One of the most common questions amongst customers at Tri-County Powersports this time of year is “What is the best bike to get my kid for Christmas?”


Realistically, there is no single right answer to this question. Every child is different, and age as well as experience needs to always be taken into consideration when choosing a new bike for your rider. It is important to focus on your child’s ability now, and try to stay away from the idea that they will grow out of it. If you get a bike that is too large or powerful, accidents are more likely to happen that could scare your child off of riding for a long time, if not indefinitely. 



That being said, our only real choice for first time riders is the Honda CRF 50F. This is a classic beginners bike, suggested for kids aged 5-7 years old. This model of Honda is durable, and can take whatever beating a beginning rider can give it. In addition, they are small in size and easier for parents to transport as no trailer is needed. 



We are not saying Honda is the best dirt bike ever made (that’s an argument for another day), but for young riders they are a good and reliable brand. That is why we suggest for children ages 8-14, the Honda CRF 110F. Not much larger than most bicycles, this bike is also easily transportable. Unlike larger model dirt bikes, this Honda is clutchless but still requires the rider to shift gears. Great for learning the basics of shifting, without the fear of stalling out. 


As your rider grows in both age and experience they are likely to grow out of these bikes, however these are great additions to keep as a second bike for friends and family to use, or they can be sold fairly easily as they retain their value well. 



Once again, this is only a suggested guideline to buying your child their first bike, and may not be the right choice for your family. Please always use the proper safety gear when operating any dirt bike or ATV. We do not recommend leaving your child unattended while riding.