Help me choose my kids' next bike

[Mike77]

Hey,
just after some opinons....

Oldest boy, 11yo, 32kg, 1.4m so only a short lightweight.

been sitting on his first bike a DRZ/KLX110 for 9 months (3 speed centrifugal) and it's really too small now. -
Only really do the MR motorcycle type rides so far.

Next bike, will be the first to have a clutch.

What are you opinions on my preconceived ideas - (I've only been on dirt bikes as long as him :shifty: kxf250)

65 2t - I guess could work, his younger brother could be on it in another year or so -never seen one.

85 2t (Small wheel) - Might be too much - never seen one.

I hear some 2 stroke are easier to ride than others?

125 4t (Small wheel) Had a go on a big wheel and bloody heavy to pick up for a kid

Old XR100, which seem to be taller again, haven't fitted him on one and guess may be too tall.

He's a nuggety out there kid with his rugby, but fairly responsible which was the only reason I was considering some 2 strokes as well.

Wanna keep to a 1.5k budget, so it seems the CRF's are out.

Any advice and I'm all ears.

[scott411]

if he is taller enough for a little wheel 85 they are normally just as easy to ride as a 65, much lighter than a DRZ125 or similar, probebly easier to find as well, 11 is on the older side to get onto a 65, kids are normally stepping up about then depending on how tall they are,

The RM's and the 98 and later KX's are the easier to ride, the YZ's and CR's do not have a power valve and are much harder hitting power, you can lower the KX's very easily as well,

[BM-GS]

Watching with interest, as about there myself. #1 son is 10, 1.5m and 40kg and outgrown his CRF80 after a year. Not sure the CRF100 is enough of a step, and it just looks wrong, if you know what I mean.

We got a CRF150F for duffing about after the little people, but it's too small now that they're going faster and now that me (& Mrs me) are happier on dirt - and it's too big & heavy for a kid. Actually, it's just too big and heavy.

Thought about KLX140, but that's nearly the CRF150 all over again so an 85 (or KX100?) might be the thing. Maybe swap the 150 for a 230 to still be able to keep up with the sprogs, but not feel like we're falling off the back/front of the bike?

Main trouble is that we need a 4th dirtbike in the family, but that requires a bigger trailer and a do-it-all thing to pull it, so non-trivial for a 1-car family. Until I win Lotto...

[pipe]

No 2 son is 11yo, 40kg , 1.6 tall started on a JR50 then on to a JR80 when he outgrew the 80 we looked at the the 4 stroke 125's but found them to heavy so we got him an KX85 big wheel and put a 12oz flywheel weight and side stand (about to add 428 chain/sprockets 420 wears out quickly doing trail rides). Found that it works well as a trail bike with only fuel range being a problem on the longer rides.

[Mike77]

Thanks for the advice, I'ld prefer him on something lighter.

[Mike77]

A little bit of feedback, as per my boys dimensions above ^^^^^. We popped round to a mates place who had a good selection.

His is no where near a SW 85 2 stroke or a SW 125 trail bike, was too big for him, he couldn't hold it with 1 leg on the ground.

A kx65 mx bike was a better fit for him, with him just being able to reach with tippy toes on the ground.

What would be an equivalent 4 stroke bike about that size ya reckon?

[BM-GS]

The only ones I can think of are Honda CRF80 or 100. Low-maintenence, non-threatening, etc. Not as quick as a 65 though...

[pipe]

You can get a Kouba lowering link for the KX65 drops it 50mm. Would be similar height to a JR80. Throw on a flywheel weight if he finds the power to much.

[gwynfryn]

Just get a jr80.

[Mike77]

Thanks for the advice and hearing about your kids rides.
We will have a look around for a60, no need to lower it from the bike w did see.