The Only Kids Motorbike Buying Guide You Need for Christmas

Few Christmas gifts create as much excitement as a motorbike. The look on your child's face when they see it on Christmas morning is unforgettable. But before you start shopping, there are some important decisions to make that go well beyond just picking a bike that looks cool.

Buying a motorbike for a child isn't like buying a push bike or a toy. It's a significant investment that requires careful consideration of safety, suitability, and whether your child is genuinely ready for the responsibility. Here's what you actually need to consider before you commit to putting a motorbike under the tree this Christmas.

Is Your Child Actually Ready?

Not every child who wants a motorbike should get one. We see this conversation play out in our shop regularly, and readiness isn't just about age or size. It's about maturity, temperament, and their ability to follow rules when it matters.

Think about how your child behaves on their push bike. Do they listen to instructions and follow safety rules, or do they treat every ride like a stunt show? Can they stay focused on a task, or do they get distracted and careless after five minutes? Have they shown responsibility with other equipment, or is your shed full of broken toys they've neglected or misused?

A child who ignores helmet rules on their bicycle, who takes unnecessary risks, or who struggles to follow basic instructions simply isn't ready for a motorbike. The consequences scale up dramatically. You can't afford careless behaviour when they're dealing with an engine and real speed.

The flip side is equally true. A cautious, rule-following child who's been riding bicycles competently and showing good judgment might be ready even if they're on the younger side of the typical range. We've seen responsible seven-year-olds who handle their first ride beautifully, and we've seen impulsive twelve-year-olds who shouldn't be anywhere near one.

If you have doubts about your child's readiness, trust your instincts and wait another year. A motorbike will still be exciting next Christmas, and your child will be more capable of handling it safely. There's no rush to start them early if they're not genuinely prepared for it.

Where Will They Actually Ride?

This question determines what type of bike makes sense, so be honest about where your child will actually ride rather than where you imagine taking them someday.

If you've got a quarter-acre block in the suburbs, you're limited to smaller, slower bikes that work in tight spaces. Something like a Yamaha PW50 or Honda CRF50F keeps speeds manageable and won't outgrow your yard immediately. Electric bikes make particular sense here because they're quieter and won't have your neighbours complaining about noise every weekend.

Got acreage or a farm? Your child can grow into slightly bigger bikes and actually explore properly. A Honda CRF110F or Yamaha TTR110 gives them room to develop skills across varied terrain without overwhelming them with power they can't handle yet.

If you're planning to take them to designated motocross tracks or proper trail riding areas, then you can consider bikes with more serious capability. KTM and Husqvarna make excellent options for young riders who'll be tackling genuine off-road environments rather than just putting around at home.

Don't make the mistake of buying based on aspirational plans. If you're realistically going to ride in your backyard 90% of the time, buy for that reality. A capable trail bike is wasted if it never leaves your property, and a small beginner bike will be frustrating if you're actually planning regular trips to riding parks.

Electric, Mini Bike, or Small Dirt Bike?

Once you know where they'll ride, you can narrow down the type of bike that actually suits your situation.

Electric motorbikes are gaining serious traction for younger kids, and for good reason. They're quieter, require almost no maintenance, and many models have adjustable safety features so you can dial back the speed while they're learning. The trade-offs are shorter ride times between charges and limited power once your child develops more skill and size. Brands like Oset and Kuberg make quality electric bikes designed specifically for children, while we also stock a solid selection of Husqvarna kids eBikes and KTM kids eBikes.

Mini bikes like the Honda CRF50F or Yamaha PW50 are the proven classics. They've been teaching kids to ride for decades because they work. Small, manageable, virtually indestructible, and perfect for children roughly 5 to 8 years old who are just starting out. These bikes are about as foolproof as you can get, offering manageable power that won't overwhelm nervous beginners.

Small kids dirt bikes in the 110cc to 125cc range suit older beginners or kids who've already got some riding experience under their belt. Models like the Yamaha TTR110, Honda CRF110F, or KTM 85 SX offer more capability for children who are ready to progress beyond beginner level. These bikes can handle proper trails and tracks, not just gentle laps around the backyard.

Once you're shopping in this category, you'll need to think about engine size carefully. The jump from a 110cc to a 125cc can feel major to a young rider, and going too big too soon creates the same problems as any oversized bike. You'll also face the choice between four-stroke engines, which are more forgiving and easier to maintain, or two-stroke models where the power hits harder and more suddenly. Two-stroke suits experienced riders who can handle that characteristic punch, but they're generally too much for nervous beginners still learning throttle control.

Your child's age, size, and experience should drive this decision more than anything else. The right bike depends heavily on skill level rather than just what age they are. When you're uncertain, start smaller and simpler every time. You can always upgrade in a year or two, but you can't undo the frustration, fear, or accidents that come from starting them on too much bike.

Safety Gear Comes With the Bike

If you're buying a motorbike for Christmas, you're also buying a complete set of riding gear. This isn't negotiable, and it's not something you add later when you get around to it. Helmet, riding boots, gloves, and basic body armour are part of the purchase from day one. Emphasising safety from the very beginning establishes expectations that last throughout their riding life.

Factor this into your budget from the start. A $2,000 bike actually costs you $2,500 to $2,800 once you add proper gear. Trying to save money by skipping items or buying cheap equipment that doesn't fit properly completely defeats the purpose of the investment. Don't forget knee pads and elbow guards as part of the basic protection package.

Quality gear from reputable brands meets actual safety standards and provides real protection, whereas cheap gear from discount retailers often looks similar but fails when it matters. This is the one area where making a saving is not worth the risk.

We stock everything from kids helmets to boots to body armour, all properly sized for young riders. If you need help working out what your child needs and how it should fit, we can walk you through the options and make sure you're getting gear that actually works.

Engine Size: Start Smaller Than You Think

The single biggest mistake parents make is buying a bike that's too big or too powerful. The reasoning is always the same: they'll grow into it, or we want to avoid upgrading too soon, or we got a good deal on something larger.

Stop. Don't do this. An oversized or overpowered bike is actively dangerous for a young rider. They can't control it properly, they struggle with the weight, and their confidence suffers instead of building the way it should. We see kids go off motorbikes entirely because their first experience was fighting with a machine they couldn't handle.

Start with a bike that's appropriate for their current size and ability, even if it looks small to you as an adult. Matching the bike to the child's size and height matters far more than trying to maximise how long they can use it. They'll learn faster, have more fun, gain confidence, and develop proper technique instead of bad habits. Kids outgrow bikes relatively quickly anyway, so you're not wasting money by starting conservatively. You're setting them up to actually succeed.

Avoid powerful bikes for beginners, regardless of how mature or coordinated your child seems. Power doesn't help them learn and just creates more variables they can't manage yet. The perfect bike for a beginner prioritises control and confidence over performance and advanced features they won't use anyway.

For detailed guidance on sizing and fit, have a look at our guide on fitting a kid for a motorbike. It covers the specific measurements and considerations you need to get the size right from the start.

What Happens After Christmas Day

The motorbike under the tree is just the beginning of the commitment you're making. Before your child rides for the first time, you need clear rules established and a proper plan for how they'll learn.

Set up a designated riding area that's away from obstacles, other people, fences, and anything else they could crash into. Start with basic lessons on completely flat, open ground where they can learn throttle control, braking, and balance without any distractions or hazards.

You need to be present and supervising every single time they ride, at least for the first several months. This isn't optional. Young riders need active supervision until they've demonstrated consistent safe behaviour and good judgment. Even after that, regular check-ins matter.

Consider proper training beyond what you can teach them yourself. Many clubs and organisations run kids' motorbike training programs that teach fundamentals far better than most parents realistically can. Professional instruction gives them solid skills from day one and reinforces that safety isn't just something mum and dad nag about.

House rules around riding should be crystal clear and consistently enforced. No riding without permission. No riding without full gear. No riding alone until they've proven they're ready for it. Clear consequences for breaking rules. If they can't follow the rules consistently, the bike gets parked until they demonstrate they're mature enough to take it seriously.

New vs Second-Hand: What Makes Sense?

New bikes come with warranties, known history, and confidence that everything works as it should. Second-hand bikes can save you money but require more careful evaluation before you buy.

If you're looking at used motorcycles, inspect them thoroughly before you hand over any money. Look for obvious damage, worn or sketchy aftermarket parts, oil leaks, and general condition that suggests how the bike's been treated. Test the engine, brakes, clutch (if it has one) and throttle response. If you're not mechanically confident yourself, bring someone who is or pay a mechanic to inspect it before you commit.

Avoid bikes that have been heavily modified, show clear signs of crashes, or come with vague or non-existent service history. A bike that's been thrashed by its previous young owner might look acceptable at first glance, but have hidden problems that'll cost you more than buying new would have in the first place.

Where you buy matters more than you might think. Private sales can save money upfront, but offer zero recourse if something goes wrong after you've bought it. Buying from a reputable dealer like On Two Wheels means the bikes have been properly checked, come with a guaranteed warranty and support, and you've got somewhere to come back to if issues crop up.

We stock new motorcycles from Yamaha, Honda, KTM, Husqvarna, and more, all backed by manufacturer warranties and our own workshop support. Even if you're leaning towards used, we can help you understand what to look for and whether a particular bike you're considering is actually worth what someone's asking for it.

Getting It Right This Christmas

Buying a motorbike for Christmas is a significant decision that requires more thought than just picking something that looks good in the catalogue. You need an honest assessment of your child's readiness, realistic planning about where they'll actually ride, appropriate equipment choices, and a genuine commitment to proper supervision and training.

Get it right, and you're giving your child a gift that builds confidence, teaches responsibility, and creates memories that last well beyond childhood. Get it wrong, and you're looking at disappointment, frustration, potential injury, or a very expensive lawn ornament gathering dust in your shed.

If you're still working through these decisions or want to see bikes in person before you commit, explore our selection of new motorcycles and used motorcycles online, come visit us at On Two Wheels in Gledswood Hills. We're happy to talk through your specific situation, show you what's available, and help you choose a bike that's right for your child rather than just what looks impressive. Christmas is approaching quickly, so if you're serious about a motorbike under the tree, now's the time to start planning properly.

Give us a call on (02) 4625 7518 or drop into our Sydney shop and nail it this Christmas with On Two Wheels