New to the forum and looking for advice...... I am wanting to upgrade my son to a gas powered bike. We went to our local dealer yesterday to look at the CRF50 and CRF110. The 50 is a little too short and the 110 is a little too tall. Is it possible to lower the seat height on the 110?? He needs something around 24.5" for now. Thanks for any help.

get a 70!

 

Based on what I have looked at, the 110 replaced to 70 and are basically the same specs. Is there a certain year model of the 70 that the seat height was lower?

 

haha i dunno i jus love the 70s, there great for every one.. Get training wheels and ur set

 

It would be easier/cheaper to raise a crf 50 than to lower a new crf110.

 

Go with the 110. He will grow into it. As long as he can touch barely hes perfect. My son has too lean his 85 to touch. He dosent complain but he is 12. It was the same way on 50s. He is just short.

 

U can shave the seat a little or just let him grow into it which would be a lot better in the long run

 

Just cut the seat foam down. Ive done it on my 110 to make grabing the seat easier for freestyle tricks.
Its an easy enough job to do. Just remove seat cover, mark how thin you want it, use a bread knife to cut the foam then a sander to smooth it all out and round the edges, then refit seat cover job done.

 

Go with the 110 and shave the seat down. I know you could slide the forks up in the tubes a bit but I'm not sure if you would want to put a shorter shock on there. The 110 will also be nice as he will grow into it and it has the electric start. Where are you located? Recently saw a like new crf110 in the Indy area for 1350

 

How old is your son?
How much riding has he done so far?

1) Don't spend $2k on a bike if he hasn't ridden or ridden much. He might not be into it.... Or not into it yet. A loud motor can scare a kid away from MX. Tho the same kid 5 years down the road might not be affected by the exhaust note.

2) If you feel your son is into riding, I would suggest getting the CRF110 and lowering the seat height. I replaced my stock seat foam with a taller foam. I'll give you my stock seat foam, so you can cut it down and give it a try with out altering the original parts on the bike.


let me know, I'd be glad to help you spend time with your son.



If money is not an issue, get the CRF50 now and soon as he is confident on it, trade it in on a CRF110.

 

My son is 7 1/2 and weights about 65 lbs. He has been riding about six months. Since we live in a subdivision, I bought him the Razor MX500 to keep my neighbors from complaining. This Razor is 36v and tops out about 17 mph. The seat height is 23" and his feet are flat on the ground when stopped. He can handle this bike very well. When I bought it for him, I showed him basic functions and off he went. He is wearing this bike out and gets frustrated when the battery runs down. I don't know if he will ever get into MX or not, but he loves riding and being outdoors. My goal is to get a bike myself and take the family on trail rides. My parents have some pasture land within 20 minutes for him to ride but the Razor doesn't hold it's charge very long on soft, grassy surfaces and he can't get in any mud or water.


So.....he sat on the Kawasaki 110 at the dealer (didn't have the Honda in stock) and could not touch the ground with both feet. The advertised 26" seat height seems to be understated. What is the true seat height of a stock Honda 110? And how many inches can you shave off the foam? Can the spring be adjusted to lower the seat height as well?


Based on his age and weight, is the 110 too much bike for now? I have no doubt he can handle riding it but he will not enjoy it very much if he falls over every time when he stops.


Jordo - thanks for the generous offer to help but we live in Mississippi.

 

Where in MS are you from? I'm from there as well.

You should be able to shave atleast 2 inches from the seat of a klx or crf 110.

IMO Go with the crf110 he will be big enough for that bike in no time. Electric start. Very quiet in stock form and it's a HONDA!!

 

We live close to the Reservoir in Brandon.

I am leaning towards the 110 and I appreciate all the responses.

 

Dude, I'll send the seat foam to ya! I'm not gonna drive it to you... I'm not THAT nice, lol.
I wouldn't count out a CRF50. It's about the size of the MX500 and he would NOT be intiminated by it. A used Honda 50 holds it's value so if you gotta sell it or trade it in to the dealer in a year, so be it. The extra effort is worth the added quality of the ride/experiance.

 

Jordo - going on 2 weeks since I sent you $ for the seat foam and no seat has arrived. Please send me a tracking number or refund my $.

Thanks.

 

I just PM'ed you. Sorry I haven't been on in a few days and didn't see your PM.