Best Beginner Dirt Bike For A Teenager

If you are a teenager looking for your first dirt bike or planning to purchase one for your kid, this is the perfect place to start your hunt. Even if you have already Here in this article, we will be looking at some of the best beginner-friendly dirt bikes for teenagers. Each option is selected based upon several factors, including the size, reliability, design, price, performance, etcetera.

If you have seen a professional dirt bike, you might be tempted to buy those, but let me tell you, it is not the right choice, especially if you are purchasing your first motocross or trail bike. You should start with a newbie-friendly dirt bike and then move on to those professional-looking dirt bikes. Don’t worry, we have covered you on this front, here we will list 10 top of the line dirt bikes for teenagers.

The first thing you need to know is that there are two kinds of dirt bikes discussed in this guide.

1. Trail Bikes
2. Motocross

There isn’t much difference between trail and motocross bikes when it comes to looks. Motocross is lighter than the trail bikes, the reason behind that is the utility of them. While the first is mostly designed for racing, and the lightweight enables it to keep ahead of competitors. Trail bike, on the other hand, is made to maintain the smooth-riding experience while navigating the technical trails.

Things To Consider

Before you make a purchase, there are certain things you should consider. Not all the dirt bikes on this list are universally fit. Some of them are suitable for 13-15 years, and others are made for older riders. Let’s look at those points.

Size

This is the most crucial factor if you are looking forward to a comfortable experience. You see, we all have different heights, and despite their best efforts, a single manufacturer can’t make a bike that will suit all of the people equally. It is highly likely that a bike perfect for someone could possibly be a mediocre option for you.

If a manufacturer made a bike targeted towards taller teens, than that bike won’t be comfortable to sit on for someone with average height. Let’s take an example, if you purchase a motorcycle intended for a taller person, when you will ride it for the first time, you will realize that your feet are unable to reach the ground, and this would make riding that dirt bike a very challenging task.

Conversely, a motocross designed for a 5.2″ won’t be a good match for a 5.7″ teenager. It would be too small for them. So, make sure you choose the right option. You can consult this interactive dirt bike size chart for help in this regard. If you are unable to find a dirt bike suitable to your height in the list below, you can buy one from any of the best dirt bike brands.

Power

Another essential thing is to determine how much power is enough for a teen’s bike. It is going to vary depending upon the experience level of the rider. Someone riding a dirt bike for a few years will go for a more powerful engine, while for a beginner, it would be overkill. 

One more thing you should keep in mind is that weight might also influence the required horsepower and keep the age in mind too during the selection. Again I would emphasize checking the size chart before making a final decision. And if the bike suitable for you isn’t on this list, it doesn’t mean the end of the world, all that matters is you should choose one best for you.

Reliability

The dirt bikes are expensive. You don’t want to purchase one which has a lot of reliability issues. Usually, the bikes from the top brands can last many years without any problems. This has a more significant role in the selection process. You can rest assured that these bikes will be able to last many years without having any significant issues.

Performance

The performance is one of the main things that defines the worth of the dirt bike. If motocross has the below-par performance, it wouldn’t matter how good it looks or how much power it has. At the end of the day, it all comes down to performance. So, I had to give this factor a significant weight in my selection criteria. You will probably find some bikes given better ranking despite lower power and a general look.

Look

On its own, this is the least important factor. You definitely wouldn’t want a trail bike for only its looks. However, just performance doesn’t compel a customer towards a brand. A good design is always welcome. So, it also has a part in the final decision making.

Beginner Dirt Bike For Teens

Based upon the points mentioned above, here is the list of the top 8 dirt bikes for teens.

#1. HONDA CRF230F

Honda is a leading brand when it comes to motorcycles, and it is also a prominent manufacturer of dirt bikes. Their bikes are known for their quality and reliability. One such bike is Honda CRF230F. You can expect this bike to last for years and still work without any issue. For any teenager looking to enter the dirt biking, this is the best starting point. The price is around $4,300 to $4,400.

This dirt bike is suitable for slightly taller buyers with a height ranging from 5’2″ to 5’8,” or you can say for the people aged 15-18 years. The bike has a seat height of 34.1 inches, and this height won’t be comfortable for everyone. I would highly recommend this bike if you are around 5’4″ to 5’8″, as this will allow you to control the bike easily. One thing I would like to point out is that it is designed for rough terrain as it is a trail bike. 

When it comes to reliability, Honda is one of the most trusted brands. And the CRF230F is no exception. This bike is made to outlast all the teenagers in a family getting their first experience on it. The engine is fuel-efficient and uses a very low amount of gas. It is a very beginner-friendly bike and accommodating the bike. 

The bike comes with a four-stroke 223 cc engine. Overall the bike has a high-performance rating. It is able to outperform many of the competitors when it comes to durability. If you are in for a fancy looking dirt bike, then you are going to a bit disappointed in that regard. The Honda dirt bikes have a very general design but one thing you in its favor is the customizability. You can easily swap the parts with other bikes from the same brand.

#2. KTM 150 SX

KTM, in a short time, has captured a huge chunk of dirt bike’s market. It is enormously popular among the dirt bikers, and many claims that once you have experienced riding on a KTM bike, you won’t choose another brand. While I don’t fully agree, but I can’t deny that the quality and performance of KTM bikes are exceptional. Some of their bikes for a certain age group are better than their competitors. And their dirt bikes targeted at teens are one of the best out there. 

Like most of the dirt bikes, the number following the name indicates the horsepower. It is a 150 cc dirt bike. It features a 2-strokes engine. The lower horsepower makes it easier to handle for younger teens. The only issue the bike has is pricing. It starts at $7,650, quite the price, especially when compared to the above-mentioned bike from Honda. 

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 broader audience than a much younger and inexperienced rider. The seat height of 37.4 inches is targeted towards older and taller dirt bikers. It is suitable for people with a height of 5’8″ and taller.

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.

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.

#3. AJP PR4/PR3

AJP is a Portuguese manufacturer specializing in motocross and trail bikes. They aren’t as known as the other brands like Honda, KTM, Yamaha, etc. But their PR4/PR3 is a serious competitor to the other brand’s offerings. This European off-road bike is durable and has a lightweight frame, making it perfect for teenagers and beginners to handle. It is priced around $5,000. And due to its high price point, you won’t see it much. The seat height of 36.5 inches is comfortable for teenagers with height around 5’6″ to 5’10”. Furthermore, due to its adjustable seat, you can adjust it to your liking.

It is a 4-stroke bike and is quite reliable for beginners and experienced riders alike. Some people have more than 40,000 miles on their bike and they haven’t faced any major issues. So, you can expect this bike to around for a long time. The aluminum frame makes it perfect for rough terrains. The design of the bike is average. 

#4. Kawasaki KLX110

Japanese manufacturers are dominating the auto sector, and companies like Kawasaki have been part of this group. Kawasaki offers some of the best dirt bikes for beginners and experienced riders. The brand is reputable and is well known for its quality standard. Kawasaki KLX is a 4-stroke 112 cc bike with its unique set of features with a price tag of $2,299.

The bike is made for younger riders, and the seat height is around 26.8 inches. It is more suitable for 4’6″ to 5’2″ heights. Like all other Japanese brands, this also has a long lifetime. The parts can be easily replaced. The Kawasaki KLX110 is popular among young enthusiasts due to its compact size

#5. Yamaha YZ125

Yamaha is a known brand in the motorcycle industry. They have made their name due to their reliable and quality bikes. Their dirt bike offers some unique features with above-average performances. Yamaha YZ125 is one of the few 2-stroke targeted to a younger audience. Due to its lightweight, it is easy for a teenager to handle it comfortably. This bike is costly and can put off some of the first time buyers. But you get what you pay for. This bike is available starting $5,899.

The bike is durable, so you can push it to its limits without worrying about any breakdown, and even if some issue arises, the bike is easy to fix. It is built to last for many years, and it has good resale value. With the seat height of 38.4 inches, it is easy to discern that it is not only targeted towards the teenagers but the experienced riders too. The design isn’t that different from other bikes on this list.

#6. SUZUKI DR-Z125L

Suzuki was among the companies who ventured into the dirt bike manufacturing. This gave them an edge over the other companies when it comes to introducing new technologies in a dirt bike. Even though Suzuki mostly targets the experienced bikers and they have very few models marketed towards the teens and beginners when they decide to offer something, you can bet that they are offering a high-quality product. Their DR-Z125L is one of the best off-road bikes when it comes to safety. The placement of the brakes plates on the front wheel allows rider for a quick stop, in case of emergency, without any fear of an accident. This allows the inexperienced bikers to control it easily. The 125cc bike starts at $3,199.

The bike has a seat height of 31.7 inches. This is perfect for younger teens and people with short stature. The ability to adjust the seat makes it a more compelling option for newbies to ride in rough terrain. 

The company has been around for 110 years, and if a company doesn’t make reliable products, it isn’t going to last this long, especially in such a highly competitive market. The use of carbon steel makes the bike lighter and more comfortable for beginners. 

#7. Honda CRF 125F Big Wheel

CRF 125F is another beginner-friendly Enduro bike from Honda. The lightweight, easy to handle bike is an excellent choice for a teenager looking forward to their first dirt bike riding experience. The design and the features make sure that your first memory of riding will remain memorable. The 125cc bike starts just under $3,500. The CRF 125F “Big Wheel” has a seat height of 30.9 inches.

The bike will has an excellent build quality and will easily last for a decade. If you are looking for a low powered easy to handle the bike, then this is the perfect bike for you.

#8. Honda CRF 150R

Last but not least, another bike from Honda on the list. At a base price of $5,099, the CRF 150R is one of the best dirt bikes out there. The 4-stroke 150c engine provides decent traction and acceleration.

The bike has a 5-speed transmission while most of its competitors on this list have 4. It isn’t the most beginner-friendly dirt bike out there. There is definitely a learning curve. Due to this reason, it isn’t among the top five.

The bike has a seat height of 32.8 inches, and it is suitable for teens aged 14-16 years. There are no quality issues, and the frame is sturdy.

Final Remarks

If you are a teenager and looking for your first bike or you have some prior experience riding a dirt bike, any of the above listed off-road vehicles will be perfect for you. Before making a decision, ensure that the seat height is a better match for your height. If the seat is higher, your feet won’t reach the ground, and it would be difficult to handle the bike properly.

Conversely, the small seat size will make it uncomfortable to sit. Once you decide on the seat height, you can choose the bike that fits you. Each bike has something to offer.

Overall, Honda CRF230F, in four strokes, and KTM 150 SX, in 2 strokes, are the best out there. This doesn’t mean that the other bikes on the list underperform. The difference isn’t that much, and some of the bikes lower down the rank might be more suitable for you due to the seat height and weight. Furthermore, those two bikes are for the riders aged 17-19, if you are younger than the other options are more fitting.