Dirt bikes are your ticket to the great outdoors

One of my goals this year is to spend more quality time with my three teenagers, who are growing up way too fast. Playing computer games and watching DVDs works during the winter, but when spring approaches, outdoor activities are in order. Now bicycles are fine, but require a bit more effort than I care to expend. Our family is lucky to be living in a part of the country that offers lots of approved trails for ATVs and dirt bikes. It seems to me we ought to take advantage of what our hard-earned tax dollars have built! Before heading out to the trails, keep these factors in mind: · Wear appropriate protective gear. Mom and Dad need to set a good example here. · Review your state’s regulations for Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs). · Be familiar with your vehicle’s safety features. · Have your kids take a certified training course. I fooled around with dirt bikes when I was a teenager, but my parents didn’t ride, so it wasn’t that much fun riding alone. Riding is a great activity for the whole family, even if you have a few younger kids at home. Luckily, there’s a new crop of safe, user-friendly dirt bikes designed specifically for kids of different heights and abilities. Electric start is key For instance, Yamaha has a model called the TT-R50E that is a great starter bike for young kids, and features an electric starter. That might not seem much to you now, but speaking from experience, you NEVER want to buy a dirt bike or anything with an engine for that matter, without electric start. For very little extra, you get the convenience of having your little guy or girl start up their own engine without knocking yourself out slamming your foot down on a recalcitrant kick starter. The TT-R50E and larger TT-R90E also feature three-speed transmissions with automatic clutches and adjustable throttle stops, making it easy for your little ones to get started safely. But watching your kids learn to ride is not as much fun as riding with them. Models like the larger TT-R125E and TT-R230E are perfect for bigger kids, (and novice adults like me) with more powerful four-stroke engines, easy-shifting manual transmissions, and yes, electric start. As a closet race fan, I love watching professional riders like Chad Reed on his Yamaha YZ. This same engineering and styling is carried down to the TT-R’s, including the cool Team Yamaha Blue/White color scheme. Getting what you pay for The old adage of “getting what you pay for” is certainly true with dirt bikes. If you’ve ever visited your local auto parts store, you’ve probably seen a bunch of dirt bikes and ATVs made by companies you’ve never heard of before. Most of these bikes are made in China, and are not the best quality; you certainly don’t want a defective weld breaking off on your child’s mount. Japanese bikes like the Yamaha have superior engineering and proven durability, since they’ve been making motorcycles since 1955 - about as long as I’ve been around! Plus, they have been selling bikes in the U.S. for over 35 years and have service and support from a nationwide dealer network of more than 1,400 dealers that can help you choose the right bike and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Many Japanese manufacturers have supported the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and rider education programs for many years, so you can be sure they are built with safety in mind. So, you can spend $500 on an auto parts store brand, or you can spend $1,149 on a Yamaha TT-R50E. I believe paying a little more for a quality product is just good common sense, especially when your kids’ safety is involved. An added bonus to buying a well-known brand is the availability of factory-approved racing parts and accessories so the performance of the bike can grow with you. With the many choices of fun, safe and reliable dirt bikes, you’ll be sure to find a brand that fits your needs and budget. Just tell the dealer TechnoDad sent you!