The bicycle is the first freedom machine most of us experienced, but you never look at life the same after your first motorcycle. Whether it was an XR50, a YZ80 or the classic Trail 70, we put these machines through the ringer, likening ourselves to Jeremy McGrath, Bob ‘Hurricane’ Hannah and Evel Knievel. The turf in the backyard was never the same, and our cherished first kids motorcycles endured all the broken levers, tank dents and wrinkled fenders that came with testing your limits on two wheels.
Most of those old relics are gone now, and for many of us, it’s time to pass that enthusiasm down to the next generation—hopefully with a little less daredevil activity. Thankfully, there are loads of options out there for getting kids off the couch and in the saddle, with a whole lot more safety and parental control. Consider your child’s size and riding aptitude, and your budget as well, but any one of these five machines is sure to ignite a passion for two wheels.
Yamaha PW50 The everpresent Yamaha PW50 has served as the first mount for countless riders over its four decades in production. While it’s hardly changed since its inception in 1980, there are still plenty of reasons to consider the PW for the youngest of riders, even if you’re not loyal to Team Blue.
Yamaha’s PW50 is based on old-school architecture, consisting of a steel backbone frame, drum brakes, twin rear shocks and a telescopic fork—each returning around 2” of travel. The powerplant is still two-stroke, a 49 cc reed-induction single that will return around 3 hp for years to come. Equipped with maintenance-free mag wheels and a driveshaft, there’s no need to tighten spokes or service a chain, and the auto-lube system means no premixing, as long as you remember to fill the oil reservoir.
The PW50 scores big points in packaging as well, as it’s one of the most accessible bikes for beginners aged roughly 3 to 7. It’s lightweight at just 90 pounds, and the seat sits just 18.7” off the ground. The PW is also fit with a centrifugal automatic transmission, so there’s no clutch or gearshift to worry about—just twist the throttle and go. Like many other bikes in the segment, an adjustable throttle stop helps keep parents in control of speed progression.
For absolute beginners, the Yamaha PW50 is one of the easiest bikes to learn on and it’s relatively maintenance free. If you want to split hairs, the PW is pretty expensive for what it is, considering it’s only $100 cheaper than the CRF50 at $1,699. [Yamaha]
Honda CRF50F Building on decades of mini-moto excellence, the Honda CRF50F has earned its place as the standard for youth motorcycles. Priced right and built to last, the CRF50F is a capable machine that kids can grow into, as long as they can keep the grown-ups out of the saddle; remember this bike almost singlehandedly built the 50 cc pit bike scene.
Honda’s 50 cc formula hasn’t changed in years, even since the XR days, but I’m convinced there’s nothing that needs fixing. The SOHC 50 cc air-cooled four-stroke makes just over 3 hp, and it’s hooked up to a three-speed transmission with an automatic clutch. That’s a small step up in complexity over the PW50, and will require a lesson on gear shifting, but the auto-clutch means you’ll never have to worry about stalling.
Most other features on the CRF are pretty standard, including 10-inch spoked wheels, drum brakes, chain drive and an adjustable throttle stop. Suspension travel is a step up at around 3” of travel, courtesy of an inverted fork and rear monoshock.
The CRF50F weighs in at 111 pounds, and the seat sits at 21.6,” making it an ideal fit for riders 4 to 9 years old. Any rider who can get a rough idea of how the shifter works can ride the CRF, thanks to the numerous training wheel kits on the market. The concept of shifting gears is a hurdle, but it’s an aspect that gives bikes like the CRF staying power. It’s hard to mess it up while you’re learning, and improving your shifting game will keep the bike fun until you’re ready for a 110.
There’s nothing especially unique about Honda’s CRF in the 50 cc youth segment, but the MSRP is certainly a huge bonus. Priced at $1,799, the CRF50F is $780 cheaper than the Suzuki DR-Z50, but the Suzuki does have electric start. I guess you have to pick your battles. [Honda]
KTM 50 SX MINI Better equipped for the track than cruising trails on the back 40, the KTM 50 SX MINI is somewhat of a fringe fit for this list. But for every 10 parents that buy a bike for their kids to tool around on, there’s certainly one that has visions of podiums, and that’s what the KTM 50 SX was built for.
The 50 SX MINI takes all the race-caliber features of KTM’s 50 SX and crams ’em into an even smaller package. The frame is chromoly steel, you’ve got a reed-induction, liquid-cooled 49 cc two-stroke with an expansion chamber and real-deal WP XACT suspension—returning nearly 6” of travel in the rear and 4” in the front. Like its big brothers, the 10-inch wheels have black anodized aluminum rims, disc brakes and MAXXIS MX-ST tires.
In most every way, the 50 SX MINI is more of a miniature KTM motocrosser than a child’s plaything, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a blast to ride. The bike uses a muti-disc, automatic clutch, so it’s a simple twist the throttle and go sort of affair, and the clutch can be easily adjusted to the track and rider using a tool-free clicker system. A power reduction kit is also available over the counter for improving safety when they’re learning the ropes.
While it’s certainly the stuff of childhood dreams, the KTM 50 SX MINI is really a purpose-built track machine. It’s more high-strung, kick-start only and that big hot expansion chamber should encourage parents to supervise riding closely. It’s also quite expensive at $4,199, which is a bitter pill, even if they receive top honors on Santa’s Nice list. [KTM, Fotografie Mitterbauer, Markus Berger]
STACYC Electric Stability Cycles From fueling up to changing oil and cleaning carburetors, there’s no denying that the operation and maintenance of a conventional motorcycle isn’t for everyone. Even most diehard ICE loyalists can imagine a scenario where they’d rather snap a fresh battery in and let the kids play, and bikes like the STACYC 12eDrive help establish the basics at a younger age.
STACYC Electric Stability Cycles are some of the most popular electric strider bikes, and their low-slung frames and lightweight construction make graduating from Flintstoning it to twisting the throttle a breeze. The 12eDrive is STACYC’s most accessible option for ages 3 to 5, with a seat height of 13,” and weighing just 17 pounds ready to ride. The 20 Volt, 2 Ah Lithium-ion battery allows for 30 to 60 minutes of riding on a charge, and the bike has three different power modes permitting top speeds of 5, 7 and 9 mph.
STACYC has several different models to choose from, and the top-dog 20eDrive model is fit with a MANITOU front fork, hydraulic discs and is capable of 20 mph. If you’re close to a BMX track, there are youth classes where bikes like the 12eDrive and 16eDrive can race, and STACYC will cover your USA BMX membership for the first year.
The explosion of the E-bike scene in recent years has caused all of us to rethink the definition of a motorcycle. Really, if they were supposed to be internal combustion only, wouldn’t it be an enginecycle? That’s a really terrible pun.
SSR SX50-A Even if you stay away from exotic offerings like the KTM 50 SX, there’s no denying that a motorcycle is one of the priciest things a kid could ask for. Thankfully, there are alternatives to the big names, and the SSR SX50-A is one of the most affordable options out there. Having put an SSR 125 pit bike through a significant amount of abuse, I can tell you that these machines are actually pretty good considering the price point.
Priced at just $569, you know the SX50-A is a pretty basic motorcycle, but there are a few pleasant surprises on the spec sheet. It’s powered by a carbureted 50.53 cc air-cooled two-stroke, and engine output is competitive at 2.4 hp. The transmission is fully automatic, there’s an adjustable throttle stop and the bike is a featherweight at just 48.5 pounds. We also appreciate that the SSR is fit with a tether switch to shut the engine off in the event of a crash.
Considering the hard use a youth motorcycle sees, affordable bikes like the SSR SX50 are worth a look. While they’ve come a long way in recent years, I’d make sure there’s someone mechanically inclined in the family to take care of the occasional loose fasteners. [SSR Motorsports]
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What do many top motocross and supercross racers have in common? Riding a Yamaha PW50.
This Yamaha 50cc motorcycle first entered the world in 1981. At that time, it had a different name, YZinger. Since then, Yamaha has sold more than 380,000 units of this 2-stroke trail bike all over the world. It has been so successful that there haven’t been major changes to the design.
Today, Yamaha PW50 goes for $1,699 brand new. It’s still a popular bike with parents and new young riders. The main reason is its low seat and other beginner-friendly features we’ll talk about below. This bike is perfect for kids in the age range of 4 to 6. Some parents have also put kids as young as 3 years old on the PW50.
There’s no difference between the 2023 Yamaha PW50 and from 2022 model for the price, features, and styles. It competes with other brand models such as the Honda CRF50 and Suzuki DRZ50. But PeeWee wins people over with how easy it is to ride and maintain. True to Yamaha’s original goal, it has gotten many kids into dirt riding quickly.
“I started riding on a PW50.”
Chad Reed, multi-time motocross champion, via 2016 MotoSport interview
These top features make the Yamaha Peewee 50 reputation for being a great learner bike:
Here are the specifications of features for this PW dirt bike:
PW 50 Engine & TransmissionEngine49cc, 2-stroke, Air-cooled, Single cylinder, SOHCTransmission2-speed automatic, wet centrifugal ClutchAutomatic clutch (no clutch)Final driveShaft drive (no chain)Power reductionAdjustable throttle stop screw PW50 Starter & Gas CapacityKey ignitionNoStarterKick starter onlyFuel capacity0.5 US Gallon (1.89 Liters)PW50 Suspension, Brakes & TiresSuspension, frontTelescopic forkSuspension, rearDual shocksBrakes, frontDrum brakeBrakes, rearDrum brakeTires, front2.50 -10 4PRTires, rear2.50 -10 4PR PW50 Dimensions/WeightInches/PoundsMillimeters/KilogramsSeat Height18.7 inches475 mmGround clearance3.7 inches94 mmWeight90 pounds40.8 kgOverall length49.0 inches1245 mmOverall width24.0 inches610 mmOverall height27.8 inches706 mm PW50 Price & WarrantyPrice$1,699 (USD)Warranty90 days limited factory warrantyExtended WarrantyDealers may offer extended warranty“I started at 5 years old. My dad was a big motocross fan, and we’ve been to a local motocross race…. So after that I asked my parents a bike all day long, and I had to wait until Christmas to get a PW50.”
Khoun-Sith Vongsana, French supermoto rider, via a 2020 Gatedrop.com interview
Curious about how the PW50 performs? Continue reading for a full review, from looks to resale value.
When it first came out in the 80s, this bike was a bright yellow motorcycle disguised as a toy. The PeeWee was manageable and friendly in name and looks.
Today, it still makes the same impression, except in Yamaha’s trademark blue. And it still puts both riders and their parents at ease, which makes fear and worry less of an issue.
The overall character of this Yamaha 50’s engine is smooth. It has just enough power and pulls to make things exciting for your kid. The engine does this by producing 2.6 pound-feet of torque.
Safe features are important for young riders at the beginning. And there are great ones in the PW 50. The throttle stop screw allows you to control the bike’s max speed.
This is useful at the beginning, where there is more danger of going too fast. With the throttle limiter, your kid can learn how to control the throttle safely.
The bike has no electric start. Instead, it has a kickstarter on the left side of the bike. Since kick starting is hard at the beginning, your permission becomes important when it comes to riding.
The 18.7-inch seat height and low bike weight also give your kid confidence while figuring out the balance.
Even before the first pwee 50 came off the production line, Yamaha wanted this dirt bike to be easy to maintain. The wheels are mag-style instead of spoked, so there’s no need to worry about wheel tension. And with mag wheels, you also get a lighter bike.
The teeny Yamaha’s shaft drive knocks another chore off your checklist. It lasts much longer than a chain and is very low maintenance.
Yet another advantage of this bike is parts that fit well across model years. Because the PW50 specs haven’t changed much over the years, you can buy parts for a new model and fit it on another model that’s 15 years old.
The PW50 boils riding down to the basics and makes these four things easy to do:
How? The bike is only 90 pounds with a full tank. So, a child won’t struggle to hold it up. The seat is a low 18.7 inches, which makes sure the rider can reach the ground with both feet. And if balance is a problem, training wheels are available.
Another great riding feature is the fully automatic two-speed transmission. There’s no shifting necessary. Your kid only needs to twist the throttle to go.
This way they can just focus on staying balanced and controlling the speed of their PW50 dirt bike. For more on top speeds, you can read our other post on How fast is a 50cc Dirt Bike.
The controls are also best for beginners. The layout is clear, and there are no foot controls. The left lever controls the rear brake, and the right one controls the front brake. Adding to the easy ride is the soft suspension. It has two inches of travel that soaks up rough dirt surfaces.
The Yamaha Pewee 50 was engineered to be as simple and convenient as possible. It has an oil injector, which skips premixing fuel. It’s fitted with durable plastics that won’t shatter in a fall. And its 2-stroke engine delivers power in a tamed way. It feels lively, but not out-of-control.
Its bigger brother the TTR50, Honda 50cc Dirt bike – CRF50, and Suzuki’s DRZ50 are the main challengers to its continued popularity. The PW50 is still hard to beat when you look at its overall package. It’s lighter than the other three by 20 to 36 pounds. It has the lowest seat, and it’s the only one that doesn’t need shifting.
There are some cons to the Pee Wee 50 though. Because the controls’ layout is different from the other three, it might take your kid longer to adjust to a bigger bike. The wheels, while easy to maintain, aren’t as tough as spoked wheels. Spoked wheels handle bumps and jump better than mag-style wheels, even if they need to be checked more often.
This Yamaha 50cc holds its resale value well because it’s popular. It sells out quickly at dealerships and sometimes has a waiting list.
This is great news if you want to sell this Yamaha mini dirt bike after a few years. It means you’ve got a potential group of buyers always eager to score one. Based on the Kelley Blue Book, 2020 and newer models can be traded in at dealerships for around $845. Dealerships can sell that same range of models around 1,330.
Want your kid to build their confidence fast and have an easy time learning? Get this Yamaha 50 cc. It’s a great bike for very young and small beginner riders. It’s light, has a low seat, and comes with a fully automatic transmission.
Since it’s a go-to model for youth dirt riding, the PW50 has plenty of OEM and aftermarket parts. It’s also easy to maintain and cheap to repair if something breaks. It’s no surprise, Yamaha PW50 is one of the top picks for Best 50cc Dirt Bike.
Don’t expect to keep it in use for several years. The same features that make it an ideal learner bike also shorten the time your kid can use it. Once your kid can balance or control the bike easily, it’s probably time for an upgrade. The good thing? You won’t have a hard time selling it.
Here’s a helpful link to the 2023 Yamaha PW50 on Yamaha’s website.
The Yamaha PW50 bike is best for 4-6 years old kids. Some parents put their kids on this bike as early as 3 years old.
The mini dirt bike costs $1,699 new and can be bought in good used condition for about $1,330 (2020 model).
This tiny Yamaha can hold as much as 55 pounds (25 kilos).
It can reach a top speed of 30 mph (48 kph).
The Pwee 50 has a seat that’s 18.7 inches tall.
Yes, there are several aftermarket options from other companies, and you can mount dirt bike training wheels under the foot pegs or under the frame. You can find more information