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What kind of dirt bike should I get my kid? Many parents ask when it comes to selecting the first dirt bike for their kid. The answer is simple: choose the model that suits his or her age and skill level.
If he or she is only interested in riding around the neighborhood, then a basic model would suffice.
On the other hand, if they want to compete at local races, then a more advanced model would be better suited.
Dirt biking has become very popular over the years. There are now thousands of dirt bike models available in the market. Choosing the right one for your child can be tricky.
There are several things to consider before buying a dirt bike for your child. First, check out their height, weight, and build.
Then, look into the features of the model. Finally, ask them questions about the type of riding they plan to do.
Buying a dirt bike for children is not as difficult as you might think. It’s all about choosing the best model for your child based on their needs and preferences.
The following list will help you narrow down your search and find the perfect dirt bike for your child.
The Razor MX350 is one of the most popular dirt bikes for young teenagers aged 10 to 14.
It is an electric dirt bike with a 350 watt power rating, making it reasonably powerful for a 10 year old beginner. You can change the speed with a high torque and can reach a maximum speed of 14 miles an hour.
This bike comes with soft rubber grips to ensure that your child doesn’t slip off of the handlebars, with durable casing to avoid shattering.
It will hold a maximum weight of 140 pounds which will serve your child while they’re learning about dirt biking until they’re ready to move onto something bigger.
There are a number of safety features added to this bike, such as thick tires to soften the blow of harsh impact.
While the manufacturer says that this bike is for 13 year olds and over, this is precaution, and we’re certain that you’ll find this bike suitable for your 10 year old.
Pros
Sensible Speed: With a maximum speed of 14 MPH, your child will be able to have fun without being dangerous.
Easy To Set Up: You won’t have to worry about spending lots of time setting this dirt bike up before your child can take it for a test run.
Powered By Electric: Quiet operation means that you can use this bike anywhere without the noise complaints.
Adjustable Handlebars: Perfect for growing children who want to make the most out of their dirt bike without having to buy a new one too quickly.
Cons
Runs Out Of Charge Quickly: Not the best runtime on a single charge so you might have to take several pit stops.
Yamaha is known for its quality products, and this is no different when it comes to dirt bikes.
This 110cc motorized dirt bike is designed for riders who have just started to learn how to ride this type of vehicle. It’s easy to ride, lightweight, and affordable.
It has a low center of gravity and a rear suspension system that helps absorb shocks from rough terrain. It also comes with a kickstand and footrests to make sure that your child is comfortable while riding.
This bike is ideal for beginners and kids who are still getting used to riding larger vehicles.
However, bear in mind that it won’t last forever, as this bike is designed for children aged 8 to 13 years old. The maximum weight it can withstand is 159 pounds.
Pros
Electric Start: This can help children work their bike easier without having to use a clutch.
Long Lasting: Can last your child up to five years, from ages 8 to 13..
Powered By Gas: Great for more confident riders who are serious about their hobby.
Cons
Short Warranty: 90-day warranty is considerably shorter than the usual 6-month warranty that Yamaha offers with other dirt bikes.
Kawasaki is another reputable brand that makes great dirt bikes. This 110 cc dirt bike is designed for children between the ages of 7 to 12 years old. It is light enough for younger kids, but sturdy enough for older ones.
This bike is made of steel and aluminum alloy materials, which means that it is strong and durable. It also comes with adjustable handlebars and footrests to give your kid a good view of what’s going on around them.
This kid’s dirt bike is perfect for those who want to get into dirt biking but aren’t quite ready yet. Kids can practice on smaller bikes before moving on to bigger models.
It’s recommended that you buy this bike after your child has been riding for at least six months.
Pros
Lightweight Design: Easy for younger children to operate and control their dirt bike.
Usable By Everyone: Good for both beginners and advanced riders.
Protective Of The Rider: There are plenty of safety features included to protect your child while riding.
Cons
Might Not Last: Being recommended for up to 12 years old, it might not have much longevity for a 10 year old.
The same applies to their dirt bikes. This 110 CC dirt bike is designed for kids between the ages of 8 and 13 years old.
It is very simple to operate and maintain. You don’t need any special skills or tools to assemble and disassemble it.
The frame is made of high-quality steel and aluminum alloy material. It is also equipped with an electric starter so that your child doesn’t have to use gas to start the engine.
It also comes with front and rear suspensions to help absorb bumps and shocks from rough terrains.
Pros
Simple Assembly: You will need to quickly assemble this bike out of the box, but it won’t take you long at all.
Easy To Maneuver: Users enjoy this bike in first and second gear, although third was a little fast for most children.
Durable Construction: Don’t worry about having to buy a new dirt bike after a few uses, as this bike is made to last.
Cons
Loud Operation: Might be intimidating to children who have zero experience with dirt bikes.
Cobra is a well-known brand in the motorcycle industry. They produce quality products that are affordable. There are many different types of Cobras available, including scooters, ATVs, and dirt bikes.
This 65cc dirt bike is designed for young kids between the ages of 9 and 11 years old. It is lightweight and easy to ride.
It also includes a kickstand that allows your child to stand the bike upright when they’re done riding.
It is made of high-strength steel and aluminum alloy materials. The frame is also reinforced to ensure its durability.
It comes with two wheels instead of four like most other dirt bikes. Overall, this is a great dirt bike for children who are invested in dirt biking.
Pros
Lightweight Construction: At only 117 pounds, children have no issue controlling this bike.
Professional Looking Dirt Bike: The design certainly looks the part and will amaze children.
Durable And Safe For The Rider: Worry less and enjoy watching your child have fun with this bike!
Cons
High-Price Point: More expensive than other dirt bikes we have looked at today.
Not Very Powerful: At only 65cc, this bike might not be fast enough to entertain your child.
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve looked into the top five dirt bikes for ten year olds, let’s look at the most important considerations to take into account before settling on your final decision.
When choosing the wrong dirt bike for a child, the consequences can be worrying. So, we need to find the best dirt bike for your child and settle for nothing less.
Correct Seat Height
First, it is essential to ensure that the seat is set correctly. This is especially important when purchasing a dirt bike for a child.
A child’s body is still growing and developing, so make sure that the seat is high enough to accommodate this growth. You should also make sure that the seat isn’t too low, which could cause discomfort.
Here is a list of the most common seat heights for dirt bikes that are suitable for kids:
As long as you know how tall your child is, then you should be able to work out the correct seat height for their dirt bike.
It would be best if you could get them down to a dealership to test run some of the sizes in terms of comfort and safety – there will be professionals here that can also help you pick the right size.
Adjustable Handlebar
Next, it is vital to ensure that the handlebars are adjustable. This is because kids have shorter arms than adults. Therefore, the handlebars should be able to be adjusted to fit their size.
Some dirt bikes don’t come with adjustable handlebars and therefore might not be suitable for your child. Again, testing the dirt bikes in a dealership would be best to see if your child actually fits the mold.
Adjustable handlebars are also helpful as they allow your child to grow with the bike.
As children are changing so quickly as they age, getting an adjustable dirt bike would mean that you wouldn’t have to constantly be buying new models to keep up with their growth spurts.
Automatic Or Manual Dirt Bike?
The last thing to consider is whether your child wants a manual or automatic dirt bike. There are many advantages to both types, but each has its own pros and cons.
If you’re looking at the same options as me, I’d recommend going for an automatic dirt bike.
Here are my reasons why:
Manual dirt bikes require more skill and concentration from the rider. They are much harder to control and often lead to accidents.
An automatic dirt bike is easier to ride and requires less attention from the rider. The only downside is that it costs more money.
If you want your kid to learn about riding a dirt bike, then go for a manual one. However, if you just want to buy something fun and easy to use, then go for the automatic one.
Some people believe that kids should only use automatic dirt bikes because they’re incapable of learning how to use the clutch – however, this is incorrect. Children can certainly learn how to use a clutch correctly when given the chance.
The reason why most children’s dirt bikes are automatic is because parents are hesitant to give them a manual bike with a clutch. If you were to give your child a manual, it might help them learn how to drive in the future.
However, the decision is up to you and your child. Most of the bikes we have mentioned in our top 5 list are automatic.
If your child starts with an automatic, then they can get to grips with the bike and how to ride it before moving onto a manual bike with a slightly higher power as they get older.
Choosing The Correct Power
Measured In CC
The CC of a dirt bike refers to its Cubic Centimeters and can be used when explaining the power of a gas dirt bike.
It measures the displacement within the engine and hints towards how smooth the ride will be as well as the overall power of the bike.
There is not one set CC rating for children, but a general rule of thumb is that you should go low to start with.
A bike with a high CC rating could intimidate a child and scare them from trying it. However, a CC rating that is too low could be boring for a child.
We recommend a dirt bike of between 85 and 100 cc for a 10 year old, as they will have plenty of fun with the speed, but without being scared of how quickly it travels.
If your child has more experience with dirt bikes and wants a challenge, you can certainly go over 100 cc – you know your child the best.
However, we would not recommend anything higher than 150 cc as this size dirt bike can sometimes be too challenging for even an adult to handle. Let them work up to the power of a dirt bike.
Measured In Watts
Watts are used to measure the power of electric dirt bikes. The watt rating lets us know how much power an electric dirt bike is going to have, just like how CC ratings tell us the same with gas powered dirt bikes.
While it won’t tell you how large the bike will be, it will tell you how powerful the engine is.
For example, you could have a very small 650-watt dirt bike as well as a larger 200-watt dirt bike. Don’t just go on for your child’s dirt bike, as you might accidentally end up with a bike that is too powerful for them.
In regard to a 10 year old, we would recommend an electric dirt bike between 350 and 650 watts. The higher end of the spectrum will be best for most 10 year olds as the lower end might be a little slow for their wants.
Plus, getting a dirt bike in the range of 500 to 600 watts will allow them to use it for longer without getting bored with the low power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Get A Gas Or Electric Dirt Bike For A 10 Year Old?
There are benefits and drawbacks to both gas and electric dirt bikes, and both are good for a 10 year old.
Here is a list of the pros and cons for each so that you can work out which is best for your current situation.
Gas Dirt Bike Pros:
Good for children invested in dirt bikes as a hobby.
Reliable.
Lots of research has been conducted to make the best models.
Good for children with some prior experience with dirt biking.
Gas Dirt Bike Cons:
More expensive than the alternative.
High running costs.
Very loud and therefore not great for built-up neighborhoods.
Electric Dirt Bike Pros:
Great for inexperienced beginners.
Quiet to operate.
Cheaper overall cost.
Electric Dirt Bike Cons:
Often lower quality than gas dirt bikes.
Won’t last that long on a single charge.
Considered less serious in the dirt biking world.
Additionally, you should factor in the cost of dirt bike gear such as helmets, goggles, boots, and protective clothing.
You should also consider the type of brakes you need. Drum brakes are often seen on beginner dirt bikes, as they are easy to control and require less maintenance than disk brakes.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a gas or electric dirt bike for 10 yr old will depend on your child’s skill level, and preferences.
How Do I Get A Child Excited About Dirt Biking?
If your child isn’t as excited about dirt biking as you’d like them to be, especially after purchasing an expensive dirt bike, there are a number of ways that you can encourage their curiosity.
First of all, get them excited about choosing their own dirt bike and safety equipment. They’ll be more likely to enjoy something if they’ve had a say in which one they get.
Another tip is to start them off slowly, on flat terrain when it’s nice outside so that they’re not intimidated by lots of bumps and dust. Rain might also throw them off, so start off in the sun.
Finally, encourage them and stay with them while they’re learning the basics. Make it fun rather than putting too much pressure on them.
You could even try and ride the bike before them to show them how it’s done! Enjoy your time together instead of making it stressful.
Hi, my name is Ashley Addams and I am an ATV enthusiast. I’ve been riding my quad since I was 16 years old with my two older brothers and sister. My parents were very adventurous and they loved exposing us to unconventional hobbies that kids might not usually experience.
We traveled all over the US finding new ATV trails to explore. While my friends were hanging by the pool with their friends, I was on the thrilling trails with my dare-devil family.
I can only thank them for that, because now 20-something years on, I can teach my kids how to ride their ATVs along the trails that I used to love so much when I was their age.
If you’re looking for a new hobby for you or your kids, I cannot recommend ATVs enough. They’re fun, adventurous, and a great talking point in the office on a Monday morning!
I have created this website in the hopes of showing you all of the best trails around the USA, as well as tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your quad biking experience. So, stay a while and read up before your next big adventure - you won’t regret it, believe me!
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