What to look for in a PW50?

[High Desert XR400]

Help: What to look for in a used PW50?

We have decided to buy the little guy a motorcycle for Christmas.:)
I think that I want to get a PW50, based on what I have heard from other dads whose kids have or have had them. Easy to learn to ride on and easy to maintain.
Is there anything that I should look for or be aware of when picking out a used PW50?
Come on dads I know that you all have something to say regarding getting the first bike for the boy... Any help is appreciated!;)
P.S.
Is there anybody out there in Oregon that has a clean PW50 that they want to get rid of???

 

[Wraith]

I bought a 1999 PW new (in Feb) for my son that year, and sold it for $800 in 12 months later if the price helps you while searching for one. Other than looking for the normal stuff. I can't think of anything (problem areas) to tell you to look out for. The only real problem we had with it was it stalling when getting wet. Even if their was a litlle moisture out. But I think there was a thread about this (I believe in the Flame forum, under "Is there a bigger peice of crap":silly: ). But other than that it was a good bike. But he just outgrew it so dang quick:mad:

 

[flyinguitars]

I was just wondering what age you dads/moms are starting your kids at? I want to get my son something as he is as motocross crazyas I am. Ive been considering an E-ton rascal **** or a pw-50 but my son is only 3 1/2 years...he can rip on his bmx bike without the training wheels and does a great job steering and using the gears/reverse in his powerwheels jeep. I was thinking maybe next Christmas....he'll be 4 1/2...Am I nuts?
Mike

 

[E-WA]

Hey I have a 96' PW50 with very little use for $750. I'm here in Pasco and could meet you. The thing with these little bikes is they hold their value so well. If you are interested leave an email address and I can send some picts.

 

[bbbom]

I paid $750 for my daughter's 96LEM LX2S (50cc auto) last year and other than the clutch, it's been pretty good for her.

As far as age, depends upon the kid.

Boys usually develop the strength to control the bike quicker. My son started on a 74MR50 at 4 1/2 years of age just riding easy areas (training wheels were off the bicycle when he was 3). He was on the trails of Mica on it the next season and moved to a KX60 at age 6 and now at age 9 rides a CR80E.

My nephew and most of my cousins all started riding by the time they were 4 & 5 years old too.

My daughter was intimidated by the bike at first and didn't start riding until she was 5 but she has the LEM maxed out now at age 6 - no fear and she loves speed. She's moving to the KX60 if she grows enough over the winter otherwise she gets the MR50 next to learn how to use the clutch and shift.

I feel that the sooner they learn how to work the clutch and shift gears, the better off they are but, if they are too intimidated by it then the automatics are the way to go to at least get them used to riding.

 

[Patman]

Mine started at 4 1/2 on a '92 PW50. Nice thing is they are all the same so you can make a 2002 with some plastic, paint, and graphics.:) Ours was bombproof and never gave a lick of trouble over 2 years. The only problem was he was getting too fast for the bike and I didn't want it getting junked out so we moved up to a KTM and now it's time to move again :silly: If the bike looks worn then bet that it is. There is no way to run a stock one hard enough to do any engine or driveline damage but the suspension is lacking. Be sure you have a bolt for the throttle stop on the handlebar WITH a lock nut to adjust the amount of juice they can feed it. Then when it's all uncorked be sure to remove the "exhaust limiter" (i.e. washer). Other than that gas, oil and air is all ya' need for fun.

Oh, and DON'T forget the saftey gear!:D

PS check the bearing race on the bottom of the frame head as they have a tendancy to crack and loose the uncaged bearings. If you do have that problem get the race at the dealer and the bearings from a local supply house. I got 100 stainless ones for $4.00 and the dealer was $0.44 a pop time 36 of them suckers!:eek:

 

[High Desert XR400]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the replies!!
He just turned five in September and is very eager to ride dirt bikes. We are still working on mastering the bicycle, but I'm hoping that his very own dirt bike will create a little more enticement to take the training wheels off for good.
Please continue to post any suggestions, all help is appreciated.:D

E-WA: I will keep that in mind and e-mail you if we are interested.