Is the Honda CRF50 the Best 50cc Dirt Bike for Your Beginner Rider?

Like many riders, my earliest memory of pure, unadulterated joy on two wheels involves a small dirt bike. For me, it was a Honda QR50, a tiny but mighty machine that opened up a world of adventure. While times have changed since the 1980s and the era of the QR50 and Yamaha PW50, Honda continues to offer a fantastic entry point into dirt biking for kids with the CRF50. This little 50cc Honda Dirt Bike has been a staple in their lineup for years, and for good reason – it’s a brilliant machine to learn on.

2024 Honda CRF50 right side

The Honda CRF50 is powered by a robust and dependable 50cc air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Crucially for beginners, it features an automatic clutch paired with a user-friendly three-speed gearbox. This automatic clutch is a game-changer for young riders, allowing them to focus on balance and throttle control without the added complexity of clutch operation. Learning to shift gears becomes much less daunting, making the CRF50 an ideal teaching tool.

As a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, I admit I initially tried to steer my son, Harvey, towards other sports. But his passion for bikes was undeniable. So, on his seventh birthday, a brand-new CRF50 was waiting for him. The sheer excitement on his face was a moment I’ll never forget, mirroring my own childhood joy. And just like that, his dirt bike journey began on this perfect little 50cc Honda dirt bike.

Harvey Scaysbrook birthday 2024 Honda CRF50

Honda recommends the CRF50 for children aged 4-8 years old. While Harvey, at 47 inches tall, was perhaps on the taller end for the bike, the 21.6-inch seat height is ideally suited for kids around 45 inches. Despite being a little taller, he adapted quickly. The CRF50, while not the lightest at 111 pounds, is stable and confidence-inspiring. Its relaxed steering geometry, with a 25° rake, 1.3 inches of trail, and a 36-inch wheelbase, contributes to excellent low-speed stability, essential for new riders gaining confidence. This design allows kids to progressively explore the three gears as their skills improve.

Parents will appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of a throttle-limiter screw. This feature allows you to restrict the bike’s speed, providing an added layer of safety and control as your child learns. However, in first gear, the CRF50 is already quite manageable, and we found the limiter unnecessary initially.

2024 Honda CRF50 front wheel

Harvey spent his first day mastering first and second gear, quickly reaching the rev limiter and constantly wanting more. These little 50cc Honda dirt bike engines are incredibly durable. They can handle being ridden hard, even at the rev limiter, for extended periods without issue. Fuel consumption is also remarkably low. After a solid six hours of riding on his first day, the CRF50 had barely used a fifth of its 0.7-gallon fuel capacity.

We did experience a minor issue with fuel quality in California, which caused a carburetor clog. However, this was easily resolved by draining the carburetor – a simple maintenance task to be aware of.

Harvey Scaysbrook riding 2024 Honda CRF50

The CRF50’s suspension is basic but effective for its intended purpose. It features a 22mm inverted fork with 3.8 inches of travel and a rear shock providing 2.8 inches of travel. For beginner riders in this age group, the suspension is perfectly adequate. More experienced young riders coming from brands like KTM or Cobra might desire more sophisticated suspension, but the CRF50 is designed as a trail bike, not a competition motocrosser. It excels at teaching fundamental riding skills, providing a solid foundation for kids who may later want to move to faster, more advanced machines.

The Honda CRF50 stands out as an exceptional starter bike. With a price point under $2,000, it’s also financially accessible for many families. However, be warned: as my son Harvey’s experience shows, once the dirt bike bug bites, there’s no turning back! The sky’s the limit – and perhaps your bank balance too!

Happy riding, kiddo!

2024 Honda CRF50 Specifications