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The 50cc dirt bike has been a staple of the motorcycle enthusiast community for decades. You’ll also see them referred to as ‘pocket bikes’, ‘pit bikes‘, or simply ‘minibikes‘. For many around here, the 50cc dirt bike is what we first learned to ride on. Many kids jump on one and learn to ride before they can even master the art of balance, ripping along bouncing off training wheels mounted up on either side.
These mini motos have come a long way over the last 30 years. And nowadays, there is a model to fit just about any rider. Perhaps you’re looking to get your little one their first bike. Or maybe you’re in the market for a cheap pit bike to buzz around with on race day. No matter your experience, you’ve come to the right spot. We’re doing a deep dive and answering any questions you might have about the world of 50cc dirtbikes.
How much do 50cc dirt bikes cost?
The market for these little dirt bikes has grown exponentially over the last couple decades. As manufacturers all over the world have developed the technology to engineer solid motorcycles, prices have come down and overall quality has improved. Just like anything else in the world, you get what you pay for. When buying new, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to just over $4,000 for your new mini. Let’s dive into a few of our favorite models.
The cheaper models
These bikes are great options for the new rider. Super cheap, yet durable, these Chinese manufacturers have come a long way in developing bikes that are affordable and meet the stringent air quality standards of the western market.
- 50cc 2-stroke engine
- Top speed: 25 mph
- Available in multiple colors
Mid-range bikes
This is where you find the legacy Japanese manufacturers who have been in the game for decades. These are the legendary motocross riders of today started out on. They helped birth entire racing circuits and the cult-like following that modified pit bikes have today.
- Honda CRF50F: Approximately $1,600 new
- Yamaha PW50: Approximately $1,500 new
- Suzuki DRZ50: Approximately $1,700 new
Most expensive bikes
These are your purpose-built, race ready 50cc dirt bikes. These brands cater entirely to the up and coming future motocross stars whose parents have the coin to fund their bright young careers.
- KTM 50 SX: Approximately $3,900 new
- Cobra CX50 SR: Approximately $4,200 new
What is a 50cc dirt bike?
Simply put – it is a small framed dirt bike powered by an internal combustion engine with 50 cubic centimeters (cc) of displacement. In less technical terms, the ‘cc’ designation on any dirt bike refers to the size of its engine. A higher number indicates a larger engine and more power, and vice versa. The 50cc engine is about as small as they come. This makes for an excellent starter bike, or a fun mini dirt bike for adults to ride given adequate suspension upgrades.
Do 50cc dirt bikes have titles?
Yes, you can title your dirtbike as long as you live in a state that issues titles on off-road vehicles and show up with the proper documentation. Nowadays, the original owner will get a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (MCO) when they purchase the bike new. This is not the same thing as a title. If they so choose, the original owner can take the MCO and use it to register the bike and receive a State issued title. If the original owner chose not to title the bike, subsequent buyers will likely be unable to obtain title as well.
When buying used bikes, be sure and check the laws in your state to determine whether or not you should be shopping for dirt bikes that come with titles. Many of the states that title off-road vehicles do so because you will be required to register your bike in order to ride in any government-owned parks.
Are 50cc dirt bikes street legal?
No. While you can (and many people do) convert off-road dirt bikes into roadworthy street legal machines, a 50cc dirt bike is just not a good candidate for conversion. Converting a bike over for street use can be a lot of work. And if you take on the task, you want to make sure it will be worth it. A 50cc powered dirtbike simply isn’t fast enough to be much fun on the street, and certainly isn’t safe. Can you imagine trying to get out of the way of a big truck coming your way on a pit bike? No thanks!
How fast do they go?
From the factory, most 50cc dirt bikes will max out somewhere between 25 and 35 miles per hour. Of course, this depends on rider size, riding conditions, and whether or not you’ve changed components such as the bike’s gearing.
At the higher end of this range is KTM’s 50 SX (pictured above). This 2-stroke purpose-built race bike is outfitted with high quality components and is priced as such. With an averaged sized youth, it is capable of speeds up to 45 mph.