which mini?

[jb800]

Looking For A Mini For My Son. Not Sure Which One. Ktm50, Crf50, Pw50 Or Pw80. Any Advise? Thanks

 

[husabutt]

How old is he? Any prior experience?

 

[FruDaddy]

Age doesn't matter, how big is he? Has he ever ridden before? Can he even ride a bicycle without training wheels?

 

[jb800]

He's 7. He Has Been Riding Quads Since He Was 3. He Rides A Bike With No Prblem! Also Considering A Tt90

 

[FruDaddy]

Age doesn't matter, how big is he?

 

[gwcrim]

At age 7 forget any 50 (unless he's pretty small.) I started my boy on a PW80. The automatic was great for teaching him to ride in pretty gnarly woods.

 

[Patman]

I think Zoomer's kids rode TTR90's and they flat out haul (imagine that). I'd think for a 7 year old of average size that would be a good choice.

 

[FruDaddy]

I put my son on a KX65 at age 7 (not his first bike). Depending on his height, A KTM pro jr or sr might even fit him. I don't recommend any of these as a first bike. The last time I walked into a second grade classroom, I noticed that the kids weren't all the same size. Some of them were sized more appropriately for a CFR50, while others could have ridden a KLX110. This is why knowing his size would help here. Also, you could take the kid to your local shops and have him sit on a few bikes to see what fits. If it comes down to PW80 or TTR90, the PW is cheaper but the TTR is more upgradeable (it can grow a little so he'll enjoy it longer). Another thing to consider is where he'll be riding, I would assume backyard for now, but do you think he will end up riding trails, or perhaps trying out a nearby MX track. I know it's a first bike, but he'll be pretty good in 6 months.

 

[husabutt]

Check out the kawasaki KLX110. My son had one until he moved up to a YZ85.

 

[Jasle]

what your planning on doing with it also matters. if you plan on racing then the pw80,ttr,klx are all poor choices. if you just want to putt around the yard and trails then the kx, 50's are a poor choice.

 

[dirtbikegeek]

If he is big enough for a ttr 90 then get him a klx 110.It has more power, and the aftermarket has a lot more parts for it(like bbr). Trust me he will enjoy it for a lot longer than a ttr 90

 

[jamie fish]

just bought son py 80 semi auto. good starter bike they are restricked.when u take it out they flying machines.

 

[FruDaddy]

You have absolutely no idea what kind of abuse my son gave to his PW50, and we both assault the PW80. Neither has suffered a failure more severe than a flat tire.

 

[highmileage]

I am personally a fan of the DRZ110/KLX110.

Great little bikes that he can keep until he can't ride anymore. Lots of adults around that ride them like they were stolen. I think some of the above comments about aftermarket support are right on...they can be made into anything and can be made to have more horsepower than any stock 85 with far better rideability. There are 143 and 160cc kits readily available and can make 20+ horsepower and still be reliable. The other thing is manual or auto clutch/3 speed or 4 spd is just under a $100.00 away...it is a very versatile bike.

The other choice, and a little bigger, is a CRF100. Again a great reliable bike with a good upside as far as aftermarket is concerned.


***WARNING***WARNING***WARNING***WARNING***
Do not under any circumstances ride your son's 100 or 110...you will ending up taking it from him or buying another so you can have mini wars

 

[jrm]

You really need to do two things: First, decide what type of riding will the boy be doing. If just trails, woods, etc., I'd forget the MX bikes. Second, take him down to the shop and have him sit on the bikes. Size is important. If the bike is too tall/too heavy for him, it will make a big difference.

All the Japanese bikes are reliable and good at what they do. I've heard mixed things on the KTMs, especially the auto clutch bikes, which always seem to be up on stands with sweating dads working on them.

Good luck and have fun.