First Bike For My Son

[okdirtnewb]

Looking at input on my 9 1/2 year old son's first bike...

1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
4'7"
2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
Not too physical/agressive
3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
Mainly trail riding
4) Do you have any riding experience?
None
5) Do you think you will race ?
No
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
Yes
7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
Four Stroke
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
All makes are available
9) How much do you plan to spend on a bike?
Want to stay under $1,700
10) Do you live in California?
no

 

[knowiam]

We bought our son at 9yrs (he's 10 now) the Honda CRF 70.

The saddle is low enough for him to flat foot standing or sitting. The CRF 70 shifts without a clutch... hence, virtually no stalling. My intent was to have him get used to the sport in all aspects and make riding the bike as close to riding his mountain bike as possible...

We've had the Honda for almost 7 months and he still has fun on it. We may upgrade at the end of the summer...the little 70 will stay in the stable and be used by younger cousins and baby brother in the future.

We Paid much less than $1700 new ... The dealers are blowing out '06 models in my area-perhaps yours too.

Get your son all the safety equipment: Helmet,goggles, chest protector, gloves and boots. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have started out with knee protection as well.

Have fun with your boy... this is a great part of being a dad IMHO.

Ken