Suggestions for a new dirt bike for my 5 y/o son...

usndocjaysin

usndocjaysin

Well-known member
Sooo a situation has arose to where I will no longer be able to use my sons dirt bike when he is with me. I now am going to have to find a new bike dirt bike for him when he's with me so that he can continue further advance his skills and enjoy the thrill of being on two wheels. This is coming a little sooner than expected because I think he can still get and learn a lot on his jr50 but I guess the upgrade comes a little sooner than expected... Soooo... I was told that I should probably go ktm. I've seen a lot of kids on yamahas at the track though... So I guess what it comes down to is safe, affordable, easy matienace, and something a a new rider can handle and grow with... Any suggestions and info as to why are welcomed and appreciated!

On a side note: I'll more than likely have to sell my streetbike so that I get my boy on two so any trades or deals you may know of would help!
 
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kxmike

kxmike

Well-known member
kinda depends on what direction you want him to go. If you want to get into racing then the ktm or cobra would be good bikes (but expensive). If you want to stick to play riding then the yamaha or honda would be best. The honda crf50 is indestructable and requires little maintanance, it's a great bike to learn and play on but leaves a little to be desired when wanting to go faster. The yamaha pw50 is a 2 stroke so it's a little lighter and faster than the honda (that's why you see more of them at the track)...but you have to deal with premix. My opinion...if you think he might gravitate towards more track riding then go with the yamaha. If you want to stick to safer play riding (slower) then the honda would be the best choice...they last forever and even adults can have fun riding them.
 
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brettmx

Well-known member
CRF 50. It's not super fast and much easier to ride than the KTM 50 (that's relative to the Honda, well it's actually pretty damn fast regardless) and you can upgrade as he gets better, suspension and motor.
 
usndocjaysin

usndocjaysin

Well-known member
So now it comes down to Yamaha vs. ktm. He says he wants to race and do "tricks", but we all know that's a long way down the road. I know there's a ktm jr., senior and adventure. They're all 50cc the only difference besides price seems to be the carb size and seat hight (which I'm guessing is adjustable)? Guess it comes down to speed then right? If that is the case are there a lot of mod options for it compared to the Yamaha? The case seems to be the same when it comes to the different 50cc yamahas as well... Are parts and or upgrades more ready available for either bike?

Also heard that the ktms can "snap" when landing hard...
 
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Maddevill

Maddevill

KNGKAW
The KTMs have lots of race oriented features and of course you can make them as fast as the little feller wants to go.And, having worked for KTM, I've never heard of one "snapping" on landing.
 
kxmike

kxmike

Well-known member
the ktm junior would be the bike to get (it's made for kids in his age group)...the senior is a bigger 50 and the seat height isn't really adjustable. In my opinion the yamaha doesn't even compare to the ktm as far as being competative on the track. Get the KTM...and don't worry about mods...it's good stock:cool.
 
usndocjaysin

usndocjaysin

Well-known member
Maddevill said:
The KTMs have lots of race oriented features and of course you can make them as fast as the little feller wants to go.And, having worked for KTM, I've never heard of one "snapping" on landing.
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kxmike said:
the ktm junior would be the bike to get (it's made for kids in his age group)...the senior is a bigger 50 and the seat height isn't really adjustable. In my opinion the yamaha doesn't even compare to the ktm as far as being competative on the track. Get the KTM...and don't worry about mods...it's good stock:cool.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys. You're a ton of help! :thumbup The matinence on these things pretty low?
 
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brettmx

Well-known member
usndocjaysin said:
Thanks guys. You're a ton of help! :thumbup The matinence on these things pretty low?
Click to expand...

The KTM Jr would be a good choice, it's a 2 stroke so use a brand name premix- although I use to use Chevron 2 cycle oil ( I would use a mix of LEADED race fuel 50/50 with premium unleaded increasing the longevity of the piston. The lead works to reduce micro welds that form between the piston and the cylinder not to mention reducing pre-ignition of the fuel mixture ) and the thing should go for quite a long time before you need to put in a new piston/rings (top end kit). It's simple the first time maybe 1 1/2 hrs the next time 1hr at most.

Once he gets on the new bike you really, really (saying twice makes me think it enforces the idea) need to get him to start standing up- take the seat off if you need to. That will make such a difference in his abilities immediately.
 
kxmike

kxmike

Well-known member
I wouldn't worry about the top end for quite some time with a 5 yr. old beginner riding it....likely go a whole year without needing anything. Just keep the air filter cleaned and oiled, use a good pre mix and change the oil regularly.
 
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brettmx

Well-known member
kxmike said:
I wouldn't worry about the top end for quite some time with a 5 yr. old beginner riding it....likely go a whole year without needing anything. Just keep the air filter cleaned and oiled, use a good pre mix and change the oil regularly.
Click to expand...

Get an extra filter and then buy a Twin Air cleaning kit http://www.twinair.com/usa/twin-air-bio-system or a No Toil kit http://www.btosports.com/p/NO-TOIL-EVOLUTION-AIR-FILTER-OIL-CLEANER-COMBO-SET Then you can put a new one in while the other is drying.

Clean and lube (there are lots of brands, non-O ring) the chain every ride and adjust as necessary (according to manual- lots of folks do not leave enough slack leading to premature stretching), adjust tire pressure, inspect the brake pads after every ride, check all the fastners, etc, etc. Invest in a power washer.
 
seavoyage

seavoyage

grunt n00b
Doc - I sincererely regret moving my sons from a PW50 and a CRF50 to a KTM50Sr. As I mentioned in another post, had I been exposed to trials I would have started them off on an Oset 16 or Oset 20 then a proper trilas bike. This is the path I did with my daughter - with no regrets.

Unfortunately we Americans don't have much exposure to Trials - but that doesn't change the fact ton most of the top Extreme Enduro or EnduroCross riders - what's their foundation or background? - Trials Throw in MX legends like Roger DeCoster or Jean Michel Bayle - what did they start on before MX? - Trials... What do you see guys like JMB or Kevin Shwantz riding these days? - Trials

You can bet if you ask your OP question to any of these icons in the motorcyle world they would provide the same answer.

Having discovered trials, I'd be a fool if I followed the mainstream...
 
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