Honda Motoshop
Which Honda fits? Kids dirt bike comparison from age 4 to the 250
The kids dirt bike comparison puts the four Honda off-road models for children and teenagers side by side: CRF50F, CRF110F, CRF125F and CRF150R. The comparison table sums up the data; this text explains what matters when choosing – from the first lap at 4 years of age to moving up to the 250.
The kids’ models compared
| Feature | CRF50F | CRF110F | CRF125F | CRF150R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age (guide) | from about 4 | 8 to 11 years | from about 10 | from about 11–12 |
| Displacement | 49 cc | 109 cc | 124.9 cc | 149 cc |
| Clutch | automatic clutch | automatic clutch | clutch lever | clutch lever |
| Gears | 3 | – | 4 | 5 |
| Starter | – | electric | electric + kick | – |
| Wheels | 10 in | – | 17/14 or 19/16 in | 19/16 in |
| Cooling | air | – | air | liquid |
| Seat height | 548 mm | – | – | 866 mm |
– = no confirmed figure
Age and size: where each model sits on the ladder
According to Honda, the CRF50F starts at around 4 years, the CRF110F covers 8 to 11 years and the CRF125F begins at around 10 years. The CRF150R is aimed at teenagers, with a guideline of around 11 to 16 years.
What stands out in the kids dirt bike comparison is that the age ranges overlap. A tall 10-year-old may already fit the CRF125F, while a slight child stays on the CRF110F for longer. The seat height shows how far the ladder reaches: 548 mm on the CRF50F, 866 mm on the CRF150R.
Semi-automatic or clutch lever: the big learning step
The two smallest models, the CRF50F and CRF110F, engage automatically via a centrifugal clutch; gears are selected by foot, and your child never has to reach for a clutch. The CRF50F has three gears. Your child can therefore concentrate fully on throttle, brakes and posture.
The CRF125F adds the clutch lever, combined with a four-speed gearbox. The CRF150R has a close-ratio five-speed gearbox, likewise with a hand-operated clutch. Switching from semi-automatic to clutch is a big step and is easiest to practise on a course first.
Starting, rolling, braking: the differences in detail
The CRF110F starts with an electric starter, the CRF125F with an electric starter plus a kick-starter as back-up. The CRF50F comes with an adjustable throttle limiter and an ignition switch with key – two features parents can use to manage the first steps.
Wheel size grows with the models: 10 inches on the CRF50F, on the CRF125F 17 inches front and 14 inches rear, and 19 and 16 inches on the CRF125F (Big Wheel) – the same sizes as on the CRF150R. The CRF50F brakes with drums front and rear, the CRF125F with a 220 mm disc at the front and a drum at the rear, and the CRF150R with discs on both wheels.
Air or liquid cooling and the route to the 250
The CRF50F and CRF125F have air-cooled four-stroke engines of 49 and 124.9 cc, the CRF110F a 109 cc four-stroke. The CRF150R, by contrast, is liquid-cooled, has 149 cc and, with its Unicam cylinder head and fully adjustable Showa fork, is clearly designed for competition. It demands advanced riding skills.
After the CRF150R comes the Honda CRF250R: 249 cc, DOHC engine, HSTC traction control and HRC Launch Control. At this point at the latest, it is about motocross at competition level, ridden on tracks and closed-off terrain, as none of these models has road registration.
How to choose: sitting test, course and purchase
A kids dirt bike comparison on paper is no substitute for practice. If you would like to try kids motocross first, start on a course: for every motocross course, the MX-Academy keeps CRF50, CRF110, CRF125 and CRF250 rental bikes ready, and the kids’ courses rely on exactly the CRF50F, CRF110F and CRF125F. Children can join from 4 years of age, and the taster course comes with the rental bike as well as protective gear.
Honda Motorrad Zürich handles purchases: it is the official Honda Dream Dealer with every Honda motorcycle model in stock, plus a constantly changing selection of used motorcycles. Do the sitting test on two neighbouring sizes – it usually becomes clear quickly which model fits.
Frequently asked questions
Which model do the youngest riders start on?
Can your child skip the CRF110F?
From around 10 years, starting directly on the CRF125F is possible as long as the size is right. Because the clutch is used from the very beginning, the start is more demanding than with a semi-automatic. A course quickly shows whether your child gets on with the clutch lever.
When is the CRF125F (Big Wheel) the better choice?
When your child feels cramped on the standard version with 17- and 14-inch wheels. The Big Wheel rolls on 19 and 16 inches, the same wheel sizes as the CRF150R. A sitting test on both versions provides clarity.
Why is the CRF150R not a model for beginners?
It is a competition motorcycle: a liquid-cooled engine with low rotating mass, a close-ratio five-speed gearbox and fully adjustable suspension. That demands advanced riding skills. It makes more sense to go via the CRF125F, where your child consolidates clutch work and gear changes.
What equipment does your child need, whatever the model?
Every ride calls for a helmet and goggles, a protective jacket and knee guards, supplemented by gloves and boots. The MX-Academy stocks suitable motocross equipment new and second-hand, in several price ranges – helpful, as children outgrow it quickly.
MX-Academy
Ride first, decide later
Courses, rental bikes and gear at the MX-Academy – no driving licence needed, kids from 4 years.
Honda Motorrad Zürich
Buy, finance, trade in
New Honda offroad models, used bikes, leasing and workshop at the official Honda Dream Dealer in Zurich.
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