Dirt Bikes For 10-Year-Old Kids
The market for young off-road enthusiasts is growing steadily and is likely to become even more buoyant in the future. This is hardly surprising, as riding on off-road trails and on motocross tracks imparts a lot of confidence in kids which is further responsible in shaping their personality. And most importantly, it strengthens the bond between the kid and the supervising parent. But when your kid turns 10, it is time to actually step up on a slightly bigger bike with higher displacement that delivers more power and torque typical of adult-sized dirt bikes.
However, it is also important to choose the right sized dirt bike for your kid, something that is not too powerful or heavy to ensure the safety of your young one. Moreover, an incorrect size might hurt the experience of your kid which may cause him to drift away from this sport.
In today’s article, we will highlight some of the best dirt bikes for a 10-year-old, including the ones with automatic transmission as well as few economical ones in case you are looking for an inexpensive dirt bike. These bikes are moderately powered thereby allowing a smoother transition from the beginner level dirt bikes to prepare your child for the full-sized motocross category in few years.
So, let’s check them out!
Best Dirt Bikes For 10-Year-Old
Honda CRF110F
Launched in 2013 to replace the mainstream CRF70F model, the Honda CRF110F is aimed specifically at young riders who are about to or have reached the age of 10. A young rider with an approximate height ranging between 1.20 and 1.45 meters and a weight of around 30 to 50 kilograms can easily ride this machine.
In fact, the CRF110F is intended primarily for entry-level riders as well as recreational riders who generally enjoy off-road riding.
When it comes to power, the CRF110F’s modern four-stroke engine has a lot to offer, including an electric starter, something that’s highly appreciated by beginners. While the redesigned frame incorporating full-suspension elements guarantees stable and secure handling at all times.
In terms of styling, it takes its cues from the top-of-the-line motocross model, the iconic CRF450R. And besides its impeccable functionality and reliability, the resemblance to the Honda’s flagship model further enhances its appeal.
Featuring a 50mm bore and 55.6mm stroke, the CRF110F packs 109cc of displacement. The 4-stroke, air-cooled SOHC power unit thereby delivers dynamic riding characteristics and produces 7.17 HP of power and 8.9 NM of torque. This makes CRF110F considerably more responsive which further makes it even more fun to ride.
Its sophisticated suspension system guarantees both comfortable as well as stable off-road handling at all times. Owing to its ample amount of suspension travel (3.9 inches), the 31mm telescopic front fork stands out in terms of damping characteristics. The single-shock rear wheel on the other hand features 3.8 inches of suspension travel.
Added to this is its clutch-less transmission; so now your kid does not have to worry about the clutch any more. This means, there is no chance for stalling either! All your kid has to do is push it in gear and start riding.
Further, you can even set a limit to the top speed by adjusting the throttle limiter. This feature comes handy if your young one is quite aggressive in his style and yet needs some guidance to brush up his skills.
Further, the 4-stroke unit is injected with the requisite air flow by means of an integrated airbox, and this contributes to the engine’s well-balanced combustion behavior coupled with low fuel consumption. Furthermore, a protective plate above the exhaust muffler eliminates any unforeseen accidents.
And thanks to state-of-the-art fuel injection, the engine functions efficiently and is literally maintenance free.
Base Price: 2,499.00 USD
Highlights:
- Curb weight: 76 kilograms
- Seat height: 25.9 inches
- Starting mechanism: Electric start
- Displacement: 109cc
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Transmission: 4-speed with automatic clutch
Kawasaki KLX110R
The Kawasaki KLX110R is a great entry-level bike for a 10-year-old kid who is moving up from a smaller dirt bike like the 50cc or 65cc to further improve his skills. This is because the KLX110R’s frame and chassis are designed using special engineering, allowing them to withstand a significant amount of pounding from fast riders.
It was in 2002 that Kawasaki first started making the KLX 110, and they still continue to make them today as well. In other words, the KLX 110 has been around for quite a while now. And one of the good things about choosing such bike is the availability of spare parts, so finding one won’t be difficult at all!
And if you’re looking to buy a used motorcycle, keep in mind that a major update was done in 2010, in which the entire bike was pretty much overhauled. The new version of KLX 110R includes revamped front plastic fender, airbox, electric start, and the implementation of 4th gear unlike the older versions that had only 3 gears.
Kawasaki also introduced a bigger version to cater the taller riders; the KLX 110 R-L, featuring a taller seat of 28.7 inches and higher ground clearance.
However, do not mistake this increased seat height with the larger tire and rim size, as the 110 R-L actually shares the same tire and rim size (2.50×14 up front & 3.00×12 out back). It is the suspension which makes up the difference: The 110 R-L has about an inch more travel and has a stiffer shock and fork setup (5.5 inches of travel at the front and 5.2 inches of travel at the rear as compared to 4.3 inches of travel on the KLX 110R). As a result, the KLX 110 R-L is also about two inches taller.
So, if your 10-year-old is a tad too big for the 110R, we suggest you consider the R-L model. An added bonus of using this bike is that it is both reliable and reasonably priced. While a brand-new model costs around $2,500, but given their popularity since they’ve been around for a while, you can also find a pre-owned bike on plenty of online platforms.
It features a 112cc 4-speed air-cooled powertrain, which is offered in both 110R and 110R-L models. However, you will be offered a manual multi-disc clutch on the 110R-L, whereas you will get an automatic centrifugal and multi-disc clutch on the 110R. So do take this into consideration while making your decision.
Base Price: 2,499.00 USD
Highlights:
- Curb weight: 76 kilograms
- Seat height: 26.8 inches
- Starting mechanism: Electric / Kick start
- Displacement: 112cc
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Transmission: 4-speed with automatic clutch
Yamaha TT-R110E
The TT-R110E is a mid-level version in Yamaha’s 4-stroke line-up of dirt bikes. It is ideal for those transitioning from a TT-R50E or similar 50cc dirt bikes and is also ideal for novice riders. Featuring an electric starter, low seat height and a relaxed riding position, this dirt bike is simply an excellent companion for any 10-year-old kid.
With its stylish iconic blue color scheme, this bike is very much inspired by the more powerful motocross bikes made by Yamaha.
In fact, this youth bike looks downright trendy, it’s very easy to maneuver, and is exceptionally comfortable. Both the fork and the rear Monocross® suspension feature a long travel, while the wide knobby tires on the front and rear wheels provide good grip.
So, newbies as well as seasoned off-road riders will be pleased with the power delivery of the smooth-running 4-stroke 110cc engine. And thanks to its auto-clutch, the four-speed transmission is extremely easy to use. Further, an ignition key is required for starting, which guarantees additional safety for your kid and a backup kick starter for cold starting.
While working on the TT-R series, the engineers at Yamaha aimed to create a dirt bike that would bring joy not only to young riders but also their parents. Further, they intended to make it user-friendly and durable, while keeping the price of spare parts within reasonable limits. When we compare the popularity of the TT-R110E model with other brands, it becomes clear that Yamaha has achieved its goal.
The design and characteristics of the TT-R110E are quite “adult”, despite it being a scaled-down model for kids. In fact, the design of its steel backbone frame is adopted from the larger models. The electric starter and auto-clutch transmission are a time saver, plus, they ensure that the little rider is focused on more important things!
The suspension units are also standard, the front fork and rear swingarm have long strokes and high service life. Additionally, both the brakes are designed as drum that prevents dirt from interfering with the mechanism, thus making it easy to maintain.
Regardless of which Yamaha dirt bike you pick, you can trust that it is built with the same high standards of quality and safety as any of the brand’s two-wheel line-up. Likewise, the TT-R110E is also engineered for an easy operability, joyful rideability, and hassle-free serviceability.
Base Price: 2,299.00 USD
Highlights:
- Wet weight: 72 kilograms
- Seat height: 26.4 inches
- Starting mechanism: Electric & Kick start
- Displacement: 110cc
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Transmission: 4-speed auto-clutch transmission
Kawasaki KX 100
When kids outgrow a 50cc dirt bike, they often have to jump straight to a full-sized motocross bike. With the Kawasaki KX100, you can make this transition smoother for your kid. Equipped with larger rims and tires (than mini dirt bikes), the KX100 is a versatile bike for young riders, allowing them to focus on technique rather than battling high-powered dirt bikes.
The KX100 is an entry-level, high-performance, race inspired dirt bike with an advanced engine that is more powerful than the existing KX85 model. Incorporating the Kawasaki’s design philosophy of putting mid-level riders at the top of the podium, the KX100 features a more efficient engine.
Further, a 36mm inverted front fork offers 20-way adjustable compression damping and 10.8 inches of travel and a Uni-Trak® rear suspension with 10.8 inches of travel with adjustable compression, rebound and preload for superior performance.
Plus, it is equipped with an adjustable handlebar with six different positions, and an ergonomic bodywork that delivers both comfort as well as high level of maneuverability. As for the braking system, a 220mm petal brake rotor up front and a 184mm petal brake rotor at the rear delivers premium stopping power and is also easy to maintain.
Powered by a 99cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke single-cylinder engine, the KX100 features a good low-end torque, a 28mm Keihin carburetor, Kawasaki Integrated Power-valve System (KIPS), 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels and a 6-speed transmission. The recent model of KX100 also went through a series of changes and the revamped version is also available separately (KX 112), which we will be discussing shortly.
The engine is further mounted inside a perimeter frame made of high-tensile steel. This frame is outfitted with a gas tank specifically designed to lower the center of gravity, which contributes to its improved maneuverability. Besides, its adjustable long-travel suspension (front and rear) helps smooth out even the toughest, bumpiest dirt bike trails.
Despite its small size, the KX100’s powerful 99cc two-stroke engine reminisces the thrilling looks of its larger KX brethren, while preserving the ability to outperform its competitors.
Base Price: 4,649.00 USD
Highlights:
- Curb weight: 77 kilograms
- Seat height: 34.3 inches
- Starting mechanism: Kick start
- Displacement: 99cc
- Engine: 2 Stroke
- Transmission: 6-speed wet multi-disc manual clutch
Kawasaki KX 112
Kawasaki recently released another small displacement cross bike, the KX112, which is based on the KX100, and the transformation is much more than just an upsized displacement.
The new KX112 features a 2-stroke, single-cylinder engine with displacement stepped up to 111cc, making it more race-ready in the small-displacement segment. Apart from the significantly improved engine performance, the KX112 also features a new design to accommodate the physique of wide range of riders, not merely restricting itself to the younger generation who are just stepping into motocross.
Compared to the KX100, the KX112 has undergone significant changes. These include, 111cc 2-stroke single-cylinder engine with increased displacement and more torque at low rpm, improved transmission to complement the increased engine power, redesigned body for a more comfortable ride, and improved airflow for better cooling performance. And the large 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels contribute to the overall seat height and ground clearance.
This increase in displacement from 99 to 112cc was achieved by increasing the piston stroke from 45.8mm to 51.6mm while maintaining the same 52.5mm bore. Furthermore, the engineers improved the low-end performance, which is typically required on any two-stroke engine as they generally perform better only on higher revs. And they were able to literally double the power at low rpm, making the engine more responsive at any rev.
Aside to this, the intake and exhaust pipes were also redesigned to maximize the lower revs.
And because of the redesigned configuration of the piston, the vibrations are significantly reduced. Moreover, the area around the piston ring that comes into contact with the cylinder has been modified to reduce wear and tear. Besides, with the new Dunlop MX33 tires, your kid will benefit from excellent traction, anti-slip grip, impact absorption and rugged durability.
Some other significant features include; rigid and strong perimeter frame with high torsional strength that allows more aggressive riding, a 36mm inverted front fork with high damping performance for fast-paced riding, 20-way adjustable compression damping that can be adjusted to suit the riding style and track conditions, Uni-Trak® rear suspension that is adjustable for compression, rebound and preload, and lastly front and rear petal disc brakes for powerful braking performance.
And just like the KX100, the KX112 also features an adjustable handlebar with 6 different riding positions to suit every riding posture.
Base Price: 5,099.00 USD
Highlights:
- Curb weight: 77 kilograms
- Seat height: 34.3 inches
- Starting mechanism: Kick start
- Displacement: 112cc
- Engine: 2 Stroke
- Transmission: 6-speed wet multi-disc manual clutch
Apollo RFZ START
And finally, a cheaper alternative that gives you the best of both worlds (with some drawbacks of course due to cheap plastic parts).
Introducing the RFZ Start, which was first developed in 2016 using a double beam frame that you find on several dirt bikes today. But following a high demand from the riders, Apollo Motors decided to make a low-profile bike, more appropriate for learning, while maintaining the same RFZ flair.
The revamped Apollo RFZ 110cc pit bike is now equipped with a powerful and efficient air-cooled engine. This is a great advantage as it is not only more economical due to its low maintenance but it also helps you to reach the optimum temperature in the shortest possible time. Its fuel tank has a maximum capacity of 4.7 liters which guarantees long riding hours, adrenaline, and above all new experience.
As for the suspension, there are some great new improvements on this pit bike. It has an inverted 625mm Volt V-One fork up front and a 280mm hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. When combined with its reinforced double central frame (3 engine anchor points), it is able to withstand any kind of terrain and riding style.
Both its 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels mount a 190mm disc brake with a double-piston that ensures both smooth and effective braking. And thanks to its specifications and engine characteristics, this dirt bike offers a seat height of 760mm.
Moreover, the saddle is extremely narrow, which facilitates the handling using the legs. Plus, this saddle can be dismounted in less than a minute by means of a quick-release system located at the top.
And no more flat tires either, as this bike is equipped with a wheel gripper at the rear to lock the inner tube and prevent the valve from breaking.
Base Price: 1,199.00 USD
Highlights:
- Curb weight: 66 kilograms
- Seat height: 30 inches
- Starting mechanism: Kick start
- Displacement: 110cc
- Engine: 4 Stroke
- Transmission: 4-Speed wet multi-disc manual clutch
Bottom line
So, these were some of the best dirt bikes you can get for your 10-year-old kid. The reason we sticked with 110cc displacement bikes is because they are perfect with regards to their weight and seat height. Moreover, any dirt bike that is higher than 110cc displacement would be too much at this age. Likewise, a dirt bike less than 110cc, for instance 65cc, might be too “toy like” not because of the smaller displacement but due to its tiny size. This being said, it is important to keep in mind your kid’s riding capabilities while choosing a dirt bike. In case, you feel that 110cc might be too big in terms of weight and height, you can also check some of the best dirt bikes for 9-year-old that features 85cc segment.
Further reading: Best dirt bike for 11 year old
With this we have come to an end of our dirt bike guide. Hope you were able to shortlist one for your kid. Let us know if you need any further help. Good bye😊
