Dirt Bikes for Teens: Top Picks for Beginner and Advanced Riders

Are you looking for the best dirt bikes for teens or teenagers? As a parent, you might wonder what dirt bikes are safe for your teen. Look no further!

We’ve compiled a list of top dirt bikes for teens that are perfect for exploring the outdoors. Teen dirt bikes come in various styles and sizes, so it’s vital to choose one that suits your teen’s age, height, and skill level.

We prioritize safety and included bikes with safety features and easy controls. Whether you need a beginner or advanced option, our guide has you covered. Discover the best dirt bikes for teens that provide endless outdoor fun and excitement.

Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly dirt bike or a more advanced option, our guide has got you covered. Read on to discover the best dirt bikes for teens that will provide endless hours of outdoor fun and excitement.

Introduction

Choosing the right dirt bike for your teen is crucial for both their safety and enjoyment of off-road trails. With so many types of dirt bikes available, selecting the perfect one for your teen can be overwhelming. In this guide, we provide valuable information to simplify the decision-making process.

To find the best dirt bike for your teen, you must consider their height, weight, and skill level, along with the terrain they will be riding on and their level of experience. With different styles and sizes of dirt bikes available for teens, careful consideration of these factors is essential.

We prioritize the safety of your teen and their enjoyment of outdoor adventures, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best dirt bikes for teens. Whether your teen is a beginner or an experienced rider, our guide has got you covered.

Advanced teenage dirt bike on a center stand against a green forest

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dirt Bike for Teens

If you’re a parent or guardian of a teenager who is interested in dirt biking, you’re probably wondering how to choose the right dirt bike for them. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision with all the options for dirt bikes for teens. However, by considering a few key factors, you can find a dirt bike that is correct size, safe, reliable, and enjoyable for your teen to ride.

In this section, we’ll discuss some important factors to consider when choosing a dirt bike for teens. We’ll cover the importance of seat height, the riding style and discipline of your teen, as well as safety features that should be included in the bike.

Seat Height

The first factor in finding the ideal dirt bike for a teenager, is the age and size of the rider. It is essential to choose a dirt bike that fits the rider’s height and weight. Additionally, the bike’s engine size should match the rider’s skill level and riding style.

For a full list of all dirt bikes and their seat heights, be sure to check out our dirt bike size chart and seat height guide.

Teenager HeightRecommended Seat Height
5’10” (178cm)35 to 39″ (89 to 99cm)
5’8″ (172cm)34 to 38″ (86 to 96cm)
5’6″ (167cm)34 to 37″ (86 to 94cm)
5’4″ (162cm)33 to 36″ (84 to 91cm)
5’2″ (157cm)31 to 35″ (79 to 89cm)
5′ (152cm)29 to 32″ (74 to 81cm)
4’10” (147cm)27 to 30″ (69 to 76cm)
4’8″ (142cm)25 to 28″ (64 to 71cm)
Recommended Seat height chart for teenagers

Riding Style and Discipline

Another factor to consider is the terrain on which the bike will be ridden. This helps in finding the best options for dirt bikes for teens.

There are different disciplines of dirt bike riding that cater to different riding styles and terrains. One of the most popular disciplines is trail riding, which includes single track, woods riding, and enduro. Trail riding involves navigating through natural terrain in narrow trails and obstacles, and typically requires a dirt bike with good suspension and durability.

Motocross, on the other hand, takes place on a closed circuit track, with jumps, turns, and other obstacles. It requires a bike with high-performance capabilities and a lightweight frame, as riders need to maintain speed and maneuverability on the track.

Other disciplines of dirt bike riding include freestyle motocross, supercross, and dual sport riding, which combines both off-road and street riding.

When choosing between these disciplines, it’s important to consider your skill level, preferred terrain, and riding style. Researching and trying out different types of dirt bike riding can help you determine which discipline is right for your teenager.

Safety

Lastly, the availability of safety features is critical. Dirt bikes with safety features like a kill switch, good brakes, and sometimes a throttle limiters can make a significant difference in the rider’s safety. A beginner rider should not have a bike with too much power as it can be dangerous.

Best Dirt Bikes for Beginner Teenager

The best dirt bikes for beginner teens are lightweight, easy to handle, and have a manageable engine size. The Honda CRF125F is a great beginner dirt bike option. It has a smooth four-stroke engine and an electric start, making it user-friendly.

The Kawasaki KLX140R is also a great beginner option. It is lightweight, has a low seat height, and is easy to handle.

The Yamaha TT-R125LE is another great beginner dirt bike option. It has a low seat height and electric start, making it easier for the rider to control. Additionally, it has a reliable engine and adjustable suspension to suit different riding styles.

Top 3 Best Teenager Dirt Bikes For Beginners

1. Honda CRF125F

Best dirt bikes for teens winner: Honda CRF125F
The best beginner dirt bike for teenagers: Honda CRF125F.

The Honda CRF125F is a great beginner dirt bike option. It has a smooth four-stroke engine and an electric start, making it user-friendly. The bike is lightweight, easy to handle, and has a manageable engine size.

2. Kawasaki KLX140R

The Kawasaki KLX140R is the runner up for beginner teen dirt bike.
The Kawasaki KLX140R is the runner up for beginner teen dirt bike.

The Kawasaki KLX140R is also a great beginner option. It is lightweight, has a low seat height, and is easy to handle. The bike has a five-speed transmission, manual clutch and an air-cooled engine, making it a great option for young riders.

3. Yamaha TT-R125LE

Third option for teens is the popular Yamaha TT-R125LE.
Third option for teens is the popular Yamaha TT-R125LE.

The Yamaha TT-R125LE is another great beginner dirt bike option. It has a low seat height and electric start, making it easier for the rider to control. Additionally, it has a reliable engine and adjustable suspension to suit different riding styles.

Best Dirt Bikes for Intermediate/Advanced Teens

For intermediate and advanced teen riders, the KTM 150 XC-W is a great dirt bike option. It has a high-performance engine and a lightweight frame that can handle advanced off-road riding. The Yamaha YZ125X is also a great option for advanced teen riders. It has a powerful two-stroke engine and a comfortable suspension that can handle tough terrain.

The Honda CRF250R is another excellent option for advanced riders. It has a high-performance engine and a lightweight chassis, making it a great choice for motocross and off-road riding.

Top 3 Best Teenager Dirt Bikes For Intermediate/Advanced Teens

1. KTM 150 XC-W

Winner of our best teen dirt bike for intermediate teenagers: KTM 150 XC-W.
Winner of our best teen dirt bike for intermediate teenagers: KTM 150 XC-W.

For intermediate and advanced teen riders, the KTM 150 XC-W is a great dirt bike option. It has a high-performance engine and a lightweight frame that can handle advanced off-road and trail riding. The bike has a powerful two-stroke engine and a comfortable suspension that can handle tough terrain.

2. Yamaha YZ125 X

This very popular 2-stroke dirt bike is a runner up for best teenager dirt bike.
This very popular 2-stroke dirt bike is a runner up for best teenager dirt bike.

The Yamaha YZ125X is also a great option for advanced teen riders. It has a powerful two-stroke engine and a comfortable suspension that can handle tough terrain. The bike has a lightweight chassis and can handle trails and off-road riding with ease.

3. Honda CRF250R

This strong four stroker came third in our list for best teenage dirt bikes.
This strong four stroker came third in our list for best teenage dirt bikes.

The Honda CRF250R is another excellent option for advanced riders. It has a high-performance engine and a lightweight chassis, making it a great choice for motocross and off-road riding. The bike has a reliable engine and a comfortable suspension that can handle tough terrain.

BONUS: Best Electric Dirt Bike For Teenager

Electric dirt bikes are gaining popularity among teenagers due to their eco-friendliness and ease of use. Without a clutch, they are easier to learn to ride, making them a great choice for beginners and one of the best option for dirt bikes for teens.

In this section, we’ll explore the best electric dirt bikes for teenagers, their features, and why they’re a great option for those who are new to riding.

KTM Freeride E-XC

The KTM Freeride is a great choice for teens and youth riders
This full electric dirt bike by KTM is a popular choice for young riders and teenagers.

The KTM Freeride E-XC is an electric dirt bike designed for off-road riding. It has a top speed of around 50 mph and can provide up to 1.5 hours of riding time, depending on the conditions. The bike features a powerful electric motor, long-range battery, and high-quality suspension and brakes. It also has advanced electronics, such as a digital display and adjustable power modes, making it a great choice for eco-conscious riders.

SURRON X

Surron X is a great choice for the Best Dirt Bikes for Teens

The SURRON X is an electric dirt bike designed for off-road adventures. It has a top speed of 45 mph and can provide up to 2.5 hours of ride time, depending on the riding conditions. Take a look at this hands on review I wrote on the powerful SURRON X here.

The bike features a powerful electric motor, advanced suspension, and high-quality brakes, making it suitable for various terrains. The SURRON X also has an LCD display and adjustable power modes, allowing riders to customize the bike’s performance. It is a versatile and eco-friendly option for dirt bike enthusiasts.

Personally, I would choose this as the first beginner dirt bikes for teens, since it offers hassle free operation, great performance, and finally practically no maintenance compared to a gas dirt bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dirt bike is best for a teenager?

It depends on the teen’s height, weight, and experience level. Generally, a bike with a 125cc to 250cc engine size is suitable for most teenagers. A good rule is to be able to touch ground on both sides with the palm of your foot.

What are the best brands of dirt bikes for teen riders?

There are several good brands of dirt bikes for teens, including Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, KTM, and Suzuki. These brands have a reputation for producing reliable and high-performance dirt bikes.

Are electric dirt bikes a good option for teenagers?

Yes, electric dirt bikes are a good option for teens, especially for beginners. They are quiet, easy to maintain, and have adjustable power settings to match the rider’s skill level. Take a look at our guide to electric dirt bikes here.

How much should I expect to pay for a quality dirt bike for a teenager?

The cost of a quality dirt bike for a teenager can vary widely depending on the year, brand, model, and condition. Generally, a new dirt bike for teens can cost between $3,000 and $10,000, while used bikes can be found for as low as $1,000.

What safety gear should a teen wear when riding a dirt bike?

A teen rider should always wear a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, long pants, boots, and a protective jacket or chest protector. Additional safety gear such as knee and elbow pads can also be beneficial. Take a look at our guide for essential dirt bike gear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right dirt bike for your teenager can be a daunting task, but it is an important decision that can impact their riding experience and safety. By considering factors such as your teen’s skill level, riding discipline, and budget, you can narrow down your options and find the best bike for their needs. Whether you choose a gas-powered or electric dirt bike, it is essential to prioritize safety and invest in proper protective dirt bike gear such as helmets, goggles, boots, and gloves.

The best dirt bikes for teens provide an exhilarating experience and promote an active lifestyle while also encouraging responsibility and discipline. With so many excellent options available, it’s essential to do your research and choose a bike that will provide your teen with a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding riding experience.

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