Gear and Accessories You Should Buy for Your Little Ripper

The time has come, your little kid has finally taken interest in dirt bike riding. As a parent, your top question would probably be, “how safe will dirt bike riding be for my kid?”

As we mentioned in our previous blog, whether you like it or not, you have to accept the fact that your child is going to fall off their dirt bike at some point, and that’s expected. The best thing you can do as a parent is to support them while ensuring their safety in every ride.

When shopping for your kid’s gears, aside from considering the quality, you should consider the fit and size of the gear as well. So before you let little junior hop on a dirt bike, ensure that they’re all geared up!

Helmet

Dirt bikes are undeniably fun, both for children and adults. However, they can be just as dangerous. As a parent, you should make sure that your kid never rides a dirt bike without a helmet on. Dirt bike accidents are mostly serious and could even lead to brain injuries or even loss of life in some situations.

Helmets come in different sizes, shapes, and materials — don’t get overwhelmed when purchasing a helmet for your kid. Just remember to prioritise the perfect fit and the comfort (that includes the ventilation of the helmet).

Pro-tip: Never cheap out when buying helmets, buying a used helmet should never be part of your options. Don’t hesitate in investing in a durable, brand new, and comfortable helmet. A good quality helmet should last you about 3-5 years or 7 years from production.

Goggles

Goggles are also one of the essential pieces of dirt bike gear to keep your little one safe while riding by making sure no dirt, mud, dust, or water can get into their eyes.

When it comes to goggles, bigger sized lenses are better as they can provide a larger surface area for the eyes, allowing your kid to see more. Look for goggles with silicone on the strap so it stays in place on the rear of the helmet.

As for the lenses, you should find one that is: anti-fog so your kid won’t have to stop and clear the lense. Also, it is a good idea to buy goggles with replaceable lenses. At some point, the lenses can get scratched and having replaceable lenses will be more cost-effective and worth it.

Before buying the goggles, you should look for these three features that they may have to make them worthwhile:

Non slip strap — to ensure that the strap stays in place on the back of the helmet.
Antifog feature — so no matter how moist it can be — your kid’s vision will never be clouded.
Replaceable lens — at some point, the lenses can get scratched and blurry. Having replaceable lenses will be more cost-effective and worth it.

Dirt Bike Boots

Your kid will need boots that can protect their feet, ankles, and lower leg. During a ride, their feet and lower legs are one of the body parts that are often hit by flying debris like branches or any other sharp objects.

Aside from safety, you should also consider your little ripper’s comfort. Most dirt bike boots are made with an insulating material to help keep them cool while riding. Remember that their boots should be as ergonomic and lightweight as possible. And for the size, you should expect the bike boots to be slightly bigger than their regular shoe size.

This is why you should have your kid with you when purchasing new boots to ensure that the boots will have a good fit.

Gloves

Since your kid will be holding onto the handlebars for a while, it’s important to give their palms some padding to avoid any discomfort. Additionally, gloves can help your little ripper prevent their hands from developing blisters, scrapes, burns and any hand injury in case they fall off the bike hands first.

You can replace the gloves at least once a year. They’re not as important as the helmet and boots, so you can wait until your kid’s birthday or holiday. But it’s important to choose a material that allows the hands to breathe and move smoothly when worn.

Knee and elbow pads

Abrasions can get nasty, or worse, traumatising for the kid. That’s when knee pads and elbow pads are useful. Reminder, the pads are only great for protection against falls. Unlike with knee and elbow braces, they can give you protection against dislocating your joints. Don’t worry, for starters, pads will do.

Body Armour

Body armour, or chest protector, is another gear that you might want to consider getting your kid. This will protect your kid’s vital parts located on their chest and abdomen in case of any accidents.

You should aim for a light armour so that it won’t restrict your kid’s movement. Remember, safety and comfort should go together. That’s why you should also take note if the chest protector has vents. Vents allow good airflow to the chest while riding, preventing any heat to be felt while they’re in their zone.

Neck Protection

For novice riders, we think this is a must! A lot of injuries can occur while dirt bike riding and trust us, head and neck injuries are the ones you wouldn’t want your child to experience.

Getting a neck guard won’t be uncomfortable, don’t worry. As long as you get one that is light and that fits well, you’re good to go! This will help prevent any neck to spinal cord injuries that can occur.

Jersey and pants

And lastly, the jersey and pants. Wearing a jersey and pants while riding will make the little tacker feel like a pro.

Consider buying the jersey at least one size or two larger than they currently are to give them a chance to grow into it. Also, a larger jersey will provide room for their chest protector to be worn under it.

Comparing the prices, jerseys are cheaper than pants. Most pants have features that include: padding around the hips and knees and heat-resistant material on the inside of the right leg (to avoid exhaust burn).

Pro-tip: You will most likely get a better deal if you buy a jersey and pants set, instead of buying them separately. You can use your kid’s favourite colour as a reference on which colour to get for them, or consider the colour of their dirt bike.

These are the first things you should buy your kid who’s new to dirt bike riding. And if you’re thinking of buying them their own dirt bike too, read our guide to make sure you buy a dirt bike that’s appropriate for them. We talk about the 6 factors you need to consider to make sure that their bikes give them a comfortable, safe, smooth ride.

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