Best Beginner Dirt Bikes for Teenagers
We have compiled the Top Six best dirt bikes for teenagers who are just beginning their dirt bike journeys. Each dirt bike is picked based upon the size, reliability, look, performance, and other additional features.
The reason for this criteria is in order to assist teenagers in picking a dirt bike that is appropriate in size for their height, how reliable it is in regards to how long it will last for the price, how appealing it looks, and whether it will perform to the standards of the rider, whether in speed or durability.
HONDA CRF230F
Honda is a widely known company that creates quality dirt bikes. This bike is more commonly known as “family friendly;” a bike that doesn’t outlive the number of children who use it. It is the perfect bike for any teenaged child who has a desire to learn more about dirt bikes and become experienced. This bike’s average price is around $4,199.
Size
This particular dirt bike is a little bit taller, so it is better for riders who have more height and size, which helps to more easily control the bike. Because of the larger frame and overall build of this dirt bike, it is easy for riders to be able to glide over tougher terrain, allowing for balance to be consistent throughout the ride.
Reliability
The size and durability of this the CRF230F is built to outlast all of the children in a family who first tread on beginner’s wheels. As a bike that needs to accommodate any rider at any age, the engine is built to use only a small amount of gas to increase the leisure riding time of the bike. Because of its identity as a family bike, it is created to give each beginner an experience, whether on smooth trails or rough terrain, helping to build confidence in the rider.
Look
All Honda dirt bikes generally look the same, though most have the ability to be customized because of the fact that all of these bikes have the same features that can be traded out on one another.
Performance
An overall performance rating for this bike is particularly high, as it is well-known for its ability to be versatile to any age of any beginner. The motor for this particular bike is durable, out-performing any of its bike brothers. With its unique features inside the motor, this bike is a great beginner bike and creates a sense of security for all new dirt bike enthusiasts.
Additional Features
The CRF230F comes not only with an incredible motor, but also comfortable sitting for new riders, along with an overall lightweight build so as to be easier to navigate through terrain and maneuver for younger riders.
AJP PR4/PR3
Don’t let the unique name detour you from the overall quality this bike has to offer. The AJP PR4/PR3 originates in Portugal, thus making a different impact on the dirt bike showcase. With its lightweight frame and durability, this bike is perfect for younger beginners or shorter riders. Due to its foreign origins, this bike is at a pricier dollar point, starting around $4,790. But, with its unique qualities and durability, it is well worth the purchase.
Size
For this particular dirt bike, especially for beginners, it is considerably smaller, with a lower seat height. The way the bikes come is adjustable in seat height, so it is perfect for beginners who want to become experienced on dirt bikes for a few years. Based upon its size, this bike is a better fit for younger or shorter riders, due to its compact size. This bike is a perfect fit for inexperienced riders.
Reliability
Because of this bike’s unique size and four-stroke power, it is incredibly reliable for beginners. The AJP PR4/PR3 is built to withstand tough terrains while riders are still able to maintain control of the bike. Two-stroke bikes are built to be fast, not necessarily safe, thus the reason for this bike being a great contender against those built for speed and not necessarily durability. Many consumers who have purchased the bike report having more than 40,000 miles on their bike, which is incredible, especially for beginner and higher cc bikes.
Look
The overall look of this bike is fairly average, however, because of the aluminum frame, the builders insisted on a wheelbase closer to the ground, the fuel tank under the seat, as well as better suspension for any off-roader’s desires, creating a bike that is built to last. The design of the bike is built for a performance that outlives many of the adventures any rider is willing to go on.
Performance
With the way the engine is built, this bike is better suited for off-road experiences. Because of this dirt bike’s aluminum frame, it is lightweight, meaning it is easy to maneuver and control when on tougher terrains than a simple dirt track. Being a four-stroke makes it easier to maneuver for younger riders just starting out, as it has less of a kick when it first begins.
Additional Features
A few unique features included in the bike are the fact that the engine is air-cooled, which means there are fins over the cylinders, giving the engine more surface area, thus allowing cool air to easily pass over the engine. Along with this is the fact that it is an electric-start motor, which is basically a button that starts the bike instead of a kick-start. Both of these features add to the appeal and quality of the bike.
Kawasaki KLX110
Along with Honda, Kawasaki is a popular dirt bike company, especially for many beginners who are looking for well-known places to purchase a bike from. But not only is this bike great for younger aged beginners, but it also comes with its fair share of uniqueness that doesn’t always come with larger dirt bikes. WIth its price point sitting around $2,299, it’s a tough deal to beat.
Size
Due its compact size, this bike is incredibly versatile for all ages. It’s a great bike for younger aged beginners, but it is also popular for adults because of its unique size. Of course, it was originally built for a younger audience, and that is its main purpose, so it serves as a great beginner’s bike.
Reliability
Because of the wide audience that this particular bike caters to, it is easier to be able to ride this bike for many years and be able to purchase and upgrade parts that will continue to keep this bike in working condition, no matter the size or age. Due to its versatility in age, this bike has an excellent resale rate to keep the fun going for more riders to experience.
Look
The Kawasaki KLX110 has a smaller build, making it easier to ride for younger and inexperienced dirt bike enthusiasts. However, because of its height, it has greater suspension, which enables riders to start off on easier dirt paths and slowly work up to more rocky and curved terrains.
Performance
With an excellent overall performance for all riders of any age, this bike easily outperforms many larger bikes because of the Kawasaki KLX110‘s age versatility and size. Its suspension is easier to handle for inexperienced riders, allowing for them to become more experienced as they progress through the ride of the bike. Overall, it compares well if not better to many of its larger brothers.
Additional Features
Because of this bike’s particular size and popularity, it’s resale value is incredible. To purchase parts for this bike is simple because of it’s amassed love, and can be easily replaced to keep the fun going for many young riders to come.
Yamaha YZ125
There may not be a huge difference between a two-stroke and a four-stroke dirt bike, but there is when it comes to beginners and learning how to first ride a dirt bike. Though this dirt bike is a two-stroke, is it a great beginner bike to learn how to navigate speed and become comfortable with a more powerful bike. This bike usually begins around $5,899.
Size
This bike has a lighter frame, which means it is easy to pull the bike in any direction the rider wants. However, with its unique two-stroke engine, riders should be ready to follow the power the engine has to offer; but it is still easily navigable for beginners.
Reliability
Because of this bike’s particular durability, it is easier to push this bike to its limits and then when it starts to break down or something quits, it’s an easy bike to rebuild and push again to its limits. It’s a bike that can be enjoyed for not just a few months or a year, it’s a bike that is fun for all ages and sizes to begin on.
Look
This bike was built with a lighter frame in mind but doesn’t create an entirely different look from other dirt bikes. At a whopping 207 pounds, this dirt bike is considerably lighter than most any other dirt bike on the market, leading to the overall ease in which to guide the bike in whichever direction the rider desires.
Performance
A two-stroke dirt bike is automatically more explosive than a four-stroke dirt bike, meaning it gets moving and goes faster more quickly than the four-stroke counterpart. Its performance is perfect as a racing bike and is great for beginning teenagers who choose to race dirt bikes.
Additional Features
Though there isn’t any special look to the Yamaha dirt bikes, this particular bike is most well-known for its top position in best beginner dirt bikes, especially for beginners who want to try out racing. It is one of the best known in its range as a 125 cc, meaning it is easier to control for beginning teenagers.
SUZUKI DR-Z125L
As one of the first dirt bike creators, Suzuki has had its fair share of beginners dirt bikes come and create years of fun. Recently, they upgrade the SUZUKI DR-Z125L and decided to add better features to the newer model. The average starting price for this bike is $3,199.
Size
With a lowered seat height, this bike is a great choice for shorter riders who aren’t as experienced in the dirt bike community. The overall height and weight of the bike make it easier for inexperienced riders to get a handle on the power of a dirt bike and start off more smoothly than with a larger and higher cc bike.
Reliability
This bike is a little more reliable than most because of the brake plates placed on the front wheel of the tire. This feature allows for a quick and safe stop time in case of emergencies or fear. With an engine-stop switch, or a kill switch, the bike easily cuts and allows for a safe exit for riders. The overall performance of the bike adds to the safer for beginner riders.
Look
Because of this bike’s recent face-lift, it is now made of carbon-steel, which adds to the overall lightness of the dirt bike. The lower seat height is easier for shorter/inexperienced riders to learn on and more agilely conquer the terrain. The overall appeal of the bike comes from its newer features and more easily handled frame.
Performance
With the front disc brake plates, it creates a safer atmosphere for riders who fear going too fast and being flung over the handle bars. It is a great beginning bike for those who want to try going quicker, but want to have a quick and safe stop. Its performance is exemplary, and is great for younger riders.
Additional Features
This bike may not have a fancy button to start up the bike, but it does come with a front disc brake and a five-speed gearbox with a manual clutch. With the power of a five-speed and the ability to stop on a dime is a great way to dip one’s toes into the realm of dirt bikes.
KTM 150 SX
With all dirt bikes, the numbers that follow after their name mean how much horsepower or cc is in their engine. With a KTM 150 SX, the 150 is a little lower on the cc spectrum, meaning it is an easier bike to handle. This bike is a two-stroke, with more horsepower than any of its equally cc’d partners. This bike certainly comes with its fair share of power, with a starting price of around $7,647.31.
Size
Its overall build is lighter, which is great for riders to push or pull the bike in any direction easily. This doesn’t come with adjustable seat height, so it certainly is more catered to a larger audience than a much younger and inexperienced rider.
Reliability
The KTM 150 SX is built to withstand and last through all riders in whatever age and size they come in. Its frame and horsepower come with the pleasure of enjoying a ride that has a little kick, but won’t be unmanageable or not quick to stop.
Look
The way the KTM company builds their bike is in such a way as to be ergonomically dynamic, meaning it is easy to push through any wind or weather because of its build. This lightweight bike is sophisticatedly created to suit any larger/older rider who wants to try a little horsepower.
Performance
As a newer model created by the KTM brand, this bike certainly out-performs many of its brothers. With a sleeker design/build and harmony with the suspension of the bike, it works well to go quickly and ride smoothly on many different terrains.
Additional Features
This bike is designed with an I-beam, which means that the beam connecting the front and rear fenders is connected to help riders be able to stabilize while sitting or standing on their dirt bike. Its a feature well-suited for riders not yet experienced to the unusual cadences of a dirt bike.
Dirt bikes come in many unique shapes and sizes. Each one has its own unique features, whether it be the muffler, special break discs, seat adjustment, or whatever it may be, dirt bikes are built for any enthusiast at any age. It is important for not only parents to feel comfortable for their child’s safety, but also for dirt bike riders themselves to feel comfortable riding quickly above rough terrain. Whether you are biased to Yamaha, or willing to look into other safety features on name-brand bikes, it is important to choose a bike that best fits the size, age, and speed of a rider. We hope this article has been insightful and will help guide your decisions on the best dirt bike options for any teenaged dirt bike fanatic.
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