My son has finally started to show some interest in motorcycles. At 10 years of age I believe the time has come to get him his first bike. I have narrowed the search down to either a Kawasaki KX85 or KLX 110. These are the two actual bikes I’m considering for him.

Question:
I’m leaning towards the KX85 because I think overall the two stroke engine would be more fun.

Which one would you get?

Choices:
Two stroke KX85
Four stroke KLX 110

 

Maybe you can PM stickman, he's they guy I'd pose motorcycle questions to or maybe PHPaul.

Does your son have any riding experience?
If no=KLX. The KX is a rocket ship and doesn’t have a forgiving motor for a new rider.

quote:

Originally posted by F12517:
Does your son have any riding experience?
If no=KLX. The KX is a rocket ship and doesn’t have a forgiving motor for a new rider.

Funny, I was going to go the opposite direction based on the kid's age.

At that age, and size of the motor, go for the two-stroke. Sure, he is going to fall - but that's going to happen regardless. If he starts out with a four-stroke, moving to a two-stroke may kill him - literally - as he tries to learn the unforgiving power band at 15-18 years-old

Going from a two-stroke to a four-stroke will be, well, BORING. Especially at the age he'll likely may the move (15 - 18) and the sense of immortality most all young men have/had then.

We just purchased a KLX 110 for my son, who is almost 13, it is plenty fast for him and has plenty of power. I would not want him learning on a KX.

When we went to pick it up, my wife surprised me with a KLX 230r for me. I last rode 32+ years ago. It is a blast to go out ridding in the local gravel pit.

I grew up with 2 stokes in my in the early 80’s and find the 4 stroke more controllable. They are also quieter and less like to cause people to call the PD for riding in the woods. MA OHV laws are horrible.

Skins——DO YOU NEED Bifocals?
Stick man is the OP!

Dirt bike= 2 stroke when I was young. I still have the scar on my chin from taking the key out of the ignition.

The newer 4 strokes aren’t the same bikes from 10 -15 years ago. I just got a 2015 kx250 this past summer, a fuel injected bike and the thing is a damn rocket compared to my 2003 klr 250.
A 4 stroke will be plenty fast. But the real question is what kind of riding will he be doing??

Two stroke. You learn a lot more about the bikes. Blow the top end of a four stroke, that’s big bucks. Rebuild the top end of a two foe nothing.

Learn to ride the two stroke and you can ride anything after that.

I can't be bothered to deal with mixed fuel so I haven't messed with a two-stroke in ages.

And even my dirt bikes need to be street legal so I can just ride up to a pump/station and get gas.

It's so much less hassle, and I don't want extra hassle in my fun.

If Stickson is anything like Stickman KX is the way to go.

quote:

Originally posted by Baran:
'I would not want him learning on a KX...find the 4 stroke more controllable. They are also quieter and less like to cause people to call the PD for riding in the woods.'

^^^^
This.

I grew up on 4 strokes and still have one. I'd go that route as I like the lugging ability and quieter engine. I've ridden a few 2 stroke Huskys and never liked the 2 stroke power band and the wrapped up engine. But then, I don't race or jump. I'm a trail/trial type of rider. What type of riding will you do really dictates the bike IMO.

I would say the KX85, it is a solid race bike and most importantly it has a real frame and suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, stout swingarm, aluminum rims. The engine has a power valve on the exhaust port (KIPS), closes at lower RPM for more torque and opens up at higher RPM for more power up top. Pretty good all around 6 speed motor and lots of aftermarket parts available, more tire choices. The KLX110 is a pit/play bike, fairly tame power, 3 spd auto and limited in suspension, steel rims and drum brakes, thinner fork tubes. Yes, it can be ridden around but its limits will be found pretty quick by kids that age (a KX65 could beat a KLX110 pretty easy in a race.)

Just looking at externals, IMO 2-strokes sound awful and pollute more. YMMV.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by F12517:
Does your son have any riding experience?
If no=KLX. The KX is a rocket ship and doesn’t have a forgiving motor for a new rider.

This. Get basic riding skills ingrained before adding working the power band to the mix. One season should do it.

I do agree that moving up to a BIG two stroke when testosterone is added to the mix is probably not optimal, so do it early. Just not initially.

JMHO, YMMV.

If the KX85 is too much bike for him, I'd rather have a KX65 than the 4-stroke.

I'm in the 4 stroke crowd especially when learning. I personally prefer the more linear power delivery.

For a brand new rider, I’d go with a 4 stroke. The powerband on a 2 stroke just throws another variable into the learning equation, as well as being intimidating to one who hasn’t mastered the basic skills of riding.

The nice thing about entry level bikes for young kids is you won’t lose $$$ on them, you basically just “rent” them, until you decide to move up.

I wouldn't have wanted to learn on a two stroke but it also took me a few rides just to get the confidence to shift.

Ten years old AND his first bike? KLX all the way. These two bikes are night and day different (I've owned both). Depending on how he progresses, you can always sell the KLX and move him to a race bike.

Another option I'd consider is the CRF150R. A four stroke race bike. It's obnoxiously loud however.

Both my boys started with a PW50 when they were four years old, then progressed upwards. My older son is a top desert racer in Utah and his younger brother is a very good rider who never became interested in racing.

And we are a 100% two stroke family. I have a KX250, the wife has a KTM300, racer son has a Husky 300 and Junior has a YZ250 bored out to 290. Brraaappp!