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I'm looking at moving my 12 year old son from an ATV to a proper trail riding machine. He's never riden a motorcycle on his own before, so I'll be looking for something easy to start out on (i.e. four stroke), but will last him a couple of years before we have to trade up. Should also mention that he's a little above average height for his age but scawny, maybe 80 lbs wet.

So, I've been looking at something like a Honda XR. My question though is this. Will an 80cc fit for a while, or should I be looking for a 100cc so we can keep it longer? Any input from those who've been through this before?

Don't buy a bike that's too big for him. If he can't reach the ground, he might get scared off. Buy whatever fits him now. Those old XR's hold their value. You can trade up when he outgrows it.

At 12...he could move up to a real machine, but with little two wheel experience, aiming at the tame end of the spectrum would be best IMO.

If you can find a TTR125 big wheel edition you would have a winner. There are kicker and e-start versions and he can cut his teeth on it for a year to two years. When done, you can sell it for probably $200 less than you paid for it as they always have a solid market and are easy bikes to own and maintain.

At 14, with a couple years under his belt, he can move up to a full size machine and you will have the confidence he can manage it safely.

I have a titled 2005 TTR125 big wheel edition at the ranch. Hardly any hours. My boy didn't ride it much. It has the recommended jet kit. I would sell it.

I have a 2007 Suzuki DL125 in Platte City that I'm looking to sell also. Same story


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Twerth...have you found a bike or figured out which one is right for him yet?? I have a 12yr old nephew I am bringing up on motorcycles. He is currently riding a Yamaha RT100. I am wanting a TTR125 or similar to step him up to. I am interested in both bikes these guys mentioned but don't want to step on any toes, I did not plan on buying until next year though. I was trying to find a little 4-stroke when I found the RT...it has turned out to be a fantastic bike, fast and powerful but will surprisingly still lug up hills without much throttle. Here are the specs: http://www.portyamaha.com/new_vehicle_d ... sp?veh=625
My nephew has long limbs and isn't getting any shorter, the RT has a low seat height at 28.7 inches, so he already needs a taller bike. If your boy is tall enough for the TTR125L (seat height of 31.7in)that would be a sure bet and a bike that would be good for many years to come.

jsherm01 & danotech,
Thanks for the offers, but I suspect both of your bikes are a little too new to fit my budget. I've got up to about $700 to spend, so I'm looking at something late 1990s. If I'm wrong about asking prices, let me know. I may pull the trigger this weekend.

KC,
By all means, jump in. Life is first come first served ! I've got my eye on a couple of XR100's on Craigslist. We haven't test ridden anything yet, so I'm not certian these are a good fit. My son's got long legs and appears to be growing about an inch a week. Maybe a 125cc is a better choice.

Thanks for all the input, fellas. Your help is appreciated!

I'm going to ask $900 for ours.

Ok, I have to say that an XR100 is probably the bike you are looking for. I wish my RT was because I plan to ask $600 for it whether I sell it tomorrow or next year. then I could turn around and get my Ttr125.

We did it! I found a nice one owner 2000 XR100r on CL and grabbed it. It was listed for $700 and I got it for $500. It started right up (even with stinky old gas in it) and ran well. Shifts good too, and I couldn't make the clutch slip even with my extra weight on board.

My son can get both feet on the ground flat footed, so I think he'll outgrow it by the end of the summer, but it's a great starter bike for him. He's never ridden a bike solo before, but he jumped on and tore up our yard all afternoon. Only dropped it twice .

The seller also had a well farkled TT-R125 for sell (upgraded suspension, titanium exhaust, etc.). Really sweet bike, but he wanted $800 for it, and I only had $700 in my pocket. He wouldn't budge, so we had to leave it. I wanted it bad!

The seller was a really nice guy and a pleasure to do business with. I didn't ask, but if you're a member here, thanks Mark!