Dirt bikes are safe for kids as long as they are sized appropriately. You should ensure your kids are equipped with the necessary safety gear even as you supervise them on their bikes.
A 50cc dirt bike is the smallest gas-powered motorcycle in the market making it ideal for kids between the ages of 4-7. You can start your juniors off with training wheels, and remove them once their ability level progresses.
Choosing a 50cc dirt bike for your child should begin by looking at models from reputable brands. Brands like Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, Honda, and Kawasaki have done plenty of research on safety for kids over the many years they have been in the market.
The seat height is another important factor. Your kid’s feet should touch the ground while sitting on the bike. You should also be able to change the speed on the bike to adjust for your kid’s abilities.
Some models to consider include:
1. Yamaha PW50
Yamaha first introduced this model in 1981 under the name Y-Zinger. It was named the PW50 in 1991 and has since enjoyed prominence in the mini-dirt bike segment. This durable dirt bike is packed with tons of safety features and will get your child started in the sport.
It is powered by a small 50cc engine that is torque-turned for efficiency. This two-stroke and oil-injected motor delivers a moderate level of power for your kid to enjoy.
The bike has a throttle-control function that parents can use to limit the top speed of their children. You can adjust the pace as they gain more experience on the road.
The PW50 is also incredibly lightweight at 82 pounds as its polypropylene bodywork combines low weight and maximum strength. Your kid will also be excited by the sporty style of this bike, thanks to its white racing number backgrounds set on a blue racing body.
Yamaha has promoted user-friendliness with this model. Its seat height is only 19 inches to accommodate your kid’s size.
A length of 49 inches and a 4.1-inch ground clearance ensures the safety of the rider. The bike is equipped with wide, folding footpegs and thick seat cushions with extra grips for safety.
There is a heat shield on the exhaust for added safety, and the pipe is set near the engine for extra ground clearance. The handlebar layout resembles that of a bicycle which is suitable for beginners. The gearbox is entirely automatic, and your little one only has to perform a ‘twist-and-go’ motion for the bike to roar with life.
You do not have to worry about maintenance with the PW50. The separate two-stroke oil tank means that owners do not need to premix the fuel and oil.
The model’s shaft-drive system offers easy ownership and low maintenance while the wheels do not require constant spoke replacement or tightening.
2. Honda CRF50F
The Honda CRF50F is reputed for its durability. It is practically bulletproof as it is designed to survive the common abuses from beginners.
It will work through years of minimal maintenance that includes changing the motor oil once in a while and cleaning the air filter periodically. You should also keep an eye on its drive chain.
The bike’s power plant is its four-stroke 49cc engine that provides smooth power. If you are concerned about the power output, you can use the throttle limiter to ease your mind and improve safety. The engine is dependable and needs little maintenance.
The CRF50F is fitted with an automatic clutch for maximum rideability. The engine will, therefore, not stall when riders come to a complete stop, and they do not have to utilize the clutch to change gears.
There are training wheels available for this bike if your kid has limited ability to ride a dirt bike.
You can limit speed via the three-speed transmitter. This feature will let your kids have full control of the throttle, but they can only move up to a higher speed once they have practiced more.
Speed control is important because kids can quickly get excited on the road and crave more speed. Honda also opted for a key-ignition with this bike to discourage unsupervised kids from riding off.
The CRF50F has a wet weight of 110 lbs, and your kid will mostly be able to pick it up after the inevitable fall. A seat height of 21.5-inch has proven to be comfortable for most young riders.
Your little one can easily experiment with standing and seating positions. The cleated and foldable footpegs provide secure footing through muddy conditions while the foam grips and padded bar protector ensure additional safety.
The CRF50F is the ultimate mini-dirt bike, but be prepared for your junior to outgrow it quickly.
3. Suzuki DR-Z50
The Suzuki DR-Z50 is another excellent dirt bike for young riders. It is recommended for 7-year olds or older kids, but you should determine the ability level of your child before allowing them on any motorcycle.
It is powered by a four-stroke 49cc engine that has plenty of torque to deliver a controllable thrill to your child. The motor has a smooth power band and you can control peak power via the throttle limiter. Once your little one learns to hold the bike’s throttle wide open, they will ride at a good pace.
The model’s suspension is adequate for the engine and young riders. Your child will not get bounced around as the bike absorbs a decent amount of impact.
The bike is packed with plenty of functional and safety features. The electric start is especially suitable for young riders who have yet to get the hang of kickstarting. All they need to do is push a button, and off they go.
You can use the three-speed transmission to control the pace of your young rider. Shifting is as smooth as nudging the shift lever to access the next gear, and you can be sure that your kid’s hands won’t get tired of handling the clutch lever.
This centrifugal clutch on the DR-Z50 is an excellent way to introduce young riders to transmission. The choke knob is fitted at the center of the handlebar, and it is mostly used in the mornings and cold days.
The bike comes in Championship Yellow No.2, which is pretty eye-catching. The seat height is 22 inches to accommodate most beginners.
The bike will mostly be slightly smaller or perfectly-sized, which is ideal because kids need to dominate their motorcycles for maximum safety.
Its wet weight is 119 pounds with a ground clearance of 5.3 inches. Your child should be able to lift it if they fall when riding it. If you are worried about letting a young rider on the DR-Z50, you can equip it with training wheels until you are more confident in your little one’s ability.
Overall, the DR-Z50 is stable and handles quite well on the road.
4. Kawasaki KDX 50
The lime green color of the Kawasaki KDX 50 and its graphic backgrounds makes it an attractive dirt bike for children. Its features are designed to help young riders learn the fundamentals of the sport.
Its single-cylinder two-stroke 49cc engine produces a smooth powerband that is essential for beginners learning throttle control. The parental-friendly power limiter will allow you to control your kid’s progress.
The bike is also fitted with height-adjustable suspension, where the seat height can be adjusted by an inch to accommodate the growth of riders. The single-speed transmission with an auto clutch will promote safety.
The bike features full knobby tires to deliver the necessary off-road traction. You can rest easy as the bike skids along various trails as your little one will be very safe.
The front and back drums provide the KDX 50 with ample stopping power while the kick-starter is suitably sized for children. It will be easy to start the bike thanks to the digital CDI ignition.
The bike’s safety is further ensured by the U.S. Forest Service-certified spark arrestor.
5. KTM 50 SX /SX Mini
The KTM 50 SX features scaled-down features of the brand’s bigger dirt bike models. Its 49-cc engine is fitted with a liquid-cooling system and a high-quality cylinder.
You can adjust the acceleration of the bike thanks to its centrifugal multi-disc automatic clutch. All you need to do is turn three 8mm-head adjustment bolts to choose the desired speed.
The model is equipped with a modern and fully-adjustable air fork. It can be tuned to the specific needs of any rider by adding or reducing the level of air pressure through the provided fork pump.
A lot of effort has been made to ensure that your junior will be comfortable on the KTM 50 SX. The bike is characterized by KTM grips and aluminum handlebars and a gripper seat that can be removed without using tools. The bike’s body is forged from high-strength and lightweight Chromoly steel for a great experience.
The KTM 50 SX mini includes much of the technology of its bigger sibling but with more friendly power delivery. It is driven by a two-stroke 49cc engine, which is powered with a kickstart.
The engine has a three-shaft design that keeps the crankshaft near the model’s center of gravity for easy handling and maximum performance.
The wave-disc hydraulic brake system on the KTM 50 SX mini does its job very well, and its self-cleaning capability makes maintenance easy. The bike has a lower seat height and smaller wheels, but it will teach your junior the technical aspects of the sport.
How Fast Does a 50cc Dirt Bike Go?
The maximum speed for most 50cc dirt bikes is between 25 and 40 miles per hour. The Suzuki DRZ50, for example, tops out at 33mph and 25mph for the Honda CRF50.
These speeds might seem fast and dangerous for four to seven-year-olds, but most of them will not reach the rated maximum speeds. A 25-mph bike is an excellent model to start kids off with, and you can ensure they don’t exceed the 15-18mph range.
There is no safe speed for kids, as the pace depends on the ability of your junior. You can buy bikes with a throttle limiter to limit the acceleration speed of your kid.
Most parents keep young riders on the second gear without allowing them to go full throttle. Higher gears will increase the chances of falls and other kinds of accidents.
Is a 50cc Dirt Bike Safe for Kids?
Dirt biking, like any other activity, has some risks, and it is up to the parent to decide which activities they want to introduce to their children. If you’re going to get your kids into the sport, you should be aware of the dangers of it to make an informed decision.
A 50cc dirt bike is the best model to introduce your juniors into dirt biking. While you cannot cushion them from the occasional falls, you can ensure that your kids are well-equipped to take on any risks along the way.
To start, your kid should be fitted with appropriate safety gear, regardless of the length of the journey. Buy high-quality helmets, riding boots, gloves, knee pads, and other protective outfits.
You can also fit the 50cc dirt with training wheels until they can handle the motorcycle better.
A throttle limiter will let you decide the acceleration speeds, and you can only adjust the pace if their ability progresses. You should also supervise your kid on the 50cc dirt bike at all times.
You can even get the rest of the family out for a riding experience to encourage your junior.
How to Maintain a 50cc Dirt Bike?
You will need to maintain your 50cc dirt bike to ensure it lasts long. The manufacturer will give guidelines on when to check fluids and change oil. Inspect and tighten any loose bolts periodically and check for any leaks.
Cleaning the bike after a muddy ride is also recommended. You can do it using appropriate brushes and a bucket of water as pressure washes can push water into regions that have mechanical components.
Conclusion
A 50cc dirt bike is an excellent way of getting your kids excited about dirt bike riding. They have maximum speeds of between 24 and 40 mph, but you can limit the pace on most models.
Your kids should be well-equipped in protective gear to minimize the risks on the road.
