Minis for Minis
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A buyer’s guide for your little one’s first dirt bike
By Aaron Hansel
If you’ve been considering purchasing a motorcycle for your little one, there’s no better time than Christmas. What kid hasn’t dreamed of waking up Christmas morning and finding a motorcycle under the tree, and what parent hasn’t wanted to put one there? The only problem is, what to buy? There are so many choices, especially with the growing electric market, that shopping for a kid’s bike can be overwhelming. Well, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a fire-breathing beast or a silent electric bike to ride around the cul-de-sac, you’ll find it here.
young child sitting on bike
yellow, orange, blue circles
A buyer’s guide for your little one’s first dirt bike
By Aaron Hansel
If you’ve been considering purchasing a motorcycle for your little one, there’s no better time than Christmas. What kid hasn’t dreamed of waking up Christmas morning and finding a motorcycle under the tree, and what parent hasn’t wanted to put one there? The only problem is, what to buy? There are so many choices, especially with the growing electric market, that shopping for a kid’s bike can be overwhelming. Well, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a fire-breathing beast or a silent electric bike to ride around the cul-de-sac, you’ll find it here.
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If you want to ride in the backyard without annoying the neighbors, or you’re simply tired of buying gas and changing oil, electric bikes offer a good alternative to their fossil-fuel-burning cousins. There are more electric options than ever, from fast race bikes to beginner-friendly cruisers.
KTM SX-E 5 bike
KTM SX-E 5
MSRP: $5,049

ktm.com

If you’re looking for a high-end electric bike that means business, look no further than the KTM SX-E 5. This little machine comes with the quality components you’d expect from KTM, is water- and dust-proof, and is air-cooled, which reduces maintenance. It’s more expensive than some of the other electric bikes, but when it comes to race performance, it’s in a class of its own.

Motor
48 V – BLDC electric motor with outer rotor
Rated output
2 kW / 3200 rpm
Max power
5 kW / 3900 rpm
Traction battery
Lithium-ion
Battery capacity: 21 Ah
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 26.9”
Weight: 89.3 lbs.
Husqvarna EE 5 bike
Husqvarna EE 5
MSRP: Call local dealer

husqvarna-motorcycles.com

Just like KTM’s electric offering, this little Husqvarna is built to handle the rigors of racing. Designed to be competitive in the 50cc class, the EE 5 is suspended with WP components, has six different ride modes, features an adjustable ride height, and charges in just 70 minutes with the supplied charger.

Motor
48 V – BLDC electric motor with outer rotor
Rated output
2 kW / 3200 rpm
Max power
5 kW / 3900 rpm
Traction battery
Lithium-ion
Battery capacity: 21 Ah
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 26.9”
Weight: 89.3 lbs.
YCF 50E bike
YCF 50E
MSRP: $1,599

ycfusa.com

Although YCF makes pit bikes for bigger pilots, the 50E was truly designed with smaller and beginner riders in mind. It has a speed dial to regulate power delivery, is relatively lightweight, and even has an optional stabilizer wheel kit for riders who haven’t yet learned how to balance on two wheels.

Motor
Electric motor, 1200W/ 48V Neodymium Magnet DC
Battery: Lithium
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 21”
Weight: 79 lbs.
YCF Start W88E bike
YCF Start W88E
MSRP: $1,999

ycfusa.com

If you like YCF’s idea of the 50E but need something a little bigger, the Start W88E delivers. Seat height is 7” taller, the machine is about 40 lbs. heavier, and it has the same speed dial as its younger sibling to make sure your little ones don’t end up with more power than they can handle.

Motor
Electric, 1000W/48V Neodymium Magnet DC Motor
Battery: Lithium
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 28”
Weight: 121 lbs.
KTM bike engine in front of ktm vehicle
Gas Gas Enduro One bike
Gas Gas Enduro One
MSRP: Call local dealer

gasgas.com

With smart technology slowly flowing into every aspect of modern life, should our motorcycles be any different? Gas Gas doesn’t think so, and to prove it, they’ve created an app that allows you to control the motor’s characteristics from your smartphone in real time. It also has easily removable batteries, which, with an optional kit, can be charged from your car with the use of an inverter. Max speed on the Enduro One is 19 mph. This same product (and the Enduro Two) is available from Torrot as well.

Motor
Electric, programmable from 350W up to 1050W
Battery
Lithium 48V LiNiCoMn 6.6Ah
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: N/A
Weight: 61.7 lbs.
Front Tire: 2.50 x 10
Rear Tire: 2.50 x 10
Torrot Enduro Two bike
Torrot Enduro Two*
MSRP: Call local dealer

torrot.com

Meant for riders aged six to nine, the Enduro Two comes with all the smart technology featured on the Enduro One, just in a larger package. More power, larger wheels, and a higher top speed (25 mph) all add up to a bike capable of carrying a larger rider. And if the Enduro One and Two don’t do it for you, Torrot and Gas Gas also make electric bikes for kids in trials and Supermoto versions.

Motor
Electric, programmable from 600W up to 1500W
Battery
Lithium 48V LiNiCoMn 12.5Ah
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: N/A
Weight: 70.5 lbs.
Front Tire: 60/100 x 14
Rear Tire: 80/100 x 12

* Enduro One pictured

OSET MX-10 bike
OSET MX-10
MSRP: $3,199

osetbikes.com

OSET bills the MX-10 as a competition-ready motocross bike for beginning riders aged four to seven. It has an adjustable seat height, and like most other electric bikes, the power output can be modified to suit the skill level of the rider. OSET estimates up to two to three hours of run time, but that’s dependent on terrain and load. Fully uncorked the top speed is just under 22 mph.

Motor
Electric, 1400W 48V Neodymium magnet DC motor
Battery
20ah 48V Lithium
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: Adjustable, 20.3” – 21.7”
Weight: 81.99 lbs.
Wheels: 10” x 1.60”
OSET 12.5 RACING bike
OSET 12.5 RACING
MSRP: $1,699

osetbikes.com

The 12.5 Racing model is built for kids who have never ridden before, with an intended age range of three to five. Like the MX-10, it features an adjustable power delivery and disc brakes to rein it back in when necessary. Estimated run time is one to two hours.

Motor
Electric, OSET 24v
600w Neodymium magnet DC motor
Battery
2 x 10ah AGM SLA
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 15”
Weight: 58.19 lbs.
Wheels: 12.5”
Stacyc 12eDrive bike
Stacyc 12eDrive
MSRP: $649.95

stacyc.com

If you subscribe to the “start ’em young” ideology, then Stacyc is the brand for you. This product takes the concept of a balance bike and adds an electric motor. The bike can be operated in a non-powered mode, and when your little one gets the hang of it, they can graduate to powered mode. Output in powered mode can, of course, be regulated. The 12 eDrive is meant for riders with a 14-20” inseam, with a target age range of three to five.

Battery
20Vmax Voltage (18Vnom) 2Ah, quick disconnect lithium-ion
Low Mode: ~5 mph
Medium: ~7 mph
High: ~9 mph
Seat Height: 13”
Weight: 17 lbs. with battery
Wheels: 12”
Stacyc 16eDrive bike
Stacyc 16eDrive
MSRP: $699

stacyc.com

The Stacyc 16eDrive is a lot like the 12eDrive but is intended for larger, five- to seven-year-old pilots with at least an 18” inseam. It’s also a little faster. Stacyc estimates roughly 30 to 60 minutes of run time per charge, although that figure is dependent on terrain and load. One battery and charger are included with both versions; an extra battery will run you $164.

Battery
20Vmax Voltage (18Vnom) 4Ah, quick disconnect lithium-ion
Low Mode: ~5 mph
Medium: ~7.5 mph
High: ~11 mph
Seat Height: 17”
Weight: 19 lbs. with battery
Wheels: 16”
child riding bike
children riding bikes
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If your child is just learning, or has no aspirations of becoming the next Cooper Webb or Eli Tomac, there’s no need to spend money on race technology. The bikes in this category are aimed at the family that’s more interested in riding for fun and exploring than pounding laps on a track.
2020 Kawasaki KLX 110 bike
2020 Kawasaki KLX 110
MSRP: $2,299

kawasaki.com

The KLX 110 has been around for a long time and is a pretty solid package. There are also plenty of aftermarket mods available if you plan on tricking it out. It’s great for learners but isn’t so basic that most kids will outgrow it right away. For an extra $200 you can pick the 110L, which has a clutch, higher ground clearance, and a seat height of roughly 2” higher.

Engine
112cc four-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled
Starter
Electric
Transmission
Four-speed automatic clutch
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat Height: 26.8”
Weight: 167.5 lbs.
Front Tire: 2.50 x 14
Rear Tire: 3.00 x 12
2020 Suzuki DR-Z50 bike
2020 Suzuki DR-Z50
MSRP: $1,749

suzukicycles.com

The DR-Z50 is a great kids’ bike. It comes with an electric starter with a backup kickstarter and features an automatic, three-speed transmission. Adding to the ease of use is an adjustable throttle, which allows parents to keep speeds to a minimum if necessary.

Engine
49cc four-stroke, OHC, air-cooled
Starter
Electric, with kickstarter
Transmission
Three-speed automatic clutch
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat Height: 22”
Weight: 119 lbs.
Front Tire: 2.50 x 10
Rear Tire: 2.50 x 10
2020 Yamaha PW50 bike
2020 Yamaha PW50
MSRP: $1,499

yamaha-motor.com

If you’re in the market for a small, gas-powered motorcycle that’s easy to ride, you need to look at the PW50. Its seat height is under 19”, the whole bike comes in at just 90 lbs., and, like most beginner bikes, it has the ability to reduce the amount of available throttle. It’s also shaft-driven, which means there’s less maintenance and no fear of anything getting tangled in a drive chain.

Engine
49cc two-stroke, air-cooled
Starter
Kickstart
Transmission
Automatic
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat Height: 18.7”
Weight: 90 lbs.
Front Tire: 2.50 x 10
Rear Tire: 2.50 x 10
2020 Yamaha TT-R50E bike
2020 Yamaha TT-R50E
MSRP: $1,699

yamaha-motor.com

If the PW50 doesn’t float your boat but you still want a small Yamaha, the TT-R50E is your answer. Its seat is about 3” higher and has three gears for more skilled and adventurous riders. The electric start also means that, unless the battery goes dead, parents won’t have to be summoned whenever the machine needs to be fired up.

Engine
49cc four-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled
Starter
Electric
Transmission
Three-speed automatic
clutch
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat Height: 21.9”
Weight: 126 lbs.
Front Tire: 2.50 x 10
Rear Tire: 2.50 x 10
2020 Yamaha TT-R110E bike
2020 Yamaha TT-R110E
MSRP: $2,299

yamaha-motor.com

The TT-R110E is a versatile machine that can be enjoyed by both learning beginners and accomplished riders who want to goof off in the pits. Its electric starter makes getting going a breeze, and like most other 110 machines, it has loads of aftermarket hop-up parts available.

Engine
110cc four-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled
Starter
Electric, with kickstarter
Transmission
Four-speed automatic clutch
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat Height: 26.4”
Weight: 159 lbs.
Front Tire: 2.50 x 14
Rear Tire: 3.00 x 12
2020 Honda CRF50F bike
2020 Honda CRF50F
MSRP: $1,549

powersports.honda.com

No matter what the intended use is, it’s hard to go wrong with the CRF50F. It’s been around for a long time, is enjoyed by both children and adults, and has a legendary reputation for reliability. The automatic clutch makes it perfect for true beginners, while its three-speed transmission provides plenty of room to grow as a rider’s skill increases. And if you’re into hopping up bikes, the aftermarket support for this bike is massive.

Engine
49cc four-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled
Starter
Kickstarter
Transmission
Three-speed automatic clutch
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat Height: 21.6”
Weight: 110 lbs.
Front Tire: 2.50 x 10
Rear Tire: 2.50 x 10
2020 Honda CRF110F bike
2020 Honda CRF110F
MSRP: $2,399

powersports.honda.com

You could have a great time on any of these 110s, but if you want to find a separating feature, you’d find it in the CRF110F. Unlike the carbureted competing brands, Honda ditched the carburetor in favor of fuel injection, which eliminates a fair amount of maintenance. It also means the bike will handle changes in altitude and weather much better, making this machine very user-friendly.

Engine
109cc four-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled
Starter
Electric, with kickstart
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
clutch
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat Height: 25.9”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Front Tire: 70/100 x 14
Rear Tire: 80/100 x 12
YCF 50A bike
YCF 50A
MSRP: $1,149

ycfusa.com

Aimed at kids aged three to seven, YCF’s 50A is the company’s smallest gas-powered motorcycle. In addition to beginner-friendly features like an electric start and automatic clutch, it has front and rear brake levers on the handlebars for kids. It also has an optional stabilizer kit ($119), which puts it within reach of kids who haven’t learned to balance on two wheels yet.

Engine
50cc four-stroke
Starter
Electric
Transmission
Semi-automatic
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 21”
Weight: 92 lbs.
Thumpstar TSB 70 bike
Thumpstar TSB 70
MSRP: $1,223

thumpstarusa.com

The Thumpstar TSB 70 is for buyers looking for a low-cost choice that doesn’t suffer greatly in the performance department. Thumpstar says the TSB 70, which is for riders seven and up, is able to exceed 40 mph, making it a speedy option that won’t break the bank.

Engine
70cc four-stroke
Starter
Kickstart
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat Height: 24”
Weight: 124 lbs.
Front Tire: 2.50 x 10
Rear Tire: 2.50 x 10
children racing on 2020 Honda CRF50F
child riding 2020 Kawasaki KLX 110
children riding 2020 Yamaha PW50
child riding YCF 50A bike
child riding the Thumpstar TSB 70 bike
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If your little ripper is already proficient on two wheels and yearns for the high speed and airtime of the motocross track, you’re going to need a machine to match. Don’t worry, you’re covered with these machines that are bristling with race componentry. They may be small, but they pack a big punch!
KTM 50 SX Mini bike
KTM 50 SX Mini
MSRP: $3,849

ktm.com

KTM has established dominance with their big bikes in the racing scene, but their little machines have been legendary for decades. That includes the 50 SX Mini, which, although developed with young children in mind, packs some serious heat in the engine department—made more manageable with an automatic clutch. If your child wants to channel his or her inner Ricky Bobby, this bike will help them go fast.

Engine
49cc two-stroke
Starter
Kickstarter
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Clutch
Centrifugal clutch (adjustable)
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 21.9”
Weight: 88.2 lbs.
2020 KTM 50 SX bike
2020 KTM 50 SX
MSRP: $4,349

ktm.com

Love the 50 SX Mini but need something a little bigger? Check out the 50 SX. It’s got all the same quality components and the fire-breathing engine of the Mini but has a seat height that’s nearly 5” higher. The best part? It’s only about 3 lbs. heavier.

Engine
49cc two-stroke
Starter
Kickstarter
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Clutch
Centrifugal clutch (adjustable)
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 26.9”
Weight: 91.5 lbs.
2020 Husqvarna TC50 Mini bike
2020 Husqvarna TC50 Mini
Call local dealer

husqvarna-motorcycles.com

The Husqvarna TC50 Mini delivers big-kid performance in a tiny package. WP front and rear suspension helps eat up the chop and absorb the hits, while high-quality waved disc brakes are always ready to bring everything to a halt. There’s even a power reduction kit available, should the power output prove too much for your child.

Engine
49cc two-stroke
Starter
Kickstarter
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Clutch
Centrifugal clutch (adjustable)
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 21.9”
Weight: 88.2 lbs.
2020 Husqvarna TC50 bike
2020 Husqvarna TC50
MSRP: $4,349

husqvarna-motorcycles.com

The TC50 is similar to the Mini but comes in a physically larger package. It features the same quality components that make the Mini ready to race but boasts a higher seat height (26.9” vs 21.9”). Like the Mini and KTM 50SX and 50SX Mini, it has an adjustable clutch to help manage acceleration, but a power reduction kit is also available.

Engine
49cc two-stroke
Starter
Kickstarter
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Clutch
Centrifugal clutch (adjustable)
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 26.9”
Weight: 91.5 lbs.
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If you’re in the market to buy a little ripper for your littler ripper but are adamant about buying products that are made in America, you need to have a look at Cobra Motorcycles. Complete with trick parts and powerful engines, Cobra motorcycles have helped launch the careers of racers like Davi Millsaps, Zach Osborne, Broc Tickle, Trey Canard, Eli Tomac, and Blake Baggett, to name a few. From the CX50 P3, the smallest of the bunch, all the way up to the larger SR and FWE models, Cobra has something for your superstar in training.
Cobra CX50 P3 bike
Cobra CX50 P3
MSRP $3,598

cobramoto.com
Engine
Cobra Venom 50cc two-stroke
Starter
Kickstart
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 21.9”
Weight: 79 lbs.
Front Tire: 60/100 x 10
Rear Tire: 70/100 x 10
Cobra CX50 JR bike
Cobra CX50 JR
MSRP $3,998

cobramoto.com
Engine
Cobra Venom 50cc two-stroke
Starter
Kickstart
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 23.9”
Weight: 81 lbs.
Front Tire: 60/100 x 10
Rear Tire: 70/100 x 10
Cobra CX50 SR bike
Cobra CX50 SR
MSRP $4,198

cobramoto.com
Engine
Cobra Venom 50cc two-stroke
Starter
Kickstart
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 26.8”
Weight: 91 lbs.
Front Tire: 60/100 x 12
Rear Tire: 70/100 x 10
2019 Cobra CX50 FWE bike
2019 Cobra CX50 FWE
MSRP $5,198

cobramoto.com
Engine
Cobra FWE Venom 50cc two-stroke
Starter
Kickstart
Transmission
Single-speed automatic
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Seat Height: 26.8”
Weight: 91 lbs.
Front Tire: 60/100 x 12
Rear Tire: 70/100 x 10
riders 11, 93, and 94 during a race