Ducati Monster Forum

Well, the other day while my son and I were out and about, he points towards a dirt bike and says, "Hey Dad, a dirt bike. We could get two dirt bikes, one for you and one for me."
"It's a possibility." was my reply. A few weeks go by and the more I thought about it, the more I am interested in giving it whirl. The kid is basically saying, "Hey Dad, you like bikes and we could do this and spend more together!".
So, being that I have never owned a dirt bike before, I am looking for advice and experience in the avenue of riding off road with kids.
My son is 9 and is the responsible type. He and I have experience riding single track mountain bike trails together, so he knows a little about shifting, braking and not hitting trees. He is not the type to run and jump off the dock...
I have been researching trail riding and mx. It looks like trail riding is what I would be more interested in doing but open to both.
I was hoping to get suggestions of what type of bikes to get for the both of us. I would like to start on the modest side in the event that it doesn't pan out. I would be happy to upgrade to the latest and greatest if it takes off. That said, I would like to buy good quality gear the first time out.
So, any and all help would be appreciated.

My son and I went the trail riding route for quite a while. He started out on a ratty Yamaha PW50 just around the grand parents place. We moved him up to a Yamaha PW80 after a while. Once he was proficient enough with that I bought a Honda CRF150 for me. I knew the 150 would be a bit small for me bit it would work just fine while he was still on the PW80. After a bit he took the CRF150 and I got CRF230. He eventually bugged me enough and we got him a YZ125. Not too long after that I had to sell everything due to health reasons.

The CRF150 was the only one I bought new, everything else was used.

A few notes on the various bikes:

I'll skip the PW50 since your son is past that anyway.
The PW80 has small wheels and be difficult at times on trails. I was really surprised how rutty the trails were the first time we went out. They gave him fits but I think they were good for him in the long run.

The CRF's were great! A little smallish but we had a fantastic time on them. Bullet-Proof and enough power to get us in trouble.

The YZ125 was a waste (on us) but the kid wanted it bad. Because we were TRAIL riding all of the time we were continually fouling plugs because we didn't have the talent to ride the 2-stroke "properly".

I would suggest going air-cooled 4 stroke for casual trail riding. I always wanted a water-cooled 4-stroke with a better suspension but I kept telling myself that we would go about 6 times a year and it just wasn't worth the money.

I am so glad we were able to it while we did and I wouldn't trade the memories for ANYTHING. I was absolutely SHOCKED at how physically demanding trail riding was. We enjoyed the shit out of riding and I wish we could still do it!

Mark

Thanks for the input; I appreciate it.
I have been looking at the Yamaha TT-R line as they are air cooled, 4 stroke and plenty on offer used where I live.  I was thinking a 125 or 230 for me and 90 or 110 for the boy.  I am not sure how we would physically stack up to these bikes with the trails near where we live.  There are several near us, but all ~1 hour away. 
What would you choose for a 9 year old boy of average size?

Get him an XR 100. That should hold his attention for a few years at least. Easy to ride and makes decent power for a little bike.
Good for you for listening to your kid. My fondest childhood memories are of my two older brothers, my dad and myself tearing up trails all over Southern California.
I tried to get my sons interested in dirt bikes a few years ago with a KTM 50 and a Kawasaki KLX 125. Sadly they never took to it like I did. (stoopid kids) ;D

This.  Those XR100s are damn near indestructible.  Air cooled and low maintenance.  Get yourself an XR400 and you two will be in ready for some dirt fun without a crazy maintenance schedule.  If you want something a little more lively for you, check out a KDX220.  Super reliable and low maintenance two stroke.

JM

Get the kid and XR100 and you a XR400. I could not agree more. I have the 400 and it is a tractor, great bike not the newest but it is great. I just got back into dirt about 2 years ago after over 20 years off. I am 60 and I would bet last year I spent more time in the dirt than on the road. The 100's can be sourced for 600 to 100 and I got the pristine 400 for 1800 and street legal to boot. I am kind of looking for a 100 or 80 xr for the grandaughter.

Great advice being offered here Blue. Air cooled 4 stroke all the way.

My good mate has just started doing this with his son. He went for Kawasaki bikes. Bought a 110 and a 150.

Loves it!

I'm fairly certain there's nothing more fun on two wheels than ripping around the woods on a dirt bike.  as others have said, any of the japanese thumpers will be bulletproof, and great for getting into the sport - parts are inexpensive when you guys inevitably break something, and they're easy to work on yourself. 

also! teach your boy how rewarding working on the bikes can be, it'll save some money and give you guys one more thing to do together. 

also also: get good boots - they're just as important as the lid.

I had the XR100 and it's perfect IMO.  Whatever you do don't get a 125CR, they are possessed.  [evil]

Just a note here, looking at the local Craigslist ads - For about $3000 you can get BOTH an XR100 and XR400 and be ready to ride.


For certain!  I was wearing combat boots thinking I was good.  I hit the sole of the boot on a rock flying down a trail and dislocated a toe.  Hurt like hell.


Probably good to avoid the 500cc 2-strokes as well.  They tend to talk the rider into bodily harm.

JM

A true statement.  My parents sold it after several trips to the ER.  :'(

My oldest son started out with an electric razor scooter.  Once he got proficient we found him a Honda XR 70.  Couple years later my electrician sold me his KX60.

A few notes.
- I would start off with a small bike that's easy to flat foot. We ride logging roads in SW VA with multiple stream crossings. Logs can also be a challenge.  Don't try to future proof his first bike at 9 gears old.  Too much power or too big a bike could turn him off.

-Get  a good  chest protector in addition to the helmet, boots and gloves., Enforce all gear all the time.

-Teach him to clean and take care of his machine.

I would have killed for a trail bike when I was my sons age.  Its a great experience to be in the woods with my boys.  Now my daughter wants to go riding......No sense buying new, he will outgrow the bike and there is no reason to take a big hit when its time to swap it out.

Enjoy every moment.  They grow up so fast.

Can't agree more about the chest protector.
You can skimp on the bike but not the gear, 
A significant injury and you can turn off the kid (not to mention the mother)

I forgot to mention this earlier and all the talk of gear reminded me: tap into the dirt bike community where you are. Kids outgrow shit so fast you should be able to pickup everything you need for him on the second hand market. Unless of course you just need new.

Mark

Thanks to all for the input and advice; I really appreciate it.

I haven't purchased any bikes yet but have been looking everyday.  Just like everything, so many choices with more popping up as the summer rolls in.
My hope to begin the search in earnest in a couple of weeks now that school is out for my son and we'll be back from vacation by then. 

I have been looking at the XR and TTR line but get distracted by the shiny orange bikes.  I am hoping to keep the bikes low cost and get the both us of good gear, whether new or used.  This looks doable for sure. [thumbsup]

the only thing you'll ever regret about owning a ktm is selling it.

if serious, look at the 2 stroke xc series - they're easier to ride than the high strung 2 stroke mx bikes, low maint, light weight, and there may be no better sound in the world than a ktm on the pipe. 

there's also a fair number of members here on the board who've been bitten by that orange bug.

If you get too distracted by the orange, I hear their 300 is a nice package.

JM

You guys aren't helping!

My plan at this point is to pick up the right bike for my son then work on getting one for me.  Where I'm at, there are plenty of used 50's, but it thins out when getting to the 70-110 range. 
Shopping used for myself, it looks like I have a choice between vintage 2-stroke to "modern" enduros, trail bikes, dirt bikes, and faux adv type bikes.  Just need to decide what makes sense and, really, how much to spend!  The XR and TTRs look good.

Anyone have an opinion on XR200, 300, 350?  They're older, but for a first timer, would they be okay (cheap too!)

The XRs of any size are pretty reliable and tough, even when maintenance is neglected.  They're all air cooled 4-strokes and very easy to work on.  

For example:  I've got a Honda Rancher 350 in the garage right now that has sat for TWO years.  It's air cooled 350 is probably a descendant of the XR motors.  Guy said it wouldn't run and wasn't sure if it could even be fixed.  Despite sitting for two years, a fresh battery, fresh fuel, and a few minutes to start if for the first time, I'm riding it all over the neighborhood.  Only problem it seems to have is a clogged pilot jet and that's an easy fix.

JM

What would your son like best of the above mentioned proposals?

My 11 year old KTM 450 four stroke is hard to beat for a rider with little off road experience.  It's easy to ride because you can lug it around everywhere without stalling it and it has....are you ready for it....a starter button!  Yes.  I said it.  It has a starter button.  Never underestimate the power of the start button.

If you buy an older bike with decent maintenance you can score one for under $2k easily and it's much more bike than you are.

Just a thought for you.

For the kiddo, look at a 50 or 85.  Take him to a dealer that specializes in used bikes and let him try a few on.  Four strokes are easier to ride just because they lug well, IMHO.