Kids & Motorcycles
KIDS & MOTORCYCLES
How IRONIC THAT SOME OF THE MOST hardcore funseeker-type people I have come across don't want kids, because kids would "cramp their style." Well, the joke's on them, isn't it? Kids cramp having fun like water cramps a fish. With a slight attitude adjustment, you can have a ball with the little persons. Up to a certain age, they'll believe practically anything you tell them. There's a monster in the closet.
A watermelon vine will grow in your stomach. Trickledown economics works. Watching the little darlings come to grips with ideas like that is priceless.
And when it comes to physical
things, they have no fear at all. Why, I remember a little guy on a PW50 for the first time at my local riding spot. Twist this to go faster, his dad tells him. Squeeze this to stop. Okay, Dad! Are you ready? Heck yeah! Off the kid goes, straight through the first corner and right into the catch fence (without rolling out of the gas at all); hey, nobody said anything about turning...
For me, possibly the best part of having my son was (is) the excuse to buy all the toys I always wanted, ostensibly for him-and the mini-bikes you can get now put the Briggs & Stratton implements we rode as youths to complete shame. And the fact that your offspring grow like aquarium fishes means you get a new bike every couple years at least!
Anyway, that’s what I’ve decided my kid is to me in the grand scheme, an investment in my future. I can bring him up to be responsible and risk-averse and I can look forward to years of listening to him whine about his boring job
when he picks me up from the Home to take me to some boring ball game. Or I can show him a good time now with motorcycles-and look forward to nothing but more good times `til I hit the big finish line in the sky. I hope it's well marked. -John Burns
TWO BROTHERS RACING KAWASAKI KLX110
If there's a company that knows a thing or two about trick minis, it's Two Brothers Racing. R&D Manager Joel Albrecht built this Kawasaki KLX1 10 drawing from TBR.'s ex tensive parts catalog, taking it from playbike-mellow to racebike-ready. If you want to spice up your ride, log on to www.twobros.com or call them at 800/211 -2767.
1: TBR M-6 racing exhaust ($280)
2: Marzocchi 35mm fork kit ($1640)
3: TBR extended swingarm ($575)
4: Race Tech extended rear shock ($575)
5: TBR folding kick-start lever ($100)
6: TBR engine-cover kit ($230)
7: TBR skid-plate ($100)
8: TBR 39-tooth rear sprocket ($50)
9: TBR heavy-duty aluminum rear rim ($120)
10: TBR graphics ($60)
11: TBR chain guide ($70)
12: TBR chain roller ($19)
AMERICAN MADE & SUPER SICK
Cobra had a bumper year in 2008, with 50cc titles at kid-oriented Loretta Lynn’s and Ponca City amateur nationals. But when the Hillsdale, ^ Michigan-based company sent us images of this new-for-’09 CARD (Cobra Advanced Racing Development) CX65, we couldn’t resist showing it to you. One look at the machined-from-billet engine cases is all we needed to know this bike is special. Top-line components-such as the 35mm Marzocchi fork, Ohlins shock, red anodized rims, engine covers and triple-clamps-make this mini look like a young racer’s dream. For more info log on to www.cobra motorcycle.com.
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Gaining experience on a motorcycle isn't always easy for kids. Waiting until parents can find time to take them
riding is usually a big obstacle. Additionally, friction between parents and children can make learning tense. If you think your child would be more inclined to listen to a third-party expert instructor, here are some good resources for youth-oriented rider-training programs.
Honda Rider Training www.powersports.honda.com/the_ride/rider_education
Moto Ventures www.motoventures.com
Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirt Bike School www.dirtbikeschool.com
get faster
So you're a pretty fast kid but you want to get quicker, possibly even make a career out of riding motorcycles? Most riding schools and training centers may be well below your skill level. But five-time AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Rich Oliver and his Mystery School could be the perfect training combination to push you
to the next level. Oliver utilizes various methods and drills on a variety of ma chines, from Yamaha YZ8Os to TT-R1 25s, to improve feel and bike control. You never know what kind of speed you may find.
Rich Oliver's Mystery School www.richolivernet/FunCampMain
NOT QUITE READY FOR THE RED BULL ROOKIES CUP?
Want to learn to race on asphalt but don't know where to start? Here are a few organizations that cater to youth roadracing. Many of the competitors in the RBRC got their start in one of these grassroots series. There are classes for all types of bikes, and you don't need a big budget to participate. Even if you don't turn out to be the next Nicky Hayden, it's a great opportunity for family fun.
United States Grand Prix Racers Union www.usgpru.net
California Motorcycle Road Racing Association www.racecmrra.com
Southern California Mini Grand Prix www.scminigp.com
FALCON ZRF 70
If considered purchasing a Chinesemade motorcycle as an alternative to more-expensive established brands, you may have balked at the idea for a variety of reasons.
The Chinese-made Falcon ZRF70 ($849; www. falconmoto.com) will set you back a little more than half the price of its Japanese counterparts.
Better yet, you can buy with peace of mind. The popular adage-you get what you pay for-rings true to a certain degree. Difference being, the Falcon comes from a reputable company that not only answers the phone but sells spares from a wellstocked parts department. Additionally, the ZRF comes with a 90-day limited warranty, is EPA and CARB legal and has a 17-digit VIN. Don’t expect to find those features and benefits on a motorcycle you buy at your local auto-parts store.
Powered by an air-cooled four-stroke Single, the ZRF displaces 72cc, is kick-start and features a four-speed semi-automatic transmission. Suspension consists of a telescopic fork with 3.5 inches of travel and a single rear shock. Drum brakes front and rear stop the bike competently. A low, 21.6inch seat height and 104-pound dry weight make the bike manageable even for smaller riders.
Spending upward of $1500 on an established brand may not be an option for many families. If you don’t mind the possibility of a little additional maintenance, the ZRF70 may keep fun from getting budgeted out of the weekend entirely.
SUZUKI DR-Z70
Kids outgrow things in a hurry, as every parent knows. But buying a 70cc mini instead of a 50 may keep your youngster satisfied for a bit longer, not to mention better develop his or her skills before moving I on to a Iarger machine.
A 22-inch seat height and 10-inch wheels are key to making the DR-Z the ideal scale for a wide variety of kids. A steel frame and swingarm are designed with durability in mind. The inverted fork has 3.8 inches of travel, while 3.0 inches is available out back to suck up bumps on track or trail. Drum brakes front and rear provide ample stopping power, while an adjustable front brake lever allows various hand sizes to find a comfortable fit.
Powered by a 67cc, air-cooled, sohc, fourstroke engine, the DR-Z features both kick and electric starting. Power is put to the ground via a three-speed semi-automatic transmission with centrifugal clutch-learning to shift is much easier without the need to master a clutch at the same time. The bike meets California Green Sticker regulations, as well, so you can pretty much ride it anywhere there’s dirt. Styled to mimic the larger members of the RM-Z family, the DR-Z70 is available in Factory Suzuki Yellow or Cool Black for $1599.
