Lots of teens fancy the adventurous feel that comes with riding off track, through dirt, and on tough terrains. If your teen craves this sort of riding experience, it behooves you to figure out the best dirt bike for them.
There are tons of dirt bike models out there, but not every single dirt bike can serve your teen’s needs in terms of stability, maneuverability, comfortable sitting, and safety.
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If you’ve got cruise-loving teens, getting them dirt bikes is most likely one of the best ways to delight them. Armed with the information in this post, you’re only a step away from achieving this purpose.
What Are the Best Dirt Bikes for Teens in 2023?
Yamaha YZ125
Yamaha YZ125 is a sturdy bike with a range of features that make it one of the best dirt bikes for teens. The teen-friendly machine is certain to live up to a rider’s expectations in terms of maneuverability and durability. Attesting its durability, the Yamaha YZ125 is so strongly built that it can cruise seamlessly on tough paths, making it the perfect fit for off-road riding.
Thanks to its excellent two-stroke engine and a number of features such as foot pegs, easy-to-maneuver handlebars, and powerful disc brakes, YZ125 packs all that is required for teens to navigate dirt. YZ125 lends credence to the top-level quality and the sturdiness Yamaha is known for. Moreover, the teen-friendly machine allows teens to hone their riding skills, while still enjoying adventurous riding.
Yamaha YZ125 is such a perfect machine for a teen’s off-road voyage, but the teen-friendly ride does come with a couple of cons such as its pretty high noise. This noise is due to the two-stroke engine of the dirt bike, but many teen riders might not consider it a distraction whatsoever.
Another con of the Yamaha YZ125, however, is that first-time riders or other teen riders with little or no experience might struggle to maneuver the bike. This is also due to the technical nature of the two-stroke engine in the machine.
Honda CRF150F
Honda CRF150F is a super durable dirt bike with a four-stroke engine, teen-friendly design, and safety-enhancing features. It is one of the best bikes for riders, especially teens, to exercise maneuverability and sharpen their overall riding skills.
CRF150F allows for optimum stability during rides, thanks its user-friendly suspension system. Through the throttle limiter and the disc brakes fitted into the machine, Honda CRF150F most definitely paves the way for safe riding especially on tough tracks. While the throttle limiter facilitates adjustments, the disc brakes allow teen riders or their instructors to easily control the speed of the bike.
Not much would be required to maintain the Honda CRF150F of teens; this Honda product boasts a sturdy build, so parents might not have to worry about frequent repair of bike parts.
The four-stroke engine of CRF150F is such an excellent component, hence making the Honda bike a top-level performer. Honda CRF150F is not only easy –especially for teens – to control, it is also one of the most rugged performers in terms of off-road riding.
Without doubt, Honda CRF150F is a great recommendation for teens because it guarantees safety, boasts a sturdy build, and packs a responsive suspension system. Nonetheless, there are few things we don’t like about this bike, and one of them is the (relatively limited) size of the bike. While teens with average heights might not have to worry about this, it’s probably a downside to very tall teens.
As for the engine of CRF150F, the capacity is noticeably a downside because it might not exactly suit the performance needs of some expert riders even among teens. There are, of course, other dirt bikes that exactly meet higher performance requirements, while still featuring fuel injection and other advanced components. Sadly, CRF150F also lacks such advanced components.
KTM 85 SX
KTM 85 SX is a dirt bike designed to withstand the rigors of prolonged riding especially when done by experienced teens. Not only does the design of the bike suit racing purposes, KTM 85 SX also packs an excellent 85cc two-stroke engine.
Older teens would especially marvel at how KTM 85 SX makes it convenient for them to navigate tough tracks, while still riding comfortably and safely. The bike does come with a suspension system that is well tailored to the expertise and body size of various teens.
Unlike dirt bikes that are better suited only for early teens, KTM 85 SX is built to meet the riding and performance needs of 17-year-olds and other older teens. One of the exciting things about KTM 85 SX is its range of excellent features, including lightweight wheels, sturdy tires and super-responsive disc brakes.
KTM 85 SX is also capable of meeting higher riding needs, thanks to its hydraulic clutch, ignition mapping, and other sophisticated features. However, there are things we do not like about this powerful dirt bike. Notwithstanding that KTM 85 SX is recommended for teens’ varied riding needs, this dirt bike is not the right fit for certain off-road rides.
Being a carrier of a two-stroke engine, KTM 85 SX would normally require relatively high maintenance. While this is probably another downside, older teens shouldn’t find it difficult to keep to maintenance practices such as regular adjustment of the power valve and cleaning of the air filter. After all, such costly maintenance is normal for high-performance bikes.
Suzuki RM85
This dirt bike is one of the best recommendations for teens who are just dipping their feet in the adventure of riding. Suzuki RM85 is an ideal fit for teens who need to gradually develop their skills as they go riding. Thanks to the 85cc two-stroke engine of Suzuki RM85, the teen-friendly machine paves the way for comfortable riding across various tracks.
Suzuki RM85 packs a user-friendly frame, lightweight chassis and ergonomic seat. All of these features contribute to the comfort a teen is bound to enjoy while riding this dirt bike. The bike is also capable of cruising along tough tracks, thanks to its rear shock absorber and inverted front forks.
While Suzuki RM85 is well suited for beginners, not much skill is required for teenagers to conveniently maneuver the bike and navigate bumpy tracks. Besides boasting a powerful engine, a reliable suspension system and a teen-friendly overall frame, Suzuki RM85 is pretty easy to maintain. Maintenance checks and regular fixes are easy to carry out on this dirt bike, thanks to the positioning of the bike parts.
Despite being a beginner-friendly dirt bike, Suzuki RM85 has its own drawbacks such as a non-adjustable seat, a relatively low-performance engine, and lack of advanced electronic systems as well as certain other sophisticated features. We’re particularly concerned about RM85’s non-adjustable seat as it might pose strain to 17-year-olds and older teens who stand above the average height of teens.
Kawasaki KLX140
The 144cc engine of this dirt bike is most definitely one of its strengths as it paves the way for hassle-free riding on different tracks. Kawasaki KLX140 is suitable for early teens looking to exercise control and power during rides.
Kawasaki KLX140 is not only equipped with the normal components of a dirt bike, the teen-friendly machine is also pretty easy to start, thanks to the electric start system fitted into the bike.
It is also a befitting bike for teens –especially 13-15 year olds –craving a level of adjustment that is in tune with their riding preferences and varying body weights. This is precisely because Kawasaki KLX140 boasts the (adjustable) suspension system that matches varying needs in terms of balance and comfort.
KLX140 is a great dirt bike especially for early teens, but it comes with a couple of flaws; the non-adjustable seat of KLX140 is the first thing we dislike about the bike. With such a drawback, it goes without saying that KLX140 might not be suitable for tall teens.
Sophisticated racing capabilities and advanced electronic systems are just some of the higher features one might want to see in a high-grade dirt bike. Unfortunately, KLX140 lacks these features, so it might not fit into the needs of some experienced teen riders.
The engine of KLX140, though recommendable to the average teen rider, is another con of the dirt bike. Chances are that an experienced teen rider would favour a dirt bike with higher speed and power above Kawasaki’s KLX140.
Choosing the Right Dirt Bike for Your Teen –Here’s What You Should Know
Armed with the right tips, you should find it easy to decide the suitable dirt bike for your cruise-loving teen. Irrespective of the bike brand it belongs to, a dirt bike is expected to meet a number of expectations before it can serve the riding needs of your teen.
The safety features of the dirt bike
A circumspect parent wouldn’t ever compromise safety while deciding the best dirt bike for their kids. Especially if you’re looking to get the bike for an early teen who’s only about to explore riding, endeavour to pick the one with protective guards and disc brakes.
Safety is, in fact, the first consideration that should come to your mind. Even if their kids already demonstrate riding expertise, parents willing to buy dirt bikes for teens should never compromise safety.
The skill level of your teen
This might not be the first consideration on your mind, but it’s definitely one of the crucial factors for choosing a dirt bike. No parent would like to end up with a bike that’s too difficult for their teen to manoeuver.
Some dirt bikes are best suited for experienced teen riders, while several others are best used by the beginners. A parent should find out the skill level of their teen before picking any of the dirt bikes out there for them.
While high-performance dirt bikes seem to match the skill level and riding needs of experienced teens, the low-power options are most likely the perfect fit for the inexperienced teens. When given a bike that doesn’t require much skill to control, a beginner has a high likelihood of quickly developing the skills and confidence needed to become a pro.
The size of the dirt bike
Maneuverability and comfort are some of the essential things you’d want for your teen who is looking to begin riding. While a lot of dirt bikes offer both, you’re still likely to stumble upon dirt bikes that aren’t the right fit for your teen. This is probably where it’s crucial to figure out the right size of dirt bike for your teen.
While choosing a dirt bike for your teen, ensure the dimensions of the bike match those of your kid. If your teen stands above the average height of a teen, then you should be ready to get a dirt bike with a proportionately high (or sizably adjustable) seat. The weight of your preferred bike is also important. If your chosen dirt bike is disproportionately heavy, your teen might struggle to maneuver or control the bike.
If you’re able to get your kid a dirt bike with the appropriate dimensions, you’ve probably paved the way for them to enjoy effortless riding.
The engine of the dirt bike
Inexperienced teen riders would probably excel on dirt bikes with 150cc or smaller engines. But for the high-performance needs of your skilled teen to be met, you should opt for a dirt bike with a high engine.
A 450cc engine in a bike, for instance, gives an experienced teen rider the chance to demonstrate expert handling as well as cruise at a high speed. On the other hand, an engine as low as 125cc is probably suitable for beginner riders –especially among teens –to easily grow on the path of riding.
The suspension system of the bike
If the suspension system of your chosen dirt bike falls below par, your teen might struggle to conveniently ride the bike on tough tracks or paths. Therefore, ensure the suspension system of your preferred bike offers adjustability as well as crucial features: rear shock absorbers and inverted front forks.
A bike lacking well-designed shock absorbers, for instance, will likely limit a rider’s chances of sailing smoothly on tough terrains. It goes without saying that a well-designed suspension system lets riders –including teens –enjoy ease of control, comfort, and balance.
FAQs
What is the best dirt bike for teens?
All of the reviewed dirt bikes have their strengths and weaknesses. That’s exactly why we didn’t only discuss worthy features, but also highlighted the cons of each bike.
Therefore, you can choose any of the five dirt bikes we’ve reviewed, but be sure to pick the option that best meets the requirements of your teen.
What is the best dirt bike for older teens?
KTM 85 SX is the recommended dirt bike for 17-year-olds and other older teens. Such teens would especially marvel at how KTM 85 SX makes it convenient for them to navigate tough tracks, while still riding comfortably and safely. The bike does come with a suspension system that is well tailored to the expertise and body size of various older teens.
Unlike dirt bikes that are better suited only for early teens, KTM 85 SX is built to meet the riding and performance needs of older (and more experienced) teens. One of the exciting things about KTM 85 SX is its range of excellent features, including lightweight wheels, sturdy tires and super-responsive disc brakes.
85 SX is not only designed to withstand the rigors of prolonged riding, it is also capable of meeting higher riding needs, thanks to its hydraulic clutch, ignition mapping, and other sophisticated features.
How do I decide the best dirt bike for my teen?
We’ve discussed the different factors that parents should consider in order to select the perfect dirt bikes for their teens. These factors are as follows:
- The safety features of the dirt bike
- The skill level of your teen
- The suspension system of the bike
- The engine of the bike
- The size of the bike
What is the best dirt bike for inexperienced teens?
Among the dirt bikes discussed in this post, Suzuki RM85 is most likely the best option for beginners such as inexperienced teens; not much skill is required for inexperienced teens to conveniently maneuver RM85 and navigate bumpy tracks while riding this bike.
Conclusion
The best dirt bike for any teen is simply the option that fits into the riding needs of the teen. If you’re able to pick a dirt bike that guarantees your teen comfort, easy handling, safety and amazing overall biking experience, you’ve probably succeeded in this regard.
