Mini dirt bikes are amazingly fun but which one should you buy? We take a look at the best models on the market, which ones you should buy, and what features to look out for.
Mini dirt bikes are excellent starter bikes for young riders and adult bikers alike; they’re small, low maintenance machines that are relatively easy to ride, great fun to play around on, and most importantly, they’re quite easy on the wallet. Unlike many other motorcycles, these mini bikes offer a no-frills way to enter the two-wheeled scene. They’re not at all road-legal, are exclusively designed for off-road use only, and offer very little in the way of rider comfort, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth your time and money.
So who are these little off-road pocket bikes aimed at? Who is their target audience, and what purpose to they serve?
Who Is The Target Audience For Mini Dirt Bikes?
Kids
Young riders are probably the main target audience for mini bike manufacturers. The logic is fairly straightforward, because children are smaller and require smaller, lighter, and less powerful machinery for them to ride if they’ve expressed an interest in riding a motorcycle. Mini dirt bikes are great options for young riders because they’re relatively inexpensive – kids can express an interest one day, and get bored of it the next, and it’s easier to recover from a financial loss of a couple of hundred dollars than it is a couple of thousand, right?
On top of that, mini dirt bikes are excellent for young children to learn the basics and fundamentals of riding, but at reasonable speeds with simple machinery, with engines rarely exceeding the 49cc/50cc marker. Plus, learning to ride in the dirt will pay dividends later on when they’re older and want to take their two-wheeled enthusiasm to the streets. Dirt bike riders are naturals on sealed roads, while road-only riders often struggle in the dirt without putting in some time re-learning a few key skills.
Adults
But why should kids have all the fun? Adults can get a real kick out of riding off-road pocket bikes. Just like other mini bikes, like mini and midi motos, going miniature has plenty of benefits. Firstly, they’re small, cheap, and simple ways of getting into motorcycling, plus they’re excellent tools to help riders, new or experienced, hone the basic and fundamental skills of motorcycling.
For adult riders, we recommend moving away from the 49cc segment and getting a more powerful engine. Some small dirt bikes come with 110cc engines – these models are generally equipped with better suspension for heavier customers, making them a more satisfactory product for adult riders. These 110cc pit bike products usually come with a four speed transmission, making it a little more challenging for adult riders, and less-suitable for young children.
Types Of Mini Dirt Bikes
Now we’ve seen who can benefit from riding these pocket bikes, we need to look at the different types available. In short, mini dirt bikes come in three distinct flavors: two-stroke, four-stroke, and electric. The different engine configurations and power trains might not seem like they’d make a huge difference, but in reality they will make a huge difference to your ride experience, maintenance schedules, and peace of mind – not to mention the price tag. Since almost every small dirt bike will only boast a single cylinder engine sized between 49cc and 125cc (or electric equivalent) we won’t bother going into detail about the mechanical benefits of two and four stroke engines, so instead here’s a brief overview on what’s on offer and what kind of rider might benefit from each type of power plant.
2-Stroke Gas Engines
2-Stroke gas engine powered mini dirt bikes are some of the most popular kinds out there. They’re fun, punchy engines with a recognizable sound and even more recognizable smell! The engines are actually very simple and easy to repair due to their basic nature. They’re great fun for both adult riders and children alike, but the major downside is that you have to premix your fuel and 2-stroke oil when you fill the tank. This makes them a little more inconvenient, and the hassle of premixing fuel might not appeal to many riders who are looking for a simple “fill and go” ride instead. Still, even a 50cc 2-stroke gas engine can deliver some unexpected power, which is a huge part of the appeal.
4-Stroke Gas Engines
If premixing fuel isn’t to your tastes, how about a 4-stroke mini dirt bike instead? Unlike 2-stroke motors, 4-stroke engines are more durable, last longer, and make a more neighbor-friendly exhaust sound. The engines are slightly more complicated but more reliable in the long run. Maintenance is more difficult and usually more expensive, but maintenance intervals are far longer in between. Generally, 4-strokes are seen as less capable than 2-strokes but that’s not as true as it used to be, with modern 4-stroke engines delivering more power than before, in a smoother and more manageable way than their 2-stroke friends. They’re powerful, convenient, and will last a long time. Great for both adults and children alike.
Electric Dirt Bikes
If you’re looking for electric mini dirt bikes, you’re in luck because there’s no shortage of them. The only downside is that most electric variants aren’t suitable for adult riders just yet. For adults who are looking at some off-road electric fun, we’ve got you covered here. The main reason for this is the overall cost of technology, and having electric batteries and motors powerful enough to carry an adult human at speeds that will be satisfactory, whilst keeping the whole package “mini” – a tall order, for sure. Full size electric motorcycles commit an awful lot of space to holding batteries, which weigh an awful lot too. So to keep things easier, we’re only going to focus on mini dirt bikes for kids with electric motors instead.
Electric mini dirt bikes are excellent for children. They’re powerful enough to match their internal combustion engine counterparts, but come without all the hassle. There’s no controlled explosion going on between your young child’s legs, there’s no hot pipework for them to burn themselves on, there’s no gasoline that could cause a fire or a skin irritation, and since they’re electric, there’s no maintenance required. In short, they’re incredibly safe.
These electric mini bikes don’t rely on conventional transmissions either; they’re simply twist and go machines that are easy for young riders to get to grips with. They’re tough, durable, and easy to work with. Simply charge them up with your wall socket and go. Unfortunately, battery life and riding range is still woefully low compared to the easiness of their gasoline-powered brethren, and when your machinery does break, it’s not going to be a quick fix that you can do yourself. But if you’re searching for good tech at an affordable price that’s easy for your little one to ride, electric is a fine way to go.
What Pocket Bike Brands Should You Look Out For?
When it comes to buying a motorcycle, you should always be looking for the best product that you can buy for your budget. Generally, searching out the biggest brands in the industry is a great place to start – but there are times when the best product on the market isn’t the best product for you. And when it comes to buying something for a child, throwing all of your money at a top-of-the-range product might not be the best course of action. And the same rings true for adults wanting to buy a mini dirt bike too – unless you know what you want and can guarantee that you won’t lose interest in what you’ve bought in a matter of day, then buying expensive might not be a wise idea.
Established Brands
The big Japanese brands like Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki all have excellent mini dirt bike offerings. These brands are world famous and have a reputation for quality engineering and long lasting products. The Honda CRF50F, Yamaha PW50, Yamaha TT-R50E, Suzuki DR-Z50, and Kawasaki KX65, are prime examples. Buying from a well-established brand ensures that you’re buying a quality product that is covered by a valid warranty – plus, you’ll be able to find spare parts through a wide range of channels at a reasonable cost. This doesn’t just apply to gas-powered motorcycles either. Brand’s like Oset have carved out a reputation for reliable mini dirt bikes too. All of these brands are worth considering.
However, a brand with a good reputation for quality can demand a higher price tag. All of the brand’s mentioned above have mini dirt bike models with prices starting way over the $1000 price tag. This can be a big expense for something that might just be a passing interest.
Unknown Brands
What about the thousands upon thousands of no-name brands? Yep, the internet is full of them. Chinese factories know how to mass produce, and mass produce they do, and when it comes to pocket bike products, pit bikes, mini bikes, and others, there’s no shortage of options available on the internet at very affordable prices. The problem is that anything mechanical made in China, be it power tool, bearing, or engine, is generally regarded as an item of poor quality. Now, there are horror stories about poorly pressed parts and short-lived engine life, but there are also plenty of recorded wins, with some Chinese made products rivaling the Japanese models that they were originally derived from. Poor quality or not, there’s one thing we can all agree on: these Chinese made dirt bikes are cheap.
And it’s the cheapness that is the real appeal here. Let’s be honest, the target market for mini dirt bikes is going to be children, and pushy parents of children. Children are notoriously fickle. They want something badly one day, only to lose interest in it the next. And that’s one reason why spending thousands on a branded dirt bike may not be the cleverest of moves. It could be worth taking a gamble on a poorly engineered piece of trash, and if your child shows real interest and wants more, then you can splurge on something sired by the big brands. Maybe. At the end of the day, it’s down to you, the buyer. But let’s not forget that cheapness does not always guarantee cheerfulness. Not all Chinese made mini dirt bikes are created equal.
Other Things To Consider
Durability
While most reputable mini dirt bikes are designed and built to handle tough terrain, it’s not something you should take for granted. Sure, dirt bikes can handle a bit of rough and tumble, but it’s worth buying something appropriate for the terrain you plan on riding it on. If you’re just planning on zipping up and down a suburban sidewalk, you can probably forgo any hardcore suspension options. However, if you think your young rider is going to be trying some sick jumps, better equipment will make their ride more comfortable, safer, and will help the bike survive longer. Consider the cost of replacement parts when you research your model of choice. Things happen! Levers break, plastics get scratched, suspension can fail, and engines can blow a gasket. Take a look at models you think will be able to handle the sort of punishment you suspect them to have to endure, and definitely keep in mind the cost and availability of spare parts.
Reliability
Talking of the availability of spare parts, you should consider the overall reliability of these mini dirt bikes. No matter what you’re looking at purchasing, there will be a consumer review out there somewhere, and it’s essential you get an idea of just how reliable your pocket bike is going to be. Reliability and maintenance often go hand in hand. If you’ve got a poorly maintained bike, it’s hard to count on the reliability. When searching for the right dirt bike for kids, consider your own mechanical skill level and how serious you are about maintenance. If you think you can manage the maintenance, then you can take on a gas powered dirt bike, no matter what the reviews say about it. However, if you don’t want to put in the hours and want something that will start every time with no hassle, then an electric model might be the best option for you.
Assembly
And if that wasn’t enough to worry about, there’s also the simple matter of the assembly. If you’re buying from a big brand, and from an actual dealership you’ll be able to pick up your mini dirt bike and take it home, or have it delivered, in one piece. Now, if you’re buying online there’s a very good chance that you’re going to be sent a box of parts, some poor quality tools, and instructions that prove that Google Translate is not as good as people claim it is. Still, a lot of this is common sense, and providing you’ve got some tools that won’t disintegrate the moment they’re required to perform their primary function, you can have a gas-powered pocket bike up and running in a couple of hours if you’ve got a bit of knowledge about how motorcycles work and you’re not afraid to get stuck in. Now, if putting together a motorcycle is a bit out of your depth and you don’t have a friend with the kind of knowledge required, you might be better off looking at an electric option.
Electric mini dirt bikes aren’t difficult to assemble and require little assembly, if any at all. Most electric models arrive in one piece, or in pieces that simply bolt together, with additional aesthetic elements like plastic covers being screwed into place with ease. There isn’t usually anything challenging about putting an electric mini dirt bike together. There is a trade-off though. As we mentioned above, these electric models don’t offer the same kind of performance that their gas equivalents can provide. Finding the balance between your mechanical skills and the level of performance you want is the key to getting the best mini dirt bike model for your needs.
Overall Performance
Performance is a critical factor to consider too. When buying any other kind of motorcycle as an adult, you generally want the best bang for your buck, or the best performance you can afford. When you’re buying a mini bike though, particularly if you’re buying for a child, the level of performance you want isn’t such an easy thing to consider. A 49cc engine is more than capable of propelling a child and an adult to speeds that could result in a serious injury. That’s a fact. However, most of these mini bikes are limited anyway – but still, it’s something you should think about. If you think your child can push the limits, perhaps a gas powered model will be a better option than an electric one.
Similarly, if you think your child is probably best off with something a little more underpowered for them to learn the basics of going forward on two wheels, then an electric motorcycle is probably the best option. If you’re in the market for something to rip through the trails on (even slowly) then a gas powered mini bikes is going to be best. For those wanting something simpler, where riding on the sidewalk and maybe through some grass is more likely, then an electric mini dirt bike will be the ideal choice instead.
15 Excellent Mini Dirt Bikes You Can Buy!
5 From Japan
#05. Yamaha PW50
The Yamaha PW50 is one of the most recognizable mini dirt bikes ever made. It’s a small little number designed specifically for getting young riders up on two wheels in a safe and fun way. Unlike a lot of small capacity machines from other Japanese manufacturers, the Yamaha PW50 is a two-stroke motorcycle, but don’t worry! It doesn’t require you to premix your fuel thanks to Yamaha’s own oil injection system. The 49cc air-cooled 2-stroke and reed valve induction engine oils itself, so you don’t have to spend time mixing fuel to the right ratio…because that gets really boring really quickly. On top of that, the Yamaha has a throttle limiter to stop your young riders getting too carried away, a fully automatic “twist and go” transmission which keeps things nice and easy, and a shaft drive. Thanks to the latter, maintenance is very simple, with no chains to oil and tension. The PW50 is a great choice for young beginners, but the automatic transmission can feel limiting to older riders or those who want to take their riding to the next level. All in all, it’s an excellent package for the very attractive MSRP of $1,499.
#04. Suzuki DR-Z50
This 49cc mini dirt bike from Suzuki is one of the best out there. The DR-Z family has been a key part of Suzuki’s range for a while now, but recently they decided to drop their DR-Z70 in favor of a 49cc model. While it doesn’t have much to really differentiate it from the other bikes mentioned in this section, it does have something we rather like the look of: it has an electric start and a traditional kick starter as standard. Everyone loves the convenience of an electric start button, but having the chance to use a kick start is a worthy addition, especially when batteries are flat, wires disconnect, or starter motor solenoids get stuck. Powered by a 49cc, four-stroke engine with a three-speed clutchless transmission, the DR-Z50 comes with all the safety features you’d expect from a machine in this class: an adjustable throttle limiter, a keyed ignition, strong brakes and sturdy suspension, and a nice, spill-friendly low overall weight of 119 lbs. Suzuki have also treated the DR-Z50 with an forest-friendly spark-arrestor equipped exhaust, and an EPA Emissions compliant engine, which comes with a California red sticker seal of approval. The Suzuki DR-Z50 has an MSRP of $1,749.
#03. Yamaha TT-R50E
If you liked the sound of the PW50 but agree that the automatic transmission could be a negative factor or restrict your young rider from unlocking their full potential, then the Yamaha TT-R50E is the choice for you. In many ways, it’s very similar to the PW50 but the differences are what make the TT-R50E a superior choice for serious riders. Unlike the PW50, the TT-R50E is powered by a 49cc air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke engine, which offers a nice usable amount of power delivered in a smooth and controllable way. Next, the TT-R50E boasts a chain drive rather than the shaft drive found on the PW50. What’s more, the TT-R50E comes with a 3 speed transmission. It doesn’t require a clutch though, so riders can enjoy clutchless shifting, learning how the gears work without the hassle of pulling levers and finding biting points. This model also comes with all the Yamaha safety features that we love, such as the adjustable throttle control, a cool key ignition switch to stop unauthorized riding, and cool race-inspired stylings. Environmentalists will also be pleased to learn that this mini dirt bike has USFS-approved spark arrestor making nice and forest-friendly! Not bad for a pocket bike with an MSRP of $1,699.
#02. Honda CRF50F
The Honda CRF50F is one of the best mini dirt bikes available. It’s small, reliable, fun to ride, child friendly, parent friendly, and as low-maintenance as an internal combustion engine motorcycle can be. In short, it’s a mini dirt bike, but there’s much more to it than its small stature and fun 49cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine. It comes with loads of excellent features that make it a great starter motorcycle for young riders.
Firstly, it has an adjustable throttle limiter, allowing parents to control just how much power their children can access. Next, the Honda CRF50F comes with a cool three speed gearbox with an automatic clutch, allowing young children the chance to learn how to change gear without having the distraction of a clutch. This cool feature helps kids learn about gear changing without having to take their eyes off the trail in front. This pocket bike also boasts upside down suspension at the front, a single shock at the rear, drum brakes at the front and rear, plus a keyed ignition that stops young riders from taking the Honda out for a spin when parents aren’t around! The MSRP of the Honda CRF50F is a very attractive $1549.
#01. Kawasaki KX 65
Of all the mini dirt bikes available, we rate the Kawasaki KX 65 the highest. Kawasaki has an excellent reputation for building quality dirt bikes that are capable of winning world class competitions, and the KX 65 model, though small in stature, is just as capable as the rest of the Kawasaki line up. Powered by a 64cc high-performance, liquid-cooled two stroke engine, there’s more than enough power to please a wide spectrum of riders, from young beginners to seasoned hands. However, it should be noted that the KX 65 is a manual motorcycle with a six speed transmission – so gear shifting is an essential, which means it has to be ridden properly and there’ll be none of that twist and go nonsense. But it’s a real competition spec motorcycle, so anyone considering purchasing one will know that before they splash out on buying one. Your money also includes adjustable rebound damping on the front and rear suspension, plenty of suspension travel, disc brakes, and more than enough power to train a future champion. The Kawasaki KX 65 comes with an MSRP of $3,699, which is pricey, but worth it. Unfortunately, it only comes in Kawasaki Lime Green, which is great if you love that color…but not ideal if you prefer something a little less Kawasaki.
Bonus: KTM SX 50
Okay, it’s not Japanese, it’s Austrian, but KTM is another brand that is world famous for building quality off-road motorcycles and dirt bikes in particular. Why does this model only feature as a “bonus” on this list? Well, the KTM SX 50 certainly is a mini dirt bike, and it is definitely aimed towards younger riders aged between 4 and 10 years old, but since it has an MSRP starting from $4,349, it’s aimed towards younger riders who have exceptional talents. In truth, it’s a competition bike, a real thoroughbred racer that only a very select few riders will really be able to make the most of. In terms of specification and technology, it is the best – but it would be a bit like your average motorcyclist owning a MotoGP bike. It’s cool n’all, but your average Joe won’t have a clue what to do with 99% of the bike. However, if you want to throw $4k at a small dirt bike, then the KTM is the obvious choice.
You get a kick start only 49cc single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine, with controllable power, a single speed automatic gearbox, and KTM’s awesome WP Suspension. All wrapped up in a classic KTM package. Naturally, you can upgrade it with a full catalog of KTM performance parts that will turn your already race-spec machine into something quite extraordinary. All in all, it’s a beast that very few young riders will know how to appreciate, so that’s why it’s on the list, but not quite on the list at the same time.
5 Electric Mini Dirt Bikes
#05. Oset MX-10
If you haven’t heard of the Oset brand, they’re probably the world’s foremost authority on mini dirt bikes of the electric persuasion. Based out of the UK, their products are a cut above the rest, winning competitions and awards all over. The first model we’ll mention is the Oset MX-10, an incredible and technologically advanced small sized dirt bike that won the 2018 MiniBike Supercross Championship in the 88cc class. Powered by an Oset motor with a 48v drive system and 20ah lithium battery, and complimented with USD suspension and hydraulic disc brakes, the MX-10 is quite the machine. Naturally, it’s all-electric so there’s no danger of exhaust burns and no noise to bother your neighbors with. It can be ridden by teenagers and adults weighing up to 198 lbs, but if you’re looking for something smaller they do a youth version (a cool electric dirt bike for kids) which is aimed at younger talent.
Good things aren’t cheap though. Well, to be honest Oset’s products are cheap considering how good they are, but they are pricey when compared to other, lower spec machinery. The MX-10 retails for $3528 at the current exchange rate.
#04. Razor SX350 Dirt Rocket McGrath
Razor has a great range of electric products aimed at kids and adults alike, with none more successful than their electric mini dirt bikes. The SX350 Dirt Rocket McGrath is one of our favorites. It says that it’s aimed towards children aged 13 and older, but realistically younger children can also have a blast on this. It doesn’t have any really fearsome specs, with a top speed of 14 miles per hour pumping out of its little but high-torque motor. Still, that doesn’t mean you should be complacent with kids riding it, because 14 mph can be plenty. The battery life of the SX350 is good for 30 minutes of continuous riding per charge, which is pretty good all things considered. The price is also quite an attractive prospect, with prices starting from $339.99. Can adults ride this though? The answer is yes – providing they weigh less than 150 pounds!
#03. Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket
Next up, we’ve got another offering from Razor. This time we’re talking about the Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket. The name might be similar to the one above, but this one has some increased specs and a larger price tag too! Again, Razor have covered themselves by giving this product an age rating higher than is probably necessary. While people aged 16 and up will enjoy riding this, we think younger riders can also enjoy some of the benefits of this model. With a top speed of 17 mph and a ride time of 40 minutes per charge, the MX650 is more powerful than the smaller model above, and has more dirt biking capabilities. In fact, there are plenty of reviews of older riders (some well into their 50s) having an absolute blast on one these, hitting trails, and even using one for quick runs into town. With a price tag of $729.99 it’s quite the bargain for the specs you get out of it.
#02. Oset 12.5
The Oset 12.5 claims to be the world’s best selling electric motorcycle for children aged between 3 and 5, and for good reason: it’s a high spec electric motorcycle with incredible performance but with an incredible focus on rider safety. Powered by a strong 24v 600w motor, the 12.5 is capable of turning young riders into future champions in a safe and secure manner. Equipped with a magnetic lanyard switch, adjustable throttle response and speed controls, disc brakes, and padded features, you can be sure that your little one is safe at all times. What’s more, the full electric system has no exposed hot parts, so even minor burns are avoided too. No burns, no noise, no gasoline. For those who want to take their child’s riding to the next level, Oset’s mini dirt bikes are definitely worth considering, and worth the price tag too. The Oset 12.5 prices start from $1,147.
#01. Oset 20.0 Eco
While anything out of the Oset catalog will set you in good stead, our favorite from their line-up of electric mini dirt bikes is the 20.0 Eco. Aimed more towards 8 to 12 year olds, the Oset 20.0 Eco has actually proven itself capable of putting smiles on the faces of adult riders too. Powered by a 1200W 48V OSET neodymium magnet DC motor, the 20.0 Eco has enough power to make riding seriously interesting without it being too overwhelming for young riders. It’s all wrapped up in a nice package with some nice top shelf accessories, such as alloy rims and hubs, hydraulic disc brakes, and adjustable suspension, with an overall weight of just over 90 pounds. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it if you have a child who likes to take their off-roading seriously. Prices for the Oset 20.0 Eco start from around $2,645 at the current exchange rate.
The Best Of The Rest
#05. SYX Moto Holeshot
If you’re on a tight budget, then you should definitely consider the SYX Holeshot. Readily available for purchasing online, this mini dirt bike is backed up by stacks of positive reviews. Powered by a small 49cc air-cooled 2-stroke engine, this pocket bike comes complete with a selectable power feature, allowing for adjustable speed limiting (from a claimed top speed of 30 mph down to a more child-friendly 15 mph). It’s also fully automatic, with no clutch, making it a great started bike for beginner riders. Though it’s good for kids, adults up to 6 foot tall can still get a kick out of riding the Holeshot.
The downsides include having to premix your own fuel, and the fact that you have to assemble this one yourself from the box – but it comes 85% assembled, so it’s not complicated to put together. With a bit of tweaking, you can turn this cheap mini dirt bike into something quite fantastic. And for the price, it’s hard to argue with the quality of this machine. Coming with an average sale price of around $279, you’ll have a hard time finding a better option for the same price point. It’s cheap, but not in a bad way.
#04. Coolster Kids 70cc Mini Dirt Bike
This one is a little bigger than most of the others on this list, coming powered by a 70cc single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled engine. That extra displacement gives the Coolster Kids mini dirt bike a bigger power output of 5.4 horsepower, and claimed top speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour. Because of this, we think it might be better for slightly older kids rather than very young beginners. Essentially, this little pocket bike is a cheaper copy of the Honda CRF50F, but there are a fair few differences. For example, this is a kickstart only model, and it’s not an automatic “twist and go” machine either. In fact, it’s the gearing on this thing that is one of the only real negative points worth mentioning.
It’s a four speed, but the shifting isn’t in the conventional one-down, three-up pattern. Instead, it’s more like a semi-automatic moped, like an old Honda Cub, with first gear being a click down, second gear another click down, third another, fourth et cetera, with changing down requiring you to click the lever up. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not ideal if you’re training new riders and plan to graduate them to bigger and better bikes in the near future. Still, it’s a great deal for an average price of $600.
#03. X-Pro 40cc Kids Dirt Bike
This little dirt bike is nice and cheap, without too much of a compromise on quality. It’s cheap, so don’t expect a competition quality motorcycle, but for the price you do get a lot of bike. Powered by a punchy little EPA approved, low noise, four-stroke engine that offers smooth and steady acceleration, and top speed of 22 miles an hour, this is a great option for young riders. It comes with a pull starter, telescopic suspension, and front and rear disc brakes too. All in all, it’s a great little runner that can be enjoyed by young riders and adults alike!
It’s worth noting that some assembly is required for the X-Pro 40cc, for example, the handlebar brackets, wheels, brakes, and fenders will have to be put on by hand. While that’s a minor annoyance, X-Pro make up for it by throwing in a set of gloves, goggles and handgrips into the deal, which is a nice addition. For $339, it’s worth taking a gamble on. It’s surprisingly excellent value for money. It should also be noted that this particular model doesn’t ship to California from most retailers, so keep that in mind.
#02. Nitro Motors Hobbit Sport 49cc Pocket Bike
This little pocket rocket from Nitro Motors is an excellent purchase for those who want great value for money out of a mini dirt bike. It comes powered by a gutsy 49cc 2 stroke air cooled single cylinder engine that’s capable of 3.5 hp, and equipped with an easy pull start, disc brakes, tough suspension, and a hassle free single-speed automatic transmission which will make riding easy for absolute beginners. All in all, the package weighs in at a light 53 lbs, which is nice and light in case of a small spill, and you can guarantee that your young rider will be protected thanks to the addition of a kill switch for emergency shutdown, and a chain guard.
There are downsides though. The Hobbit Sport only comes shod with road profile tires, which will probably be alright for the kind of off-road performance a beginner rider can be expected to achieve, but knobbly dirt bike rubbers would be a better choice. Also, it’s a two-stroke that requires premixing, but that’s hardly a huge complaint – especially considering the price tag of this little beauty. $315 is a very cheap price, and totally worth the gamble.
#01. KTX Radical Mini Dirt Bike
This KTX Radical dirt bike is one of the best budget mini dirt bikes on the market. It’s taller than most other kids dirt bike models, offering longer suspension travel from its full suspension system and bigger rims, making it more than capable of tearing up the roughest trails. The engine is a Honda copy, and the air-cooled 4-stroke 40cc power plant is capable of producing an impressive 5.3 horsepower and a top speed of 35 mph. That power is delivered through an automatic gearbox, which basically translates as one “twist and go” controlled gear which is great for young riders and newbies to gain confidence on.
The engine also has a top speed regulator that allows watchful parents to control the power output, limiting the bike at a chosen speed between 5 mph and 35 mph, making a great choice for safety conscious parents. Fortunately, there isn’t much assembly with this model, and whatever parts you need to attach simply snap on, or bolt on with ease. And since it’s a 4-stroke, all you need to do is put some gas in the tank, yank on the easy pull starter, and go for a ride. This bike is suitable for riders aged as young as 4 and for adult riders too! So, in terms of value for money, you really can’t go wrong – especially since the KTX Radical Mini Pocket Dirt Bike usually retails for an incredibly attractive price of around $299.
