Completely off topic - dirt bikes

Epi-do

Epi-do

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Can anyone learn me about dirt bikes? We are thinking about getting my 6yo son one for Christmas, and know absolutely nothing about them. From what I have read, I am thinking a 50cc bike will be best for him. (He is about 4 ft tall, and weighs about 50 pounds.) We would definately be getting him a helmet and knee/elbow pads. Does he really need boots/chest protector/leathers for just riding around in an open field while we keep an eye on him? What type of bike would you recommend for him? What other pertinent info can you tell me, or what sort of questions should we ask when looking at bikes. (Most likely, we will be looking for a used bike - it's more in our price range than a new one.)
 
Starting him on a Honda CRF 50 is the best idea, no shifting or clutch or whatever. And I say yess!! every piece of equipment is definitely a must!! You wouldn't believe what can happen in a blink of an eye. The protective clothing for dirt bike riding is designed for protecting better than jeans with pads on. I also believe highly in the chest protector and helmet with goggles. When looking at bikes, you can guarantee that kids bikes will have been dropped and scratched but your kid will also put some love marks on the bike so keep that in mind. Also, you want a 4 stroke bike! You don't have to mix the fuel (in a 2 stroke you have to mix the fuel with oil). And they are a lot safer. Any other questions PM me, I have ridden since I was little including off road racing and stuff.
 
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http://powersports.honda.com/2009/crf50f.aspx

I also say go to your local dealer and let him sit on the bike, and to get good use and all out of your bike make sure he is just tiptoeing the ground when he is sitting on the seat. So u could also look at the CRF 70 if it fits him.
 
I have worked as an EMS provider at a motocross track. The younger ones on the smaller bikes tend not to fall that hard. I would say get a good helmet, goggles, and the chest protector. If the child is gonna be doing jumps and such it is a good idea. The boots look like they work well too.
 
I second the Honda. They are the best bikes for beginners. Yes, get the helmet,goggles,chest protector, pants and boots. The first time he takes a handlebar in the chest, you will be glad you got the protector. The first time he gets his feet tangled in the rear wheel, you will be glad you got the boots!

Don't be an over protective mom, let him have fun. Just prepare him well!
 
Thanks for the info guys. Everything I can find out really helps. I am beginning to loose count of the number of people who are recommending the Honda to us, so we will most certainly be checking it out.
 
If you cannot find a Honda you like. The Yamaha PW50 is another great bike.
 
Honda definately if just from reputation.

My nefew rides a small dirt bike around our place when he's here and if it wasn't so late I'd go out and check the model for you- not even sure what make it is honestly. PM me and I might be able to do that when I get back home saturday after leaving early tomorrow morning.

More protection you can give them the better. You don't want them to completley lose interest the first time they fall and they get hurt. At the same time I agree with reaper, don't be an over protective parent.

Carefully weigh the advantages of a two stroke vs. a four stroke. I personally agree with SoCal, a four stroke is better than a two stroke. A four stroke engine is so much more fuel efficient- a two stroke will throw alot more fuel out of the exhaust. However a four stroke will be heavier than a two stroke and a four stroke will also be more expensive.
 
RuralEMT said:
Honda definately if just from reputation.

More protection you can give them the better. You don't want them to completley lose interest the first time they fall and they get hurt. At the same time I agree with reaper, don't be an over protective parent.

Carefully weigh the advantages of a two stroke vs. a four stroke. I personally agree with SoCal, a four stroke is better than a two stroke. A four stroke engine is so much more fuel efficient- a two stroke will throw alot more fuel out of the exhaust. However a four stroke will be heavier than a two stroke and a four stroke will also be more expensive.
Click to expand...

Making sure he wears all the protective equipment is not being overprotective at all. It is being safe!!

A four stroke is all I ride and is all id put any of my friends or family on. Two strokes have a power band and you cant predict when it will kick in. I absolutely would not buy a two stroke. Any other ?'s feel free...
 
Thanks for the link berkeman, I will definately check it out.
 
No problem. BTW, if you want to read a thread about how cute kids can be on dirtbikes, check this thread of mine out:

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108085

That's berkeboy on his KX-65 in my avatar on TT, when he was about 8 y/o. He started when he was 6 y/o on a Honda 50, and is now 15 and faster than me. We've had some great times together on our dirtbikes and MX bikes.
 
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