Dirt bike and what age

[rockin]

What age do you think it's ok to let a child ride a dirt bike? I'm thinking 16 but I've seen much younger kids ride them. Is there a minimum age limit? I so want my kids to stop asking to ride them!

[Bojib]

It depends. Since you are the parent, it's really all your decision.

However, they make bikes that range from very small and weak, to large and powerful.

I've seen kids as young as fix riding a 50cc bike with training wheels on it. The small ones come with throttle limiters, so the speed can be kept down. They just about all have a "tether" that attaches to the person, so if they fall off it shuts the engine off immediately.

I was looking on Honda's website and they have a big selection of bikes. They start at 50cc, then go up to 70, 80, 100, 150, and so on.

Generally I see kids 6 to 12 riding the 50cc to 70cc bikes, and then going up from there. A lot of it depends on experience and maturity level from there. I've seen young teens who can ride a dirt bike better than I can and be responsible. I've known others that you couldn't give a wheel and stick to without them doing something stupid.

[Bojib]

I actually just had another thought.

You might want to head to a local dealer and ask them all the questions you have. In general, they are actually pretty helpful in these types of situations.

[Gabbie]

Yes as the parent you would know your child and how responsible they would be with one. We got each of ours one when they were in their early teens. They had them for a couple years and enjoyed the heck out of them. Just remember, kids will be kids and be prepared to hear stories years later of what all they did on them when you weren't around!

[Tony]

I concur with Bojib and Gabbie. Only the parents know how responsible and matured their kids are. Age can determine the physical maturity but not how responsible the person is so I guess there is no age limit in riding a dirt bike as long as they are responsible enough.

[Terry]

I started riding and racing motocross at about age 12. But I was a late starter compared to other guys my age. Most of them had been riding since they were 5 or 6, on little 50cc bikes. The earlier you start-off, the better off you are if you want to race.

[JimBob]

You can start them pretty young I believe. When I was around 13 I had a friend with a three wheeler and a dirt bike, but they were miniature ones. I think they went about 25-30mph, but they were a blast. It was one of the best things we liked about the cabin.