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Kids and Dirt Bikes: I Don't Know What I Don't Know

stratslingr77

stratslingr77

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 30, 2006
Location
East Bay
Moto(s)
R1250 GSA
701 Enduro
I have a 9 year old son who I just took for a ride on the back of my GS the other day. He loved it so much, he bugged me all day yesterday to take him back out for another ride. He's also rather adept at piloting a mountain bike on twisty, flowing downhill single track. I'm thinking it's time for father and son dirt bikes...

...but I don't know what I don't know. It seems like a significant financial investment in bike and gear. Are there dirt riding schools focused on kids? Are rental bikes available to "try it out" before committing $$$?

I want to do this right and share the love of motorcycling with my son (safely and prudently). Where do I start? For those of you who got your kids into dirt bikes, what are your insights? Lessons learned? Things you'd do different?
 
You guys could do a Mystery School dirt day together and let him test the waters while getting some great tutoring.

Plus all the gear is available.

https://www.richoliver.net/collections/courses/products/learn-to-ride-off-road-course

Ultimately if it sticks you will have to buy a bike. Advise is buy used as they grow quick. My buddies son (L8BRAKER) just moved up to take Dad's 250 after going through three bikes.

I started my kids at 5/6, but they lost interest once Baseball and Basketball were going. They dug the team sports and I was like "OK.. I am going to coach"!
 
Thanks for sending that link! That looks like EXACTLY what I need to test the waters and get my boy started. I'm having fantasies of doing StonyBARF with my boy one day.
 
My son has been riding a bike without training wheels since 4 years old. Just got him a Honda CRF 5-0 when he turned 6 1/2. I just let him ride. Flat ground, big hills, trails and whatever at his own pace. He loves it.
 
For gear look on CL, lots of peeps have old equipment their kids outgrew and sell it cheap.
For bikes they hold their value really well, buy a 50cc now and sell it for the same amount you paid a year or two later.
50cc are around $800; 110 around $1,500. Auto clutch on the 50's, mixed bag on the 100-120cc bikes. You can fit larger wheels to some of the 110cc bikes so they will last a bit longer, depends on if he needs a better machine to rail or just a higher seat to ride.
Honda and Yamaha (TTR) are the go to machines, easy to re-sell when time. I sold my xr 70's in three days; my 110 TTR in 5 days for asking.
 
The easiest way, hang out for a day with friends that already have bikes for their kids. At least that is what our group of ~20 friends that get together for rides and camping do. A bike for every age and ability. At age 8, your son might be about to outgrow the auto clutch TTR90, CRF80 sized bikes. Next up would be around the popular 110 category, even a CRF70 but these bikes usually have manual clutch. Starting out, it'll be easier and more fun to let him play around on the auto clutch bikes for a bit even if he's too large for one. Don't force him into too big of a bike too soon.
 
Good stuff here. Hopefully your boy will enjoy and stick with it. Just 2 cents here. Started riding at 5 with family, and we had 4 acres to ride on until we camped. Dad bought us 50s, then 60s with a clutch, then 125s. After this he said if you want bigger, you buy it :) was good as Advice Which I bought TT500. All four of our kids ride and I have spent much tim teaching when little. They all still love it
 
https://garrahanoffroadtraining.com

Brian is an awesome all around dude, has bikes and gear!

Otherwise what everyone else said - you may just have to dive in and buy all the stuff. I know Lots of locals with kids show up to D36 races. (Probably the easiest place to meet likeminded parents) Maybe come spectate one of those and pick up a bike for sale while there? Some kids will learn faster from other kids over adults so getting riding buddies is definitely a must IMO (similar skill levels etc…. And will also help you have more fun with their parents)

We haven’t had too many kids show up to stonybarf recently but when they have I feel like they were treated well and had fun. Stonybarf welcomes everyone!
 
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Lots of great suggestions so far. Thanks! I'm thinking the Mystery school looks like a good place to give it a try for starters. I definitely like the idea of going to some D36 events too. Knowing my son, I suspect he'll be all in.
 
I got 110s for both of my kids in early 2020. My daughter is ~5'4" and it's a bit small for her but my son's still fits him pretty well (4'9" or so).

Where are you in the east bay?
 
They teach the MSF dirt bike school at Hollister. But I think you need to have your own motorcycle to do it.
A 9-year-old I would suggest a TTR 125 the larger wheel version. For the first few years of the TTR 125 they made a small wheel version and you don't want that one. Most of the TTR 125s are electric start and mono shock and they just work pretty well as an easy beginner bike.
 
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Look up "First Rides", it's a free riding lesson for first time riders
 
stratslingr77 said:
Oooh! I like free! I'll keep an eye on that site for their next class.
Click to expand...

They schedule classes based on enrollment. Contact them now and get in the queue.

My 9yr old is waiting for their potential February class.
 
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