So I ended up getting my 12-yo son a Chinese pit bike, TAOTAO DB-14: https://taomotor.com/products/dirt-bikes/db14/ The reason I chose that was 1) I didn't want to drop 3-4K on a Japanese bike not knowing if he would even enjoy the sport, and 2) it's no biggie if he scratches/dents/kills this cheaper bike while learning how to ride; I am 100% prepared to write it off as 100% totaled if it means my son learns well and advances to bigger/better/funner machines
Little back story: I used to ride for about 5-6 years, started with Honda Shadow Spirit 750, then went to CBR600RR. I finally sold the CBR 3 years ago (and the Spirit before that to help pay for the CBR) since I felt I was pushing my luck too much riding a crotch rocket while approaching 40-yo and having 2 little kids at home. But... for the last 2-3 years my son has been asking for a dirt bike but we resisted for a while, instead got him a BMX bicycle etc. Finally I figured he's old enough (he turned 12 last month) and pulled the trigger on the TAO, which was btw initially going to be an electric bike but I'm glad I changed my mind and went with internal combustion
So last Friday I started teaching my son how to ride in our backyard and he really struggled with throttle control, almost ended up in the pool (luckily I put the pool fence back up before we started), and few times in the bushes. dropped the bike 2 or 3 times as well. He was getting really discouraged and I didn't want that to happen... so we took the weekend off and I ordered a thumb throttle with limiter (just like on an ATV). It came in on Monday, I installed it and tuned the bike down such that in 2nd gear he can't go over 5-6 MPH. I also started teaching him to use 2nd gear for now; 1st is too twitchy for him right now. Monday night after 2+ hours of riding I could not peel him off of his bike!!! He was LOVING it! Same thing yesterday! I'm so glad he didn't get discouraged despite many falls, bumps, and scratches on Friday!
So now time for some questions:
1) What are the places to ride in or around Coral Springs? Can I go alone the everglades on the banks and trails where Atlantic Blvd ends at Sawgrass? Markham Part? Other places, trails, tracks (I know there's a place off 27 on Miami/Broward county line).
2) Are most/all parks with walkways, trails, grass off limits or would I not get harassed about a little kid learning there (bike is very quiet due to the throttle limiter; when riding in my backyard you can't hear a sound in the front yard and I have a canal behind me not neighbors).
3) What gear do you recommend for him? Obviously I will get him a real helmet with goggles, gloves, maybe chest and back shield? Should I get boots or are sneakers or other winter type boots ok? right now he rides with his bicycle knee and elbow pads, is there something similar for dirt bikes?
and the FINAL question:
4) What dirt bike to get for myself
??? If he continues to like the sport I want to ride with him. I was thinking about getting a Japanese 250cc bike (maybe 150cc?) either new or in great shape, one that would last me forever. but what brand and engine size to get? I'm sure 450 is an overkill, and 150 may be too little for me (I'm 6'4" and around 170 lbs). I just want something to have fun on trails, not a racer, and no I do not plan on doing jumps LOL Also, I would rather get a 4 stroke so I dont have to deal with adding oil to fuel; would fuel injected be better? or stick with simple carburetors and not worry about it?Here's us riding the tiny bike, enjoy!
