is an 85 too much for an 11 yr old?

[ShortyR6]

I am going to pick up a PW for my youngest tomorrow, and they have a good deal on a CR85. do you guys that have been riding dirt, or have kids that ride dirt, is it too much for him. he has been riding a crf 50 for 5 years now.

[griffinzx10]

IMO, I think your older boy can handle it, he rides a lot and runs around on that 50 now and does well... I think it might take a little time, but he should be able to handle it with his riding experience..

[SideShow]

Naw I started my 12 year old at 11 on a 125cc .Just plz make him wear gear.I didn't and he faceplanted into a fence.He was ok nothing broken.He stays geared now.He honestly took right to it and loves it.

[Prettyboy]

can you get it and then change the gear ratio to make it less up front........go back after he grows into it.

[stunter78]

I started on a trail70 and stepped up to a xl100 when I was 10 and then a cr125 at 12. He will be fine:)

[stevewfl]

Uncle Steve found out when I delivered the Honda 100 to my eight year old nephew it was too much: http://www.tampasportbikes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12861&highlight=nephews

[stunter78]

Uncle Steve found out when I delivered the Honda 100 to my eight year old nephew it was too much:

Each one of my dirtbikes were to big for me at first. I had to lean against a pole while i kick started it, and could only touch with one foot. The cr125 I had to slide half way off the bike to touch on one foot, but as I got moving I would slide up on the seat. Its like shoes, get something a lil big that he can grow into, that was my dads moto.

[h2ocaver]

It is all about the maturity and skill of the rider. This is no different than what you would say to a new street rider. If the kids is resposible and listens to you honestly-then gett him whatever he can handle physicaly. If the kid runs around like a nutjob and does stupid stuff- leave him on a smaller bike.
We all fall down, is he willing to be careful?

[RONSTER]

First of all the CR85 is a 2-stroke bike. Motor & suspension are worlds away from the 4-strokes you guys are referring to.

Second I got the Suzuki RM85 for my son on his 12th birthday I think he weighed about 115lbs. He's had a couple small incidents on it. Each time jumping back up, dusting himself off, and going right back at it.

[The_Jarhead]

First of all the CR85 is a 2-stroke bike. Motor & suspension are worlds away from the 4-strokes you guys are referring to.

Second I got the Suzuki RM85 for my son on his 12th birthday I think he weighed about 115lbs. He's had a couple small incidents on it. Each time jumping back up, dusting himself off, and going right back at it.
LOL I had a "small incident" on that thing..............but it is fun as hell.

The 2-stroke has a TON more torque then the 4-strokes.

[ShortyR6]

First of all the CR85 is a 2-stroke bike. Motor & suspension are worlds away from the 4-strokes you guys are referring to.

Second I got the Suzuki RM85 for my son on his 12th birthday I think he weighed about 115lbs. He's had a couple small incidents on it. Each time jumping back up, dusting himself off, and going right back at it.

this was my concern. I have a chance to get him a kx-65 or a Cr85 for the same price. i just think that a 85 might be a bit much coming from a CRF50. four strokes and two strokes are worlds apart.

he wants to ride the track and race. for his age, they are running 65 and next year 12 yr olds are running 85. i did not know if i should get a kx-65 for a year, then sell it for a bigger bike. if i got him the 65 this year, i would buy the CRF150R (awesome bike BTW) for next year.

i am getting both bikes for a steal, but i don't want to get something that may be out of his class and not be comfortable with it instead of progressively stepping up.

[RONSTER]

How much dose he weigh??The RM85 is the first 2-wheel dirt bike my son ever rode. He had no problem w/ the 85. We got it so he could learn for a few months and then hit a couple tracks. Resale on the 65 is always a loss IMO.

[stunter78]

this was my concern. I have a chance to get him a kx-65 or a Cr85 for the same price. i just think that a 85 might be a bit much coming from a CRF50. four strokes and two strokes are worlds apart.

he wants to ride the track and race. for his age, they are running 65 and next year 12 yr olds are running 85. i did not know if i should get a kx-65 for a year, then sell it for a bigger bike. if i got him the 65 this year, i would buy the CRF150R (awesome bike BTW) for next year.

i am getting both bikes for a steal, but i don't want to get something that may be out of his class and not be comfortable with it instead of progressively stepping up.

Like you said, if you get the 65 you will have to get another next yr. The 85 will last him a couple yrs. another thing, I don't know if the 50 or 65 has a clutch. It would be better to get him on something with a clutch so when he does get that 150 he don't kill himself.

If the 65 has one, it still would be better to get him the 85 so he learns about 2 strokes and power bands. that way when he does get that 150 he don't kill himself.

[VaderR1]

First of all the CR85 is a 2-stroke bike. Motor & suspension are worlds away from the 4-strokes you guys are referring to.

Second I got the Suzuki RM85 for my son on his 12th birthday I think he weighed about 115lbs. He's had a couple small incidents on it. Each time jumping back up, dusting himself off, and going right back at it.
Took the words out of my mouth.... the 85's (Cr,KX,RM YZ) are totally different animals from the 4 stokes and pitbikes.
All I can recommend is you make a decision based on his size and ability. The 65 might not last long for him as he will grow out of it very soon. I was 13 and owned a KTM 250 2 stoke.

good luck!

[ShortyR6]

well ended up picking up an 07 CR85 expert for a steal. I need to get a set of smaller wheels for it, because it is just too tall for my boy. the smaller wheels should make the bike less intimidating to him.

[VaderR1]

07???? I thought you were not wanting to break the bank......Nice bike.

[ShortyR6]

07???? I thought you were not wanting to break the bank......Nice bike.

i got fantastic deals on both.

if you want a bike for a fantastic deal contact central florida powersports in kissimmee, FL. they were top notch customer service and prices that even my contacts in ohio could not match.