Dirt bikes are in high demand these days for being adventurous and fun-seeking. They are not only loved by the adults but also the kids. This is the reason many brands are manufacturing mini dirt bikes for little ride lovers. Among them, 50cc dirt bikes have earned prominence for the sake of their incredible suitability. The most common manufacturing brands in this wake are YAMAHA, HONDA, X-Pro, SUZUKI, and KTM. These brands have manufactured the best 50cc dirt bikes are all-in-all in their functions.
In this article, we have addressed the individual characteristics of these 50cc mini dirt bikes of the aforementioned brands that will surely add value to your decision. However, if you are interested in buying an else best 50cc dirt bike for kids, we have exclusively described the buying guidelines for that to have a quick overview of. Keeping in view these considerations, you will never buy a valueless product. Before moving further to this buying guide, let’s spell out the different aspects of our best 50cc dirt bikes.
Buying Guide for best 50cc dirt bikes
For kids, getting a random 50cc bike will not work well because the prime goal of parents is to train their little riders on a dirt bike that is suitable in all aspects including:
- Engine
- Geometry
- Maintenance
- Cost
You may not find perfection in a single bike but maximum efficiency can be found. Have a look at the following details about the essential considerations that you should never overlook for buying the best 50cc dirt bike.
Engine
Nothing is more unfair than to pay no heed to the engine. This factor does not only determine the power and speed but also the life of your bike. In this regard, some vital aspects are worth mentioning that have been extensively described below.
2-stroke & 4-stroke engine:
Despite being a point of contention, we have incorporated their respective characteristics leaving the decision to you.
In the terms of power generation, a 4-stroke engine generates predictable consistent power throughout the rpm range, but a 2-stroke does so in a specific rpm range. This is why the 4-stroke offers more traction regardless of the gear you are in, a strong power can be applied because they need less modulation of throttle and clutch. In contrast, to achieve such traction, 2-stroke requires throttle control, gear shifting, and skillful clutch adjustment.
For racing, 4-strokes are preferred thus the best 50cc dirt bike for racing mostly has a 4-stroke engine.
Regarding terrain, a 2-stroke engine has the ability to easily ride over slow technical terrain or tight sections for being lightweight. On the other hand, a 4-stroke engine bike is heavier and good to ride in open high-speed terrain where more stability is needed. Comparatively, a 2-stroke engine is better for rough terrain on the account of temperature as they will run cooler. However, for open areas both are fine. Briefly discussing; radiators, cavities, and hoses, are used both engines that surround the cylinder wall to carry out the liquid cooling for regulating engine temperature.
Besides, the maintenance or repair of the best 2 stroke 50cc dirt bike is easier than a 4-stroke due to less moving parts. Also, the 2-stroke engine is less costly than the other one. However, unlike 4-stroke, the 2-stroke engine requires fuel mixing which is quite hectic for some riders.
In the wake of environmental protection, the 4-stroke engine is favored as it produces less gaseous emissions to cause air pollution. Being environment friendly, speedy, and better for racing, many brands are shifting their engines to the 4-stroke. However, the usage of 2-stroke is not over. They are still the first choice of many riders for being lightweight and easy to maintain. So, the best 50cc dirt bike for kids can have a 2-stroke as well as 4-stroke as in the above-recommended bikes.
Fuel suitability:
The engines are designed for specific fuel types and can undergo gradual wear and tear otherwise. Generally, the octane fuel above 90 is considered good, especially for 2-stroke that can detonate if lower octanes are used. The fuel requirement is written in the manual, so must check that before fuel filling.
Moreover, a 2-stroke engine usually requires the pre-mixing of oil and gas before filling. If you try to run it over gas only, the consequences can be deterioration over time.
Such mixing is not required in 4-stroke engines and a single fuel is needed only.
Mileage:
This is the distance (in miles) covered by the 50cc dirt bike in a liter or gallon. The efficient engines can cover more distances in a short time and hence need less fuel ultimately saving money. On the other hand, incompetent engines will consume more fuel and eventually more cost over time. On average, the 50cc dirt bikes have a speed of around 30 miles per hour.
Notably, the speed of a 50cc dirt bike also depends on the engine size, weight of the rider & bike, and terrain conditions.
Geometry
Besides, the engine, the subsequent critical factor for the best 50cc dirt bikes is the geometry. This is the thing that determines agility, stability, cutting radius, maneuverability,safety, accommodation, etc. A better geometry can avert accidents and vice versa. Since this is not possible to describe the anatomy of 50cc dirt bikes, we have encompassed the major parameters that can substantially lead to the best selection. Their brief description is given below.
Trail:
This parameter defines stability and agility. The stability exceeds the trail, but agility increases as the trail decreases. The trail depends on the tires, offset, and rake angle.
The rake angle reflects the angle between the steering axis with respect to a vertical line.
The smaller the rake angle is, the lesser is the trail, and vice versa. However, the decrease in offset increases the trail. Regarding, tires, they have a direct relationship with the trail. Thus bigger tires reflect more trail. The summary of the trail is as below.
The Larger rack More Trail More stability
Larger tires More Trail More stability
Larger offset Less Trail More agility
The trail can also be changed by changing front wheel diameter, triple clamp offset, fork bottoms, moving forks, and ride height. It is suggested to not change the trail after buying as it’s not easy to assemble skillfully as well as certain other parameters will also get disturbed that can overall impact the efficiency of the best value 50cc dirt bike.
Wheel Base:
The distance between the point of contact of the front and rear wheel with the ground is referred to as wheelbase. During acceleration, the maximum load is transferred to the rear wheel. Whereas, during braking, the maximum load is transferred to the front wheel. A longer wheelbase means that less load is transferred to the wheels and vice versa. The significance of wheelbase lies in the stability that has a direct relationship with this factor. Following this, the longer wheelbase results in better stability and riding. On the contrary, maneuverability has an inverse relationship such as longer wheelbase decreases this and vice versa. The abstract is;
Longer wheelbase Less Load Transfer More Stability
Shorter Wheelbase More Load Transfer Easier maneuverability
Suspension:
This is essential in terms of absorbing shocks of high jumps and obstacles on rough terrain. With a better suspension, a 50cc bike smoothly passes over the bumps without giving jerks and bounces that eventually keep the stability maintained. For providing suspension, sprung mass is used along with the dumpers to reduce shocks. Consequently, your kid will be able to enjoy better traction.
Road Clearance:
The area between the wheels is kept at an optimum height that prevents the engine from hitting the ground. Especially, you can safely go through the water without damaging the engine if road clearance is good. An appropriate road clearance lowers the center of gravity and ultimately makes the handling easy along with better aerodynamics. Furthermore, a low center of gravity shows that less load is transferred to the wheels ending in high stability. So you can choose the bike either with low road clearance or high road clearance accordingly.
Seat height:
The seat height is what makes the bike easy to ride by your kid. It is suggested to take a ride before purchasing the account of ensuring the ease of sitting as well as touching of feet to the ground. This becomes more significant when the best beginner 50cc dirt bike is required as their first bike.
Tires:
The diameter of the front wheel is kept larger than the rear wheel. However, the thickness of the front wheel is kept lesser than the rear wheel. This is because the rear wheel has to withstand more weight to maintain torsion. Also, the front wheel has to go through the jumps, hurdles, and bumps through which a slim tire can easily pass over.
Besides, diameter and thickness, the material used is the rubber with a knobby structure for successfully gripping over the ground without slipping.
Safety features:
The next important factor is the safety features to ascertain the protection of kids. In this wake, safety brakes and throttle control are used. Prefer a bike in which safety brakes are available in front as well as rear tires because they provide more protection.
About throttle control, this adjusts the acceleration speed. You can limit the speed by this throttle based on your kid’s ability to handle a specific speed. This is a great feature for under-training riders that is incorporated in the best beginner 50cc dirt bike.
Maintenance
Although the maintenance guidelines are mentioned in the manual, herein we have briefly described the major ones.
Among them, the regular inspection of fuel, tightening and loosing of bolts, brake pad checking, replacing of flat tires, and periodic leakage examining are included. Besides, the cleaning of air filters, brake cables, throttle, mufflers, and sprockets. After a muddy ride, it is better to wash the bike thoroughly to maintain its shining and appearance.
Cost
Generally, the best 50cc dirt bike with all the necessary features can be purchased within the range of 1000$-$2000. A few exceptions are always there such as the 50cc bike of the KTM brand is very expensive. If you are a dedicated rider, you can surely consider this, but for beginners, only those bikes are suggested that are the best 50cc dirt bike for the money. Once they get their hands-on on the bikes, you can switch to the expensive one based on your expertise.
Best 50cc Dirt Bike Review
1. YAMAHA PW50 – Best 50cc Dirt Bike for 3 Year Old
Key Features:
- Brand: YAMAHA
- Dimensions: 49” (L) x 24” (W) x 27.8” (H)
- Seat height: 18.7 inches
- Weight: 90 lbs
- Suitable for: 4-6 years old kids
- Engine: 2-stroke 49cc air cooled engine
- Fuel capacity: 0.5 US Gallon
- Brakes: Front/rear drum brakes
This PW50 dirt bike has got acclaim due to its versatile features. This bike is recognized as the smallest and the best 50cc dirt bike for kids among all the mini dirt bikes. This has been designed for kids within the range of 4-6. Nonetheless, it is remarked as the best 50cc dirt bike for 3 years old too.
Its seat height is app. 19 inches which shows the flexibility of accommodation.
Regarding performance, it has a 2-stroke 49cc engine that is air-cooled and can provide the best ride on the rough terrain as well. Luckily, there is no pre-mixing required because separate tanks are available for fuel and oil. As 50cc dirt bikes tend to be used by beginners, so for a better experience this bike has an automatic gearbox, reducing the effort of changing gears. There is no clutch rather it has an automatic clutch. So, in a fully automatic transmission, there is no gear shift pedal.
Being the best beginner 50cc dirt bike, the safety features of this bike are also good. There is a throttle stop screw available to let the parents limit speed. For brakes, the drum brakes are provided in front and rear tires.
The maintenance is straightforward as no periodic tightening and spoke replacement is needed.
2. HONDA CRF50F – Best 50cc Dirt Bike for 5 Year Old
Key Features:
- Brand: HONDA
- Dimensions: 51.3” (L) x 22.9” (W) x 30.5” (H)
- Weight capacity: 88 lbs
- Suitable for: Above 5 years old
- Engine: 2-stroke 49cc air-cooled engine
- Fuel capacity: 0.69 US Gallon
- Ground clearance: 5.8 inches
- Brakes: Front/rear brakes
Honda CRF50F has high endurance and durability as the brand is known for its quality. This mini dirt bike has been designed for kids but is used by adults as well because its seat height is taller. Ideally, this is the best 50cc dirt bike for 5-year-old
About power, it has a 4-stroke 49cc engine that is very efficient in providing high power. The automatic clutch function reduces the need for shifting gears which is a considerable function in regards to kid’s rideability.
For safety, throttle control is available for preventing risk. With the three-speed transmitter, you can limit the speed very well. Following the safety features, the key-ignition has been opted to avoid unsupervised rides. To ride through muddy conditions, the secure footing is ensured by cleated and foldable footpegs in this best 50cc dirt bike for kids. Moreover, the brakes also work well in front as well as rear tires.
The maintenance of this dirt bike is also easy. You need to be careful of cleaning the air filter, changing oil, and driving the chain.
3. X-PRO – Best 50cc Dirt Bike on Amazon
Key Features:
- Brand: X-PRO
- Dimensions: 48.8” (L) x 22.8” (W) x 29.9” (H)
- Seat height: 22.4 inches
- Weight capacity: 132 lbs
- Suitable for: kids
- Engine: 2-stroke 50cc air cooled engine
- Brakes: Front/rear disc brakes
The X-Pro 50cc dirt bike is the best 2 stroke 50cc dirt bike. With a seat height of 22.4”, a kid can sit flat-footed. Its geometry and frame have been designed accurately and precisely for the sake of firmness and stability.
The engine features include a 2-stroke 50cc engine that has a high torque. Like other dirt bikes, a liquid cooling system is also available in its engine. Besides, pre-mixing of gasoline and engine oil in the ratio of 20:1 or 25:1 is required for fueling the engine. The engine enables a top speed of 25miles /hr. However, this speed is also affected by the terrain and weight of the rider. The bike has a pull start and chain transmission. The rear suspension gives full control to the rider while passing over a bump.
Being the best 50cc dirt bike on amazon, its safety features are also significant. For this purpose, throttle control is made for limiting the speed and front/rear safety brakes are provided for the best control of speed.
Some accessories such as goggles, gloves, and masks are included.
4. KTM 50 SX – Best 50cc Dirt Bike for Racing
Key Features:
- Brand: KTM
- Seat height: 26 inches
- Weight: 91.5 lbs (41.5 kg)
- Engine: 2-stroke 49cc engine, air cooled engine
- Brakes: Front/rear disc brakes
Undoubtedly, this is the best 50cc dirt bike for racing with a lot of bigger dirt bikes features. This bike is more suitable for larger kids rather than teenagers who have some expertise thus taken into account as the best 50cc dirt bike for adults. However, the weight can be handled by the Youngers in a stable ride.
Regarding functionality, this 2-stroke 49cc engine dirt bike has a high-quality cylinder along with a liquid cooling system. The performance is upgraded with a three-shaft design by keeping the crankshaft close to the unit’s center of gravity which results in better handling. It has a centrifugal multidisc automatic clutch to provide manageable acceleration.
For user’s convenience, the frame is made with durable and light-weight Chromoly, the handlebars with Aluminium alloy, knobby tires for better traction, and a gripper seat for easy removal without any tools.
Moreover, an adjustable air fork is also provided to tune according to the rider’s need by using a fork pump for adding or reducing the air pressure level. Besides, the front and rear suspension also add value on account of impact reduction.
The wave-disc hydraulic brake system is fairly efficient that is also easy to maintain due to its self-cleaning ability. A limiting factor to purchasing this bike is that it is not reflected as the best 50cc dirt bike for the money.
5. SUZUKI DR-Z50 – Best 50cc Dirt Bike for Kids
Key Features:
- Brand: SUZUKI
- Dimensions: 52” (L) x 22.8” (W) x 31.1” (H) inches
- Seat height: 22 inches
- Weight: 119 lbs
- Suitable Age: Above 7
- Engine: 4-stroke 49cc, air cooled engine
- Ground Clearance: 5.3 inches
- Brakes: Front/rear drum brakes
Following the best 50cc dirt bikes for kids, the SUZUKI DR-Z50 is also all-in-all in its features. This bike is recommended to be used by 7-years old kids and above thus can be used by teenagers also. Therefore, this is deemed as the best 50cc dirt bike for adults. The wet weight (119lb) of this bike can be carried out easily by the riders if fallen.
As far as the power plant is concerned, it is a 4-stroke 49cc engine bike with a smooth powerband for consistent acceleration. Well, this is the specialty of a 4-stroke engine to provide smooth power even without shifting the gears. This dirt bike also has a high torque to deliver whenever needed during the ride.
The safety features include kick start as well as an electrical start that is very convenient, giving ease to push the button and let you go. The speed controller (throttle control) is also available for speed safety. The pace can be controlled by a three-speed transmitter.
The engine complies with EPA emissions and California red sticker.
In the transmission features, an adequate suspension provision effectually absorbs shock and reduces bouncing. The power is transmitted through three-speed transmission by an automatic clutch.
Moreover, the road clearance of 5.3” provides stability and prevents engine damage.
The safety information includes the provision of front and rear drum brakes.
Conclusion
All the above-discussed bikes are versatile and have radical features. However, your selection may vary owing to age, expertise, and cost. If you are looking for the smallest bike for your toddler, the Yamaha PW50 is the best option to go with.
However, if age does not bound you, you can choose Honda CRF50F or Suzuki DR-Z50 which are good for up to or above 7 years old under-training kids. Once they get enough riding experience, you can shift to the KTM 50 SX, which is a powerful racing bike and often does not work well for un-trained kids. This is also suggested only for those who can spend money on this expensive bike. However, in the wake of cost, the X-pro 50cc dirt bike is highly economical.
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