We’ve had both, so I have a few comments. I think in general, both are great low tech. Little bikes.
JR50 – Nic’s bike from 4 to 6 ½. Then Cam’s from 4-5. = 3 ½ year hard riding. Still owned by a neighbor of ours for 2 months now.
Plus
- Two heights. Can simply be adjusted to be one+ inch higher when ready.
-“Real” rear suspension. Has two cheap (non-rebuildable) rear shocks that DO suspend the rear in the normal fashion.
-Can modify for 2nd gear (very low).
-2001 and later look “more like a real MX bike” than earlier JRs and current PWs.
Minus
-Slightly higher gearing than PW50, makes the JR50 less able to climb steep hills (at least at slow speeds).
PW50 – Cam’s bike from 2 ½ to 5. = 2 1/2 year hard riding. Owned by a neighbor of ours for the past 1+ year
Plus
-Shaft drive. Adds weight, but for very small children; they just can’t get the foot in the chain, no matter how hard they try. And this removes the largest maintenance item for dad/mom.
-These bikes are everywhere. Have their own race classes everywhere. The only more dominate mini bike may be the XR50.
-Low geared and strong. Seemed to pull steep hills better then the JR.
Minus
-Rear suspension is marginal. Drive shaft and part of motor are unsprung mass.
-I don’t like the ON/OFF/START switch, and the rest of the handle bar gear, but this is subjective.
Both are great starter bike, and I’m sure both of you will get many years of enjoyment out of either.