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6yo into dirt riding..and me

  1. #1
    suburban ghetto living... black's Avatar
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    6yo into dirt riding..and me

    So my little girl is now 6
    Not a tomboy but not a princess either

    I'd like to go her intro'd into dirtbikes and me more focused on dirt riding moving fwd vs the 2 or 3x yr excursion it has become

    I'd like to get her a pw50 or even an electric razor dirtbike something just to get her accustomed and be able to resell easily at minimal loss if she hates it.
    Problem is I live in wilmington, a decent bkyd but its not ideal by any means for learning a dirtbike. All I have is a front yard and the wife would kill me. Thus I only have a cul de sac and the sidewalk. The pw might be too loud for the neighbors, no local friends with a decent yard

    But let's say I ID a decent bike for her and she is ok riding it in the street. What next ? How can I get her more into proper kid dirt riding w/ o overwhelming hr ?

    Thoughts?

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    hmmmm......

  2. #2
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    I feel like a PW50 would be too small for a 6 year old... I think those are targeted more towards 2-4 year olds?

    Maybe an XR or CRF70 would be more size appropriate?

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    Last edited by OreoGaborio; 01-21-21 at 09:14 PM.
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    ^ It's my bike and my car tls25rs's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Quote Originally Posted by black View Post
    The pw might be too loud for the neighbors
    Bone stock PW/XR/CRF small displacement bikes are quiet as a mouse. Don't put a pipe on it or buy one with a pipe and it shouldn't be an issue unless your neighbors are real dickheads

    PW80 used or TTR110 XR/CRF 70/80/100 might be better size wise then the PW50 XR/CRF 50 variants

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    Lifer LuvDog's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    The 50 would be perfect for her. I still have my CRF50 with training wheels that I want to sell, if you're interested

    I tried to get my son interested and started off with an electric bike. The instant on / off lurch from electric would startle him. The gradual roll on of power with gas was actually better for him.
    Plus, with the threaded screw slot governor in the CRF50 you have that as added insurance for WOT.

    We'd ride around the house in the yard all the time and neighbors never complained.

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    Last edited by LuvDog; 01-22-21 at 08:42 AM.
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    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    i have a PW50 that's going up for sale if you're interested. my 6yo has outgrown it, but he's been riding for over 3 years now, he would def still be riding it for fun, but his skills require more power and suspension.

    these guys are right that a PW50 would be small, depending on her height, but that's a good thing for a new rider. it's really quiet, power is tunable via throttle screw and simple with oil injection. both my boys loved it, and still do.

    if you don't want gas/noise at all, i taught them both on an Oset 12.5R electric trials. awesome bike to learn on but they're even smaller than the PW50 unless you go with a larger one ($$).

    not to kill a sale, but the CRF50/PW80 are a lot heavier, i wouldn't recommend a heavy bike to start with. my 8 y/o has been riding a PW80 for a few seasons now but the weight difference when graduating off the PW50 was def a step toward 'real dirt bike' feel. the 6 y/o is average height, but the PW80 is still kinda too heavy. it's lifted 4" as well so fits the 8 y/o perfect but too tall with extended shock for the younger one.

    again, not to be a dick or kill a sale, but i don't recommend training wheels on anything, bicycles included. crutch = bad habits, no bueno.

    as for riding away from the house, MA sucks, they're too young to be legal so we hit Crow Hill for the 50 track but beware that kids RIP on that course, it's not always noob/beginner/shy riders. we're going to hit 508 Int in Charlton this season to check out their new kids track, didn't get there last season. we're lucky in that we have a pretty good space right in the yard with a nice course so they have a blast but they def will need a lot more room this season and beyond.

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    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    forgot to add ... you should take her to a bike shop and sit on a PW50 and CRF50 ... see how ergos are on the PW, if knees not too high, might work ... with the CRF, have her rock it side to side and see if it feels overwhelming. good easy test even though static.

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    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    this might help with sizing, shots from summer, i can prob look back to their height measurements if it helps.

    6 y/o on left PW50, 8 y/o on right PW80 w/4" lift


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    Lifer LuvDog's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    I won't disagree that training wheels aren't the best, but for someone who has never ridden and worked a throttle, front and rear brakes and shifted all at the same time, it's a nice crutch. My son appreciated being able to go turtle slow while learning those functions.


    I will say that I'd only leave the training wheels until she learns the basics of operating the bike. Then take them off as soon as that's done so she can learn to lean the bike to steer. If you're interested in mine, I have the stock pegs too.

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    BMW track whore e30addict's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Quote Originally Posted by LuvDog View Post
    I won't disagree that training wheels aren't the best, but for someone who has never ridden and worked a throttle, front and rear brakes and shifted all at the same time, it's a nice crutch. My son appreciated being able to go turtle slow while learning those functions.

    Walk the bike like a duck up and down a bunch like they teach in MSF. Seems to work just fine for plenty of people who have no concept of the same things.

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    Senior Member MHenry600's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    If she does get into riding and gets comfortable, several of the moto tracks have smaller kid tracks that you could look into for a little more area to play with.
    Otherwise there are a few riding areas around to start with, but means traveling and maybe not riding as much/often. Some of the riding areas in NH are not much more than old railroad beds so they are fairly straight, flat, and seem good for kids to get more familiar/comfortable.

    My son turns 3 in a week and a half, and have been debating on what to get for him lately. Been eyeballing LuvDog's CRF, but think it might be a little big/heavy for him. He's been killing it on his strider already so I think he'll be ok balance wise, but not sure about the seat height mostly. It would make more sense than a pw50 (likely the other option) long term, but if it's too big there's no point in starting with that.

    I would think a pw50 would be borderline small for a 6 y/o, but it might be less "scary" in that way too.

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  11. #11
    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Quote Originally Posted by MHenry600 View Post
    Some of the riding areas in NH are not much more than old railroad beds so they are fairly straight, flat, and seem good for kids to get more familiar/comfortable.

    My son turns 3 in a week and a half, and have been debating on what to get for him lately.
    would you mind posting a few of those NH spots that are kid friendly? i've only been to Hop-Ev. i assume standard NH reg for the little bikes as well, which is fine. they won't be legal in MA for a long, long time so heading north is totally in the cards.

    for the 3 y/o, try to find an Oset 12.5, it really is the perfect beginner bike, especially since he already has the balance down. throttle is smooth, power totally controllable in both engagement and speed and they learn to stand faster with no seat ... although sitting when that young works as well. great bikes.

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    Senior Member MHenry600's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Quote Originally Posted by typeone View Post
    would you mind posting a few of those NH spots that are kid friendly? i've only been to Hop-Ev. i assume standard NH reg for the little bikes as well, which is fine. they won't be legal in MA for a long, long time so heading north is totally in the cards.

    for the 3 y/o, try to find an Oset 12.5, it really is the perfect beginner bike, especially since he already has the balance down. throttle is smooth, power totally controllable in both engagement and speed and they learn to stand faster with no seat ... although sitting when that young works as well. great bikes.
    I thought a little bit about the Oset or Stacyc bikes. Havent looked too hard at them yet though. How is it with the Oset not having a real "seat"?


    Kids under 12 don't need to have an operators course, but need to be with an adult and just cannot cross a road (not a big deal).
    https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/ohrv/faqs.html

    I thought there was a way out of reg for small bikes under 90 or 100cc or something, but I'm not sure about that now and would have to do some research. I've got some/enough trails behind my house to keep him entertained for while that I hadn't checked that into that much yet. I haven't off-road reg'd mine since I usually get my fix at jday/HS/turkey runs and such.

    As far as places, most of the ones labelled as rail trails are pretty straight and flat. Some of the other places have fairly easy trails too (Pisgah, etc). The "TB" next to the name means "Trail Bikes" are permitted. There are some youtube vids if you search for each one for an idea.
    https://www.nhstateparks.org/getmedi...Trails-Map.pdf

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  13. #13
    Senior Member MHenry600's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    This one made me chuckle. Mostly because they are just hanging out in an open public park and nobody cares about it.
    I haven't fully jumped on the electric bandwagon, but not against it. This goes to show how stealthy you can be with an electric bike and that it's mostly the noise people have an issue with. I think most people just think electric dirt bikes are some kind of mountain bike lately (and can't/don't know the difference).
    https://youtu.be/OPKLZFbnIgg

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  14. #14
    Lifer
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Are the Razor bikes not worth considering? For a time I had/have been considering a Razor (not sure what size, probably the MX500) for the kids and a Sur Ron for myself for backyard fun.

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    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Quote Originally Posted by MHenry600 View Post
    I thought a little bit about the Oset or Stacyc bikes. Havent looked too hard at them yet though. How is it with the Oset not having a real "seat"?

    Kids under 12 don't need to have an operators course, but need to be with an adult and just cannot cross a road (not a big deal).
    https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/ohrv/faqs.html

    I thought there was a way out of reg for small bikes under 90 or 100cc or something, but I'm not sure about that now and would have to do some research. I've got some/enough trails behind my house to keep him entertained for while that I hadn't checked that into that much yet. I haven't off-road reg'd mine since I usually get my fix at jday/HS/turkey runs and such.

    As far as places, most of the ones labelled as rail trails are pretty straight and flat. Some of the other places have fairly easy trails too (Pisgah, etc). The "TB" next to the name means "Trail Bikes" are permitted. There are some youtube vids if you search for each one for an idea.
    https://www.nhstateparks.org/getmedi...Trails-Map.pdf
    great, thanks for all of that. they're beyond dirt roads, we have a mini woods loop with ruts, roots and rocks, but i've been hesitant to drive too far only to find it's fun for me, but not them. the back 'oval' at Hodges would be perfect but we'd only be able to do that at a NETRA Fun Run. i'll look into hitting Pisgah.

    on the Oset no seat, it was great when they were tiny, could sit just fine like that DB vid, i also taught them to stand early so they could mix positions. if i remember correctly, you can also get a seat for them, i was going to shape one out of a foam block and velcro it on but they moved to the PW50 right around that time so never got around to it.

    we looked at the Stacyc's but they were beyond that size when they hit the local dealer. i still would have chosen the Oset over the Stacyc due to the form factor. the Oset is more moto-like all around. shit, that thing would pull me just fine when the dials were all the way up. durable little bike.

    ---

    Colin, i don't know anything about the Razor's, unfortunately. my neighbor down the road bought something similar and it seemed super cheaply built at a glance.

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    Lifer
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Well, they are priced super cheaply. So my expectations aren't high. Question is, do they do the deed, or is more needed?
    I thought G-man reported his kids had some for a while and were ripping around their neighborhood having fun.

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    Lifer union's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    I started at 6 on a Z50 what is the CRF 50 now. Lasted me a few years until it got stolen. All my cousins rode it too. Not that long ago my 4 year old asked me for a dirtbike. She pretty much wants every thing and isn't quiet ready yet. I have her riding a bike but does still get a bit wobbly at times.

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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    I have had my son riding since age 3, he's 11 now. First bike was a Razor 18v pocket bike. I think he was 6 when I got him an Oset 16. I am not an electric fan boy but the e bikes work well for where I live. He can buzz around wherever he wants - instead of reaching for the cell phone to call the cops people smile and wave.

    E bikes also hold the weight low, never stall, never burn your leg or piss fuel when they fall over. Just buy batteries every 2 years and move on with your life. He has now outgrown the 16 but still enjoys thrashing it. Not sure if I will get him a 20" one next or a gas powered 110 or something.

    I have owned all manner of Razor products - at one point I had a fleet of 5 or so. They do the job for the $ but are a PITA to service, if you have ever owned a Chinese built bike you know what I mean. Brakes and suspension are crude but adequate.

    If your not sure she is gonna love it just find a cheap razor and see what happens. Keep an eye out for a used Oset and take it from there. My Oset has been bulletproof and I bought it used. In five plus years I replaced the throttle and a few sets of batteries.

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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Would you guys mind pm’ing details on the pw50 and the crf50? I have a 2 and 5 year old. Seldom check in over here. Im definitely a believer in ask for forgiveness not permission, and agree loud exhausts are always the problem.

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  20. #20
    suburban ghetto living... black's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    So..... picked up a razor MX125 as it was about 165 at wal mart. Figured I Could sell it if she doesnt like it for 100$
    Welll she really likes it. she's bombing up and down the cul de sac last couple of days and is turning pretty tight turns in the street. Wife was a little worried but she isnt now... it only goes max 8mph

    Pros- it was cheap, but decent little quality. Not too fast where she could get hurt with a whiskey throttle or such. Its small, doesn't intimidate her really, not heavy for her and easy for her to just put feet down and balance.

    Cons- Its too small for her. The throttle is very off an on, not much to modulate. I'm going to make her learn how to go slow/ balance. It also doesn't have enough power to move her 7yo but on the grass. She weighs 45 lbs? and tall for her age. The razor just bogs on the grass and I'm dissappointed on that.. On the asphalt its good, but you can hear it working on a slight incline of the road and also realllllly working up our driveway which is steeper.

    So my next step is to get her a gas dirtbike I think. The next step razor is a 350 and that is probably a bit too fast for her.
    Pw50 is 90 lbs and a 80 is 130.. big jump for her......?
    It "seems" as the 80 has a throttle limit screw.. Any other kid start on an 80? Also seems to have an auto clutch.

    Maybe I get her the 50.. let her get used to the weight and power then up to a 80 later this year if she is still into it? It'd be small for her but it'd still have enough power to move her on a rail trail I'm sure w/o bogging down as compared to the MX125 which doesnt have enough power to mover on grass.

    I also have a suzuki 90cc atv a friend gave me. I need to clean the carb and a couple other items maybe I should just focus on that?.... nah.

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    hmmmm......

  21. #21
    TWINS! xrocket21's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Quote Originally Posted by black View Post
    So..... picked up a razor MX125 as it was about 165 at wal mart. Figured I Could sell it if she doesnt like it for 100$
    Welll she really likes it. she's bombing up and down the cul de sac last couple of days and is turning pretty tight turns in the street. Wife was a little worried but she isnt now... it only goes max 8mph

    Pros- it was cheap, but decent little quality. Not too fast where she could get hurt with a whiskey throttle or such. Its small, doesn't intimidate her really, not heavy for her and easy for her to just put feet down and balance.

    Cons- Its too small for her. The throttle is very off an on, not much to modulate. I'm going to make her learn how to go slow/ balance. It also doesn't have enough power to move her 7yo but on the grass. She weighs 45 lbs? and tall for her age. The razor just bogs on the grass and I'm dissappointed on that.. On the asphalt its good, but you can hear it working on a slight incline of the road and also realllllly working up our driveway which is steeper.

    So my next step is to get her a gas dirtbike I think. The next step razor is a 350 and that is probably a bit too fast for her.
    Pw50 is 90 lbs and a 80 is 130.. big jump for her......?
    It "seems" as the 80 has a throttle limit screw.. Any other kid start on an 80? Also seems to have an auto clutch.

    Maybe I get her the 50.. let her get used to the weight and power then up to a 80 later this year if she is still into it? It'd be small for her but it'd still have enough power to move her on a rail trail I'm sure w/o bogging down as compared to the MX125 which doesnt have enough power to mover on grass.

    I also have a suzuki 90cc atv a friend gave me. I need to clean the carb and a couple other items maybe I should just focus on that?.... nah.
    CRF50 is a lot better size, suspension, power than a PW50.

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  22. #22
    Lifer LuvDog's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    I always liked the honda over the yamaha for these small bikes. I think the crf70 would be perfect if you can find one now.

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  23. #23
    ^ It's my bike and my car tls25rs's Avatar
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    re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Oset electric trials bikes are always an option as well if the standard gas powered options turn up to be less than available and/or too heavy.

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  24. #24
    TWINS! xrocket21's Avatar
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    Re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    Picking up my boys TC50 this saturday in Portsmouth!

    Sold the KDX50 for what we paid for it.

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  25. #25
    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    Re: 6yo into dirt riding..and me

    FYI, i may have a super clean CRF50 going up for sale soon.

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