The Top 5 Best 50cc Dirt Bikes
The 50cc dirt bikes are the smallest gas-powered motorcycles in the market. When it comes to these dirt bikes, safety and reliability are top priorities for young riders.
The section below breaks down the best 50cc dirt bike, including their features, specs, pros, and cons. Remember that the bike you choose depends on the kid’s level of experience, age, and height.
Table of Contents
The Top 5 Best 50cc Dirt Bikes Are..
1. Honda CRF50F – Best Overall
Image Credits Honda
The Honda CRF50F is ideal for 5 and 6-year-olds who are new to riding and thinking of buying their first dirt bike. This dirt bike has everything needed for a smooth power and dependable ride. It features a tough bodywork with a plastic tank and fenders projected to shrug off scrapes and dings.
Its power plant is its 4-stroke 50cc engine and 3-speed semi-automatic transmission. There is a throttle limiter to help you adjust the top speeds with a simple turn of a screw. You can use this feature to control the throttle and improve your kid’s safety.
We pick the Honda CRF50F as our best 50cc dirt bike as it has similar controls to an adult bike. It makes it easy for your kid to progress to larger bikes as they grow. The dirt bike is also super reliable and pretty easy to maintain.
Important Features
Sturdily built: This dirt bike has a strong steel frame to handle the dings and bumps of off-road riding. It is good for novice riders who are hard on equipment.
Safe to ride: The dirt bike has a keyed ignition with a removable key. It ensures young riders can not drive without adult supervision.
Beginner-friendly: It is ideal for learning to shift, as it has no clutch lever to master. Its smooth transmission offers three gear ratios, thus perfect for new riders.
Limits speed: Match the power output to the rider’s skill level with the adjustable throttle limiter. This limits top speed and keeps new riders from riding too fast.
Specifications:
Transmission: 3-speed with auto clutch
Engine type: 50cc, 4-stroke, Air-cooled, Single-cylinder
Curb weight: 111 lbs (Includes full tank of fuel, required fluids, and all standard equipment—ready to ride)
Ground clearance: 6.0”
Seat height: 21.6”
Tank capacity: 0.7 gallons with a 0.2-gallon reserve
Wheelbase: 36.0”
Pros
Cons
VERDICT: With its 3 gears and no clutch, the CRF50F gives your kid room to grow with speed. Its engine is dependable, requires minimal maintenance, and doesn’t stall when the dirt bike comes to a complete stop.
2. KTM 50 SX - Best Motocross Racing Dirt Bike for Kids
Image Credits: KTM 50 SX
The KTM 50 SX is a “ready to race bike” motocross dirt bike designed with top-quality components. This dirt bike has black anodized aluminum rims that are lightweight and wrapped in MAXXIS MX-ST tires. The strong tires will provide the highest durability and unmatched traction on any surface.
The dirt bike has a strong chrome steel frame with optimum torsional rigidity and longitudinal stiffness. It guarantees outstanding stability, easy handling and precise cornering at any speed.
On top of that, it has lightweight wave disc brakes on the front and rear hydraulic brakes to make the dirt bike easy to handle. The easy handling helps with correct brake control and gradually builds your kid’s confidence. You can even adjust the bike’s acceleration to the safest speed when necessary.
Important Features
Manageable acceleration: It features a centrifugal multi disc brakes (automatic clutch). The clutch is adjustable to the specific requirements of the rider. Adjusting the clutch also requires no special tools.
Power reduction: KTM 50 SX comes with a power reduction kit from the PowerParts program. This kit helps in reducing engine power for absolute beginners.
Remarkable reliability: The dirt bike has large radiators that provide reliable heat dissipation.
Smooth power: Its exhaust system is specially modelled to ensure smooth power delivery. It also provides an optimal output over the entire rev range.
Maximum performance: The engine features a reed intake system, exhaust, and high-performance cylinder. Both are specially arranged for optimal performance.
Specifications:
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Engine type: 1-cylinder, 2-stroke
Curb weight: 91.49184 lbs (without fuel)
Ground clearance: 9.9”
Seat height: 26.2”
Tank capacity: 0.61 gallon
Wheelbase: 40.6”
Pros
Cons
VERDICT: The KTM 50 SX is a reliable and highly competitive 50 cc class that is lightweight to enable easy handling and precise cornering. The company makes a lot of effort to ensure your kid feels safe and comfortable on the dirt bike.
3. Yamaha TTR50E – Best Ignition System
Image Credits: Yamaha
TTR50 comes with a 4-stroke engine and a 3-speed automatic transmission. It has a digital key-type ignition switch that makes accessibility easy for riders with low riding skills. The ignition system will deliver a hot, reliable spark and requires minimum maintenance.
The TTR50 dirt bike has a throttle stop screw that allows you to restrict the top speeds as your child learns to ride. It will deliver a crisp, dependable throttle response and provide great handling. There is also a USFS spark arrestor on the exhaust system to keep riders safe, especially in areas with a lot of debris.
Important Features
Easy handling: The dirt bike has a conventional fork and motocross back suspensions. The duo provides better handling.
Safe to ride: It has a large chain cover that offers maximum protection with minimal maintenance.
Sturdy built: TTR50 has a curved steel backbone frame that keeps it narrow. The three engine-mounting points also provide superb rigidity.
Reliable engine: The air-cooled SOHC engine offers reliable power convenient for smaller beginners.
Specifications:
Transmission: 3-speed, automatic clutch
Engine type: Air cooled, SOHC, 2 valves, 4-stroke
Curb weight: 128 lbs
Ground clearance: 5.3”
Seat height: 21.9”
Tank capacity: 0.8 gallons
Wheelbase: 36.4”
Pros
Cons
VERDICT: Yamaha TTR50E may offer top speed, but it also has a kill switch that can turn it off at any instance. This modification makes it very safe and secure for junior riders.
4. Yamaha PW50 – Best for Developing Riding Skills
Image Credits: YAMAHA
Yamaha PW50 has an amiable design with an enclosed shaft drive that reduces maintenance. It has an automatic gearbox for a simple “twist-and-go” performance. This makes it easier for beginner riders to develop their riding skills.
The front and back fenders and the side panels are finished in racing blue to give the mini dirt bike a sporty image. Also, the handlebar layout looks like those of a bicycle, which is very suitable for beginners.
This dirt bike is low maintenance, and the wheels do not need constant spoke tightening or replacement. It is also compatible with aftermarket training wheels for improved safety.
Important Features
Advanced exhaust system: Its exhaust pipe is close to the engine for extra ground clearance.
Separate oil tanks: The dirt bike has a separate oil tank behind the front plate that carries a lubricant to minimize maintenance. The tank is also see-through to ensure you can easily keep an eye on the oil.
Lightweight: The motorcycle has a polypropylene bodywork that combines strength with low weight.
Excellent performance: The engine is smooth and responsive with a rider-friendly fully-automatic gearbox. Also, there is a simple throttle limiter that adjusts the speed to match the rider’s skills.
Specifications:
Transmission: 6-speed automatic.
Engine type: Single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine.
Curb weight: 82 lbs
Ground clearance: 3.7”
Seat height: 19.1”
Tank capacity: 0.5 gallon
Wheelbase: 33.7”
Pros
Cons
VERDICT: The Yamaha PW50 ensures kids can easily learn and develop their riding skills as they grow. It has a rider-friendly design and provides very smooth and predictable power.
5. Suzuki DR-Z50 – Best Beginner Dirt Bike for Kids
Image Credits: Suzuki
Suzuki DR-Z50 is a mini-bike powered by a 4-stroke engine that provides smooth power, controllable by a throttle limiter. The engine also offers sufficient torque to deliver your kid the right thrills.
It has advanced suspensions that absorb shock and ensure the junior riders are not bounced around when riding. The brake system is efficient and has adjustable front disc brake levers to accommodate different hand sizes.
Generally, this dirt bike is an ideal way to introduce kids to riding. It has an automatic clutch, electric starting, and a low seat that inspires and builds confidence for the young. It is also strong and durable, thanks to its sturdy-built design.
Important Features
Controlled power: An adjustable throttle limiter lets you control the engine output to suit your kid’s ability.
Lightweight and durable: This dirt bike has a lightweight swingarm and steel frames. It uses these to tackle various riding conditions.
Convenience: Riders can start the DR-Z50 with a kick-start or simply push the electric start button.
Safe and secure: The bike has a keyed ignition that provides security, so the engine can not run unless an adult switches it on.
Smooth power: Beginners can learn key-shifting with its 3-speed transmission and automatic clutch.
Specifications:
Transmission: Constant mesh, 3-speed
Engine type: Air-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, Single cylinder
Curb weight: 119 lbs
Ground clearance: 5.3”
Seat height: 22.0”
Tank capacity: 0.8 gallon
Pros
Cons
VERDICT: The DR-Z50 combines quality gear with a reliable engine, delivering controllable performance. The dirt bike is perfectly sized, and you can equip it with training wheels for maximum safety.
The Best 50cc Dirt Bikes Buying Guide
Before buying a 50cc dirt bike, it might be necessary to understand what some of the main specifications mean for you. To that end, this buying guide highlights the key features that will guide your decision-making process and help you get the best dirt bike for your little biker.
Terrain
The terrain your kid will be riding their bike on is a major factor when choosing the type of dirt bike to buy for them. Generally, there are four kinds of dirt bikes depending on the riding terrain. They include motocross, trails, enduro (dual-sport), and trials. However, when buying a 50cc dirt bike for your kid, the MX and trail bikes will be your primary consideration.
Trail bikes typically have lower specs than MX bikes and therefore cost less. They also have a softer suspension that makes them comfortable for long rides and is generally easy for beginners to ride.
On the other hand, motocross bikes are better suited for advanced riders as they are faster, more lightweight, and have a stiffer suspension. They also feature a higher seat height than trail bikes which makes them better for more experienced kids.
Motor: 2-Stroke Vs 4-Stroke
50cc dirt bikes come with either a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine, depending on the brand. Air-cooled 2-stroke engines are typically more lightweight and have more horsepower than 4-stroke engines. It makes them more ideal for motocross racing and 4-stroke bikes for trail riding.
While they might be more challenging to control due to the frequent gear shifting, 50cc dirt bikes for kids such as the KTM 50 SX Mini and the Yamaha PW50 come with fully automatic transmissions.
The 2-stroke dirt bikes also have a less complicated engine than the 4-stroke models and are more efficient and cheaper to replace. However, they also require more frequent maintenance and are louder than 4-stroke dirt bikes.
On the other hand, 4-stroke motorcycle engines are more complex as they have more moving parts than 2-stroke engines. Generally, a 4-stroke engine executes two crankshaft revolutions to achieve one engine cycle, unlike a 2-stroke engine that performs one.
While it might be less efficient than the 2-stroke, the 4-stroke type delivers a steadier power output for a smoother ride. It makes them more suitable for beginners and for navigating dirt trails as the bikes require less effort to control.
Transmission
The best 50cc dirt bikes are generally made for young riders and typically feature a semi-automatic transmission or a fully automatic gearbox.
While mini dirt bikes such as the Yamaha TT-R50E and the Honda CRF50F feature a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission that makes it easier to navigate through uneven trails, the Yamaha PW50 comes with a fully automatic transmission. On the other hand, the KTM 50 SX Mini features a single-speed gearbox that allows your young rider to concentrate on handling the bike at cruise speed and is easier for kids transitioning to motocross racing.
50cc electric dirt bike for kids also come with a Kickstarter or an electric start. The Yamaha TT-R50E features an e-start which allows your kid to start without the help of an adult. Additionally, it is more convenient for trail riding where you might need to start your bike in the middle of a hill. However, most of the 50cc dirt bikes come with Kickstarter, which is a manual process, and many kids will need adult assistance to use it.
Suspension
Generally, trail 50cc dirt bikes use non-adjustable suspension systems and have low ground clearance, unlike MX bikes that feature adjustable upside-down forks. USD forks have better responsiveness to sudden changes in maneuvering the bike, unlike conventional forks.
Furthermore, the adjustability feature allows you to change the seat and handlebar height for customization. On the flip side, the adjustments may also alter handling performance and braking stability when riding at high speed.
Maintenance
The best 50cc dirt bikes are typically easy to maintain and only require regular check-ups to keep them in top condition. Additionally, it is essential to care for the bike after every ride by cleaning to prevent wear and oiling the parts to prevent corrosion. We also recommend removing the starter battery and hooking it up with a trickle charger to prevent it from degrading.
FAQs
What is the best 50cc dirt bike for kids?
Factors such as budget, age, and skill level will determine the best 50cc dirt bike for your kid. The Yamaha PW50 is an excellent option for young 4-year olds, while the TT-R50E, Honda CRF50F, and Suzuki DR-Z50 are suitable for older riders. On the other hand, the KTM 50 SX Mini is ideal for advanced riders keen on motocross racing.
What is the fastest 50cc dirt bike?
The maximum speed you can expect from a trail mini dirt bike is between 25mph and 40mph and up to 45mph for motocross. However, trail dirt bikes typically come with built-in throttle limiters, while speed kits are sold separately for motocross.
How safe is a 50cc dirt bike?
While riding motorcycles does come with some risks, 50cc dirt bikes come with features that make them safe for young kids to handle. They include heat shields on the engine and exhaust, speed limiters to adjust the maximum speed, and training wheels to build confidence as they learn to ride.
How much does a 50cc dirt bike cost?
The cost of a 50cc dirt bike depends on the brand and its features. The trail dirt bikes on this list range between $1,600 - $1,800, while motocross bikes are typically more expensive, with the most affordable going for at least $3,800.
Final Thoughts
While all the dirt bikes reviewed above are excellent options, your final choice depends on the rider's needs. However, we consider the Suzuki DR-Z50 as the best 50cc dirt bike for both new and experienced dirt bike riders, and it delivers reliable performance and long service life.
