Best Dirt Bikes For A 9-Years-Old

Dirt biking is a sport that everyone, irrespective of their age and gender, can enjoy. There are dirt bikes for as young as 3-years old. Even though they have several limitations, but that’s beside the point. The main thing is that this sport is for everyone. So, if your 9-year old child is insisting on getting a dirt bike, you can rest assured that it is a safe sport. There are safety kits to keep the kids safe, and even the bikes have safety features to ensure they don’t get injured. 

But you have to make sure that the bike you are buying for the child is appropriate for them. You can’t handover an overpowered dirt bike to your kid and expect him not to mishandle it. There are several options available with low speeds and power aimed at young kids. All of the bikes you find on this list fulfill all the requirements of a child-friendly dirt bike.

How to Pick the Best Dirt Bike for A 9-Year-Old?

There are a few things you should consider before picking a bike. You might want to purchase from a reputable brand like Honda, Yamaha, KTM, etc. You can read this article to know more about the best dirt bike manufacturers. These brands follow the safety standards, so you don’t have to worry about that. But there are more factors to consider than just choosing an off-road ride based on the manufacturer. We will be discussing those things here, and I have factored those points in making this list of best dirt bikes for a 9-year-old.

The most obvious factor is safety. But with the right brand and safety kit, you can cross it out of the checklist. Other points are as follows.

Size Of The Dirt Bike

The size of the bike matters a lot. You need to make sure that the feet of the rider touch the ground. If you choose the bike according to your child’s height, it will enable them to enjoy the ride, and this will also make it easier for them to control the bike. You should also factor in the growth of your child. So, choose a bike where the feet touch the ground instead of being flat against it. This will accommodate them even if they are to add 2-5 inches to their height.

Engine Size

 Choose a bike that is not overpowered for your kid, and at the same time, it shouldn’t be so underpowered that the kids wouldn’t want to ride it. Depending on the experience level of your child, a bike anywhere from 50cc to 110cc will be a perfect option for them. If a kid is upgrading form a 50cc trail or motocross, then a 110cc dirt bike will be a good option. Otherwise, for a beginner, 50cc to 75cc off-road rides are more suitable. The electric bikes are also a great choice.

Price

The price will be the deciding factor for most people. Due to that, I have included dirt bikes from nearly every price point. The higher price bikes are definitely superior to its inexpensive alternatives. But the affordable bikes are still quality products. The only major issue with them is that they won’t last for a long time. You can expect them to have to last for up to 2 years and after that, if they still work, consider yourself lucky. The cheapest bike on this list starts below $300, and the best option has a price tag of $5000.

KTM SX65

KTM has become very popular among riders in recent years. The bikes from KTM are everywhere, and they are hard to miss. This level of success doesn’t come without the presence of a solid product. Its dominance is further enhanced by the several top-performing dirt bikes. KTM makes most of its motorcycles for adults and professional riders with few models targeting younger enthusiasts. But even those few bikes are exceptionally reliable and well made that they beat out the competition.

KTM SX65 is a similar story. This dirt bike is made for riders aged 9 to 12. But similar to Honda CRF110F, it is also more suitable for someone with prior riding experience. This isn’t to say that a beginner will have difficulty controlling it. But the bike is definitely overpowered for just a beginner, and it has a high price tag, which can turn away most of the new buyers.

The bike is available for approximately $5,000. You can check the latest price on the KTM’s website here. You can also look at sites like Auto Trader to check if you can get a good deal on a second-hand SX65. The chances of you finding a used bike at a reasonable price are very high as the kids will grow out of this bike. So, many parents are looking to make some money back to fund a newer model. At the time of writing this article, I came across one such listing with a price of $2,800. For that price, this bike is the best option out there.

The bike has a seat height of 29.5 inches. So, it’s more suitable for taller kids. But the seat can be adjusted to fit more properly and also to extend its usage for even a child of age 14.

SX65’s Chromoly steel frame gives it sturdiness and ability to withstand even rough terrains. This bike is quite durable and will last for years. If your child has grown out of it, you can still sell it and make some of your money back.

As this off-road bike is for kids, it has several safety features and is designed in such a way that the children won’t have difficulty controlling it. The two most important features are

• Front and rear disc brakes
• Kickstart

These brakes, of course, are the most vital safety feature, the inclusion of these front and rear disc brakes enable the kids to stop the bike comfortably without losing the control. Its frame further helps in that regard.

The battery can die and leave a kid stranded on a place where you might not be able to reach them quickly. But the kickstart can help in those situations as it doesn’t rely on the battery. Although the kickstart on the SX65 is not the best, it still provides an extra layer of reliability.

Mototec 24V Kids Electric Dirt Bike

Kids find it easier to learn an electric dirt bike as compared to the gas-based off-road vehicles. Furthermore, these bikes are easier to maintain. The biggest challenge for any beginner is the process of learning how to control the bike. Fortunately, electric bikes are easier to handle and help the newbies learn dirt biking faster. Several manufacturers are offering electric dirt bikes, Mototec is one such brand. Their bikes are more popular among the youth. The Mototec 24V is an electric bike targeted towards the kids aged 8-10. And with some exceptional safety features and performance, this bike has made it to the top of our list.

Usually, dirt bikes cost upwards of a grand. You will also notice a similar trend on the list. But, surprisingly, Motetec is one of the few companies that have a dirt bike below $1,000. The 24V Mototec dirt bike is available at a price of just $600. You can find this bike on Wallmart. If you are lucky, you can find this bike on a sale for less than $500. You can check the latest price here. But, before you purchase this bike, I would like to warn you that some sacrifices are made to achieve this low price point if you are buying this bike for long time use, like passing from one kid to another. It is a bad investment. This motorcycle at most will last for 2-3 years. For a more durable bike, you should look at the second vehicle on this list.

If you are worried about the safety of your child, this model has you covered on that front. The bike has three main features that ensure the safety of any kid riding it for the first time.

• The bike comes with a high-speed lock.
• It features front are rear disc brakes.
• The lightweight of the motorcycle enables the kids to control it easily.

5,10 and 16 mph are the three options on which you can set the speed lock. This feature is really helpful. By limiting the speed, you can ensure that no serious injury occurs. The brakes let the kid stop the bike without losing control. And the lightweight of the bike also helps in the said matter. 

Honda CRF110F

If you want a bike that is reliable and will last for years to come, then Honda is one of the manufacturers from which you should be getting your dirt bike. Honda makes most of its bikes for teenagers and adults, but few options are also available for young kids. However, these options are only for the kids with some prior dirt biking experience. If you are upgrading your kid from a 50cc bike towards a more powerful option than the Honda CRF110F perfectly fits the bill. It includes several features that you won’t find on the bikes from its competitors. It comes with both an electric start to make it easier for kids to start it and a kickstart for those who prefer the later. It’s a four-speed transmission bike with an automatic clutch.

The bike has a seat height of 26 inches, which makes it perfect for children between the age of 9-12. 

As I mentioned above, this bike isn’t the most beginner-friendly dirt bike. It weighs around 159 pounds. Its weight makes it a difficult motorcycle to handle for beginners. But for someone upgrading from a low powered bike, this won’t be the issue. 

You can get this bike for around $2,399. If you want more information about pricing and other details, check out the bike on Honda’s official website.

As for the safety features, this bike has a throttle limiter. So, you can set a maximum speed limit. Key ignition is another feature, you can use this to ensure that your child doesn’t go on a ride without your supervision. Again, I would reiterate that this bike isn’t the best option if your kid is starting to learn to ride. It is more of a transitional bike for kids with prior experience looking for a more powerful option. It acts as a bridge between the relatively inexperienced and experienced dirt bikers.

The Yamaha TT-R110E

Japanese have mastered the art of making motorbikes, and it is no wonder that most of the top recommendations feature many brands from the country of the rising Sun. Yamaha is the second Japanese manufacturer to make its way into this list. It is due to their expertise in making such high-class vehicles. If you want a reliable bike from a renown brand, then the Yamaha TT-R110E is the one for you. It’s slightly different from the typical dirt bikes listed on this list. The bike has a classy look, and with its 26.4 inches seat height, it will make your child feel comfortable during the ride. Its an excellent choice from anyone aged 9 to 12. And depending on their height, they may ride it until they are 15.

The bike has the tagline, “The bike that produces big fun for both young and old and everyone in-between”. So, you can expect your kid to ride this bike for years without worrying about the upgrade. The 110cc engine isn’t the preferable choice for any beginner. So, it is a better option for someone with riding experience. The bike features a 1.0-gallon gas tank. It is more than enough for a young child. Furthermore, it comes with electric start to make it easier to start the bike.

Keep in mind that its a trail bike, made to perform well on rough terrains and not to win races. Hence, the bike doesn’t go that fast. Even though with some changes, you can make it go faster. But, I doubt that is something on your mind if you are purchasing it for your child. It is available at just below $2,300. The only downside is 90 days warranty instead of the 6-months you get with the bikes from Honda.

Kuberg Young Rider Cross Bike

With the top speed just around 17 mph, Kyuberg electric bike is another safety-oriented off-road vehicle. It is a strong contender to be your kid’s first dirt bike. The only thing working against it is the price, even though it not the most expensive dirt bike on the list, more like in the middle of the list when it comes to pricing. But the real issue is that its pricing is not consistent. You can sometimes find it as low as $2,000, and if you are unable to find a good deal, you might end up paying $3,000. Due to such a high price point, I would recommend Coolster or Mototec dirt bike for any beginner. But if you have the money and want an exceptional motocross, go for it.

There is a cool app that shows you the speed of the bike. You can use that app to set the top speed and riding parameters. These features make it an almost perfect dirt bike for 9-year-old kids. Furthermore, the bike is lightweight, and any inexperienced rider will be able to handle it. On a full charge, it can last up to 2 hours and has a seat height of 25 inches. You can check more features here. There are three main variants. For a 9-year-old, the cross bike is the best option. So check that one out. And if you are able to get it around $2,000, it would be an excellent choice.

Razor MX400 Electric Dirt Bike

If you are looking for an inexpensive dirt bike, then Razor MX400 a great choice. It regularly features a sale, and if you buy one with a decent discount, then it is the cheapest option on this list. The MX400 is an ideal off-road vehicle for a child of 9 years. It has several features that make it one of the best options for kids. The bike can reach 14 mph. This low speed is enough for beginners, and it should also elevate your worry about any overspeeding by your child. The bike has low weight so it would be quite easy for any kid to control. Furthermore, as it is an electric bike, it doesn’t need much maintenance.

Moreover, it is an electric dirt bike. So, the only thing to worry about is the battery. The bike has small dimensions and is more suitable for kids with average height; for a taller kid, it will be uncomfortable to ride on. Other than that, It’s a quality bike and will last for quite a while. You can check the latest price on Amazon here. But before you make a purchase, keep in mind that, it is not a very powerful bike. I would only recommend this bike if you want a budget-friendly low powered bike, and your child is only going to drive it in the backyard.

Coolster 70cc Dirt Bike

Coolster’s 70cc mini dirt bike is a great option for both the beginner and those with prior experience. The 70cc engine is not an overkill, and the bike is lightweight. So, beginners won’t have any problem handling the bike. While the kids upgrading to it will appreciate the more powerful engine and ability to reach 30+ mph. The bike has a sturdy frame and will be able to withstand the test of times. The bike is capable of handling weight up to 130 lbs. It has the seat height around 24.5 inches, which makes it perfect for a comfortable ride for anyone aged 7-10.

The bike is semi-automatic, so there is no clutch, which makes the learning process easier. It needs some assembling before the kid can ride it. But the bike is 90% assembled, and you will only need to fix tires and handlebar. The only downside is the speed it can achieve, and that is not the thing you want in the hands of a young child. Other than that, it is an excellent product. It is priced reasonably. You can check its latest price from Amazon.

Conclusion

It is natural for you to worry about your kid’s safety and have concerns about dirt biking being not as safe as other sports. I hope I have elevated some of those concerns and eased your mind. I won’t claim that dirt biking has no risk attached to it. But, one thing I can assure you is that there the bikes targeted towards young kids have several safety features built into them. The bikes mentioned above are proof of that. So, if your child is insisting on learning dirt bike, all you have to do is choose a proper bike for them. The low powered bikes on the list above are perfect for any beginner and if your child is upgrading from a low powered bike than bikes like CRF110F and TT-R110E are perfect options.

The bikes on this list are curated after extensive research and based on my personal experience. Now the only factors you should take into account are your budget, the skills level of your child and the duration for which you are expecting to use them. If you don’t plan on reselling or having the bike for more than a year or two than the Razor, Coolster and Mototec bikes are the best choices. On the other hand, if you want a more reliable and long-lasting option look no further than the offerings from Honda, Yamaha, Kuberg, and KTM. The list contains bikes from price points as low as $300 to as high as $5,000. Each offers something unique. It is up to you which bike you find more suitable.