MXA BUYER’S GUIDE: 2024 MINICYCLE BUYER’S GUIDE

MXA’S 2024 MINICYCLE BUYER’S GUIDE

HONDA CRF150R FOUR-STROKE: $5399
Honda is totally committed to four-stroke engines, and the CRF150R has been around since 2007. It has gone unchanged for a long time now and suffers by comparison to European 85cc two-strokes in terms of power-to-weight ratios. Kick-starting is easy for adults but can be challenging for kids. Honda also sells a CRF150RB big-wheel version for $5599.

KAWASAKI KX85: $4899
Many a Pro rider got his or her start on the KX85. The last update for the KX85 came in 2022 when it got a new look, gearbox, cooling system and tires. In the higher skill divisions, the KX85 struggles to be competitive with the Austrian models, but its priceå is more attractive. The Kawasaki has a lower seat height than many bikes in the 85 class and is excellent for younger, smaller riders.

KAWASAKI KX112: $5599
The Supermini class allows engine displacements of up to 112cc, and Kawasaki is the only manufacturer to offer a stock 112cc bike with a Supermini-legal 16-inch rear wheel and 19-inch front. Both wheels are shod with Dunlop MX33 tires. Although the KX112 was unchanged for 2024, it has only been around for a couple of years and has made an impact in the Amateur racing scene.

GASGAS MC85: $6299
The GasGas MC85 is very similar to the KTM 85SX and Husqvarna TC85, aside from a few components. The engine is still a case-reed, power-valve 6-speed. The MC85 has most of the same features as the larger GasGas MX bikes, including a hydraulic clutch and a WP air fork. In the rear, a WP shock is connected directly to the swingarm sans linkage. A big-wheel version is also available for $6499.

HUSQVARNA TC85: $6699
The Husqvarna TC85 has a slightly higher price than any other 85. It features a case-reed, power-valve, 6-speed engine. It shares most of its components with the KTM 85SX, including Excel rims, WP suspension, Formula brakes and ODI grips. There is a Supermini version available with 19-/16-inch wheels for $6999.

KTM 85SX: $6599
The KTM 85SX is still considered the most advanced bike in the 85 class. The power-valve, case-reed engine has a 6-speed gearbox and hydraulic clutch. The suspension is a WP air fork up front and a PDS shock in the rear. The brakes are made by Formula. The little KTM has gone unchanged for 2024. A big-wheel model sells for $6899.

SUZUKI RM85: $4499
Suzuki wasn’t wrong to leave the RM85 unchanged for over 10 years. It allows the price to be lower than that of any other 85cc two-stroke, which is very attractive to young riders and families just getting into the sport. The RM85 makes decent power down low, has a low seat height and can be modified into a Supermini. The RM85 is extremely durable and can be passed down from sibling to sibling.

YAMAHA YZ85: $4999
From 2019 to 2022, Yamaha revamped the YZ85 almost completely. For 2024, the YZ85 model is unchanged, but it’s good to go for the next generation of YZ riders. The offerings from KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas have dominated Amateur motocross, but the Yamaha YZ85 has made inroads in those classes for a much smaller investment. There’s also a version with a 17-inch rear wheel and a 19-inch front wheel called the “LW” for $5199.

2024 65cc JUNIOR CYCLE BUYER’S GUIDE

COBRA CX65: $5898
Cobra is a truly American brand. The CX65 is the top of the line and is the only bike in the mini kingdom that has continuously evolved since its introduction. For 2024, it has a new frame, following the engine upgrades of 2023. The CX65 has an electronic power valve that is the most sophisticated in the mini world. It still has a manual clutch and 6-speed gearbox powered by a case-reed engine with a Mikuni carburetor.

GASGAS MC65: $5449
For 2024 the GasGas MC65 has the same changes as KTM, but retails for less than the KTM or Husky because of its component lineup. The MC65 has a 6-speed gearbox, an air fork and a no-linkage rear shock. The engine features a pressure-controlled power valve and a hydraulic clutch. The engine, frame and suspension are the same as those on the KTM and Husky.

HUSQVARNA TC65: $5749
In its 10-year lifespan, the TC65 has developed a reputation as one of the most competitive MX bikes in kids’ racing. The TC65 has the same engine, frame, suspension, brakes and wheels as the KTM 65SX. Only the bodywork, frame color and graphics are different. Both have 6-speed gearboxes, air forks and Formula hydraulic brakes. Still, the Husky commands a higher price.

KAWASAKI KX65: $4199
Kawasaki almost single-handedly kept the 65cc class afloat for over 40 years with continuous production all the way back to the days when it was the KX60. Today’s KX65 is less about racing and more about offering an affordable stepping stone into the world of manual clutches and gearboxes. The littlest KX is still fairly potent and has hydraulic disc brakes. The price is more than $1000 less than any other 65 and even less than most 50s.

KTM 65SX: $5649
KTM Finally gave the 65SX some updates, and that includes a new look. More and more young riders are growing up orange because of KTM’s long-term investment in the mini ranks. The KTM 65SX dominates the 65 class in Amateur racing across the country. It has a manual hydraulic clutch, a 6-speed gearbox and hydraulic disc brakes. The front suspension is a WP Xact air fork, and the rear is a WP PDS shock.

YAMAHA YZ65: $4899
The Yamaha YZ65 was born in 2019, making it the only new two-stroke that Japan has produced this millennium. Yamaha engineers used existing YZ85 technology to keep the price reasonable. As a result, the Yamaha is competitive with the KTM, Husky and GasGas 65s for hundreds less. Considering that most kids grow out of a 65 very quickly, keeping the price down is particularly important in this class.

MIGHTY MITE PEE-WEE 50cc BUYER’S GUIDE

COBRA CX50SR: $4895
The Cobra CX50 has earned over 300 championships in its 30-year history, and this summer at the Loretta Lynn Amateur Nationals, the company earned a few more. The CX50 is built like a scaled-down factory motocross bike. It has twin radiators, forged triple clamps and hydraulic disc brakes. The standard CX50 already has a long list of high-end parts, but there’s also an upscale Factory Works Edition for top-ranked young riders. It sells for $5848. To commemorate the company’s 30th year, there’s also an Anniversary Edition for $6048.

COBRA CX50JR: $4688
The Cobra CX50JR has 10-inch cast wheels and 170mm of suspension travel for a lower seat height. It’s based on the same technology as the CX50SR but designed to allow young riders to progress at their own rate. For 2024, the CX50JR has a number of upgrades, particularly in the rear brake system. Every detail is thought out for kids, including the micro-sized handlebar for smaller hands.

HUSQVARNA TC50: $4949
The Husqvarna TC50 is essentially the same bike as the KTM 50SX, which means that it, too, is updated for 2024. It has an auto clutch, a case-reed motor, WP suspension and an AER 35 air fork up front with a PDS shock in the rear. Both brakes are hydraulic, and the alloy handlebar is tapered. The seat height is 26 inches, and the whole package weighs about 91 pounds without fuel.

GASGAS MC50: $4749
The GasGas MC50 is less expensive than its counterparts from KTM and Husqvarna but offers all the same features. It has the same frame, suspension and motor as the TC50 and the 50SX, but with its own bodywork and look. It features an automatic transmission and a 50cc case-reed motor. The front suspension is a WP AER 35 air fork. Best of all, most 6-year-olds can actually spell “GasGas.” Very few can even say “Husqvarna.”

KTM 50SX: $4849
The 50SX is significantly updated for 2024. When it comes to racing in the 50 class, it’s usually a KTM-versus-KTM show at most local events. The KTM 50SX has an adjustable automatic clutch and a torque converter that requires no shifting. The front suspension is a WP Xact air fork, and the rear shock has no linkage. There’s also a Factory Edition that has upgraded components, including an FMF exhaust system, a billet clutch cover and special graphics. It sells for $5999.

KILOWATT ELECTRIC PEE-WEE BUYER’S GUIDE

COBRA ELECTRIC CX5E: $6998
Like its gasoline-powered minis, the Cobra CX5E is a race-oriented product made in the USA. It uses a liquid-cooled motor and a Cool Pack battery, which can be changed in the same time it takes to fill a gas tank. There are six riding modes, and the “trainer key” opens up an additional six levels for true beginners. The chassis isn’t that different from that of the Cobra CX50, with the 32mm MXT Smart Leg fork in front and a CARD shock in the rear.

GASGAS ELECTRIC MC-E2: $2199
Electric power is natural for kids in the early stages of riding and racing. The GasGas MC-E The GasGas MC-E2 has different power mode and provide up to one hour of ride time for beginners or 30 minutes of full powert and can provide up to two hours of riding for a beginner or 24 minutes at full power. Charging takes no more than 70 minutes. The MC-E2 has a low seat height, less output and less battery reserve.”but can still” provide. 

HUSQVARNA ELECTRIC EE 5/EE 3: $5699/5099
Husqvarna, KTM and GasGas each have their own take on electric Pee-Wees. The technology and hardware are essentially the same, but there are differences in bodywork, components, and, most important to many kids, identity. The EE-5 has a max output of 5 kW and a variable seat height of 665mm to 615mm, whereas the EE 3 has 3.8 kW max power and a seat height of 555mm to 600mm.

KTM ELECTRIC SX-E 5/KTM SX-E 3: $5599/$5099
The KTM Junior Supercross program has now gone silent with the SX-E 5. This is the same program that started over 20 years ago with the gasoline-powered KTM 50SX, and the transition to electric-powered bikes has been seamless. The SX-E 5 has six ride modes, 907 Wh of battery power and a seat height of 665mm. The fork travel is 205mm, and the PDS shock provides 185mm of travel. The SX-E 3 has 648 Wh of juice and an adjustable seat height of 555mm to 600mm.

KTM SX-2/HUSQVARNA EE2: $2199
The all-new, aluminum-framed, electric-powered, 2024 KTM SX-E 2 and Husqvarna EE 2 are the most advanced Pee-Wee motorcycles ever produced. Power comes from a lightweight, maintenance-free, 1.8 kW rear hub motor mated to a water-resistant IP65 9.4 Ah, lithium-ion power-tool-type battery, delivering a top speed of 20.5 mph. The seat height is adjustable by 2 inches to give the KTM SX-E 2 rider room to grow.