How to Choose the Right Dirt Bike for Kids

Dirt biking is one of the most interesting and exciting sports for kids. However, choosing a starter dirt bike for your kid is never easy.

There are a number of factors you have to consider when choosing a dirt bike for your little one. The most important ones are:

1. Seat Height

Most parents determine the seat height based on the age of the child. While this can work pretty well if your child is of an average height for their age, there can be a big difference in development between two five-year-olds.

The inseam length (length of the inner leg) of your kid works better when making a decision. It is used to determine if your child can reach the ground with either of his feet (contact with the paws is sufficient) when the bike’s saddle height is set at the lowest possible level. This contact with the ground on either side of the saddle is essential, particularly during the initial riding sessions. Because when kids are learning to control a dirt bike, they need to be able to put a foot down on the ground to balance themselves.

Now based on these measurements, you can choose between different dirt bikes depending on your kids experience and age. For example, a 6-year-old with an inseam length of 20 inches can easily ride a Holeshot that comes with a seat height of 21 inches.

Here is a chart of seat height of SYX MOTO dirt bikes for you to choose from.

Model No.	PAD50-8	PAD50-1	PAD50-3	PAD60-1	PAD125-1F	PAD125-3
Model Name	Yetti	Holeshot	Holeshot ES	Tearoff	Roost	Whip
Seat Height	18 inches	21 inches	21 inches	23.2 inches	29.5 inches	33 inches

 

2. Displacement and Engine Type

While 50cc may not sound like much to you, it may be more than enough power for a beginner learning how to ride. Also take into account your child's weight. If the kid weighs over 100 pounds, a more powerful engine might be best. 

4-stroke engines are much quieter than 2-stroke engines and above all much more pleasant to ride. 4-strokes do not require high revs as compared to 2-strokes and have reasonable performance even in the lower rev range! So, it is also easier for beginners to learn on it.

2-stroke dirt bikes on the other hand are lighter, faster and have a powerful thrust from the engine. As a result, it’s easier to whip around the corners and do all kinds of maneuvers.Besides, the sound of 2-strokes is exciting.

Of course, this is all a matter of personal preference, as no engine is technically better than the other. But before you make your decision, do consider such factors like maintenance costs, size of the bike, comfort, speed and handling. While each engine has its own advantages and disadvantages you should do your due diligence beforehand.

Model No.	PAD50-8	PAD50-1	PAD50-3	PAD60-1	PAD125-1F	PAD125-3
Model Name	Yetti	Holeshot	Holeshot ES	Tearoff	Roost	Whip
Engine Type	2 Stroke	2 Stroke	2 Stroke	4 Stroke	4 Stroke	4 Stroke
Displacement	50cc	50cc	50cc	60cc	125cc	125cc

 

3. Transmission

We would suggest you to get an automatic clutch for your kid. A manual clutch can confuse your child and lead to some dangerous situations. When your young rider has mastered the basic controls of their automatic bike, you might want to consider some of these options for moving to a manual transmission bike. Learning how to operate a clutch is a great skill, and not only applicable to riding motorcycles.  

 

4. Cost

It’s wise to think about how much money you are investing in the sport. Between the bike and riding gear, you could shell out a good deal of cash. Still, you don’t want to sacrifice quality and go with something unreliable. SYX MOTO dirt bike is ideal for beginners considering the price. Though slight issues may occur, most can be fixed easily if you are equipped with basic mechanical knowledge. If not, don’t worry. You can find how-to videos on SYX MOTO YouTube channel or simply contact our customer service for help.

 

5. Safety

To be honest, there are risks involved in dirt bike riding. But as a parent it is your responsibility that your kid is well geared up and protected at all times. As a responsible parent, always keep a check on the speed and all the bolts on the bike. A bike with throttle limiter such as SYX MOTO Holeshot is a good idea for a starter dirt bike. This enables the rider to control the power and speed of the bike. Your kid can learn how to master using the throttle and maneuver the bike at higher speeds as you gradually increase its performance.

Dirt bike helmets, chest & back protectors, riding jackets, gloves, boots, neck brace and goggles are the basic protective gear that should be purchased along with the bike.

And since riding any kind of dirt bike (and this includes kids’ dirt bike as well), is prohibited on the public roads, always take your kid to one of the many approved circuits or private tracks (mud or flat tracks) reserved for this sport.

 

Be Safe and have fun!

Riding kids dirt bikes is an exciting time in their lives and is a great opportunity to get the kids outdoors and watch them grow in leaps and bounds. Remember, bike riding is a family affair.