Dirt Bike Advice Needed

**jamesfnb** · 04-12-2009, 05:29 PM

Alrighty motorcross gurus, I need advice. My son is 8 and wants his first dirt bike. He has been racing around on a pretty fast gokart for 2 summers and now he wants to get a dirt bike and maybe race it at a local track (Winterset, Fort Dodge, Woolstock) this summer.

What should I get him? 50cc? 75cc? 100cc?

He knows how to handle his gokart very well, sliding around corners, etc...seems to be a natural.

any advice on dirt bikes what-so-ever would be helpful like recommended size for him, where to buy a cheap new bike or a good quality used bike. Thanks!

**cyfan964** · 04-12-2009, 05:39 PM

I raced dirtbikes from age 8-22 so I feel as though I could give you some advice. At age 8 I was riding an XR 80, but they have come out with a lot of great bikes for younger kids since I was 8!

I would look into the KLX110. 2009 Kawasaki KLX110 Pictures & Specs It's got an automatic 3 speed transmission.

If your son has never really ridden a motorcycle before I would say it would be best to start him out with an automatic. I think it helps them learn about other important aspects rather than trying to figure out shifting as well.

If you think he'd get bored not being able to shift his bike himself just check out the KX85's and KX100's.
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/kx85.php
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/kx100.php

Also, I have raced every mainstream brand of dirtbike competitively. Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, KTM, and have even ridden my buddies Cannondale. IMO Kawasaki was the best. If I ever get back into racing or have a son that needs a bike I would go with Kawasaki.

**jamesfnb** · 04-12-2009, 05:52 PM

What's the difference between the Kawasaki KX and KLX models besides a huge price difference?

**Cyclonesrule91** · 04-12-2009, 05:57 PM

Is he going to race the bike and race only then get a 2 stroke dirt bike. If he is going to ride it around and puts around on it aside from racing then definitely get a 4 stroke engine.

2 strokes are not good for idling around the yard. They are pretty much full throttle or nothing otherwise you start rebuilding the top end pretty frequently(rings, pistons). Also if your son is not used to a 2 stroke they have this little thing about them called a power band that can be very dangerous if a kid doesn't know what he's doing. If you throttle up a 2 stroke it will start to speed up slowly and then, once it hits a certain RPM, then it really takes off. Once he becomes more experienced then the powerband can be an absolute blast though.

4 strokes you can race them AND you can ride them slowly around the yard without worrying about blowing a motor. They have quite a bit of torgue and are pretty powerful but they don't have that powerband which can get a rookie in trouble.

Honda CRF80 or 100's would be good bikes. Light and 4 stroke.

**cyfan964** · 04-12-2009, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by jamesfnb

What's the difference between the Kawasaki KX and KLX models besides a huge price difference?

The KLX is a four stroke automatic. The KX's are two stroke and manual.

**Cyclonesrule91** · 04-12-2009, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by jamesfnb

What's the difference between the Kawasaki KX and KLX models besides a huge price difference?

KX is a full out motocross bike where a KLX is more of an enduro bike and a little tamer then the KX.

**Cyclonesrule91** · 04-12-2009, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by cyfan964

The KLX is a four stroke automatic. The KX's are two stroke and manual.

Was it the KDX that was the 2 stroke enduro then?

**cyfan964** · 04-12-2009, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclonesrule91

Is he going to race the bike and race only then get a 2 stroke dirt bike. If he is going to ride it around and puts around on it aside from racing then definitely get a 4 stroke engine.

2 strokes are not good for idling around the yard. They are pretty much full throttle or nothing otherwise you start rebuilding the top end pretty frequently(rings, pistons). Also if your son is not used to a 2 stroke they have this little thing about them called a power band that can be very dangerous if a kid doesn't know what he's doing. If you throttle up a 2 stroke it will start to speed up slowly and then, once it hits a certain RPM, then it really takes off. Once he becomes more experienced then the powerband can be an absolute blast though.

4 strokes you can race them AND you can ride them slowly around the yard without worrying about blowing a motor. They have quite a bit of torgue and are pretty powerful but they don't have that powerband which can get a rookie in trouble.

Honda CRF80 or 100's would be good bikes. Light and 4 stroke.

Couldn't agree more. Except for the Honda part.....

2 strokes are the high pitch sounding bikes like you hear at most motocross events.

4 strokes have the lower gurgling sound. 4 strokes have been making their way into professional motocross, but are still in the minority.

I agree with Cyclonesrule91 about the 2 stroke engine's power band being dangerous for an 8 year old first time rider which is why I suggested the KLX.

**cyfan964** · 04-12-2009, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclonesrule91

Was it the KDX that was the 2 stroke enduro then?

Yup the KDX's are the 2 stroke enduros.... the KLX is more of a motocross ready 4 stroke. Should have near the same amount of overall power, just doesn't have the acceleration of some 2 strokes.

**jamesfnb** · 04-12-2009, 09:25 PM

Great advice guys! I'm leaning towards the Kawasaki KLX110. I think it would be wise to start with an automatic and see how he does. Now, I need to decide if I want to buy new or used. Looks like Kawasaki is offering some discounts at the moment.

**dmclone** · 04-13-2009, 07:38 AM

Better get one while you can before the lead ban takes effect.

**redrocker** · 04-13-2009, 07:49 AM

motorcycles are dangerous, and should be avoided.

**zumbro clones** · 04-13-2009, 07:53 AM

My sons ride our Honda XR80. It's a good bike to learn on.

**Al_4_State** · 04-13-2009, 10:18 AM

I learned on an XR 80. From a size and weight standpoint, the XR 80 I had would probably be too much for an 8 year old. I think Honda makes a good automatic 50cc that would be great for an 8 year old. You gotta go Honda, unless you want to spend all your free time fixing the damn thing...

**dmclone** · 04-13-2009, 10:42 AM

I've owned a bunch of off road 4 strokes from Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha. I really haven't had any problems with any of the makes and a few of them I took very little care of. When I was a youngster I had a Honda 185 three wheeler. In the 5 years I had it I never did any maintenance besides fill the tires. Not one thing including changing the oil. The tires were nearly bald from driving on the gravel, I would ride through water that was up to the tailpipe, rolled it on numerous occasions and it always started on the first pull.

As much as I love 2 strokes, 4 strokes are the future and require a lot less maintenance.

I real don't have a brand preference when it comes to these things. I even had good luck with Bombardier and their Rotax motor.