Trail bike for 11 year old

[HSV249]

My 11 year old is starting to hassle me for a trail bike, so I've been looking around for a suitable bike.
This week I came across this place selling Atomik bikes (from China I think).
Has anyone heard of these - good or otherwise?

The other thing is, where can I take him to ride it? He's not interested in MX racing, just something to muck around on. Who knows, I may get a bike again if we can go riding together.

Any help appreciated.

[BLACKWAGON]

I had rm80, yz80, cr80 all 2 stroke motox bikes from 8-14yrs old.
If he doesnt want it for the track then maybe an xr80 or 100 would be good, 4 stroke with 5 gears and a real clutch.
Not sure about atomic and others, I have a pocket bike now which is fun, but if i was getting something a little bigger and more powerful I would be concerned about quality and would stick to yamaha, honda, kwakka, suzuki etc but thats just me.
I was 6'1 at 12 so I rode bigger bikes when not on the track, enduro 250 and 200, 4 stroke 250 and 350. If he is big enough maybe an enduro 200 would be good, not too heavy or wild and would last hima long time sizewize.
As for places to ride Grantville has a big spot in the bush where a heap of people have been riding for yrs, should be there still. When we went camping we used to ask the local farmers for permission to ride on their land.

[HSV249]

thanks blackwagon,
is rec. rego generally required to ride in such places as Grantville?

[BLACKWAGON]

we never had any reg back then but for some places it might be.
The rc reg would definatley open some options for u though.

[Alex81]

Either a 80 or 125 and ask the police where it can be ridden as there is usally areas and they will no them all, thats if your not keen on motorcross track

[dangen111]

Owned a lot of trail and motocross bikes in my time and know a few people who still have them I would pay the little bit extra and go for a renowned brand Yamaha,Suzuki,Kawasaki,Honda inj a 80-125 it might be a little more outlay but it will save a few headaches trust me hope this helps

[Boom]

A mate of mine bought one of the cheap chinese bikes for his young bloke a while back. Only bike he has ever seen that the chain is always tighter after a ride than before. Had a closer look and found the thing cracking up in the frame. Had it welded up a few times already but keeps on cracking.

[Satansfist]

Those bikes from China are just the thing for a beginner: cheap to buy, cheap to run and eventually when your kid outgrows it and has more experience, you can trade up to a top notch Japanese or European offroader.

As an aside I'd get in touch with your local offroad bike club and see what sort of activities they have for beginners, your kid wouldn't necessarily have to do "track work" but it's a good environment to learn and you're guaranteed a place to ride legally. They may even organise regular rides in the bush somewhere.

As another aside, I'd definitely recommend you get a bike aswell so you can go riding together, he's coming up to an age (I assume your kid's a lad, though I have nothing against girls riding bikes for anyone thinking of jumping on my case) when you'll be trying to maintain a close relationship with him, a shared activity and interest like bikes will work a treat, it certainly helped my father and I when I was going through 12 to 16. Just something to consider.

At any rate, definitely get something, once it's in your blood you can never give it up.:yahoo:

[jescam]

I bought my son an Atomik when he was almost 12 to learn on,and for the money they are a great bike.

As said in other posts, the quality is not as good as a Jap bike, but for the price, they have all the things that make the newer models look cool - such as front and rear discs,upside down forks and modern style plastics.

When he could ride o.k,i bought him a KX80 and its in another league as far as quality and performance.

He is now 13 and 6 months and is now hinting at a 125!:shock:

But for a bike to learn on, i don't think you can go past a bike like an Atomik.

I started riding again as a result of him getting into it, and we go riding together on weekends.It has really helped our relationship, we get on like mates!;)

[vycalais5.7]

i agree with the last two posts, those types of chinese bikes are great if you want to get into bike riding and are just learning.
but if you want to go further you will need a better bike, chinese cheapies wont last(ive got a few in my workshop now NWR).
maybe by this time you will know what other bikes are out there, if its just for bush/trail riding i would lean more towards a 4-stroke. depending on the age and size of the child 12-13year old maybe a crf150, ttr 125 would suit.
but definatley get a bike yourself to go out with the kids someones got to pick them up:bawl: :stick:

[HSV249]

Thanks to everyone for your advice and opinions.

Will definitely get a bike myself methinks! ;)