85 or 125 for son?

[Superbike Mike]

My son has out grown his TTR 110 big time over the winter. I am looking at getting him an 85 or 125. My dilema is because he is 12 years old 5'4 and 140 lbs. I am afraid he is too big for an 85. Anybody had a similar situation?

[Trailrider00]

He shouldnt be too big for an 85 right now, but the thing is he will probably out grow it quick! I would get a short 125 and get lowering links and lower the suspension down as much as possible so he can get comfortable getting his feet on the ground!

[slideleft]

My wife rides a 85, resprung and lowered.

These things are every bit as fast as the 125 with the right pilot. Remembered the 19/16 tire sizes for the 100/105 big wheel bikes as he grows.

[not_again]

He's too short for a 125 still. The general rule is 5'8" is the minimum to fit a full size bike. It's less important for MX and more important for enduro.

I'm 5'9" and I still lower all my bikes since I ride hard enduro type stuff and really need to plant a solid foot sometimes. I'm fine with a stock height bike on the MX track. Since you are looking at 85s I'm assuming MX but he'll be held back on skill progression with a 125. A little too small is way better than too big.

 

I'd shop for an older 85 in perfect condition and keep him on it until he grows some more. You won't lose a dime when you sell if you keep up on the maintenance. 

Same goes for a KX100 RM100, or CRF150R. He'll outgrow it but shop wisely and you'll do ok when it's time to step up to full size.

[Superbike Mike]

Thanks guys. I am leaning towards an 85. He will ride a little moto and some hare scrambles maybe. Then maybe move him on in a couple months. We will see how he does.

[Superbike Mike]

Ok, finally back to a bike hunt for my son.  Lots of nice 85's out there pretty cheap.    I found a RM 85L and a CR85 expert.  Would the big wheels be worth it?  Is it that big of difference trail riding? Is the KX 100 that much better bike?  Should I stick to stadard wheels or look for a big wheel? Bikes to avoid due to durability issues etc?  He is 5'4 and 140-150 lbs (12 y/o).  He has rode my '13 KTM 250 XC.  While he can actually ride it, a full size bike is way too big for him.  I know squat about little bikes, so any info would be a big help.  I want to get him a bike in the next day or two....Thanks!

[Guest]

Get the big wheel version, if possible get him a kx100.

[ToadalyCrazyCanadian]

He's too short for a 125 still. The general rule is 5'8" is the minimum to fit a full size bike. It's less important for MX and more important for enduro.

I'm 5'9" and I still lower all my bikes since I ride hard enduro type stuff and really need to plant a solid foot sometimes. I'm fine with a stock height bike on the MX track. Since you are looking at 85s I'm assuming MX but he'll be held back on skill progression with a 125. A little too small is way better than too big.

I'd shop for an older 85 in perfect condition and keep him on it until he grows some more. You won't lose a dime when you sell if you keep up on the maintenance.

Same goes for a KX100 RM100, or CRF150R. He'll outgrow it but shop wisely and you'll do ok when it's time to step up to full size.

The hight issue is hardly true. I may be 5'7" on a good day and have never lowered a bike. I ride mostly trails and haven't came across a bike I couldn't ride.

[Superbike Mike]

Looking for a 100. Waiting for messages back.

[Superbike Mike]

Spencer, you are also more experienced rider. He can ride a bigger bike. He will learn faster on a smaller bike.

[ToadalyCrazyCanadian]

Spencer, you are also more experienced rider. He can ride a bigger bike. He will learn faster on a smaller bike.

Yes, and a 2t 100 is a great option, but I don't believe he is too small for a 125. If you are prepared to upgrade him to a 125 in a year or so that's great, but he will outgrow the bikes abilities quickly.

[Superbike Mike]

I do realize he will be upgrading quick. I figure it will give him some time to grow skill wise. Plus then he can race kids class at a hare scramble.

[not_again]

The hight issue is hardly true. I may be 5'7" on a good day and have never lowered a bike. I ride mostly trails and haven't came across a bike I couldn't ride.

Yet you prefer Chinese bikes and XR200s. I'm not trying to pick a fight but it seems as though you prefer a bike that is sized for a shorter person. I do too.

Can a short person "handle" a full size bike? That's a subjective term. You'll find very few short expert riders (B, A, AA) on bikes they haven't lowered for themselves. Could they handle a stock height expert class bike? Of course. But they are able to excel on a bike that fits them properly. Everyone does.

[ToadalyCrazyCanadian]

Yet you prefer Chinese bikes and XR200s. I'm not trying to pick a fight but it seems as though you prefer a bike that is sized for a shorter person. I do too.

Can a short person "handle" a full size bike? That's a subjective term. You'll find very few short expert riders (B, A, AA) on bikes they haven't lowered for themselves. Could they handle a stock height expert class bike? Of course. But they are able to excel on a bike that fits them properly. Everyone does.

Lol I have been riding what I can afford the last couple years. That xr200r I'm riding is way to small for my fat ass, but it was cheap. I will admit that I love how a smaller bike handles, but I really miss my yz250's. My wallet and knees just can't handle them now. Notice the nearly bottomed out rear suspension while I flat foot it.

[Superbike Mike]

Found a really nice 2007 RM 85 we are going to look at tomorrow.

[ToadalyCrazyCanadian]

Found a really nice 2007 RM 85 we are going to look at tomorrow.

Good luck. The rm85 is a fun little bike.

[spin05]

id skip the the 85 and go with a 125. my son is 5'6 and 130lbs riding a 250F. dont waste your money on that 85 you will sell at the end of summer.

[AddictedToBling]

I'd get him a big wheel. It will handle better in the woods with the slightly larger wheels and longer swing arm.

 

Confidence plays a massive part in the learning curve. IMO, a 125 might Intimidate him.

[ToadalyCrazyCanadian]

I'd get him a big wheel. It will handle better in the woods with the slightly larger wheels and longer swing arm.

Confidence plays a massive part in the learning curve. IMO, a 125 might Intimidate him.

I agree with the big wheel suggestion. My little Suzuki ds80 has way too much power for the small wheels, crappy suspension and terrible brakes. It handles like it wants to kill you at every corner and if you even look at the front brake, you will be laying on the ground. I understand it's not meant for a 200lb grown man, but it's still a fun little pit bike and great to teach people to ride on.

[Superbike Mike]

Got him a 2007 RM 85. Super nice bike. Kid is ripping! This was a smart choice. Even if we go to a full size bike in the near future. He is confident and having fun.