Any Motocross guys in here? Need some input.

[trapin]

Recently my son Jake (who is 9) visited my sister-n-law and her boyfriend up in Lapeer, Michigan. They have about 10 acres up there and her boyfriend Ron has a few dirt bikes, including some for kids. I wasn't there but my wife told me that when Jake saw the bikes he was totally into them. So Ron asked him if he wanted to try and ride one and he jumped right on. Ron fitted him for a helmet and showed him the ropes about how to operate the bike and such. It was a Yamaha 80cc. My wife told me she was nervous about it at first but ended up thoroughly impressed with how responsible he was on it. I saw Ron today when he was over my house for Easter and he told me he couldn't believe how fast Jake took to it; said he got on the thing and started riding it like he’d been doing it all his life. Ron's been riding bikes since he was a kid and says (in his opinion) Jake’s a natural.

Now...needless to say, I am shocked. I never saw how Jake and dirt bikes would have ANY connection...but then what the hell do I know? I’ve been trying to shove hockey, basketball, baseball, and football down his throat for the past 9 years. Last year when he showed some interest in skateboarding I ran right out and bought him a good board and drove him and his cousin up to the skate park every Saturday morning. You can see where I’m going with this. Being a loving father who wants desperately for his children to be passionate about something…anything, I can’t help but feel compelled to encourage him or at least investigate and explore this a bit further. If it ends up being something he truly loves (and provided he continues to get good grades in school) I don’t want to deny him the opportunity.

So I need to reach out to a community of enthusiasts who are knowledgeable about this subject because I’ve never rode a dirt bike much less owned one so I don’t know the first thing about what to look for or what the do’s and don’ts are ect. This want for knowledge naturally led me here where I know that amongst a plethora of gearheads there just HAS to be a few of you that come from the motocross bloodline that could answer some questions and give some advice. Thanks.

[dropit69]

cool stuff Tony bikes quads they are all awesome..my only tip is to buy one of the 4 major manufactuers..honda..yamaha..susuki..or kawasaki..a cheaper off brand import is only that cheap and when they break hard to get parts for..i know cause my cousin bought a cheap import 4 wheeler and had hella time getting parts..make sure he always wears a helmet and get him some decent riding boots to save his ankles..good luck have fun

[jpdeuce]

Usually the later model 80cc bikes can be picked up used for about 2/3 the price of a new one. I bought my boys latest at less than of half what a new one is and it was like new and only five years old. Depending on what you buy it could be around $2,000 for a new one.

I would not drop him down to a 70cc automatic. I would keep him on a clutched 80cc if he can hold it up and reach the ground well.

Like Dropit said though, no off brands here. Stay with one of the big players. Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kaw or even a KTM. The KTMs can get kinda fast though.

Make sure hes got all of the proper riding gear, thats extra $ too. It can add up, especially if you by new.

I think I would get him back on the bike a few more times to see if his interest holds and then make the decision as to if and what to buy. You'll also need to think about where he'll ride. We got a local place that can get congested real quik with very aggressive riders young and old.

[ponchopwr70]

I have to say my dad let me buy my first bike when I was like 8 and that was the coolest thing. Ithink they are good for kids. Stay with one on the good names and let him ride.

[NOT A TA]

I rode a lot when I was young. I was about 10 when I got the first. Switched to street bikes when I turned 16, eventually stopped riding when I had a family because I'm too much of a full throttle kinda guy and used to do 140 MPH every day on the way to work riding a 1000.

Like the others said I'd stick to the big names. Don't forget though old bikes are like old cars, you keep putting money into them so if you don't want to work all the time on it buy a reasonably new one or brand new.

[moreHP]

The little bike he rode was probably a great start. Most are automatic so you dont have to learn a clutch but you do the shifting so they get a sense of how to operate the gears. Most of the little bikes like that have a built in throttle stop too so you can keep them from going too fast before they are ready.

Like what was said before, stick with a big name brand. They can take all kinds of abuse and not break. Really reliable will very little maintenance. I started riding at age 12 and still ride (now 38) and its a great hobby.

I have taught my friends kids how to ride and it opens up a whole bunch of good family activities to ride, camp, go to shows, read and learn online and magazines and even teach them basic maintenace about the bike.

Yes there is a risk they may get hurt, but if you get them proper gear, then a few bumps and bruises is usually about as bad as it gets.

[seekins]

Dad got me a gas powered 3 wheeler on my 2nd birthday and i have been riding since then. Motorcycles are fun and great for the family. those bikes kept me out of allot of trouble. My wife has a CRF150r and i have a YZ139 mod bike. My son will have one if he is into it and i sure hope he is.

I raced a bit of motocross and i sure hope my kid doesn't want to race. I broke my foot badly, cousins broke backs and a friend that rides pro is now paralyzed from the waste down (he is 24)....Its not when you get hurt, its how bad and with the bikes going faster and jumps getting larger, its serious and more common..

[79-TA]

I started out in 3rd grade with a 70cc Honda ATC (3 wheeler.) I then went through an awkard borrowing phase until I got my Honda CR80. It sat higher than most bikes and had a 105cc kit in it, so it suited me until I stepped up to the 250 two strokes.

It sounds like your kid is a good fit for a little 4 stroke 80 cc bike. It always seems like the 2 strokes are larger and have more suspension travel, but that has changed with some of the newer 4 strokes. I swear by 2 strokes and their high revving power band, but I have to suggest that your kid start out on a more predictable four stroke with its more even torque curve.

You'll want to make sure you know the bike nomenclature when shopping. For instance, Honda 2 strokes are CR's while the traditional 4 strokes are XR's and the newer 4 strokes are CRF's etc. Anything from the late 80's should be modern enough; reliability is all a matter of maintenance. Mid 90's stuff is getting really cheap. The economic situation has lots of people selling their toys, so it's a good time to buy. You might even get yourself a quad or something to tag along with.

Bikes are a ton of fun and the experience makes for better drivers. Do it!

[Twentyover]

May be tough getting a 50 or an 80 right now since the CPSC lead ban...

http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=1069

[trapin]

Wow, that sucks. No wonder the Yamaha site had those bikes pulled off it. I appreciate the input, guys. I don't know that I want my son racing competitively. I just want him to have a hobby that doesn't involve sitting on the couch with a controller in his hands. LOL! So far what I've gotten from this is...

1.) Stick with the major brands

2.) 50-80cc 4 stroke.

Good stuff. Thanks.

[stage2ROUSH]

I rode a 73 honda XR-75, {which is still in my dad's garage}, +1 on major brands,+1 on 50-80cc. my brother and I did a little racing, and having a bike with a clutch can be a great thing for years down the road, getting into a car, and just driving not having to learn how to shift etc...and from the racing, it taught me ALL about the importance of proper safety gear, and if you were to get a bike or quad, it could be ALOT of fun for both of you!!!

[Chad-1stGen]

I don't know what area you live in but "motocross" is a very small part of the overall dirt bike experience. In Motocross it doesn't matter how good of a rider you are you will take falls and plenty of them.

But! There are tons of other riding opportunities. Trail riding can be an awesome family activity and since your son just started you might consider picking it up and learning with him. With trail riding you can start out as easy as you want and grow from there. There is also competitive trail riding which is a hell of a lot safer than motocross. My budy has gotten back into trail racing recently and is having a blast. He gave up motocross after being lifelighted (helicopter to the hospital) from the course.

Also, again depending on your area there is sand riding which for quads can be a ton of fun. I've ridden dunes 2 wheel and 4 and 4 is just more fun. Plus there is a big gearhead culture in the dunes with some 1k+ hp sandrails.

I second others recomendation on getting a 4 stroke. Much more predictable and easier to manage when you get into trouble and your concentration is split. Not sure how big your kid is. A friend has tought two of his g/f's to ride on XR100's which are great beginner bikes.

[vp23271]

I have owned 4 or 5 dirt bikes and grew up riding. I grew up in a neighborhood that backed up to the desert and rode for hours on end until I either got low on fuel or the sun was going down.

You may want to get a bike too and trail ride with him. It's a very cool way to bond with your kid.

The chances are your kid will out grow the bike fairly quickly, so you might save some bucks buying used. Definitely stick with a four stroke. Way less maintenance and you do not have to pre-mix your fuel like a 2 stroke.

The more gear you buy him, the more peace of mind you will have lol. Obviously a helmet, gloves, boots, shin/knee guards and goggles.

A neck protector is highly recommended. It will protect his neck if he takes a spill. It keeps the helmet from over extending and causing spinal injuries. It acts as a cushion between his shoulders and the base of his helmet and limits movement.

A chest protector has saved me more times than I can count. I have had some "acrobatic" spills that I have been able to get up, dust myself off and kick start my bike right back up and keep riding. I always rode with elbow guards under my jersey and they are pretty cheap insurance.

I prefer the Honda's and Yamaha's.

[rsk68]

Tony,

My two now adult Sons rode and raced for years, they cant afford it any more but they learned alot from it, i myself raced as a kid from 10 to 24. One major thing on bike selection is how big is he? they do make bikes in several physical sizes, if he is a big 9 like 4' -10" to 5'-3" consider the Honda 150 four stroke it's what they call a big wheel or super mini, i would not start him out on a 2 stroke.

One more thing to remember, i was able to build my car with the money i saved from not racing anymore.

[GaRys69]

Do Not cheap out on any gear and make sure it fits him now, dont get gear to grow into. Kids gear is easy to resell and holds its value.

Before buying a bike go to some riding areas near by,
most all riders are good people and will let him try thier different bikes
or give good recommendations on size and type bike for his size.
Try bike clubs also.

If you go to any tracks, make sure they have organized practice.
Much safer.

Owning a bike can be used as a great teaching tool, for mech skills.

[trapin]

Owning a bike can be used as a great teaching tool, for mech skills.
That's the big one right there. That's what I'm hoping for. Yeah, I will steer him away from motocross, the trail riding is what I would want for him. But I can't do any of this, this year...I got a car to finish. Next year, provided I still have a job. I just wanted to know what I would be getting myself into. By the way, Jake is almost 4' 10", he's a big kid for his age. Thanks again guys.

[JMarsa]

Tony,

Call me when you can. I ride in the woods and can fill you in.

--JMarsa

[go-fish]

I bought my daughter a used Suzuki 50cc quad. She's 3 and loves it. She would rather ride with mom or me on the big Honda because it's faster. She's already got the need fo' speed.lol

[GT500KR_Vert]

I started racing bikes when I was 12 and raced until I was 19. I'm 34 now, looking back I really wish I didn't get into it. As much fun as it was my body got pretty beat up racing. I grew up in NJ practing in the sand / gravel pits with the pro riders and racing at Englishtown & New Egypt and the surrounding areas. I rode almost every day; even in the winters. My life was moto-x, super-x, and sometimes track bikes. I really thought I could turn pro and make money, but very few people do; I actually used to talk to the pro riders about it.

I stopped because I got sick of the injuries; I broke my right femur (rod is still in there), messed up my knees, broken my right foot into pieces, broke my right shoulder, my right arm, lost the tip of my left middle finger in someone else's rear sprocket, and other injuries, because I was stupid and rode with no fear, to be good you kinda have to, once you have fear you stop.

I switch to jet ski racing, much safer to some extent, water is softer then dirt, rocks, and trees.

I saw too many kids die on the track from riding over their heads, stupid accidents, and other riders losing control. Although I did see one kid die racing jet skis; T-boned another ski and his bars went into his chest / heart; died instantly.

I have 3 boys that i would not let race or ride moto-x. It's fun to trail ride and drive quad, but always understand the risks with racing. Remember thers isn't a rollcage around you and is it really worth it if you kid gets paralyzed or worse?

Not trying to bring the thread down, but make sure he practices caution and aways let him follow you down the trails - you never know what's ahead and kids do not react as fast or as cautious as we do.

[Martin71RS]

quads aren't that safe...seen too many vids of them flipping and landing on top of the rider.

anyways, if you decide to let him have a go at it, see that he uses the best safety gear money can buy.

[trapin]

As usual, some really great advice from everyone. I knew I could count on you guys. Once again...the best website on the net.

And Jason, I will definitely give you a call if I make a purchase. Next year. LOL!

[seekins]

I would get him something like this. My wife stared on one and it worked out great. Nice mellow power, but enough to do whatver. this one would allow him to grow with the bike for a while. It would fit him now and until he is about 5'6"...Im 5'10 180lbs and it packed me around prety good...Cheap too :)

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/mcy/1119282223.html

[BLT2DRIVE]

Lifelong motohead (@ 50 still). I grew up in a ball and stick sports family. Both my parents, two siblings, and both of their spouses all taught school and coached sports. My dad had over 24 League Championships, both my brothers were on NCCA Championship Football teams, Me.... I got the MOTORHEAD gene! LOL I played sports and won Championships,went to State, but I couldn't race while I was in school. My Dad said if I broke something and missed a season, you could never get that back, and I would be sorry later. I obliged, but he did indulged my MOTORHEAD gene. He took me to Watkins Glen, Indy 500's,Mid-Ohio,( 14.3 miles from our drive) Dragway 42, Milan. I got to see a lot of the great drivers growing up. Number one lesson for dirtbikes, gym class, gymnastics. Learn to hit and roll, not to stick your arm out to catch yourself! Works everytime. It's also something he can enjoy and be active at all through his adulthood too. Beats the hell out of golf!!!

[bochnak]

What model 80cc? YZ?

I would recommend a honda xr 80cc. After he gets comfortable, upgrade to a honda cr 80cc. Huge difference in performance and size between the 2.

I used honda models as an example. The other 3 have multiple models for 80cc as well.

[blown9746]

My first motorcycle was a honda xr80 when I was 10. You can get back to the late 80's and they are basically the same bike up until 2000 or so. They are bulletproof and would be a great starting point. I would definitely recommend getting used (you know how kids change their minds).

If trail riding is what he gets into, I would recommend staying w/ 4 strokes. Much more predictable power curve.