So, you or your kid wants to start riding dirt bikes. Thats awesome. But now you are staring at a screen full of specs, wondering if a 125cc engine dirt bike is to much power or not enough. It is the most common question we get. You don't want a bike thats so fast it’s scary, but you also don't want something so slow that it gets boring in a month.

The short answer? Yes, a 125cc dirt bike is usually the perfect starting point for teens and adults. Here is why this engine size is the sweet spot for learning to ride.

The "Goldilocks" of Dirt Bikes

A 125cc 4-stroke engine is forgiving. Unlike the crazy snappy 2-stroke race bikes you see on TV, the 4-stroke engines found in bikes like the Trailmaster TM22 or Apollo DB-X5 deliver power smoothly. When you twist the throttle, it goes, but it wont try to flip over backward instantly.

It’s enough speed to have fun on trails and keep up with friends, but controllable enough that you can focus on technique rather than just holding on for dear life.

Manual vs. Semi-Auto: Pick Your Battle

One of the hardest parts of learning to ride is mastering the clutch. If you have never driven a stick shift car, learning the hand clutch and foot shifter at the same time can be frustrating.

• The Easiest Route: If you are nervous about stalling, look for a Semi-Automatic bike like the EGL Motor Pro 125cc. It lets you shift gears with your foot, but there is no hand clutch to worry about. It’s basically "twist and go" with a little shifting.
• The Full Experience: If you want to learn "real" riding skills, grab a Manual bike like the RPS 125S or Apollo RFZ. It takes a weekend of practice to get the friction zone down, but once you learn it, you can ride literally any motorcycle in the world.

They Fit Almost Everyone

Sizing is huge. If you can't touch the ground, your gonna fall over a lot. 125cc bikes usually have seat heights between 29" and 34".

• RPS 125S: Has larger 17" front tires, making it great for taller teens or adults who need legroom.
• Trailmaster TM22: slightly lower seat, making it perfect for younger riders (ages 10-14) stepping up from a mini bike.

Wrenching is Easy

Here is a secret: you will crash. It’s part of the sport. You will break a brake lever or bend a shifter. The best part about these 125cc bikes is that parts are cheap and engines are simple. You don't need a degree in engineering to change the oil or tighten the chain.

Get on the Trail

Don't overthink it. A 125cc bike is the best teacher you can buy. It’s powerful enough to climb hills but safe enough to learn on. At Affordable ATV, we stock parts and fully assembled bikes to get you riding faster. Check out our 125cc Dirt Bikes section and pick the color that matches your gear.