So now I'm on the hunt. And, of course, I'll be needing to get on one again too... Can't teach him how to ride without my own set of wheels!

I know I want to get him a 50cc, and I'd really like for it to be a 4 stroke. Preferably a 3 speed with a centripetal clutch. For myself, I'd like a 250 - 450 four stroke. I was a Kawasaki guy in the past, but I don't really care a whole lot now... though I think KTMs seem pretty kick ass, but have heard maintenance/parts are more expensive for them.

What do y'all think? What's the best bang-for-your-buck? I'm looking for bikes maybe 5-10 years old. Something solid and reliable to get me back into things and him comfortable. Looking in the $1,200 - $1,500 price range for the 50 and maybe $3k for mine...


And GO!

 

Honda xr or crf 50, same model and parts, just changed branding in 2003. Three speed no clutch, my 5 year doesn't know how to shift so 1st gear is the speed limiter. 4 stroke, they are bulletproof. I have a '12 KTM 300 XCW and it is a three stroke basically, all the tractor/stump pulling 1st gear and low power of a four, with six gears and big a$$ two stroke motor that I don't even need 5th or 6th gear for. I chug along with him on his 50 without issue and no bogging. Two Stroke maintenance is easy. However, KTM is quality and you get what you pay for bottom line.

 

Found a 2015 Yamaha TT-R50E for $1500. Seems like a pretty good deal. I'll try to check out the xr/crf 50 as well. Thanks for the info.

I just need to find a reputable place to purchase. I've been burned on CL a few times, so trying to steer clear of that...

 

Really thought I'd get some input. There's got to be more dirt bike enthusiasts out there...

 

Honestly the PW50 is the best starter bike, imo. Great bike for kids who are just looking to casually ride but is equally effective for a young first time racer, until he steps up to a more serious bike.

 

PW50 = just twist throttle and go, right? No shifting at all...

 

Correct. The bike is about as easy-maintenance as it gets. Twist and go, no shifting. No chain maintenance with the shaft drive. It is a 2stroke, but it has oil injection, so no premix required. Also, the throttle can be adjusted with a blocker for extreme beginners. Also, been around forever and is very cheap to fix. It was my first bike and it is a bike I always recommend to friends, for their kids. The Honda XR/CRF 50 is a great option too. 4stroke and run forever. I just think the PW is a bit more versatile and can be more tailored to the kid's skill level.

 

Either way you can't go wrong. The Honda has the same throttle limiter, but even fully restricted it doesn't stop the bike from continual reving and will continue to accelerate if held open. The PW50 is faster top end than the Honda I believe, but neither is cobra or ktm.

 

Ya the PW is faster only top end I think. Still is very mellow but you don't see kids at the track on CRF50's but PWs are stack on the entry-level classes. So with the limiter, you can tone them down for an extreme beginner but it also, when adjusted to be able to run wide-open, is plenty fast for kids as they get better, especially if they become interested in racing. Then at that point, you can let them gain experience and if they become pretty good riders, you can transition them into a pure performance 50 / 65. If the kids, outgrow the pw physically but don't want to get a racing bike, then from there you can look into larger trail bike options.

 

Since your kid will be growing into a bigger bike every 1-2 years I would put him on a Honda, they seem to have the best resale value in the trail/offroad segment. And for yourself, what was the last bike you've rode?

 

all are great beginner bikes. pw50 seems to hold their value pretty well. if you are looking to get a new one keep that in mind. the ttr50 will be heavier and a lil bit taller than the pw. I believe the ttr has electric start as well. I would say keep an eye out on your local craigslist and find a clean bike that doesn't break the bank. Remember he will out grow it really quick so no point in losing money on a new bike.

 

I own a 2014 TTR 50 that I picked up off Craigslist for $500. Yes, I stole it and my daughter isn't even two yet. The suspesnsion is strong enough to hold my 175lbs and her sitting in front of me. 3 gears, no clutch. Spoked wheels are nice to have on a dirt bike as opposed to the PW50. She will get training wheels on it probably when she's 3. Yamaha fan here.

 

Did a bunch or research and comparing the PW50 to the TTR. I think the TTR is the way to go for me (or the Honda). As far as the TTR vs Honda... I think it's pretty much a preference thing. Both seem solid and to have good resale.

Last bike I had has a '98 (I think) Suzuki RM 125. Not familiar with the 4 stroke game, but think that's going to be the best fit for my current needs. Leaning pretty hard towards a 250f (brand TBD).

 

If you buy a used 250F, try to get a very low-hour or well-documented / maintained one. 250F is a bike that requires maintenance. Race 4strokes can be an expensive fix and they aren't like the old 4strokes where you occasionally change the oil and they last forever. 450s aren't as bad, because they don't rev much and the valves stay in check a lot longer. There are still some good 2-strokes on the market from KTM / Husq and Yamaha. What kind of riding are you going to be doing?

 

+1.

If you do plan on buying a used 4 stroke, do yourself a favor and check the valve clearance (and adjust if needed) before you plan on doing any riding. I've recently got back into moto after a 13 yr break the last bike I owned was a 1998 yz250. This spring I got the bug after riding my buddy's kx250 2 stoke on a camping trip in Northern Michigan's national forest. The following Monday I went out and bought a brand new RMZ450. In all honesty, I should of gotten a 250F 4 stroke after a few trips to the local MX track. Sure its fun having 50HP on tap anywhere in the RPM range, but I find myself holding back because the bike has more power than I'll ever be able to use safely.

 

I bought an xr50 for myself brand new in 2003. I'm 6'2 200lb. I put on bar risers, extended fork legs, and heavy duty shocks, otherwise it's all stock. The nice part of an xr/crf is that you can build them to grow with the kid if you want, you're not forced to sell it every year or two. The pw is a great bike, but there is limited aftermarket support for that model. If you aren't going to race, something like an xr 250/400 would be better I would think than an mx bike. Not as high strung, cheaper to fix if it breaks, and better at put putting with the kid.

 

i bought my daughter a lil beat up 89 Suzuki JR 50. picked it up for $75 with a helmet. right now it sits in the corner of the garage until she hopefully will see the light and decides she want to ride...haha

 

I was just thinking I wanted a 4 stroke so I could put around a bit while my son is getting the hang of things. Wanted a bit more low end and be able to ride without keeping it wrapped tight. My experience with 2 strokes is that if you try to put around on them, you end up fowling plugs. I originally wanted to go the 450 route (b/c 'murica), but have heard that it can be "too much" and chances are it won't get used to it's full potential.

I don't really know what kind of riding I'll be doing. My son will dictate that. If he get's into it, and wants to start hitting some tracks and get into racing, then I imagine I'll be in that scene. If he just enjoys riding and such, then we might be doing more trail riding. But knowing him, he'll want to compete. Regardless, I don't think my old ass is going to be racing anymore. I just want something versatile and to have some fun with.

 

Exactly what I was thinking as well.

 

Right. Totally cool. A 250F is a great bike, very rider friendly and versatile. So nothing wrong with getting one, just be selective when you buy. Out of the 4 major full-size bikes (125 & 250 stroke and 250 & 450 4stroke), they are the costliest to maintain. So if you get a fresh (or well maintained one) then you are saving yourself some cash / headache. You can still roll with a regular MX-based 250F and it will be good for playing in woods / fields with your kids. Then you can still go to a track if the kids decide. But there are also options like the YZF250FX, CRF250X, KTM250XCF etc that are better equipped for pure trails.