Bike for 5'6" (and growing) 11 yr old?

KTM Mike · Jan 5, 2005

I am starting the search for my son's next bike early and would like some opinions on where to go.

He is 11 (12 in the spring), already 5'6", about 135 lbs, and has not yet hit a growth spurt. He has been riding since age 5, on various bikes, currently on a TTR 125L (for sale soon!). He is by no stretch of the imagination an agressive rider like these wonder kids on 60's doing doubles and triples, yet has decent technical skills for woods riding. In just the last year, he has started to get more agressive in the woods, and seems to handle about any terrain I can take him through. One downside with his size and age, is as he has not hit that testosterone stage yet, not tons of muscle strength behind the body mass. He does have decent endurance - a 40 or 50 mile trail ride is no problem. Woods riding is 100% of what he does now. He did do a kids enduro series last year (1st place in his class!) and enjoyed it, planning on doing more in the future.

My thoughts so far are:

1) Dont want to mess with an intermediate step between what he is on now and full size - for cost reasons, as well as I dont think he will last long in between...one growth spurt and he will be taller than I am!
2) Ruled out 4 strokes such as XR200, 250 TTR225, 250 etc. as fairly heavy for his strenght right now.
3) Weight issue leads me to two strokes (which I am a fan of anyhow), or the modern era 4 strokes ...maybe?
4) I am considering bikes such as : YZ 125 or other 125 MX bikes woods prepped with flywheel weight etc., KTM 125 EXC, KDX or KTM 200 (I am a KTM fan myself)

But...when I look at that list, I see some serious bikes and am concerned they would be way more bike than he is ready for...then I think maybe not.

Any opinions or suggestions?

mtk · Jan 6, 2005

A KX100 with a flywheel weight. You can put a heavy weight on it now to tame it for him and then put on a lighter one (or remove it completely) as he gets more agressive. The KX has a powervalve so it has good bottom-end power than the 80-85s (except the KX and RM 85, which have a powervalve as well) and it also has the bigger wheels on it, which are a lot nicer to ride on than the small wheels on an 80. It's the perfect "tweener" bike; it's more than an 85 but less than a 125.

CaptainObvious · Jan 6, 2005

If he fits on one, get him a 125. The nice thing about a 125 is that there isn't much power until the rider really wants it.

A friend of mine put his 12 year-old son on a KX125. Seems to be the right bike for the kid.

Chili · Jan 6, 2005

He's already passed the KX100 stage size wise in my opinion. If he's not that aggressive I don't think he's going to find a 125 MX'er even modded all that much fun in the woods. In my mind that leaves the KDX and the KTM 200 as your best options.

KTM Mike · Jan 6, 2005

Chili said:
He's already passed the KX100 stage size wise in my opinion. If he's not that aggressive I don't think he's going to find a 125 MX'er even modded all that much fun in the woods. In my mind that leaves the KDX and the KTM 200 as your best options.

I tend to agree he has passed the KX100 size wise - or if not now, will very very soon. (I think? a KX100 is barely larger than his TTR125) I also am concerned about the 125 MXers... My only concern with the 200s is they are bikes I could go race an enduro on a do well...seems overkill I guess for an 11 year old? One reason to keep him on a 125 though would be to keep him the same class he is in now in that kids enduro series ( not that it is all that serious of a series - or top priority ).

The other unknown is when will he hit that testosterone stage and get a bit more agressive? His big brother certainly did hit it (he rides a quad) suddenly. I know that sometimes the bike you are on can help bring those things out as well.

Kinda between a rock and hard place?

Chili · Jan 6, 2005

He can race a 125 2 stroke in the same class as a TT-R125? It is a tough spot but I think if it was me I'd be looking at that KTM 200.

KTM Mike · Jan 6, 2005

Chili said:
He can race a 125 2 stroke in the same class as a TT-R125? It is a tough spot but I think if it was me I'd be looking at that KTM 200.

This is a kid's enduro series - their classes dont draw a distinction between 4 or 2 strokes (adult age/displacement classes dont either, though there is a 4 stroke class).

I do like the idea of another pumpkin in the garage...could be a back up bike for me! ;) I say that jokingly, but that is an advantage I should consider!

KAWA200'sRule · Jan 6, 2005

I would look at the yz250f and wr250f's, Great tractable controllable power. The yzf wieghs about 215 and the wr is about 230. These are not the bikes you are hearing all of the horror stories about. the yamis are very reliable. Just keep fresh oil and filters and they will be good to you. Check the valve clearances when its not starting or running the same. A '01 yz250f with thestock top end is not unusual (exactly what I am on). they will take a beating but you have to really stay on top of taking care of the oil and all that.

snb73 · Jan 6, 2005

I just bought my son, 13 years old, 150 lbs and 5'4" a 2003 KX-125. The bike is very light at 190 lbs.
The bike has good low end for a 125 2-stroke. He has a blast on it, track or woods.

There will be a bit of a learning curve going from a four-stroke play bike to a 125 MX'er. But that's nothing to shy away from. He will definately appreciate the better suspension.

I believe in buying a bike for a youngster to grow into, and he will keep a 125 for a few years.

Good luck, Steve.

KTM Mike · Jan 7, 2005

Kawa - interesting you mentioned the WR. Just today I came across an ad for one here in MIchigan and was thinking about them. Problem is the Budget and Finance Committee (ie the wife) has set a budget limit that will push us back to older WRs, say around 2001 ish. They didnt have the magic button back then - and those years were from what I recall reading a bear to start. Plus isnt seat height up there vs say a 125?

SNB - how was the seat height for your son at 5'4"? I do like the sounds of 190lbs as well. I also like the idea of a bike he can grow into as well - as long as it doesnt sour him on riding because it is to much early on. Low end and smooth(er) power will be a key for that issue. Question is, which 125 has the best bottom end and smoothest power delivery?

snb73 · Jan 7, 2005

Mike,

The seat hight for my son is perfect. He has no problem kickstarting it, very easy to kick compared to a bigger 4 stroke. The bike fires on the 1st or 2nd kick every time. I'm personally against electric start on any off-road bike. What happens if your battery dies out in the woods?

I'm not that into brand loyalty, but since the KX-100 was his first "real MX bike", the boy is kinda stuck on green. All manufacturers make good bikes these days, and amazing things can be done with porting and other mods. But before you get all mod crazy, have the boy ride the bike first. The best mod would be setting up the suspension properly for his weight.

From the reviews I've read, the KX and RM's have more low end than the YZ and CR's. But here's the thing, your son will learn to ride whatever he has. As long as he has self control, throttle and clutch control too, he will be just fine. From the way you describe your son, he seems mature and level headed for his age.

When I got back into riding, 3 years ago, I was set on a XR-200/250. My buddy, who kept riding, told me I wouldn't be happy with it. He said I'd be bored in a few weeks with that bike. He talked me into a 250 MX bike. I thought the power was crazy and I would never get used to it. Hell, I could barely clear a 10 foot table top. Since then my skill has increased and I am sure the MX bike helped. It can do so much more and be more forgiving than a play bike.

Take your son to your local shop and have him sit on a few bikes. If he can "tippy-toe" a bike, then it's fine. Keep in mind he is sitting on a new bike and the suspension isn't broken in yet. You can lower a bike 1-3 inches by raising the forks in the clamps and setting the rear up for more sag. This may mess up the rear linkage ratio, but if he is just learning and not getting too aggressive, it shouldn't hurt anything.

KTM's and KDX's are great bikes too. Unfotunately the KTM's are out of my price range. Plus the boy wants to race, so a 125 was a logical choice.

Good luck, Steve.

KTM Mike · Jan 7, 2005

Steve

Based on the KX fitting your son, should be fine for mine. I will take him out kicking tires and try some on for size. Though...most shops around here are now full of snowmobiles! My boy is one that will manage to deal with what ever he has - but if i can make it easier I would like to. Right now I would say once I am ready to just go buy something, (ie have sold his TTR), if i stumble across a good deal on any of the above - be it the MX 125s or the 200s, I would go for it. My leaning now though is the 200s....but then again keeping him on a 125 would be nice!

snb73 · Jan 7, 2005

Mike,

I'm sure whatever you get for your son, he will appreciate. I have purchased 3 bikes for my son. I don't ever thing my Dad has seen me ride yet. But my son does, every time I pass him. If you have any specific questions regarding what I got my boy, please feel free to ask.

Good luck, and enjoy riding with your boy, Steve.

KAWA200'sRule · Jan 8, 2005

The wr250f's are actually about an inch lower than the 125's. I noticed that when going from my 125 to the 250f. The '01-'02's are a bear to start. That can be solved with an '03 cam or a aftermarket cam with autodecomp built in. The power delivery is extremely smooth and I have the yzf so the wr would be even more so. There are a number of free mods you can do to the wr to get more performance ouot of it. I am 5'8'' and have been comfortable on it. It can be lowered a couple inches very easily just by shaving the seat foam. these things do require maintenence and a 4 year old yzf or wr may need to be freshened up. If it was maintained correctly you will be fine though. I just bought a '01 and the cokpression was perfect and the valves only needed to be shimed not replaced once. Any questions or need more info just ask

KTM Mike · Jan 9, 2005

Steve, I will follow up as I get closer, particularily if I go a similare route as you did. I am eagerly awaiting the day when he passes ME! I will be thrilled!

Kawa - I had the impression (baseless!) the WRs where as tall as the 125's - good to hear they a are shorter. I should find a dealer with one in stock so he can sit on one. That cam mod is one I had read about elsewhere. I take it works well? Do you know what year the WRs started with the magic button? I also recall discussion of an ergonomics issue with the early models - common mod was the YZ tank etc. or some such thing. Eventually I understand they improved the ergos - any idea when that happened?

Chili · Jan 9, 2005

If you are going to move into considering 4 strokes (WR post above) then I would add the CRF250X to my list of possibles.

mtk · Jan 9, 2005

WR's are available in two and four-stroke if my memory serves me correctly.

Chili · Jan 9, 2005

mtk said:
WR's are available in two and four-stroke if my memory serves me correctly.

Not any longer, at least not in North America.

KAWA200'sRule · Jan 10, 2005

In '03 they made quite a bit of changes to the wr/yzf's. The bikes lost quite a bit of wieght and got some improvements like the auto decomp and I believe e start. I do not have any problems with my '01 yzf as far as starting, power delivery, wieght or any other things. I went riding yesterday and I rode with a very small kid probable about your kids size. He was very skinny little muscle mass and vertically challenged. He had a little bit of a problem getting on but he got used to it and would not get off it. As far as hard starting i thought it was really hard to start but once you figure out never to give it gas unless its running it starts in less than 3 kicks easily. The kid I talked about earlier who was used to a 85 was so much faster on my bike. He did not like the hit of his bike he actually avoided it and becasue of that was veryyyy slow. He got on my bike and his dad asked if that was his son. I think like any other bike the ergo's need to be set up for your selfno bike is a one size fits all. Ultimately I would suggest the yzf it is alot lighter than the wr and can be turned into a woods bike very easily. Head over to thumpertalk.com for more info just click on the wr/yzf250 and theres tons of info. Just keep asking here also and I will continue to answer.

KTM Mike · Jan 11, 2005

OK - here is what I have (so far) boiled all this down to:

Basic Choice: Mellow power but heavier, or light weight less mellow power. (I exclude from that the WR and CRFx see below)

I have ruled out the WRs and CRFx due to budget issues and starting concerns (WR) (i am sure I can learn the "drill" and do it...will my kid? I doubt it). Also, seat height on WR is taller than other options.

125 MX bikes out...no matter how hard we try...they aint no woods bike! Sure can be made more woods worthy - but they will never be as woods friendly as the real mcoy. With the 200cc options out there, to me dont make sense to mess with the 125's.

Back to that basic choice mellow/heavy vs light/less mellow. I think...for now...have concluded would rather have the boy deal with the power issue (that is a "mental" thing..a skill thing) than the weight issue ( a physical development thing we really can not predict!). I had a nice talk with Mark about what his thoughts were (I want him to feel part of this decision process) and I laid out what i found for current models weights and seat heights. i realize some current models vs bikes just a few years old may vary..but it gave us a starting point. His feeling was he would rather not deal with the weight and have to deal with the power.

The seat height issue - his TTR is 31.7" seat. He was about 6" shorter when he first got it - was kinda tippy toe, but not bad. The KDX, KTM 200, XR250 (some others) all come in around 36" seats. (WR was 38 ish, YZ125 39). So to think of 6" taller kid and 4" taller seat...seems it would work just fine! This weekend we are gonna go try a few on for size and will see how they fit.

natha · Jan 14, 2005

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Hi
at first sorry for my English - i'm from far Poland in Europe.
I'm a 5'3 and 117 lbs woman /with 31,5 inseam/ and i ride yz 125 /i cut seat foam and it's the only mod for lowering the bike i've made/ and my BF rides ktm exc 250 - the bike should be lower comparing to my yz but it seems to be not. Enduro bikes are a less narrow in tank and seat and i feel on his ktm cant even tip toe.
So mx bike are much more narrow and nimble so they are more handful and feel under control. Also dont forget about pickin the bike - ligtweight is the clue. With clutch work i'm able even to lug a bike on tight section in woods - i ride both woods and track on it.
And last thing i almost forget to add - i'm competely novice and beginner - i ride the dirt bikes maybe 40 hrs and love my yz!

ZR2 · Jan 17, 2005

To be honest I really think you should get him a two-stroke 125. You are correct about them not being shall I say user-friendly for someone that is not use to it, especially in the woods, but trust me, he will soon get the hang out of, riding a 125 in the woods will make him all the more better, he will learn that you always have to be on the gas, I honestly think this would be the best choice for him to get better and become a smarter and quicker rider.

KTM Mike · Jan 18, 2005

Natha, ZR2

I gave the 125 two strokes a lot of thought, but what I came down to is that no matter what I do, they are not woods bikes, and my son rides woods. That is not to say they can't work - I know they can. I want this next bike to be one he can ride longer term, not yet another stepping stone (the kid is only 11 and this will be his 6th bike!). Certainly he will learn certain things a bit quicker on a 125, but the down side is that the initial transition will certainly be harder for him coming of an ultra mellow 4 stroke 125. In some ways, starting with NO experience on a 125 MX bike might be easier as you would know no different and have no habits developed contrary to what a 125 2 stroke would demand.

What I have it boiled down to is : KDX200 or 220. (I am looking if anyone has one to sell under $2500 near Michigan!).

ZR2 · Jan 18, 2005

I was in the same situation as your son Mike, I had a Yamaha TTR-125 when I was 12 and then I bumped up a CR125. Yes, it did take a while to get use to but I am so glad I did it because it made me a lot quicker.

ZR2 · Jan 18, 2005

Right now I have a 05 Yamaha YZ125 and this bike has plenty of low end for me in the woods, in any situation. Money might be an issue but you should take a look at this bike.

Bike for 5'6" (and growing) 11 yr old?

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Bike for 5'6" (and growing) 11 yr old?

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