A list of safety gear for the boys new dirt bikes

[DirtDiggler]

I'm making a list of the gear we will need to purchase for my 2 grandsons (7-9) who we hope to have dirt bikes for this spring. We are not settled on what dirt bikes to get them yet but I think I have the gear decided on. This is going to be more expensive than we thought. Most of this I will try to find used to save some. I read that we shouldn't buy used helmets so those will be new.

So far we have boots, gloves, goggles and helmet on the list. My questions are, Is there any safety benefit to mx pants and jerseys? What are the benefits besides looking cool? I want to be sure we send them out as protected as they should be but will look at some things a little later if we can safely get away with it.

Am I missing anything? Are there brands of helmets I should look at or avoid?

 

[RM_guy]

Good list but I would add knee and elbow protection. Just make sure they have sturdy pants (jeans are fine) and long sleeve shirts. When I was a kid we used to go to the local sporting good store for jerseys. They can even get them personalized too. Nice thing about riding pants is they have more built in protection like pads and room for knee pads. I get that they out grow them so you will have to make your own judgment call. BTW, the 7 year old can reuse the 9 year old's stuff when he outgrows it.

Make sure the helmet fits good. It's easy to think they will grow into it but fight those thoughts. A loose fitting expensive helmet will protect worse than a well fit cheaper helmet. Try to buy locally so you can try different sizes and brands to see what works best. Most of the reputable mail order places will let you try a different size for free but only once.

It's good you are thinking safety. Dress for the crash!

 

[DirtDiggler]

Thank you for the post rm_guy. We were at the local shop this weekend and tried on some helmets. The guy helping us said that correct fit would be snug, enough to "squeeze his cheeks a little" as he put it. Also said the padded insert will break in. Does this sound about right?

 

[RM_guy]

Yes it does. You have a good dealer! The pads will break in but not so much that you don't feel them. Personally I don't like that squeezing feeling on my cheeks but learn to live with it with it.

You don't want the helmet to be loose because it will create a second impact on your head during a crash. The first one is when the ground hits the outside of the helmet and the second would be when the slop is taken up and the inside of the helmet slams against your head. The cushion material in the helmet is designed to absorb the impact but there needs to be a fairly tight fit. BTW, if you take a hit hard enough to "see stars" it's time for a new helmet. The absorption of the impact will only happen once. It crushes and doesn't spring back.

 

[Okiewan]

Good stuff here @RM_guy . You can get away with boots that are a little too large with the hope of them lasting a couple of years, but like your dealer and RM_guy said, a snug fit is vital with helmets. It can be a tough pill to swallow (buying helmets) for sure. They can be expensive and they can be junk after a bad enough crash. But it comes down to the age-old question; "how much is your/their head worth?".

Do NOT buy a used helmet, if you have ANY other option.
1) You don't know what's it's been through.
2) It has broken-in to the previous owner's head.
3) Unless the liner is removeable/replaceable, it's nasty.
4) *** If you have no other option, a used one is better than nothing.

*** The hardcore attitude here is "if you can't afford the correct gear, you can't afford this sport". Or, maybe you just need to save up a little longer. Either way, the point is obvious, this is an expensive sport. Some of us will have to make sacrifices to get in the game. Maybe a less expensive/older bike? It will be a good amount of time before a new rider "needs" a bigger/faster/cooler bike, but he/she will always need to be properly protected.

Good luck on your new adventure. Keep us up to date on your progress!

 

[DirtDiggler]

Wow, thank you for the detailed information. After reading about motocross helmets, I feel like a lot of it is common sense, but things we never think of. We will buy new ones just not sure which brand yet but the Thor Sector looks like a nice helmet at a reasonable price. Considering how important proper helmet fit is, we'll be back at the shop to buy locally. There is also a Kawasaki shop close by I will check into to see what they have.

Thank you for taking the time to help with this, I need to be sure to do this right. The first time!

 

[Okiewan]

I need to be sure to do this right. The first time!

A LOT of us have been in the same boat and made more mistakes than we'll ever admit. We can sort of make-up for that by helping others avoid the same ones :)

Thor Sector looks like a nice helmet at a reasonable price

That'll work. No fancy materials or paint, not too heavy and plenty of protection for new riders. The motocross / off-road helmet market has gotten a lot better in recent years, with many more affordable options available.

Looks good too!

Hopefully your shop will have them in stock in the sizes you need. There are several brands that will all do well for you if there's a stock issue.

The Fox V1 is also a good choice.

I also want to mention sizing between brands. Don't make the mistake of fitting one brand or model and think it applies to other brands / models. Lot's of variation here. Some models (usually higher-end versions) offer better fit for different size/shaped heads because they start with several (outer) shell sizes, where less expensive models make due with fewer.

Once you know they are going to stick with it, or maybe next time they need a new helmet, you may want to look into more expensive helmets. Yes, you do get what you pay for (to an extent). The biggie is weight. Lighter costs more. Next comes materials (also related to weight), better fabric inside, removable, washable, custom sizes of inserts, better and/or more ventilation. Last and least importantly, paint / coatings.

Good luck!

 

[05KX_250]

You need to put chest protectors on them! You should be able to find used ones easy. Tell ya what, a landing with your chest on the bars is not fun at all. Roost protection is welcome to.
Have you thought about transporting the bikes or what bikes you are going to get? I have a friend that was in the same place you are. He thought getting a cheap china bike would be a good idea in case his boy didnt stick with it I told him that was a mistake cause even though he would pay less for the bike, he would get next to nothing if he ended up having to sell it if someone was wanting to buy it at all! A good bike may costs more but you will sell it easier and it will bring more of it's cost back to you. my suggestion is to get them used 65 and a 85 from any of the big brands. just my 2 cents worth.

 

[RM_guy]

Buy a Chinese bike if you want to be a good mechanic

 

[DirtDiggler]

Buy a Chinese bike if you want to be a good mechanic

I think I will just bypass that step.

Really guys, THANK YOU for the information. The list has grown and the wallet is getting thinner I hope these little guys take to riding!

 

[srosenbaum]

We recommend a new device unless you are comfortable using a hand-held device from a family member or close friend you trust. Be extra prepared for kids' dirt bike shoes as riding boots provide the ultimate protection for feet, ankles, and calves. And be prepared with jersey clothes with non-tight and wicking fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable. Furthermore, equipping the Chest Protector with a knee brace, and knee and elbow pads.

 

[BSWIFT]

@60, I wish I had paid more attention to my hearing. Eye and ear protection is fundamental in enjoying offroad riding for a lifetime!