How to Choose the Right Size Dirt Bike or Pit Bike for Your Height & Skill Level

The article offers tips to consider when selecting the right size dirt bike or pit bikes for either height or skill level.

One of the things that is probably one of the most exciting things you could ever do in life is to venture into the world of off road riding. There is nothing like the feeling of twisting the throttle on dirt, whether it's tearing out through the forest track, building up a dirt track in the backyard, or riding with your kids on weekends.

But as you begin to look around at Mississippi Power Sport's listings, it's easy to get the order of your first equipment purchase mixed up quickly. Are you looking to enter into a small 110cc pit bike or would you prefer a full-frame 125cc dirt bike?

If excess too large, it'll be a frightening experience learning to ride, and if too small, learning to ride will leave you with a feeling of cramped legs. Look, no jargon or technical mumbo-jumbo in this simple and easy to use sizing guide so you can select the right seat height, frame dimensions, and engine size for you!

Sizing Fundamentals & Rider Height Guidelines

The Golden Rule of Dirt Bike Sizing – Are You on the Seat or on Your Inseam?

Don't just go by age to select a bicycle. The most important measurements when fitting a machine correctly are the height of the rider and the inseam of their legs.

In the normal riding position, place the balls of both feet firmly on the ground.

The following is a quick guide for matching rider size with seat size:

• Riders 3’0” to 4’0” (Ages 5–8): Look for a seat height between 18” and 24” (usually a 50cc to 70cc starter bike).

• Riders 4’0” to 4’10” (Ages 8–11): Look for a seat height between 24” and 28” (typically a 110cc pit bike).

• Riders 4’11” to 5’4” (Teens & Pre-Teens): Look for a seat height between 29” and 32” (a mid-size 125cc dirt bike).

• Riders 5'5” and Taller (Teens & Adults): If you are taller than 5'5”, you should look for a seat height of 33” or larger (a full-size 125cc, 150cc, or 250cc trail bike).

As a novice player, play conservatively and avoid going flat footed. The feet being able to plant is a complete sense of security for stopping on dirt roads and on narrow turning trails.

Choosing the Right Engine Power (cc) for Your Experience

The size of the bicycle's engine, which is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), is what decides the velocity with which the bike can accelerate as well as the torque it produces.

Entry Level (50cc - 110cc)

Great for novice riders as they gain experience with basic throttle control and braking. Being compact, a 110cc pit bike can certainly provide a lot of power in the backyards and open areas where you are riding, and doesn't weigh much on the ground if knocked over.

Intermediate Level (125cc - 150cc)

Perfect for older children, teenagers, and adults who have not been riding long! The dirt 125cc motor is built strong enough to climb out of mud tracks, rocky trails, and steep dirt hills, but not so strong that it scares a newer rider off running courses that go into a race.

Advanced / Full-Size (200cc – 250cc+)

For use when shorter riders or seasoned riders are on the front end in search of higher rpm torque and extra frame clearance for aggressive trail riding and jumps, heavy duty suspension is built for these folks.

Auto or Manual? Which to Begin With?

If you have never used a clutch before, you may be overwhelmed with the thought of changing gears as you drive over uneven surfaces.

• Semi-Automatic: No clutch pedal or lever, suitable for younger children and for the true beginner. Just press through gears with your foot, no objections to engine stalling!

• Manual Clutch: Ideal for any rider seeking unprecedented levels of control in their power delivery. Feathering a manual clutch develops riding ability and is a lot easier when tackling a hill.

4 Wheelers for the Family?

For younger family members with issues handling 2 wheels, it's an amazing choice to get an 110cc youth ATV to add to your ride selection.

Young children who like to join family trail rides, can enjoy a quad with built-in 4-wheel stability, parental speed limiters and remote safety shut-off key fobs.

Gear Up for the Trails With Mississippi Power Sport!

Get the 411 on Mississippi Power Sport's new initiative, Gear Up for the Trails!

The first step to a lifetime of off-road fun is the proper fit. Having the right bike for your size and abilities will make it easy to become confident on your cycle!

Looking to get that next family trail machine?

Visit Mississippi Power Sport today to view their full line of pit bikes, trail bikes, and quads! Need assistance with seat height or weight permitted? Give the Mississippi Power Sport guys a call; they are always glad to help you choose the best!