Dirt biking is fun, exciting, and beneficial for kids. This outdoor activity improves children’s coordination, balance, and fitness while encouraging a love of nature. It teaches kids mechanical skills and physics in real life. Dirt biking also teaches kids discipline, responsibility, and self-confidence as they learn to ride their own bikes.
Choosing a 12-year-dirt old’s bike is complicated. First, the child’s skill and experience matter. Beginner bikes may need smaller engines, automatic clutches, and easier handling. As they improve, they can ride bikes with bigger engines and more features.
Bike size matters too. For balance and control, the child’s feet must touch the ground while seated on the bike. To avoid tipping or losing control, the child’s bike should be light.
Finally, consider your child’s riding style. Trail riding may require a durable, off-road bike with good suspension. Motocross racing requires a fast, jump-ready bike.
Safety is paramount when your child rides a dirt bike. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing like jackets, pants, boots and gloves, and body armour like chest protectors and knee and elbow pads. These prevent falls and collisions. Maintaining the bike’s safety requires regular maintenance checks. Safe riders are happy riders!
Tips For Buying A Dirt Bike For Your 12 Years Kid:
Keep in mind your kid’s strength, how much they can handle, their power, height, weight, and budget. To avoid issues, I’ll discuss these below.
1. Engine Size:
A young child should ride a dirt bike with a 50-125 cc engine for the best experience. After this, your child may be injured.
2. Bike Size and Weight:
Your child’s height and weight? This will determine how heavy a bike they can handle and what size is best for quick footing.
3. Starter System:
The starter should be on top, not on a platform like Kickstarter for kids.
Kick starters require more force than electric starters, which start a dirt bike with one press.
Electric dirt bikes come with electric starter systems also and keeping this in mind you can an article which explains best electric dirt bike for kids.
4. Wheel Size:
The starter should be on top, not on a platform like Kickstarter for kids. Kick starters require more force than electric starters, which start a dirt bike with one press.
5. Suspension:
Two-stroke dirt bikes outperform four-strokes even when accelerating slowly. Runs faster. Thus, a four-stroke dirt bike is required for beginners.
You need to know the important factors for setting up a dirt bike suspension and I have explained these in a separate article which you can read by clicking here.
6. Hand Strength:
Can your child handle the handlebars and throttle? Choose a dirt bike with both features.
7. Maintenance:
Choose a low-maintenance 2-stroke bike. Before buying, make sure your child can handle the high power.
8. Budget:
What age will your child find the right bike? If they’re beginners, you can get them a used dirt bike, but if they’ve been riding since they were seven, you should consider spending more.
Finally, budget based on bike quality and desires. These tips can reduce waste. Investigating these points will lead to the same conclusion.
Top Dirt Bikes For 12 Year Olds
You are about to look at the most well-liked dirt bikes currently available for children who are eager to purchase bikes.
1. Honda CRF110F
The Honda CRF110F is a highly popular choice among young riders and parents due to its reputation for reliability, ease of use, and durability. It’s designed as an entry-level dirt bike, catering to the needs of young or beginner riders.
Specifications
- Engine: 109cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Young riders can handle this engine size.
- Transmission: 4-speed auto-clutch. Beginners don’t have to worry about stalling due to clutch use, making learning easier.
- Starter: Electric starter with backup kick starter.
- Suspension: The rear monoshock has 3.4 inches of travel, and the front telescopic fork has 3.9 inches. It’s comfortable on different terrains.
- Brakes: Drum brakes. These stop well for the bike’s size and purpose.
- Fuel capacity: For a young rider, its 1.0-gallon fuel tank is enough.
- Seat Height: Younger riders can comfortably touch the ground at 26.3 inches.
Features
- Low seat height: When stopped, young riders can put their feet on the ground due to the low seat height.
- Durability: The CRF110F has a sturdy frame and high-quality parts, like many Honda products.
- Throttle limiter: This allows parents to gradually increase the bike’s speed as their child learns to ride.
- Keyed ignition: This lets parents restrict bike use to supervised times.
- Adjustable Throttle: This lets you tailor the bike’s power to the rider.
As with all motor vehicles, Honda CRF110F riders should wear safety gear and be supervised.
2. Razor MX650 Rocket Electric Motocross Bike
Kids are captivated by the Razor brand because of its amazing qualities and the way the brand is marketed.
This manufacturer formerly produced dirt bikes, focusing specifically on those designed for children. A kid-sized electric dirt bike with a long-lasting battery is included in this package.
The Razor has a 24-volt battery that must be charged for 14–15 hours before each ride and can only run for one hour at a time on a single charge.
The typical speed of a decently sized engine is 17 miles per hour, but it has the potential to reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour.
Even while razors are designed to avoid major injuries, it is still a better idea to purchase a helmet and knee pads for your child rather than a razor.
When it comes to its wheels, the massive 16-inch pneumatic back and front wheels make it possible for the dirt bike to go at high speeds.
Attached to the bike are footrests made of metal and dual disk brakes that can be actuated by hand.
The Razor MX650 has a maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds and weighs a total of 98 pounds.
A kickstand is an added function that allows you to park your bike in any location. Check out the other specifications that are listed below.
Specifications:
- Dimension: 24.5×34×52.5 inches
- Weight: 98 pounds
- Brand Name: Razor
- Material: Plastic
- Model Year: 2015
- Power: 650 watts
- Battery Power: 24 volt
- Max Speed: 25 mph
- Brake system: hand-operated front and rear disc brakes
- Warranty: 90 Days
3. Honda CRF125F
Honda has introduced a new brand called the CRF125F that is designed just for children and provides both a smooth and powerful ride.
Its frame is composed of steel, and it has undergone a number of different kinds of testing to make its images look more appealing.
It comes with standard fuel injection technology that doesn’t need jets to be changed.
The bike is equipped with a quick-starting electric starter as part of the beginning mechanism.
A four-stroke gearbox is one of the additional features included in this updated edition. This gives children a greater degree of control over the amount of power they use.
When the weather is wet, both the front and the rear disc brakes on your dirt bike perform well without making it more slippery.
The CRF125F comes with wheels of two different sizes, so it can be used by people of different ages.
For younger children, a medium-sized wheel is appropriate, while older children would be better served by a large one. Additional information can be found in the following paragraphs.
Specifications:
- Dimension: 39.8×69.7×29.1 inches
- Weight: 194 pounds
- Brand Name: Honda
- Material: steel
- Model Year: 2018
- Motor Power: 6.5 KW
- Battery Power: 12V
- Max Speed: 65 mph
- Braking system: Single Disc Hydraulic Brakes
- Warranty: 6 months
4. Kuber Young Rider Trial Hero
This brand creates dirt bikes that are equipped with fanatics to provide a good riding experience.
The most powerful motor available is a 3000 watt model, which features a lightweight frame that is, however, highly protective against any scratches, etc.
The stability provided by its weight boosts both its speed and its performance. The dirt bike is promptly brought to a halt by its hydraulic disc brakes.
It boasts a sophisticated air suspension that will make traversing any terrain an adventure you will never forget.
The battery has a maximum runtime of 2 hours when it is fully charged and can be charged for a total of 6 hours. It is possible to navigate the directions using the available wifi connectivity.
I am of an enough weight that the younger riders won’t have any trouble controlling, which is an important shock absorber that will limit damage.
The parental speed control system is currently engaged and is regulating the maximum speed in accordance with your children’s capabilities.
Specifications:
- Dimension: 45.3×11×17.7 inches
- Weight: 73 pounds
- Brand Name: Kuberg
- Material: Steel Double Cradle Tube Frame
- Model Year: 2020
- Motor Power: 3000 watt
- Battery Power: 36V
- Max Speed: 17mph
- Braking System: Hydraulic disc brakes for both sides
- Warranty: 90 Days
5. Husqvarna TC85
The quality of this new model is the same as that of its predecessor, the 85 SX, and it performs the same way.
The engine is 85 cc in capacity. The frame is unique and made with Chromoly; it was designed to go quickly with suspension and was manufactured with these materials.
A panel that is located on the left side of the air box is used to activate an air filter.
Due to the fact that these Husqvarna models perform the best in competition, they require regular maintenance.
You will receive both a kick and an electric starter, giving you the ability to start your bike with the kick starter even if the battery has died.
This model is very competitive, has cutting-edge technologies, and performs well and lasts a long time.
Before the clutch was made, there was a formula for a hydraulic system that could keep the clutch in place no matter what. This formula was used in the design of the clutch.
Let’s check out additional details.
Specifications:
- Dimension: 33.5×9.9×50.8 inches
- Weight: 149.9 pounds
- Brand Name: Husqvarna
- Material: sign Chrome-molybdenum steel
- Model Year: 2019
- Motor Power: 18 KW
- Battery Power: 24V
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Braking System: Single disc brakes with four-pot calipers in front and two pots in the rear.
- Warranty: 2 years
6. Kawasaki KLX110
Kawasaki KLX110 kids’ dirt bike. Its workable power, durability, and usability make it ideal for learning to ride.
Specifications
- Engine: 112cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled single-cylinder KLX110 engine. This engine has a reliable powerband for young riders.
- Transmission: The bike has a 4-speed gearbox and automatic clutch. Eliminating the need to manually operate the clutch and shift gears simplifies learning.
- Starter: The bike has kick and electric starts. This dual start system can help if the electric starter fails.
- Suspension: The rear monoshock has 4.4 inches of travel, while the front telescopic fork has 4.3 inches. The bike can handle various terrains comfortably.
- Brakes: Drum brakes are provided on both the front and rear for dependable stopping power.
- Fuel capacity: The fuel tank has a capacity of 1 gallon.
- Seat Height: Its 26.8-inch seat height suits younger riders.
Features
- Low seat height: Younger riders can feel secure and confident by touching the ground with their feet.
- Durability: The KLX110 has a sturdy frame and high-quality parts. It’s built to withstand off-road riding.
- Throttle limiter: Beginners’ bike speeds can be restricted by parents.
- Ease of Use: The KLX110 is designed for novice riders with its automatic clutch and simple controls.
- Neutral-only starting: Safety requires starting the engine in neutral.
Always supervise and equip the child riding the Kawasaki KLX110 with safety gear.
7. Yamaha TT-R110E
Yamaha makes the TT-R, which has a good mix of power and torque and is made for younger riders.
Due to the dual valves and four-stroke design of the 110cc engine, the rider has access to a lot of power.
This particular model is capable of initiating both kick and electric starters simultaneously.
It has a larger capacity for fuel than most other dirt bikes, which is 1 gallon in this case. Its height, weight, and size are all appropriate for children who are 12 years old.
The seat height is low, which is something that most riders prefer because it allows them to immediately touch the ground at this size.
The frame is made of steel, and the aluminum cylinder, which is lightweight, makes it easier to ride in terrain with hills.
Off-road riding is suited for the air-cooled, four-stroke engine that has a capacity of 110 cc and is air-cooled. Its eye-catching hue and chic overall appearance get people’s attention right away.
Even though it has the potential to be sophisticated, you should reconsider investing in it.
Yamaha’s superb execution continues to win over the affections of people who are passionate about dirt bikes.
Specifications:
- Dimension: 61.6×26.8×36.3 inches
- Weight: 159 pounds
- Brand Name: Yamaha
- Material: steel backbone
- Model Year: 2022
- Motor Power: 3140 KW
- Battery Power: 12V
- Max Speed: 40 mph
- Brake System: Drum brake system with a large rear brake
- Warranty: 90 Days
Note:-
It is best to bring along someone who is knowledgeable about dirt bikes and has sufficient experience riding them if you are having trouble coming up with enough ideas for acquiring a dirt bike.
It would relieve stress associated with making the right choice, and it would save money by eliminating unnecessary purchases.
Where to Buy Dirt Bikes
1. Local Dealerships and Specialty Stores
Local dealerships are an excellent place to start when looking to purchase a dirt bike. Most major cities have Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, KTM, and Husqvarna dealerships. The advantage of buying from a dealership is that they usually offer warranties, have certified mechanics on hand, and can provide advice based on your specific needs and preferences.
Specialty motorcycle stores are another option. These stores may carry a wider range of brands and models than traditional dealerships and often have knowledgeable staff to assist with your purchase.
2. Online Marketplaces and Websites
With the advancement of technology, online marketplaces have become increasingly popular for buying dirt bikes. Websites such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace often have a wide variety of used and new bikes for sale. To find the right bike, filter by make, model, year, and price.
Additionally, certain websites specialize in selling dirt bikes and motocross gear. These websites provide detailed specifications and reviews, which can help you decide.
3. Considerations When Purchasing Used Dirt Bikes
Purchasing a used dirt bike can be a cost-effective option, especially for a growing child who may outgrow their bike quickly. This approach has several drawbacks.
Firstly, always inquire about the bike’s history, including how it was used, any accidents or major repairs, and routine maintenance. This can give you an idea of the bike’s condition and potential future issues.
Secondly, inspect the bike in person if possible. Tires, brakes, and suspension should be checked for damage. Start the bike and listen to the engine for any unusual noises.
Finally, bring a bike expert or hire a mechanic. They can spot issues that aren’t obvious.
Remember, when buying a used dirt bike, the goal is to find one that is safe, reliable, and suitable for the rider’s needs and skill level.
Conclusion
Consider many factors when choosing a dirt bike for a 12-year-old. Make sure the bike fits the rider for safety. Their riding experience and engine size should match. Electric and gas-powered bikes have pros and cons. Handling and manoeuvrability on different terrains depend on suspension, brakes, and control. Bike longevity depends on regular maintenance and durability.
A well-fitting helmet and protective gear are essential. Beginners can improve their dirt bike riding skills by taking classes. Yamaha, Honda, KTM, and Kawasaki are popular brands for 12-year-old riders because they offer bikes for all tastes and budgets.
Budgets should be realistic and cost-effective without compromising quality. Considering used bike considerations, dirt bike shopping can be done at local dealerships, specialty stores, or online marketplaces.
Finally, 12-year-olds can enjoy dirt biking safely by following safety rules and choosing the right spots.
Parents and guardians can confidently choose the best dirt bike for 12-year-olds in 2023 by considering all these factors and using this comprehensive guide.