dirt bikes for kids?

1005 Views 9 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Pete, Aug 9, 2000

inanima

Discussion Starter · Aug 7, 2000

What's a good choice for a 7yr-old boy? I've looked at the new Honda CR 70, as well as the rest of the Big Four's small bikes. These are about $1500; everything I've seen used is going for more than that(why?). I want the guy to be able to have fun with it, but not have something that'll be too hard to ride, and on the other hand, not outgrow in 6 months.
Of course, I'll be forced (no, really twist my arm) to buy my own bike to ride with him(he's my girlfriend's son). I'm looking at a dual purpose Honda XR650-used to have a KLR 650, that was a lot of fun, kinda miss it.
Anyway, any advice?

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j.-
"rawlbrughhhlearlaurTIMMY!"

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· #2 · Aug 7, 2000

A cr 70 ?? thats a 2 stroke?? If it is a 2 stroke I would NOT get it for him, put him on a 4 stroke (power is more predictable), when I was 14 I had a cr80, so dont worry about outgrowing it.. I would recommend a 50cc

For you .... The klr is a great bike for the dirt,street and touring but the honda is better in the dirt that the klr

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inanima

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 7, 2000

The Honda, at least, I know is a 4-stroke. Not sure about the other manufacturers. When I was younger, I rode a 125 cc 2-stroke Kawi that was a little vicious; no way I'd get a 2-stroke for him at his age.
I looked at the 50 cc's as well, they just seem so small...I saw a kid about 8 yrs. old sit on one and he dwarfed it.
I love the KLR- I probably won't do extreme dirt riding- so that might be a better choice for me....

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j.-
"rawlbrughhhlearlaurTIMMY!"

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jimmyjr

· #4 · Aug 7, 2000

Take your kid down to the bike shop and let him sit on as many bikes as possible..See which bike is most comfortable for HIM. The bike has to be light enough that he can move it around w/out it being a burden..My little guy is 4 1/2 and has been riding for over a year now.Took the training wheels off about 2 months ago...He's got a Yamaha pw50..I liked that bike because it was shaft drive, and had extra heat shields on everything...He rides the $hit out of that thing...He's only 45 lbs...You don't want to get a bike that's too big, or he'll get intimadated by it...ESPESCIALLY if he wipes out on it!!...GO SLOWLY and you'll be surprised just how well he'll do!!Also don't let him go out w/out ALL the gear...Chest protector/elbow pads/kneepads..I know you know about the helmet deal already..Good luck..Jimmy G.................

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· #5 · Aug 7, 2000

Yup I love the klr too! My friend has one and I want to get one too!

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[email protected]

· #6 · Aug 7, 2000

I asked my 13 year old Son about this one. He had a RT100 Yamaha for his first Dirt Bike. He weighed 65 lbs at the time. He says that would be a good one if the Boy is a heavy kid. But if he's little and light, then he would suggest a TTR90 Yamaha 4 stroke.

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Marty

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· #7 · Aug 8, 2000

Inanima, in hopes of being helpful, you must be talking about the XR70 if it's a four stroke. XR = 4, CR = 2. In shopping for a bike for my 6 year old son, I have found that a lot of the used bike sellers are trying to get close to what they paid, including sales tax, so that may account for the high prices you are seeing.

I already have a ride planned for my son with a friend whose son has a dirtbike. That way, I'll be able to tell if my son enjoys the sport before I plunk down the cash for his bike. You might consider doing the same, if possible.

P.S. Take a look at KTM for some alternatives.

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Pete
"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of
age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that,
deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers."

[This message has been edited by Pete (edited August 07, 2000).]

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· #8 · Aug 8, 2000

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>The only KTM dealer is miles and miles away from me<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

OH are you so wrong!! You are just a click away!! No really just check out the models and if the are appealing then it might be worth while...
http://www.ktmusa.com

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inanima

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 8, 2000

Thanks, ya'll, I appreciate the replies. Pete, you're right, it's the XR series I'm looking at. (it's been a long time since I looked at dirt bikes, my old and feeble mind gets confused easily

)
The only KTM dealer is miles and miles away from me, while the Honda/Suz/Kaw dealer is very close. I've heard good things about KTM bikes, though, so I might take a harder look.
The kid is pretty light, not big at all, I have no problems lifting him up with one arm, not that I'm that massive. I don't want him to get skittish about the bike if it's got too much power right off, so I apppreciatre the input on size and power.

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j.-
"rawlbrughhhlearlaurTIMMY!"

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· #10 · Aug 9, 2000

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by inanima:

The kid is pretty light, not big at all, I have no problems lifting him up with one arm, not that I'm that massive.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sounds like a 50cc candidate to me.

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Pete
"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of
age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that,
deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers."

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