Kids are into trying new things and exploring new hobbies, such as dirt bike riding. So if your 12-year-old kid is interested in this sport, the best dirt bike for them is a kid size dirt bike. In most cases, it’d be a 4-stroke mini bike with a cubic capacity of 70 to 125 cc.
For young riders, there are many aspects to consider to ensure kids are safe and comfortable on their dirt bikes. To learn about these factors and the best dirt bike for 12 year-old, continue reading below!
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Best Dirt Bike for 12 Year-old
Many motorcycle brands have created specific dirt bikes for tweens or kids aged 12 years old. Below you’ll see the safety features to ensure your child is safe while riding and the specific factors to consider before you shop for your child’s dirt bike.
Safety Features of Dirt Bikes for 12-year-olds
Why is it important to choose the right dirt bikes for ages 12 and up? It’s because it determines the rider’s safety and comfort on the bike. A bike of incorrect size may mean that the rider can’t properly place their foot on the ground for balance, which can cause the bike to topple over.
What’s more, an engine too powerful for the rider may mean that they can’t handle the bike, thus increasing the risks of accidents. In contrast, a too-weak engine will result in a sluggish bike with disappointing performance.
In addition, when starting to ride a dirt bike, it’s advisable to employ safety guidelines to ensure your child is safe. For instance:
- Wear proper gear: Wearing a helmet, proper clothing, and goggles will protect your kid from injuries and help keep the mud and dirt out of their eyes.
- Have proper training: Before letting your kid ride their dirt bike, you need to make sure that they have received proper training first. You could teach them the basics and then progress to the fundamentals over time.
- Supervise your kid: Adult supervision is important for kids riding a dirt bike because it ensures their safety on the trail or track. This way, you’ll be able to control their speed and teach them properly as well.
- Have the right dirt bike: For kids, it’s advisable that they start with a lightweight dirt bike and those with lesser power, as this will make the entire process less overwhelming for them. If your kid is a beginner, it’s important to choose the best dirt bike for them and consider many factors, as shown below.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Dirt Bike
There are many good dirt bikes for kids out there. However, there are many things to consider to ensure they’re the right dirt bike for 12-year-old boys or girls.
1. Engine size
The engine size is one of the factors to look into when buying a dirt bike because it determines how fast or slow a bike can go. For instance, fast dirt bikes mean that they have higher-powered engines. Thus, if your child is a beginner, it’s not advisable to buy them a 450cc dirt bike.
Given the chart below, the recommended one for 12-year-old kids is a 125cc dirt bike. However, if your child has a small stature or is not physically strong, a bike with a cubic capacity of 70cc will do. As noted above, never choose an engine size too powerful for your kid to handle.
| Age | CC |
| 3 to 7 years old | 50cc |
| 7 to 12 years old | 50cc – 110cc |
| 12 to 14 years old | 125cc |
| 14 to 16 years old | 125cc – 250cc |
2. Size
To ensure your kid is comfortable while riding and they can easily ride or get off the bike, it’s important to choose the right dirt bike size. The bike’s seat height depends on how tall or short your child is.
In addition, dirt bikes with adjustable seat height are common nowadays. You can modify them in many ways to lower your seat height, such as by shaving the seat foam or lowering the front forks.
To know the recommended seat height for your kid, check the dirt bike size chart below.
| Age | Height | Seat Height |
| 3 to 7 years old | 2ft 7in – 3ft 7in (78.74-109.22 cm) | 17 – 21 inches (43.18-53.34 cm) |
| 7 to 12 years old | 3ft 7in – 4ft 7in (109.22-139.7 cm) | 21 – 25 inches (53.34-63.5 cm) |
| 12 to 14 years old | 5ft – 5ft 2 in (152.4-157.48 cm) | 31 – 35 inches (78.74-88.9 cm) |
| 14 to 16 years old | 5ft 2 in – 5ft 8 in (157.48-172.72 cm) | 35 – 38 inches (88.9 cm-96.52 cm) |
3. Transmission
For beginners, it’s ideal to buy a dirt bike with an automatic clutch because it’s easier to control and your kid won’t have to worry about manually changing gears.
However, you may transition them to a manual clutch for better acceleration and speed as they progress.
4. Starter system
If your kid is a beginner, having an electric starter dirt bike is better because it’s easier to use, just with a simple push button. In contrast, having a kick starter might be overwhelming at first for your child because they need to manually kick the lever to start the motorcycle.
Nevertheless, a kick starter bike is low maintenance and can be used when your child progresses in their dirt bike journey.
5. Gas-powered or electric
Knowing what to choose between a gas-powered and an electric dirt bike is a must before you go to the shop. On the one hand, an electric model has rechargeable batteries, is easier to operate, and is more environmentally friendly compared to a gas dirt bike.
On the other hand, gas-powered dirt bikes offer more torque and speed, allowing the rider to go much faster. They’re also able to have a higher travel range and are more ideal if your kid wants to participate in motocross.
6. Tire size
The size of the dirt bike’s tire is an important consideration when buying a dirt bike. For kids, it’s advisable to get bikes with smaller tires, as they allow the rider to control the bike better. In contrast, bigger tires increase the height of the bike, making it difficult for kids to get off or put their feet down when stopping.
How Much is a Dirt Bike for a 12-year-old
Although not exactly cheap, the price of dirt bikes for 12-year-olds is more affordable compared to adult-size bikes. It usually ranges between around $2,000 to $4,000, but there are kids’ dirt bikes that cost around $7,000 as well.
In addition, the price depends on the brand you prefer, such as Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and others. You may check the table below for some sample prices:
| Dirt Bike | Average Price (New) |
| Kuberg Young Rider
Trial Hero |
$1,900 |
| Yamaha TT-R110E | $2,300 |
| Honda CRF125F | $3,100 |
| Suzuki DR-Z125L | $3,349 |
| Kawasaki KLX 140R | $3,449 |
Types of Dirt Bikes Suitable for 12 Year-olds
Depending on your child’s preference, there are many recommended dirt bikes for every rider. For us, the coolest dirt bike for kids on the market right now are the following:
1. Yamaha TTR125LE
If your kid is into trail riding, the Yamaha TTR125LE is a great option! It has a 4-stroke and air-cooled engine, a 5-speed transmission, and a clutch. Thus, this bike is indeed ideal for 12-year-old kids because they’re easy to maintain and have smooth, controllable power.
Despite this dirt bike’s positive features, its suspensions aren’t the best for bigger riders. It’s also not made for jumping and track riding, so this Yamaha bike is not for your kid if they’re into motocross.
2. Honda CRF125F
The Honda CRF125F is among the most popular dirt bikes made by Honda for kids. It features a four-speed transmission and fuel injection. It also boasts a conventional clutch, which prepares your kid for their adult bike in the future.
Although it has a lower seat height, this bike is not ideal for heavier riders. Also, if your kid is into aggressive riding, you may want to choose a different bike because this model’s suspensions are not built for that.
3. Suzuki DR-Z125L
The Suzuki DR-Z125L is another dirt bike that’s best for kids due to its easy-to-control 5-speed transmission and clutch, as well as a reliable 4-stroke engine.
Regarding its suspension, it only has a shock spring-preload adjustment, and this bike doesn’t have much horsepower. Nevertheless, it’s still a good beginner bike for trail riding.
4. Kawasaki KLX 140R
If you want a versatile dirt bike, the Kawasaki KLX 140R is what you’re looking for! You can choose between three models, and this bike features an electric start, which is perfect for kids. In addition, it has decent speed and a low seat height.
However, if you’re looking for a dirt bike that could accommodate bigger riders and track-riding, this bike doesn’t have the best suspension for that purpose.
Conclusion
It’s great that kids take up a new hobby to help them develop themselves or have fun. However, it’s important to also choose the right youth dirt bike for your kid to ensure that they’re safe and comfortable while riding. To do this, you need to consider a lot of things, such as your child’s height, experience, and preference.
By now, we hope that you now know the best dirt bike for 12 year-old and learn some tips for their safety. We’re so excited about your kid’s new journey!
