Whether you grew up in small town Iowa (like me) or really anywhere in Texas (like my daughter), there’s a good chance that dirt bikes were involved in your childhood. They’re crazy fun!
As a kid, I figured every dirt bike was the same. You just work with whatever you can get, right? But as a parent, I want to know a lot more!
I mean…what’s the best seat height for my kid? And what CC engine works best?
Is there an ideal first dirt bike? Maybe one that can transition from younger riders to older children? Do we need those training wheels?!
The good news is that when it comes to the best dirt bikes for 12 year olds, I’ve already done all the research! So rather than stressing over such a big investment, you can sit back and relax with all of the information in front you and make an easier, more informed decision.
Choosing the Right Dirt Bike for Your 12 Year Old
Picking the best bike for your 12 year old is key to both their safety and enjoyment.
Just because the Kawasaki KLX or KTM Motocross bikes are popular doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily the best dirt bikes for your child. You’ll need to consider bike size, engine power, and clutch type against your child’s build, strength, and confidence.
Understanding Bike Size and Seat Height
The right seat height is crucial for your child’s comfort and control.
Similar to bicycle sizing, your 12 year old should be able to touch the ground with both feet while sitting on the bike. This will help them to feel steady and safe.
But don’t just eyeball it! Measure your child’s inseam and compare it to the bike’s seat height.
A good rule is to have the seat height about 2-3 inches less than their inseam. This gives them room to grow.
Remember, kids grow fast! Some of the best starter bikes come with an adjustable seat height to allow a smooth transition from younger riders to older children.
Considering Engine Size and Power
For most 12 year olds, a 125 cc dirt bike is a good fit. This size offers enough power for fun riding without feeling like too much to handle.
If your child is new to riding, you might start with a smaller 50 cc dirt bike or 70 cc bike. These are easier to control, especially for a younger ride still lacking physical strength, making them great starter bikes.
For more experienced riders, a 150 cc dirt bike could work well. But be careful – larger engines can be dangerous, even for older children, if they put out more power than your child can control.
Some of our favorite contenders for best dirt bikes for 12 year olds come with adjustable power settings. This lets you limit the speed as your child learns and then increase it as they improve.
Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Engine
Choosing between a two-stroke and a four-stroke engine for a kids dirt bike depends on several factors, including the child’s experience level, the type of riding they will be doing, and your maintenance preferences.
Two-stroke engines are generally lighter and produce more power for their size. The power delivery is more abrupt, which can be challenging for a beginner rider but can also be thrilling for more experienced young riders.
A four-stroke engine provides smoother and more predictable power delivery, making them easier for beginners to control. They require less frequent maintenance compared to two-strokes and tend to be quieter.
For a beginner rider or younger children, a four-stroke engine is often the better choice due to its smoother power delivery, easier maintenance, and durability. For more experienced young riders or those looking for a more lightweight and powerful bike, a two-stroke engine might be a better fit.
Manual vs. Automatic Clutch
Another important factor you’ll want to consider is choosing between a manual transmission and automatic clutch. Your decision will ultimately depend on your child’s skill level and what you want them to learn.
A manual transmission gives more control and is great for learning bike handling, but it’s harder to use at first. Your young rider will need to learn to shift gears while riding, which can feel challenging and for some, too frustrating to continue.
An automatic clutch is easier for beginners.
They allow your young rider to focus on steering and balance without worrying about shifting. This can boost confidence in big ways for new riders.
Some kids dirt bikes offer a semi-automatic option. This is a good middle ground, since it teaches manual shifting without the complexity of a full manual clutch.
Photo by 14-year-old rider/photographer Lily Howe
Top Picks for 12 Year Old Riders
Finding the right dirt bike for your 12 year old can be exciting for both of you! Let’s look at some great options from top brands that offer safety, performance, and fun for young riders.
Honda CRF Series
The Honda CRF series is a popular choice for your young rider.
The CRF125F is great for beginners, with its user-friendly design and durable construction.
This 125 cc bike has an electric start, making it easy for kids to get going. Its 125 cc engine provides enough power for trails without feeling overwhelming.
The CRF125F comes in two versions – standard and big wheel. The big wheel option is perfect for older children who are taller or growing quickly.
Honda’s focus on safety shines through in the CRF series. The bikes have smooth power delivery and sturdy frames, giving parents peace of mind.
Kawasaki KLX Models
The Kawasaki KLX line offers reliable and fun options for young riders. The KLX110 is a great first dirt bike, while the KLX140 suits taller or more experienced older kids.
These bikes both feature an electric start, making them convenient for new young riders. The KLX models have adjustable suspension too, allowing the bike to grow with your child.
The Kawasaki KLX line was designed with learning in mind. They have smooth power delivery and forgiving handling, perfect for building confidence.
The KLX series is known for its durability. You can expect these bikes to handle the bumps and scrapes that come with learning to ride.
Yamaha TT-R Range
The Yamaha TT-R range offers excellent choices for 12 year old riders. The TTR125 is a popular pick, providing a good balance of size and power.
Yamaha’s TT-R bikes come with an electric start, making them easy to use. They also have an automatic clutch, which help new riders focus on balance and control.
The TT-R range is known for its reliability. These bikes can handle regular use and maintain performance, making them a great investment.
Yamaha also offers different wheel sizes in the TT-R range. This lets you choose the perfect fit for your child’s height and riding style.
Options Beyond Gasoline: Electric Dirt Bikes
Electric dirt bikes are becoming more popular for young riders! They offer a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy off-road riding.
Let’s take a look at why these bikes might be a good choice for your 12 year old and which electric dirt bikes are your best options.
Benefits of Electric Dirt Bikes for Young Riders
Electric dirt bikes are quieter than gas-powered ones. This could be a huge benefit to young riders with sensory sensitivities and also an important factor when it comes to riding in more places without bothering others.
They’re also easier to use! You don’t need to worry about changing gears or using a clutch, shortening the learning curve for a beginner rider.
These bikes are lighter than larger gas bikes, making them easier for younger riders to handle. Plus, they’ll find it simpler to pick up the bike if it falls over.
Many electric dirt bikes also have adjustable power settings, so you can start with a lower setting and increase it as your child’s skills improve. This helps keep them safe while learning!
Honda CRF-E2
The Honda CRF-E2 is a great first dirt bike for kids!
The CRF-E2 is designed specifically for young riders, with a size and weight that make it easy to handle. This ensures that kids can manage the bike without feeling overwhelmed.
This Honda CRF also features a two-stage power management system. This allows a beginner rider to start with a lower power setting and gradually increase it as they become more confident and skilled.
Plus, as an officially licensed Honda product, the CRF-E2 benefits from Honda’s reputation for reliability and quality, giving parents peace of mind.
Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-Road Bike
The Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-Road Bike is considered a good first dirt bike for kids for several reasons.
First of all, it’s scaled down to suit younger riders, making it easier for kids to handle and control. This is crucial for building confidence and ensuring safety.
With a top speed of 12 miles per hour, the MX350 offers enough excitement without being too fast for beginners. Its high-torque motor provides a smooth and manageable power delivery, which is ideal for young riders.
The bike features large, knobby tires and a sturdy frame, ensuring it can handle rough terrain and minor crashes, which are common as kids learn to ride.
The MX350 is also electric, which means it’s quieter and requires less maintenance compared to gas-powered bikes. This makes it more convenient for parents and less intimidating for kids.
And possibly best of all, this bike rings in at hundreds, rather than thousands, of dollars, making it an economical choice for those just starting out.
Best Places to Buy Kids Dirt Bikes
Know that you’ve landed on the right dirt bike for your young rider, where’s the best place to buy it? There are actually lots of good options for buying kids dirt bikes!
- Local Dealers: I personally feel it’s best to see dirt bikes in person before purchasing them, and to give them a test ride if possible. (I purchased my last car on Carvana, but you’d better believe I test drove a similar car at a dealership first!)
- Tribal Motorsports: This site specializes in beginner dirt bikes for kids, offering models ranging from 40 cc to 110 cc engine bikes at discounted prices.
- Q9 PowerSports USA: This site offers a variety of affordable small kids dirt bikes with free shipping and a one-year engine warranty!
- eBay: A good place to find deals on both new and used kids dirt bikes.
- Walmart: Believe it or not, Walmart has a pretty decent selection of affordable gasoline-powered and electric dirt bikes for kids!
- Amazon: Amazon offers very affordable kids dirt bikes, including popular models like the Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket.
These options provide a range of prices and models of some of the best dirt bikes out there to suit different needs and budgets.
Safety and Riding Gear Essentials
Keeping your 12 year old safe while dirt biking is crucial. While you’re here to learn about the best dirt bikes, it’s also important to consider what kind of safety gear your child will need to prevent injuries.
Importance of Safety Gear
Ensure your child always wears a helmet when riding; it’s their most important piece of safety gear! Choose a helmet that fits snugly and, maybe the most important factor, is DOT-approved.
Don’t forget goggles to protect their eyes from dirt and debris and help them see better while riding. They’ll also want to wear sturdy boots that cover their ankles, since it’s the best way to help prevent burns from the engine and protect their feet if they fall.
Gloves are a must! They improve grip and protect the young rider hands from blisters and scrapes.
Elbow and knee pads add extra protection for falls, helping to prevent painful scrapes and bruises. And a chest protector is especially important for new riders, as it shields their upper body from rocks and branches.
Training Wheels and Stability Features
Some dirt bikes for 12-year-olds come with training wheels.
These can help build confidence for a beginner rider since they won’t have to worry about balancing at first. The training wheels allow them to focus on learning to control the throttle and brakes.
Wider tires can help improve stability, especially on loose surfaces. This is the best way to gain more traction and control.
Some bikes also come with engine limiters to let you control how fast your child can go while they’re learning.
Care, Maintenance, and Upkeep
Taking good care of kids dirt bikes will keep them running smoothly and safely. Regular upkeep both extends the life of your bike and helps you avoid costly repairs.
Routine Bike Maintenance Tips
Check the tire pressure before each ride, since proper inflation is crucial for good handling and safety. You’ll also want to tighten all nuts and bolts before riding, as vibration can loosen them over time.
Your kids will want to clean their first dirt bike after every ride.
Use a pressure washer or garden hose to remove mud and debris. Pay special attention to the chain, sprockets, and air filter.
Be sure to clean or replace the air filter after dusty rides too, since a clogged filter can damage the engine.
Lubricate the chain regularly, as a well-oiled chain lasts longer and improves performance. Inspect the brakes often and replace brake pads when they get thin.
Change the oil and oil filter as recommended in your bike’s manual. This is usually every 10-20 hours of ride time.
When to Consider Upgrading
As your child grows, they’ll likely eventually outgrow their first dirt bike. Look for signs like their feet easily touching the ground or the handlebars feeling too low.
You might also consider upgrading when your child’s skills improve significantly. A more powerful bike can help them progress further.
Remember, safety comes first. Only upgrade when you’re confident your child can handle a more powerful machine.
Oof, that was a lot! But now that you know the best dirt bikes for 12 year olds, plus all of the safety gear and maintenance you’ll need to consider, you’ll be fully equipped to land on the right dirt bike for your child.
Happy riding, friends!
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