Best Dirt Bikes for 10 Year Olds (Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha) – All Gas Powered

Are you looking to get a dirt bike for your kid, or maybe a pit bike for yourself? Either way, we’re going to go over the best dirt bikes for 10 year olds that are on the market today.

And let me assure you… there are some good ones on the list, but they may not be what you’re expecting.

It is common for kids start riding at 10-years-old, or close to it. Because of that, a good “beginner” or “trail” dirt bike is the type of dirt bike that I recommend. These are great for those who are just starting out or for those who are still relatively new to the sport.

If you’re child is into racing and you’re looking for the top rated motocross dirt bike for a 10-year-old, this is not the list of dirt bikes that you’re looking for.

Also, all of these dirt bikes for 10 year olds are gas powered, not electric. If you’re interested, I’ve picked out the best electric dirt bikes for kids in another article.

Here are the best trail dirt bikes for kids who are 10.

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Honda Dirt Bikes for 10-Year-Olds

Although I don’t have any 10-year-olds anymore, I was still just talking with my wife about how much I’d like to have one of these 110cc dirt bikes.

For me, personally, it would have to be used as a pit bike. Ah, too bad! 😉

My 10-year-old turned into a 12-year-old, so if I was to buy a motorcycle for her, it would probably be one from this list of dirt bikes for 12 year old (girls) since she knows how to ride and she’s pretty tall.

Either way, I’m a Honda guy so we’ll start with the CRF110F first.

Honda CRF110F

The Honda CRF110F is great beginner dirt bike for 10 year olds and older.

Honda produced this bike with the young and inexperienced in mind. This may (read: will) sound biased, but… these bikes are great from top to bottom. Whether you’re looking at the smart design of the plastics and graphics (made to take spills), or the easy-to-control power delivery from these torquey little engines, there’s no denying these are a solid option for almost any 10-year-old kid.

While this kids dirt bike is no motocross bike, it is a great trail bike for kids to learn on. It’s got sufficient power and handling to go along with some other great features like fuel injection and electric start (no 10-year-old wants to be stuck on a trail trying to kick start a dirt bike!).

Positive Reviews

• Honda dependability
• Great suspension for lighter riders
• Low seat height
• Easy to maintain
• No mixing gas
• Lightweight
• Electric and kickstart

Negative Reviews

• Not a racing or jumping bike
• Requires mods to be a good pit bike
• Not meant for riders over 135 pounds
• Used bikes are sometimes neglected (because they keep on going)

For a more detailed look at this dirt bike, check out this Honda CRF110F review for all of the specs, characteristics, handling, and more.

The low seat height of the CRF110F (29.1 inches) makes it a good size for riders who are about 4’11” and taller. Circumstances and rider’s ability are unique, so this is just an estimate.

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Honda XR100

Overall, the Honda XR 100 is a great trail riding dirt bike for kids.

If you want to start your child on a strong, reliable, low-maintenance dirt bike for learning on, this is a fantastic choice. These aren’t just smaller versions of a XR400 or XR650 either. They’re quite a bit different, but still SOLID bikes with just as good of a reputation.

The XR100 is one of the best used four stroke dirt bikes for 10 year olds because of the low seat, easy to use power, and proven Honda durability. With these, you can basically leave your dirt bike tools at home because of how well they’re built.

Eventually, this bike was discontinued because it lacked the superior suspension, performance, and lightweight handling and appeal the younger generation is looking for.

Positives

• Honda’s proven reliability
• Good power and torque for beginners and small riders
• Beginner-friendly power, handling, and size
• Easy to find used
• Fairly inexpensive
• Simple to work on and maintain
• Smooth, controllable power from the Honda 100cc engine
• Fairly easy to find parts
• Low seat height (30.5″)

Negatives

• Does not have electric start
• Not race-ready
• Discontinued in 2003

For a more detailed look at this dirt bike, check out this Honda XR100R review for all of the specs, characteristics, handling, and more.

The XR100’s seat height of 30.5 inches makes it a good size dirt bike for a 10 year old who is around 5’1″ and taller. Circumstances and rider’s ability are unique, so this is just an estimate.

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Kawasaki Dirt Bikes for 10-Year-Olds

Although I’ve never personally owned a Kawasaki dirt bike, one of these KLX 110’s has sure peaked my interest. While I honestly don’t know if I could buy one over a Honda, I do have a feeling that bike-for-bike, the KLX110 probably does beat out the CRF110.

Either way, the little brother to the Kawasaki KLX 140, the KLX110 has solidified itself as one of the best dirt bikes for 10-year-olds to learn on, and it’s great for adults looking for a killer pit bike.

Kawasaki KLX 110R

The Kawasaki KLX 110R is actually 112cc, 4 stroke dirt bike. It is made for beginners and trail riding, but it has also gained extreme popularity as a pit bike for adults.

Kawasaki first started making these in 2002 as a way to compete with the Honda XR100R dirt bike. Once this dirt bike finally gained popularity, it too formed a strong following of riders of all ages and sizes.

For adults, the KLX110R is great for cruising around your property, racing your buddies on a mini-moto track, and for using as one of the best pit bikes around. But that’s not all… it’s also great for young riders. Go figure, huh!

Positive Reviews

Here are a few of the main (good) things this bike is known for:

• Proven reliability
• Beginner-friendly power and handling
• Good power and torque for beginner riders
• Simple to work on and maintain
• Smooth, controllable power from the Kawasaki 110cc
• Electric start

Negative Reviews

Here are a few of the (bad) things about this dirt bike:

• Suspension isn’t good for big or aggressive riders
• Many used KLX 110 dirt bikes have been neglected (need minimal maintenance)
• Famous for being pit bikes… but need mods to be good ones

For a more detailed look at this dirt bike, check out this Kawasaki KLX110R review for all of the specs, characteristics, handling, and more.

The KLX110R’s seat height of 26.8 inches makes it a good size for anyone who is about 4’6″ and taller. Circumstances and rider’s ability are unique, so this is just an estimate.

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Kawasaki KLX 110R-L

Did you spend the time to read about he KLX110R above? If so, not much new here. The main differences between the two are in sizing, suspension, and a manual clutch.

The taller, KLX110R-L has a seat height of 28.7 inches. This taller “L” model also has more ground clearance, longer suspension travel, bigger wheels/tires, and it comes with a manual clutch.

Because of this, the KLX110R-L is a good dirt bike for tall 10 year olds. Yes, this includes adults using one as a pit bike. Let’s face it… as soon as you slap some boots and dirt bike goggles on us and send us out riding, we’re basically just tall 10-year-olds anyway.

Positives

• Proven reliability
• Beginner-friendly power and handling
• Good power and torque for beginner riders
• Simple to work on and maintain
• Smooth, controllable power from the Kawasaki 110cc
• Electric start

Negatives

• Suspension isn’t good for heavy or aggressive riders
• Hard to find newer models for sale
• Famous for being pit bikes… but need mods to be great

With a seat height of 28.7 inches, the KLX110R-L is a good fit for 10-year-olds that are about 4’10 and taller. Circumstances and rider’s ability are unique, so this is just an estimate.

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Yamaha Dirt Bikes for 10-Year-Olds

I may be a “Honda guy” but I still love Yamaha’s. In fact, I’ve owned a YZ425F and a YZ250. Loved ’em both.

If you’re a Yamaha guy, rest assured, these bikes are great. If you’re not a Yamaha guy, that’s okay… these bikes are still great.

Not only are these good dirt bikes for 10 year old kids, they’re great for parents too. Why is that? Because they are easy to maintain and can take a beating.

Yamaha TTR110E

The Yamaha TTR110E is a 110cc 4 stroke dirt bike made for trail riding and beginners.

It has a fairly soft suspension, great low-mid range power and delivery, and (unless it’s an old model) electric start.

It was released in 2008 as the new-and-improved replacement for the TTR 90. Compared to the 90cc dirt bike, this 110cc dirt bike came with an updated motor, body work, and chassis.

Positive Reviews

Here are the main positives:

• Proven reliability
• Beginner-friendly power and handling
• Good power and torque for beginner to intermediate riders
• Simple to work on and maintain
• Smooth, controllable power from the Yamaha 110cc engine
• Electric start
• Can be a decent pit bike

Negative Reviews

Here are the main problems:

• Suspension isn’t great for big or aggressive riders
• Many used TTR’s have been neglected (because they run forever)
• Not as popular as a KLX 110 pit bike

For a more detailed look at this dirt bike, check out this Yamaha TT-R110E review for all of the specs, characteristics, handling, and more.

The TTR110E’s seat height of 26.4 inches makes it a good sized bike for anyone who is about 4’6″ and taller. Circumstances and rider’s ability are unique, so this is just an estimate.

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Yamaha TTR90

Although the kids dirt bike is no longer in production, the Yamaha TTR90 is also a good size motorcycle for 10 year olds.

The TTR90 has a seat height at 24.6 inches off of the ground, making it a great size for young, beginner dirt bike riders.

Positive Reviews

Here are the main positives:

• Proven reliability
• Beginner-friendly power and handling
• Low seat height
• Simple to work on and maintain
• Electric start (on some years)
• No clutch
• Can be a decent pit bike

Negative Reviews

Here are the main problems:

• Suspension isn’t great for larger kids
• Many used TTR’s have been neglected (because they run forever)
• Not as popular as a the TTR110

For a more detailed look at this dirt bike, I will be putting together a full Yamaha TTR90 review that will include all of the specs, characteristics, handling, and more.

The TTR90 seat height of 24.6 inches makes it a good dirt bike for a 10 year old who is about 4’8″ (ish) and taller. Circumstances and rider’s ability are unique, so this is just an estimate.

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How to Know What Size Dirt Bike for a 10 Year Old

The rider’s height and experience is what will ultimately determine which size dirt bikes is best for your 10 year old, however, dirt bike size is also a decent place to start.

For example, here are the ages and sizes that are generally accepted as a “standard” measurement:

• 3-6 year olds: 50cc
• 6-8 year olds: 50-80cc
• 8-10 year olds: 80-110cc
• 10-12 year olds: 110-150cc
• 12-14 year olds: 125-200cc
• 15-18 year olds: 125-250cc
• 18 and over: 125cc-500cc

Of course, these are just a good place to start. The chart below might give you an even better idea of which size dirt bike for a 10 year old applies to you and your situation.

Average Height of 10 Year Olds

Here’s a chart showing the average height of children based on age.

It’s worth noting that each child is going to be different, and these numbers are just averages that the CDC has put together. And no, the CDC does not mention how tall a dirt bike should be for a 10 year old.

Age	Height of Females	Height of Males	Seat Height
1	2’3″-2’7″ (27 – 31″)	2’3″-2’8″ (28 – 32″)	–
2	2’7″-3′ (31.5 – 36″)	2’8″-3’1″ (32 – 37″)	–
3	2’10”-3’4″ (34.5 – 40″)	2’11”-3’4″ (35.5 – 40.5″)	–
4	3’1″-3’6″ (37 – 42.5″)	3’1″-3’7″ (37.5 – 43″)	–
6	3’6″-4’1″ (42 – 49″)	3’6″-4’1″ (42 – 49″)	18″
8	3’11”-4’6″ (47 – 54″)	3’11”-4’6″ (47 – 54″)	18-22″
10	4’2″-4’11” (50 – 59″)	4’2″-4’11” (50.5 – 59″)	18-27″
12	4’7″-5’4″ (55 – 64″)	4’6″-5’3″ (54 – 63.5″)	22-32″
14	4’11”-5’7″ (59 – 67.5″)	4’11”-5’9″ (59 – 69.5″)	27-37″
16	5′-5’8″ (60 – 68″)	5’3-6’1″ (63 – 73″)	28-38″
18	5′-5’8″ (60 – 68.5″)	5’5-6’2″ (65 – 74″)	28-38″

According to this chart, an average 10 year old is 4’2″-4’11” (50 – 59″) tall. With that height, a good size dirt bike 28″ or less.

Can a 10-year-old ride a 50cc dirt bike?

Allow me to answer this question, with another question… Can an adult ride a 110cc dirt bike? Do you get where we’re going with this?

Just as an adult can hop on a bike that’s a little small and still have fun, so can a 10 year old. Even if you’re child is big enough to ride a different dirt bike, that doesn’t mean that they’d be as comfortable and have as much fun on it.

If they’re ready to graduate from a 50cc dirt bike to something bigger, great. If they’re not, that’s fine too. There’s nothing wrong with a 10 year old cruising around on a 50cc.

Can a 10-year-old ride a 125cc dirt bike?

Yes, 10-year-olds can ride 125 dirt bikes, but that does depend on the 10-year-old who is riding the dirt bike.

Even though the average sized 10 year old would probably be a little too short to fit on one well, it could be doable. Having said that, generally 125cc dirt bikes are 2-stroke racing bikes. If that’s the type of bike, you don’t want a beginner 10 year old learning how to ride on one of these things.

Stick with a trail bike and save the motocross bikes until the kid is older and has more experience.

Buyers Guide

Although I buy almost everything used, purchasing one of these 10 year old kids dirt bikes might be different.

These mini bikes with 50-100cc keep their value. It could be because our kids aren’t pushing their bikes too hard and we’re hoping they’re going to last a long time (which they usually do), or it could be that they’re quickly outgrown so they’re still in decent shape when it comes time to sell.

Either way, I think it’s still worth checking to see what they cost used. Sometimes you can find a cheap kids dirt bike for sale that has been well taken care of. When, or if, you do, you should act quickly.

Where to Buy

There are only so many options to buying your 10 year old a dirt bike. Here are the four that come to mind:

1. Buy new from local dealer
2. Search online
3. Look in a newspaper (if you can find one printed still)
4. Ask a friend (or friend-of-a-friend)

I’m sure you’re already aware of these options. Certainly nothing new here.

Dirt Bike Pricing

Why not just rely on KBB or JD Power (used to be NADA) to tell us what a dirt bike is worth? These websites do provide average sales prices, but searching your local availability will give you a more exact price range.

For example, here are three different XR100 dirt bikes that I found on Facebook Marketplace:

• 2003 Honda XR100R – $2,000 OBO
  “Fully stock. Runs perfect and has a brand new rear shock. I have title and registration has been out since 2010.“
  
• 2003 Honda XR100 – $1,650
  “Great condition, BBR upgrades, big bore kit, suspension. New front and rear tire. Super fun to ride. TITLE IN HAND… LOCALS ONLY…“
  
• 2004 Honda XR100 – $485
  “Great beginner or wife bike- my 3 boys all learned on this. Ran great last year; didn’t get ridden for 16-18 months and now carb won’t stay lit; needs more adjustment than I’m able to do myself; therefore selling cheap as is. I can deliver in Jackson County if you don’t have a pickup. Thanks for reading, but no low ball offers; I’m just cleaning out garage and not desperate for money. This was just my oldest sons most memorable Christmas gift so if another parents wants to give a kid what he really wants, well….“

Although finding only three cheap dirt bikes or sale won’t give us an exact price, we can see that a decent XR100 is probably going to cost somewhere between the $1,500-$2,500 range.

According to JD power, a 2003 XR100 should be listed for $2,099. Seems accurate.