Kids & Dirtbikes: A Perfect Combination
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By James Holter

We all love to ride motorcycles. And for those of us with kids, there's a sense of urgency to pass I love to ride! along our enthusiasm for two wheels.

However, that passion could also preempt some important details that make the learning process safer and more fun. If you rush it, you could miss the opportunity to establish the good judgment and skills that could provide the foundation for a lifetime of safe riding.

Even worse, without the right approach early-on, a young rider could adopt bad habits that could persist through adulthood.

To get young riders off to the right start, the AMA has assembled some guidelines for introducing kids to the two-wheeled world.

For some practical advice and an overview on getting started, check out the links below. In addition to these tips, the Getting Started in Racing section of this website includes competition advice specifically for kids, including suggestions from a some of racing's best-known personalities.

The bottom line, though, is something we all agree on: Riding motorcycles is one of the best pastimes on the planet. Take the time to teach your kids right, and you open the door to a lifetime of fun, thrills and adventure.

Tips for kids

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5 Ways to Know They're Ready to Ride
All kids are different. Some are ready to ride by age three. Others won't be comfortable on a dirtbike until they have several years riding bicycles under their helmet.

Jeff Martin, who runs Wheels-4-Tots in DeMotte, Indiana, is an expert at starting kids riding. Not only does he have four of his own (one of which started riding at 21 months), but he teaches riding classes for the youngest of riders. Here are some ways he tells if a kid is ready to ride.
1. Are they really interested? "A kid who makes incessant motorcycle sounds at 2-1/2 might be ready, while a six-year old with a passing interest may not be," Martin says. "What you want to avoid is forcing riding on a kid who doesn't want it. That will only turn them off riding."
2. Avoidance skills. "The child needs to be able to steer around obstacles, either on a bicycle or tricycle," Martin says. "If they can't, don't put them on a motorcycle."
3. Hand strength. It's a simple rule, but Martin says many parents overlook it. The kid needs to have the strength to apply the brakes and steadily apply the throttle before they can be expected to do so reliably and safely.
4. Coordination. Martin employs a controls game that tests each child's reflexes. He only lets them ride once they've developed split-second reflexes to commands such as, "show me the brake, show me the gas."
5. Patience. A kid must be able to maintain the proper level of focus to operate a motorcycle. Regardless of their physical abilities, if they can't concentrate, they won't be able to use those abilities properly.
6 Tips for Buying a Bike
What's more fun than dropping some major coin on a new dirtbike? OK, riding it, but that's about it. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new bike purchase, but that's all the more reason to do your homework. Here are some tips.
1. Don't go big. Often, parents are tempted to buy their kid the next model size up than what's right. Big mistake. If ever your kid needed something easily manageable, it's when they're starting out. Beginners should be able to hold up the bike with both feet and comfortably reach the bars. Make sure their hands can easily reach and apply the hand controls with palms still planted on the grips.
2. But if the size fits... Some parents will underestimate their kids and get a smaller motorcycle that's equipped with an automatic clutch. Don't underestimate your kid's ability to learn. If your child comfortably fits on a larger dirtbike with a manual clutch, go for it.
3. Get the right type of bike. Kids' bikes are just as specialized as full-sized motorcycles. A typical mistake is buying a motocross racebike when your kid is going to trailride. Get the right bike for the job, and both you and your rider will be happier.
4. Consider used. Face it, no matter how much you love riding, there's always a chance your kid isn't quite ready. You will be able to recoup more of your investment on resale if you start with a used motorcycle.
5. Know what you're getting into. If you do go used, make sure you don't buy a lemon. If you find a good deal on a used bike and aren't confident in your own evaluation skills, most service departments will look over the bike for a small fee, which you may be able to negotiate out of the purchase price.
6. See what's out there. There are literally dozens of kids' bikes available. For examples of the different types of kid-friendly bikes, see our online kids' bike-buying guide.
7 Things They'll Learn in School
You may have heard of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic and Experienced Rider Courses, which teach adults the skills to operate a streetbike safely.

But the MSF also has classes for kids on dirtbikes. The MSF DirtBike School takes the same comprehensive, safety-minded approach for kids on dirt as it does adults on pavement.

For more on the MSF DirtBike School, see www.dirtbikeschool.org or call (877) 288-7093. Here's a primer on some of what skills students might learn in DirtBike School.
1. Body position. There's one right way to sit on a motorcycle, but a lot of wrong ways. You want your head up, your shoulders relaxed, your elbows bent, your knees in toward the tank and your feet positioned on the footpegs so they can quickly and easily operate the foot controls.
2. Clutch operation. If they're ready, kids large enough will be encouraged to try a motorcycle with a manual clutch. One teaching method shows the new rider how to find what the DirtBike School calls the clutch's friction zone, or the point of engagement, and properly use it during riding.
3. Getting started. The DirtBike School's FINE-C method ingrains the proper steps for starting a motorcycle. It stands for Fuel valve, Ignition, Neutral, Engine, Choke.
4. Reading the terrain. Different ground conditions provide different levels of traction. By reading the terrain as early as possible, kids can see what's coming and be ready to react long before they must.
5. How not to get lost. When riding on public lands, it can be easy to get lost on an unfamiliar trail. Most trail systems have excellent maps. Never set out without a map—and kids should always keep their trail guide in sight.
6. Responsible riding. Riding responsibly is more than not hurting yourself. It's also about not hurting the environment. The DirtBike School integrates teaching environmentally conscious behavior into the training process.
7. Riding drills. All the other stuff is great, but, face it, the kids are there to ride. The DirtBike School includes drills that help teach braking, hill climbing, swerving and many of the other skills needed to ride a motorcycle in all types of environments.
5 Places to Ride
You want to ride? You need some real estate. Here are five places your kid can ride, and some specific considerations for each locale.
1. Your own backyard. This is the first place most of us consider letting our kids ride. For new riders on small bikes, even an average-sized yard is big enough to practice the basics, such as braking and throttle control. Of course, you'll want to respect not only your property line but your neighbor's noise concerns. In any case, unless you own a lot of land, your kid soon will be looking for more.
2. State and federal land. Many federal and state parks allow off-road vehicle riding. An online database and links to government websites of public riding opportunities can be found in the AMA Trails Atlas and at Recreation.Gov. In either case, there are important rules to follow. Only proper off-road exhausts with spark arrestors (not closed-course-only exhausts) are allowed, take out what you bring in and, perhaps above all, stay on the designated trails. Also, in many states, regardless of whether you're riding on federal or state land, the motorcycle will have to be registered—a good thing because the registration fees pay for the public trails.
3. Locally managed public riding areas. Some local governments are helping meet the growing demand for more off-road recreational opportunities. One example is Harlan Co., Kentucky, where county officials, in partnership with the corporate landowners and local riding clubs, have re-claimed timbered and mined land as off-highway vehicle trails. For locally managed riding areas, the rules are often the same as on federal- and state-owned trails.
4. Private riding parks. In some states, privately owned riding areas are the most abundant riding options. These parks charge a fee, generally by the day, and have their own rules to follow (such as no fast riding on access roads, stay on the trail, safety gear required). Make sure you go over those rules with your kid so you will be welcomed back.
5. Join a riding club. Riding clubs are much like private parks, but instead of a daily riding fee, you'll usually be asked to pay club dues and donate some time helping maintain trails or club grounds. AMA-chartered off-road clubs are great ways for kids to make friends and learn about the responsibility of building and maintaining trails.
Trailriding Checklist
Kids mean more stuff. That's true if they're going to Grandma's for a day visit, and it's just as true when they're going trailriding with Dad. Here's a short list of some must-have supplies.
1. First-aid kit. Scrapes and bumps are as much a part of trailriding as they are a part of football. You should never leave home without packing a few first-aid supplies. This is even more important when your kids come along.
2. Snacks. Kids need fuel, both quality and quantity. Figure out how many apples, bananas, granola bars and crackers you think they'll eat, and double it. Don't forget the juice and water.
3. Idle hands... Even though they might want to, kids can't ride all the time. Pack some books, handheld video games, coloring books, etc., to keep them occupied, resting and out of trouble during pit stops.
4. Towels and extra water. Maybe it's because they're just closer to the mud, but kids get dirty. By packing a few simple cleaning supplies, you can not only make their ride home a lot more comfortable, but you can add years to the life of your vehicle's upholstery.
5. Extra gear. You don't need to pack a whole second set of riding gear, but an extra pair of gloves and some extra goggles can be worth their weight in gold when your kid's original pair get knocked off the tailgate into a mud puddle just before you head out.
6. Keep a master list. Don't go all-out to remember the video games and then forget the gearbag. With all the extra stuff kids require, it's easier to overlook the riding essentials. Make a list of necessary tools, fuel and gear and go over it every time. Better yet: Ask your kid to watch your back—let them be the keeper of the list.
5 Tips for Parent Coaches
Jeff Martin, who runs Wheels-4-Tots in DeMotte, Ind., offers up these five tips for parents to help them connect with their student riders.
1. Instruct from in front. OK, you can never be 100% certain your kid is paying attention, but you can be more certain if you're in front of them instead of barking orders from behind.
2. Get on their level—physically. Martin gets better results when he gets on his knees and speaks to a kid face-to-face. "Don't look down on them, and make sure they maintain eye contact," he says.
3. Get on their level—mentally. It's simple advice, but use plain, direct commands. "Don't tell the kid to 'accelerate.' Tell them to 'turn the throttle.'"
4. Never lose control of your emotions. "When you lose it, your kids lose it," Martin says. "Remember, the goal is to keep this fun. If it's getting to the point where it isn't fun, cut your losses and relax."
5. Expect less—not more—from your own kids. Martin points out that because your own kids feel more at ease with you, they naturally perform with less intensity. "Tone down your expectations, and they'll often respond even better,'' he says.
8 Rules of the Trail
Being able to ride dirtbikes on public land is a responsibility that must be taken seriously and respected. By protecting the environment, we protect our right to ride.

Chad Wilberger, the recreation program manager for the Wayne National Forest in Ohio, says there are several rules of the trail that riders of all ages need to follow.
1. Stay on the trail. "Riding off the trail even in small amounts impacts the environment," Wilberger says. "It's also a safety issue. There are cliffs and hazards that might be hidden that are particularly dangerous for new riders on smaller off-highway vehicles."
2. Trailriding is not a race. Most public trails have two-way traffic, Wilberger points out. Go slow around corners and leave plenty of room for oncoming riders to pass. And, "If you do come on other trail users, be courteous, be respectful," Wilberger says.
3. Don't ride double. While Wilberger acknowledges that some large ATV models are designed to carry two passengers, dirtbikes are not. He says many kids double-up anyway, which is particularly dangerous for smaller and inexperienced riders.
4. Carry out what you carried in. This rule applies to all trail users, but Wilberger stresses the importance of properly disposing of your garbage.
5. Leave the wildlife alone. "These are the woods," Wilberger says. "You might see a deer, snake or turtle out on the trail. Just leave them alone—well, it might not hurt to stop and move the turtle out of harm's way."
6. Be wary of water crossings. It's not uncommon for trails to hold standing water even several days after heavy rains. Some of the mud holes can be deep. Wilberger says kids on smaller bikes might want to check the depth of a mudhole with a stick before crossing and, "if you're not comfortable crossing, turn back. Whatever you do, don't make a new trail to get around it."
7. Stay with your parents. It's easy to get lost in the trails, and new riders need to be supervised. This rule works both ways, Wilberger says. Parents, don't leave your kids.
8. Less sound means more ground. Only quiet bikes are welcomed in the woods. Loud exhausts are illegal. Not only do they offend other trail users and disturb the wildlife, but they often aren't equipped with the required spark arrestors. "If there's a fire, and we find out you started it, you could be liable for the costs of fighting that fire,'' Wilberger says.
5 Rules of the Track
A track environment is unique. There are typically far more users per acre than you'll find at any public riding area. Along with that comes some special rules. For some tips on staying safe at the track, we caught up with Sam Gammon, president of Victory Sports in Blountville, Tenn.
1. Make sure the kid is big enough for the bike. This rule applies everywhere, but is more important in a race where the speeds and close riding mean losing control has more serious consequences, Gammon says.
2. Teach the kids what to do if they crash. "Sometimes kids will lay it down and stand in the middle of the track, fixing their goggles, trying to pick up the bike, whatever," Gammon says. "Kids need to remember they're on a racetrack. Get off the track! If you can move the bike, great, but don't struggle with it in the middle of race traffic."
3. Parents, know the rules. "Parents aren't allowed on the track for anything larger than the 50cc classes, and some tracks don't even allow that," Gammon says. If you're at a new track, make sure you ask what's allowed.
4. Behave in the pits. Many tracks, such as Gammon's, allow some (closely monitored) pit riding. If this is the case, respect this privilege, go slow (first gear idle) and always wear a helmet, Gammon says.
5. Know your group. Although it isn't an issue on organized race days, it's important to always ride with the right class during practice days. In other words, 50cc bikes shouldn't be on the course with 125cc bikes. "If the practice is unorganized, the parents need to take control and make sure the kids don't get on the track with big bikes," Gammon says.
6 Tips for Reducing Riding Day Stress
You've planned, you've packed, you've driven, you've paid the riding fee, you've parked. An hour later, you're still fighting with junior to get his boots on the right feet and let you fasten his helmet. Sometimes, it's the little things that make all the difference. Here are a few suggestions for avoiding some big headaches.
1. Getting geared up takes practice too. One of the first things younger kids can learn to do for themselves is get on their own gear. This empowers your kid by giving them a first-hand role in getting ready. (Don't forget to check all the buckles to make sure they're secure.)
2. Go over the starting drill. Even if there's no room to ride in your backyard, there's probably room to practice starting drills in your driveway. Learning to kickstart a motorcycle can be thoroughly frustrating. If at all possible, have them climb this mountain before they tackle all the other challenges of learning to ride.
3. Make sure the bike works. As the parent, you're not only the coach, you're the mechanic. A good time to go through your kid's motorcycle is the night before the ride. The owner's manual includes a pre-ride checklist. Barring that, make sure you check all accessible fasteners, fluids and cables for proper operation. And it's always a good idea to start the bike just to make sure.
4. Get tipsy. Thankfully, most early crashes will be minor tip-overs. While your kid will rarely get hurt in these little spills, their ego can become easily bruised. It doesn't hurt to practice recovering from these little drops, as well. Go ahead and lay the bike over (drain the fuel so it doesn't leak out), and work with your kid in picking it up on their own. There's no better way for them to recover from a bruised ego than to pick themselves back up.
5. Get a good night's sleep and everyone will be better rested, more energetic and in a better mood on riding day. (This goes for Mom and Dad, too.)
6. If possible, load up the night before. Everyone's in a hurry to hit the road. The more you can streamline the morning loading-up process, the easier the rest of your day will be. The best way to do that is to shovel as much as you can in the family hauler the night before.
7 Things Kids Can Maintain
Alright, don't expect your six-year old to perform an annual top-end teardown. But there are some things that your kids can help safely maintain on their motorcycle.
1. Air in the tires? Checking tire air pressure is not only safe and relatively easy, it's important. Too much or too little air affects handling, braking and can even permit a flat. Warning: Make sure you have a pump ready before you set them loose with a pressure gauge.
2. Spokes tight? Wobbly wheels are no fun and dangerous. Unfortunately, many parents and kids alike neglect to keep the spokes safe and tight. Be careful, though, an over-active spoke wrench can unbalance a wheel in a hurry.
3. Keep that air filter fresh. Back in the bad old days, we used dangerous solvents such as gasoline and kerosene to clean our dirtbike air filters. Now, however, we know better. There are an abundance of cleaners, such as dishwashing detergents with degreasers and specific commercial products, that are safe for kids to use.
4. Every bike needs oil. Again, be careful with exposure, but checking a dipstick or an oil-sight window and adding the right amount of motor oil in accordance with the procedure in the owner's manual is safe and easy to do.
5. Tighten that chain. A lose chain can not only cause premature sprocket wear, but it could possibly jump off and damage the engine cases or lock up the rear wheel. Fortunately, keeping the chain properly set can be done by adjusting one to three bolts, depending on the motorcycle, so it's something that kids can learn. Make sure enough slack remains to allow the suspension to work properly. How much? Check the manual.
6. Are the knobbies, well, knobby enough? For optimum grip on slick terrain, dirt bike knobbies need sharp edges and deep tread. Point out these aspects to your kid, and encourage them to point out to you when they think the rubber might be due for an upgrade.
7. Watch play in the brake controls. Many kids bikes come with drum brakes, sometimes on both the rear and the front. That means excessive play in the brake cables can be more of an issue as the brake shoe material wears. Since your kid will be the one using the bike most often, make sure they know how to recognized too much slop in the brake controls. Be careful letting them adjust out that slop, however. Too much tension can cause brake drag, overheating and possible loss of function.
3 Ways to Gear Up
If your kid's just starting out or going for a casual trail ride, there's no reason to gear him up like a professional motocross racer. However, if he is going to venture out on the track, it's a good idea to supply sufficient protection. Here's the range of protection you can chose from.
1. Go light. Everybody's list should include a helmet and motorcycle goggles. Also, it doesn't have to be riding gear, per se, but you also should outfit your kid with long sleeves, long pants, gloves and heavy boots.
2. Go medium. When your kid gets up to speed, they really should have the extra protection of specific motorcycle boots. The shin protection, alone, is vastly superior to even the sturdiest pair of work boots. And although riding gloves may not provide significant additional protection vs. leather gloves, for example, they are far more comfortable.
3. Go heavy. If your kid decides to try racing or even practice days on the motocross track, it's time to get serious about riding gear. At the least, you'll want to add a proper jersey with built-in padding, kneepads, elbow pads, riding pants and a chest protector to the gearbag.
Go light
Go medium
Go heavy

Kids & Dirtbikes: A Perfect Combination Share

Tips for kids

Kids & Dirtbikes: A Perfect Combination
Share