Dirt Bike for a 12yo....opinions

[FireboltEric_MA]

So I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a dirt bike for my son. He is 12 right now.

He has NO dirt bike experience, But he has been ridding Quads for the last 3 years, has a 90cc now and is ready to try some thing different.

I am not sure what a decent bike would be for him to start on. Would like a bike he could "Grow into" rather than " grow out of", but since he really has no experience on a dirt bike i am not sure what to get....TTR-125/90,100, 85, 80. maybe an expert version?

I am trying to get something this weekend if all works out well......

Then I will be next!....

[OreoGaborio]

The KTM 2 smoke someone is selling here would be pretty nice, but frame-wise it might be too small. That said, it'd probably be a decent learning tool because of that & it's selling for pretty cheap... think it was only 600 bucks.

EDIT: Better yet, how bout the one you're already lookin at?
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...ing-trade.html

[R7]

I just went through the same thing with my nephews. I bought the oldest a TTR 110 in the spring, it's auto clutch but you still need to shift it. It's a great starter bike but it is something he will outgrow pretty quick. The next jump is a TTR 125, which is quite a bit bigger size wise, not just the engine. It also has a clutch. If I had to do it again, I'd have went with the 125 from the start. Your son not only will have to get used to the clutch, but also the change from a thumb throttle on the quad to a twist throttle on the bike. Sounds simple to most but to a 12 year old that's never been on a bike before, it's a lot to learn at once.
I would stay away from the small 2-stroke bikes, unless you're just riding MX? the 80's and 85's are typically 2-stroke MX bikes...not the best idea for a new rider to learn on IMO.

I sold the TTR 110 and my oldest nephew now has a TTR 230 at 13 years old. The youngest wanted nothing to do with 2 wheels and just got a Raptor 80 for xmas

He has NO dirt bike experience, But he has been ridding Quads for the last 3 years, has a 90cc now and is ready to try some thing different.

I am not sure what a decent bike would be for him to start on. Would like a bike he could "Grow into" rather than " grow out of", but since he really has no experience on a dirt bike i am not sure what to get....TTR-125/90, 85. 80. maybe an expert version?

[LaRNZ]

my uncle got me an CR80R expert when i was 11 or 12, no DB exp at all, i was deathly afraid of it, if i stalled i had to lean it against a tree to kickstart it, after a lil while i was in love and it was the best thing ever

[ChR1s]

A: Yamaha TT-R125

[GixerJockey]

Suzuki DR-Z125

[old timer]

Honda XR100...

[dontpanic]

A cool, old DR125s that you paint green for your 12-year old daughter who changes her mind about wanting to ride immediately after the paint dries.

[FireboltEric_MA]

So many Opinions...... I guess I can't go wrong with any of them....

I think I will try the 100 or 125 then. Hope for the best. He is a quick learner so I feel he will grasp the gas/clutch thing well.......I hope.....

[need4speed]

Found this one, doesn't look too bad and price seems right.

http://www.nedirtbikes.com/content/F..._149640/tm.htm

Good Luck

[out thumped]

My son 1st got a 125KLX it is just like a TTR. It was a great trail bike and my son rode the crap out of it. I then got him a KX100. Light and very powerful. A real MX race bike. It had a fly wheel wt to spead out the hit. Both great bikes. If your kid is athletic and you think he will advance quickly go for the 100. Either way you both will have a ball.
Good luck and happy trails.
Ot

[FireboltEric_MA]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I found him a 2004 Honda CRF100 for 700 bucks I think I am gonna grab.... Sounds like a good bike for him.

He is very athletic & picks up things very quickly so I think he is gonna like this one.

I also am grabbing a YZ250 for myself, Stoneman hooked me up with his Bro-in-law.....good bike for short cash...500.00

THANKS STONEMAN!!!!!

[out thumped]

Good luck you Dirty Bastard.
Happy trails.
OT