Best Dirt Bikes for Kids

This is a guide to the best dirt bikes for kids.

Finding the right dirt bike for your youngsters sometimes can be a challenge. You need to consider the fact that children are picky and sometimes they go after looks instead of quality, performance, or durability. However, we have lots of different dirt bike models and brands to choose from for any age.
In this article, we discuss which kids dirt bike is the best and why? Find out how we go through each of the dirt bikes and why we chose these top models to be the best.

Answer these questions before choosing your kid a dirt bike

When choosing the right kid’s dirt bike there are a couple of questions that we need to answer before making our choice.

Is your young one of the following:

• Beginner Rider?
• Advanced Rider?
• Trail Riding?
• Motocross Riding?

If your kid is just getting started into dirt biking there are dirt bikes that are built for going slower and for beginners.

These kid beginner dirt bikes typically have a lower seat height, have a semi-automatic transmission, and are air-cooled 4 strokes. 

Do not make the mistake and get a dirt bike that is too big and too scary for your kids. Remember we want them to have fun and be safe. Getting a dirt bike above their abilities will make them not want to ride.

When your kids are learning to dirt bike it’s better to have them a dirt bike that is too small for them rather than too big. Check out this post on what dirt bike size you should get based on your kid’s height.

What do I mean by “Kids Trail Dirt Bike”

A trail dirt bike typically is easier to ride and has a more mellow engine with softer suspension. The seat height is also lower than let’s say a kids motocross dirt bike.

These kids trail dirt bikes are meant to ride on single track trails and they are not built for motocross tracks. These kids’ dirt bikes typically come with an air-cooled 4 stroke motor.

What do I mean by “Kids Motocross Dirt Bike”?

Kids motocross dirt bikes come with more power, taller seat height, and more suspension travel. Typically when your child is just getting started a motocross dirt bike is not the ideal dirt bike for them.

These kids’ motocross dirt bikes are much more powerful and harder to ride. They are built to race which if you plan on getting your kids into racing then you will need to upgrade to one of these kids motocross dirt bikes once they are ready.

Typically these kids motocross dirt bikes come with a liquid-cooled 2 stroke motor.

How different are the Kids Trail and Motocross dirt bikes?

Why both a kids trail and a kids motocross bike are considered dirt bikes are completely different when it comes to where you ride them. The kid’s dirt bikes are different from adult bikes especially when it comes to the kid’s trial dirt bikes. The kid’s trail dirt bikes are big bulky with a semi-auto transmission. The Kids trail dirt bikes are also air-cooled really mellow motors.

The kid’s motocross dirt bikes need to be able to go fast and get over jumps. A kids motocross dirt bike is MUCH closer to what they will be riding as an adult.

They come with a manual clutch and because per cc, a 2 stroke makes more power than a 4 stroke all of these little racing kid motocross dirt bikes come with 2 stroke motors. They also come with much better and larger suspension.

But, a kids motocross bike is much harder to ride and they are designed to go fast which means on slow technical singletrack trails they typically do not do as well.

While you can ride a kids trial dirt bike on a motocross track, your kid probably will not win any races against the kid’s motocross bike. Also because of the higher weight and smaller suspension of the kid’s trail dirt bike they don’t do so well on a motocross track.

Also, while you can ride a kids motocross dirt bike on trails they are harder because of the manual clutch and they are designed to go fast. However, because the suspension travel is much better they are actually soaking up hard hits and square edges better than a kids trail dirt bike. 

Kids motocross bikes are much more expensive because they come with better and lighter technology than a kid’s trial dirt bike.

Best Kids Motocross dirt bikes cost anywhere between $3000 – $5500 dollars.

Best Kids Trail dirt bikes cost anywhere between $1000 – $3000 dollars with one exception :).

KTM 50 SX

KTM’s 2023 50SX is a revolutionary kids dirt bike that sets the pace for tomorrow’s off-road and motocross enthusiasts. This bike features a lot of similarities with KTM’s larger off-road model but has a toned-down ergonomic design to give your kid the best comfort on rough terrain. It has a lightweight frame that makes it easy to handle.

Intended for 4-10-year-olds, this is one of the best dirt bikes for kids due to its outstanding performance and proven technology. The 50 SX kids dirt bike is a two-stroke, 49cc single-cylinder engine machine with an adjustable multi-disc automatic clutch that helps your child learn the ropes without worrying about the shifting techniques. The twist-and-go single-speed transmission is really easy for them to grasp.

Yamaha TT-R50E

Another powerful, highly-rated, gas-engine bike, the 2023 Yamaha TT-R50E, is an incredible machine for young riders. Featuring a 49cc air-cooled four-stroke engine, the TT-R50E requires little maintenance, thanks to its automatic cam-chain tensioner.

The Yamaha TT-R50E is designed for kids between 4 and 7 years and is packed with an easy, semi-automatic gearbox so your little rider can enjoy the thrill by just twisting the throttle when beginning their adventure. The 10-inch front and rear wheels are both equipped with drum brakes for easy handling.

Parents looking for the best kids dirt bike want a simple bike with a convenient, no-frills start button. And the Yamaha TT-R50E gets that right with its electric start push-button that makes learning to ride much more effortless. Your child just needs to hop on, hit the electric start button, and away they go!

Honda CRF50F

The Honda CRF50F comes highly recommended in the quintessential “dirt bikes for kids” category. Not only is it the perfect size for young riders, but it also offers a great combination of cool features, making it a truly entry-level kids dirt bike. The CRF50F has a 49-cc four-stroke, a kick-starter, and a three-speed sequential transmission.

Honda CRF50F delivers smooth, reliable power through its four-stroke engine and offers a practical suspension with an adjustable rear shock for off-road comfort. Safety is one of the concerns for parents looking for dirt bikes for kids. You will love the throttle limiter and keyed ignition in the Honda CRF50F.

Yamaha PW50

Smallest in its class, the 2023 Yamaha PW 50  (PW stands for Pee Wee) is the perfect beginner bike for your kid. The PW50 is a 49cc, two-stroke engine bike featuring front and rear drum brakes on its 10″ tires.

The PW50 has an adjustable throttle and automatic transmission for safe handling. Its sturdy frame and low seat height will deliver an incredible first riding experience to your young rider, giving the junior rider confidence right away.

At just 90 lbs., this lightweight and compact mini-bike is an ideal bike to develop your child’s riding skills. What makes the PW50 one of the best kids dirt bikes is its fully automatic transmission, so there is no shifting whatsoever for the young rider, and they do not have to pull in a clutch every time they want to hit the trail.

KTM 65 SX

Stepping up from the small-wheeled KTM 50 SX, the 2023 KTM 65 SX brings the thrill and responsibility of six gears and a clutch to your young rider. The KTM 65 SX offers a transmission, motors, and suspension package that is ready to send your kid shredding around the motocross track.

Weighing at just 122 pounds with a full tank, the 65cc KTM model is easy to handle and control even by the smallest rider. Its super slender and ultra-light frame is beautifully designed for comfort and to train your kid to handle a dirt racing class bike.

Kawasaki KLX110R L

The Kawasaki KLX110R L is a popular option among young riders because of the lime green color of the “kawis”. But that aside, the KLX100 is one of the compact dirt bikes for kids with outstanding performance, solid reliability, and a boatload of cool features that will give your young enthusiast an authentic motocross experience.

The Kawasaki KLX110 is a great trainer for kids interested in dirt biking. Featuring knobby tires, raised suspension, a pointy mudguard, and a sharp rear end, your kid will thrill at the dirt-bike appeal of the KLX110. Its air-cooled, 2-valve, SOHC 112cc motor may be bone-simple, but it delivers the power needed to keep a rider entertained. The KLX110 has a sturdy frame to take up the beating from the rough terrain.

The Kawasaki 110L is different from the standard KLX 110. The KLX 110R L has a larger suspension and a 4-speed manual clutch. This means that the seat height is taller (1.9 inches taller) than the standard KLX 100.

Husqvarna TC 85

The 2023 Husqvarna TC 85 bridges the gap between the junior ranks and full-sized motocross, acting as a perfect stepping stone to joining the big boys. The TC 85 comes with two-wheel size options, the 17/14 and 19/16, allowing kids to go for a fully-powered machine that matches their frame.

The TC 85 features an 85cc two-stroke engine, WP suspension, and a sturdy chromium molybdenum steel frame that delivers smooth, top-level performance and durability for the stars of tomorrow. It also comes with self-cleaning footpads to prevent the build-up of dirt collected through deep ruts and muddy terrain.

Honda CRF125F

If you are looking for the best kids dirt bike, the Honda’s CRF 125F fits the bill to a T. The CRF 125F is the perfect entry bike for young guns aged ten and above looking for a bike to feed their dirt track passion. Coming in at 194 lbs., the CRF125F has some of the cool features of its big brothers, which are guaranteed to light the fun fuse for any kid.

The Honda CRF125F is designed with a stone-reliable air-cooled SOHC 124.9cc four-stroke engine, an electric start, a pro-level suspension, and a low seat height for your kid to bash on through the rough stuff.

Cobra CX50JR

The Cobra CX50JR is an electrically assisted kids dirt bike that will excite any kid due to its outstanding design. The cobra CX50P3 features all-new forged and anodized wheels that are lighter and stronger, promising to deliver improved handling and unfettered fun in the rough terrain.

Under the hood, the CX50JR has a 50cc venom series engine that delivers massive amounts of low-end torque for launching off the gate and out of corners. This thing rips! It also has a huge airbox and filter, meaning that power will always be ready when your junior rider needs it.

You might have never heard of Cobra but they are a kids motocross manufacturer based here in the USA. 

Cobra makes high-quality full-fledged kids race dirt bikes.

Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike

The Razor MX350 is a scaled-down, battery-powered, fully electric motocross dirt bike for off-road racing. It has a cool menacing look and appealing features that will excite any kid.

The MX350 dirt bike is designed to cater to young riders who dream of becoming future motocross riders or stunt bikers. The MX350 features a twist throttle, a left-hand operated rear brake, an electric power distribution system, and even a kickstand to deliver some thrilling experience to your young one.

If your kid has a dirt biking phase and you think it might not be serious, this might be one of the cheapest options for introducing your kid into dirt biking.

2023 KTM SX-E 5

The 2023 KTM SX-E 5, is without a doubt the best electric dirt bike for kids. It is suitable for beginner and competitive junior riders. With zero emissions it is in the same class of the 50cc model, but without the sound. As you can expect from KTM, it is built with the highest quality parts and offer even more reliability than the ice powered dirt bikes.

Performance wise, it offers 13.8 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm, which is astounding for an electric dirt bike. From 0 to 100% it charges in 70 minutes. The only downside is the running time, which can be from 25 to 120 minutes, depending on the riding mode and the rider.

* Note KTM owns Husqvarna so the 2023 KTM SX-E 5 and the Husqvarna EE 5 bikes are mostly the same dirt bike with different plastics.

Honda CRF 110F

The Honda CRF 110F was already one of the best dirt bikes for kids until 2020. However, for 2021 Honda has updated its CRF110 with fuel injection. This will help this little motor run better and smoother.

This small bike is amazing for riding off-road trails. It has a tough steel frame, comfortable seat and nice suspension travel for easily going over any obstacles. In terms of performance, it offers an air-cooled single-cylinder engine with four-speed transmission and automatic clutch.

Best kids dirt bikes per category

Which of these kids dirt bikes are best for trail?

Kids 50 cc Trail Dirt Bikes

• 2023 Yamaha PW50 (Smallest of the group)
• 2023 Yamaha TTR50E
• 2023 Honda CRF50F

Kids 110 cc Kids Trail Dirt Bikes

• 2023 Honda CRF110
• 2023 Yamaha TTR110E
• 2023 Kawasaki KLX110L
• 2023 Kawasaki KLX110

These are the kid’s trial dirt bikes and are the best for beginners. That doesn’t mean an experienced dirt bike rider cannot have fun on these bikes, they are just easier to ride. Lots of them come with electric start and semi-auto transmissions.

Which of these kids dirt bikes are best for motocross riding?

Kids 50 cc Motocross Dirt Bikes

• 2023 KTM 50 SX v
• 2023 Husqvarna TC 50
• 2023 KTM SX-E 5 v
• 2023 Husqvarna EE 5
• 2023 Cobra CX50
• 2023 KTM 50 SX Mini

These electric motocross dirt bikes for kids are in the 50cc category of dirt bikes. These are a really good option for experienced and beginner dirt bike riders. Read more about 50cc dirt bikes for kids here.

Kids 65 cc Motocross Dirt Bikes

• 2023 Yamaha YZ65
• 2023 KTM 65 SX
• 2023 Husqvarna TC 65
• 2023 Kawasaki KX65
• 2023 Cobra CX65

The 50cc kid’s motocross dirt bikes have a liquid-cooled 2 stroke motor and a fully automatic single-speed transmission. The Kids 65cc motocross dirt bikes also come with liquid-cooled 2 stroke motors but have manual clutches.

These kids motocross bikes are built for racing motocross, however, you can use them to trail ride but they are designed to ride higher in the power band. Make sure you carry extra spark plugs with you when you are trail riding.

The kids KTM electric dirt bikes come with multiple different power modes and you can make the frame larger as your kid grows. Also, with zero noise pollution, they probably will be able to get more practice around the house.

Is your kid into motocross? Then check our best dirt bike recommendation for a 10 year old’s and for 9 year old dirt bikers.

BEST KIDS MOTOCROSS DIRT BIKE

2023 KTM 65 SX

For 2023 the best kids motocross dirt bike goes to the 2023 KTM 65SX. Yamaha’s YZ65 is a REALLY close second but I just feel like KTM is more committed to building high-quality kids motocross dirt bikes. In fact, I wish that KTM would build a trail dirt bike as well but they don’t.

BEST KIDS TRAIL DIRT BIKE

2023 Honda CRF110F

For 2023 the best kids trail dirt bike goes to the 2023 Honda CRF110F. Most of these trail dirt bikes really are pretty close when it comes to performance and reliability. The reason that the Honda CRF110F gets the nod for 2023 is this year Honda decided to put fuel injection on their 110 motors. This allows the CRF110F to run flawlessly at any elevation at any temperature. Also, having fuel injection will allow the power to feel more linear which makes it easier to ride.

Well done Honda.

If you plan on getting your kids into racing dirt bikes then you want to go with a kids motocross dirt bike. If you plan on just trail riding and having fun then the trail dirt bikes will do the trick.

BEST KIDS ELECTRIC DIRT BIKE

2023 KTM SX-E 5

With the rise of kids electric dirt bikes from KTM will we see all kids dirt bikes electric in the near future?

The ability to change the power output so easily on a kid’s electric dirt bike really makes getting an electric dirt bike for your kids to learn on really attractive.

KTM also made it so the kids could “grow” into the KTM SX-E 5 dirt bike. 

I have been hearing reports that it’s the best dirt bike for learning and experts alike.

The run time on the KTM SX-E 5 needs to be a bit longer for those kids that want to be out on the trail for an hour or more. As the technology in batteries continues to advance we will see longer run times on electric dirt bikes.

Click here, if you want to explore further about electric dirt bikes for beginner kids and which is the best.

FINAL WORDS

We have lots and lots of really good options when it comes to getting your kids into dirt biking. Remember if you get a trail dirt bike and your kids grow out of it too fast you can always sell it and then buy a kids motocross bike.

Make sure that you give your kids the proper dirt bike training and safety gear before they start riding a dirt bike!