Dirt Bikes for Kids – the Ultimate Picks (by Age-2022)

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Best Dirt Bikes for Your Kid – Considerations

Choosing the right machine is the first step in getting your child started in the very exciting world of dirt bike riding. I know that with so many choices of dirt bikes to pick, it can be an intimidating task..

I’ve been a moto mom for several years now racing with my boys, Seven and Steele. It is such an amazing adventure to get your child involved in! Keep reading! We’ll go through some of the steps in making your decision easier as well as some tips I’ve learned along the way.

Getting a Head Start – Pre Dirt Bikes

There are several ways to give your child a head start on dirt bike riding. I’m going to go over a few products we’ve used personally. I do want to emphasize that most of the moto families we’ve met have also used these products with much success.

Balance Bikes(aka Strider Bikes)

Dirt Bikes for Kids – Click picture for more info

If you’re planning on getting your kid into riding dirt bikes, it is a huge benefit to start them young on a Strider bike or other balance bike.

Kids can start riding a balance bike at a very very young age. Both of my kids were around a year old when they got their first Strider.

The ability of kids to gain their balance through these bikes is phenomenal. My youngest never had training wheels on anything. I contribute this to learning his balance on the Strider.

Stacyc / Oset

These bikes are basically like balance bikes but with an electric motor. They incorporate a twist throttle to get them used to the feel of controlling the speed.

Electric balance bikes can be used by very young riders. The smallest Stacyc (12eDRIVE) is intended for 3-5 year olds per the manufacturer.

It should also be noted that many tracks have added Stacyc races into their schedule.

Honorable Mention – RAZOR Dirt Rocket

Dirt Bikes for Kids – Click picture for more info

Our honorable mention is the Razor Dirt Rocket. This is a “toy” both of my kids had when they were really young (like 2 years old). I feel like it is a nice alternative if you don’t have the funds to spend on a Stacyc or Oset.

Honestly this bike really held up well even though it was very much abused. The box says that they are for ages 14+ but my kids rode them at 2 years old so… They even have a super cool SX500 Jeremy McGrath edition!!

Dirt Bikes for Kids – Click picture for more info

Dirt Bikes & Training Wheels

Dirt Bikes for Kids – Click picture for more info

Training wheels are a personal choice. A lot of training wheel products are universal. This means they fit most small bikes and are not brand specific.

Do you plan on racing?

Let’s be honest. Once your kid gets comfortable at the track, he or she will more than likely want to try racing. This will be a big consideration when it comes to bike choice. I’ve known several people that bought the wrong bike for racing and ended up having to buy something else before their kid could race (we are those people lol)

If you plan on going to races sanctioned by the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) and most other venues, you will be required to race a certain bike. This will be based on bike size and the age of your child. You will also usually be required to purchase an AMA card or other membership.

Racing Classes by Age & Dirt Bike

When you are starting your son or daughter out young, there are several different classes you can participate in. The information below represents the typical youth classes at Motocross races. Please note that GNCC or hare scramble races might have a different variety of classes but the basic premise is the same.

NEED TO KNOW: The rider’s age on January 1st will determine their age for the entire year. For example, if your rider turns 5 years old on February 14th, he or she would race as a 4 year old the entire year.

NEED TO KNOW: If you race in a higher age group, you cannot go back to the lower age group. For example, if your son is 6 years old on January 1st and you sign him up in the 50cc 7-8 class, you will be racing in that age class for the entire year. You will not be allowed to go back to the 50cc 4-6 classes.

Ages 4-6 Dirt Bike List:

If your child is between the ages of 4 and 6 years old (as of January 1st), you will have several different class/bike options. Although all of the bike choices will be 50cc bikes, there are actually several stages in the 50cc world to pick from. The information provided will assist you in determining what stage and dirt bike you should select.

NEED TO KNOW: See the section on Getting Started Early. There are several pre-dirt bike options to get your kiddo prepared for riding.

51cc Shaft Drive Limited: This is basically the beginner class when racing or riding 50cc dirt bikes. When you go to the track you will see that this is the class with the smallest bikes.

If your child is small or very new to riding on 2 wheels, this is a great option. Let’s talk about what dirt bike to buy when you want to race the 50cc Shaft Drive Limited class.

Yamaha PW50 ($1,699 MSRP)

The Yamaha PW50 is the least intimidating of all the 50cc choices. It’s built with an adjustable throttle stop screw to gradually increase speed as your child progresses.

This bike is also oil injected which means that you don’t have to mix oil with your gas. Something interesting to note is that the rear brake is located on the handlebars instead of a foot pedal.

PW50 Classes: PW50s can race in pretty much all of the 50cc classes; however, your child will probably grow out of it or want a bike that’s more competitive in the other classes before he/she ages out of the 50s.

NEED TO KNOW: Most 50cc classes in motocross are considered “Limited” classes. This means that the bike should be totally stock with the exception of certain allowable items. Some tracks do offer modified classes but you would have to refer to their rules. The chart below shows what parts are allowed to be modified and what has to remain stock per the AMA.

51cc Special Limited: This class is intended for the next stage of 50cc racers. Sometimes the age group will be 4-6 years old …other times it will be 4-8 so make sure you look at that.

To race in the Special Limited class, your bike must be one of the following:

• Yamaha PW50
• Cobra P3
• KTM 50 SX Mini or KTM Mini Adventure
• TC 50 Mini
• 50cc Trail bikes – Honda CRF50, Suzuki JR50, Kawasaki KDX50, Yamaha TTR50

NEED TO KNOW: Sometimes a track will have a 50cc Oil Injected class instead of the Special Limited class. Make sure you check your track rules because some of the bikes listed above are NOT oil injected.

Yamaha PW50 ($1,699 MSRP)

The PW50 is qualified to race in the Special Limited class. However, if your child has become a little faster and more competitive, this might not be your bike of choice.

Cobra P3 ($4,049 MSRP)

The Cobra P3 is manufactured by Cobra Moto out of Hillsdale, Michigan. One of the great things about Cobra dirt bikes is that they’re made in the USA.

Cobras are race-ready mini motocross bikes and the P3 is no exception. At any motocross race you will see Cobras in the front of the pack.

The seat height is a good bit taller than the PW50 at 21.9 inches.

Husqvarna TC50 Mini & KTM 50 SX Mini ($3,949 MSRP)

The Husqvarna TC50 Mini and KTM 50 SX Mini are also great bikes to compete in the Special Limited class. Seat heights are the same as the Cobra P3 at 21.9 inches.

In 2013, Husqvarna was purchased by KTM AG so these bikes are very similar. Something to note is that these mini dirt bikes kick forward when starting. People have varying opinions on this.

50cc Trail Dirt Bike

This category consists of the four-stroke dirt bike models. Trail bikes are undeniably reliable but don’t have the suspension needed for competitive motocross racing in the 50cc classes.

Many times the trail bikes are used as “pit” bikes versus race bikes. The 50cc Trail bike category includes the following bikes:

• Honda CRF50
• Suzuki JR50 – last produced in 2006
• Kawasaki KDX50 – last produced in 2006
• Yamaha TTR50E

Please note that some tracks will have a separate class for the trail bikes or a pit bike class but I wouldn’t consider it the norm.

51cc Jr Limited: The 51cc Jr Limited class is for all 50cc mini bikes previously listed plus the Cobra CX 50 JR. This is arguably the most competitive of the 50cc mini classes.

The dirt bikes allowed in the 51cc Jr Limited are:

• Yamaha PW50
• Cobra P3
• KTM SX 50 Mini
• Husqvarna TC 50 Mini
• Trail Bikes
• Cobra CX50 Jr

Cobra CX50 Jr ($4,499 MSRP)

The Cobra CX50 Jr is another race-ready mini motocross bike by the Cobra Moto company. This dirt bike is similar to the P3 but has a taller seat height of 23.9 inches and various performance modifications. You’ll see this bike at the front of the pack in the 50cc 4-6 class.

Mini-E Jr: Mini-E classes are new in the world of dirt bike racing. It is arguably the future of the sport.

In the Mini-E classes, you are required to race an electric dirt bike. If you choose to go this route, the e-bikes are an extremely smooth and quiet alternative to the gas powered bikes.

Not only can you adjust the power settings on the mini-e dirt bikes but you can also adjust the seat height. Bikes that currently qualify to race in this class include:

• KTM SX-E 5
• Husqvarna EE5
• GASGAS MC-E 5

One other thing I should probably mention, is that the e-bikes are by far the most expensive of the 4-6 class bikes. The MSRP on the KTX SX-E 5 is $5,199.

50cc Open: This is an additional class that your track might offer. In the 50cc Open class, you can ride any 50cc dirt bike. Keep in mind the class covers ages 4 through 8.

Ages 7-8 Dirt Bike List:

If your child is between the ages of 7 and 8 (as of January 1st), you have a couple of different options. You can either go with the 50cc dirt bike or opt for the 65cc.

There are a couple of things to consider here. If you choose the 65cc dirt bike, you will have to teach your child how to use the clutch. That’s the biggest step between the 50s and the 65s.

Another thing to mention is that the Jr dirt bikes raced in the 4-6 class will not be nearly as competitive in the 7-8 classes.

50cc Sr Limited: This class is for children between the ages of 7 and 8. You will want to purchase a “Sr” bike such as the ones listed below.

The choice between which Sr bike to purchase basically boils down to personal preference. Although it should be noted that the Cobras are at the top of the box in most 50cc classes.

NEED TO KNOW: KTM gives an opportunity to several lucky kids each year to race the KTM JR Challenge at the supercross events. You must sign up to be considered and there are rules that apply but it’s something really fun for the kids. Note that as of 2021 the KTM SX-E 5 (electric bike) will be the bike raced at these events and your child must be either 7 or 8 years old at the time of the event.

The bikes that typically compete in this class include:

Cobra CX50SRX FWE ($5,599 MSRP) or KING ($4,699 MSRP)

Cobra Moto has two bikes that can race in the 50cc Sr classes. Labeled the “FWE” model, this bike is basically their race version of the Sr bike. The KING model doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but the price is significantly less.

Seat height on the Cobra Sr bikes is 26.8 inches. It’s also mentionable that Cobra came out with an all new bike in 2021. You will definitely see these bikes in the front of the pack.

KTM 50 SX FACTORY EDITION ($5,299 MSRP) or KTM 50 SX ($4,449 MSRP)

There are also two 50cc Sr class bikes in KTM’s lineup! The Factory Edition has an FMF pipe & silencer, CNC machined clutch and ignition covers as well as reworked jetting and Dunlop tires.

As you can see, there is also a pretty significant difference in price between the two models. The seat height on the KTM models is 26.1 inches.

Husqvarna TC50 ($4,499 MSRP)

As we discussed previously, Husqvarna was purchased by KTM. In addition, the motorcycle company purchased a 60% stake in GasGas. Both the TC50 and MC50 are very similar to the KTM 50 SX.

GasGas MC50 ($4,799 MSRP)

65cc Classes: After the 50cc classes, comes the 65cc classes. The 65cc dirt bikes have a clutch that your child will have to learn.

The classes for kids 7-8 years old would be the 65cc 7-9 class and the 65cc 7-11 class. Although bike brand is personal preference, many racers at the top of the block are on KTM or Husqvarna machines.

Dirt bikes that qualify for the 65cc class include the following:KTM 65 SX – $5,199 MSRP

Husqvarna TC65 – $5,299 MSRP

Yamaha YZ65 – $4,699 MSRP

Cobra CX65 – $5,599 MSRP

GasGas MC65 – $5,799 MSRP

Kawasaki KX65 – $3,899 MSRP

Another thing about the 65cc stage of racing, is that you now have both a Limited (stock) class and a modified class. Many people make performance modifications to their child’s dirt bike when he/she races in the modified class.

Ages 9-11 Dirt Bike List:

If your child is between the ages of 9 and 11 (as of January 1st), you will have the option between racing the 65cc, the 85cc or both.

In the 65cc class, you will be able to race in either the 65cc 7-9 class or the 65cc 10-11 class depending on the age of your child on January 1st.

Each age group usually has both a stock and modified class. A lot of times you will see a 65cc 7-11 class as well. Once again, the 65cc bikes that qualify for these classes include:

• KTM 65 SX – $5,199 MSRP
• Husqvarna TC65 – $5,299 MSRP
• Yamaha YZ65 – $4,699 MSRP
• Cobra CX65 – $5,599 MSRP
• GasGas MC65 – $5,799 MSRP
• Kawasaki KX65 – $3,899 MSRP

The 85cc classes vary in class structure by age. Some tracks will have an 85cc class that begins at age 7 while other tracks might not have an 85cc class for anyone under 10 years old.

For example, if you plan on trying to qualify for the Loretta Lynn Amateur National, your child must be an AMA 10 year old to race a 85cc dirt bike. However, if you’re racing locally, your local track might have an 85cc 7-11 class.

The dirt bikes that are eligible to race in the 85cc class are:

• KTM 85 SX – $6,199 MSRP
• Husqvarna TC85 – $7,249 MSRP
• GasGas MC85 – $5,899 MSRP
• Yamaha YZ85 – $4,799 MSRP
• Suzuki RM85 – $4,399 MSRP
• Kawasaki KX85 – $4,599 MSRP

Cool Products to Get You Started

Now that you’ve selected which bike to buy, let’s talk about some products that will help in getting you started.

Risk Racing Dirt Bike Holeshot Motocross Gate

Dirt Bikes for Kids – Click picture for more info

The Risk Racing holeshot motocross gate is a great investment if you plan on racing motocross. It comes with a wireless remote to automatically drop the gate. You can even link more than one gate together!

Mini Moto Starting Blocks

Dirt Bikes for Kids – Click picture for more info

Starting blocks are for youth racers who need some height at the starting gate. They are a must if your child can’t quite touch on his/her dirt bike.

Pit Posse Dual Helmet Rack

Dirt Bikes for Kids – Click picture for more info

One of the hardest items to travel with is the helmet. There’s just really no good place for it to go. That’s why the Pit Posse helmet rack is a major hit in our household!

Pit Posse has an entire line of awesome hardware for your van or trailer. Their line includes items such as ramps, aluminum cabinets for fluids as well as gas cans and bike stands.

Risk Racing Mud Axe

Dirt Bikes for Kids – Click picture for more info

For my final recommendation, we’ve got the Risk Racing mud axe. This is by far the best mud scraper we’ve tried. It makes getting the mud off of your bike much easier.

If you enjoyed this article, check out Sponsorship Resume: How to Get Noticed in Racing!! Above all, I hope you’re leaving with a better understanding of which dirt bike is right for your kid! Thank you for visiting Badash Life! Sign up for updates on your screen ❤