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This months competition is a puzzle...

Will Craig Anderson win the 2008 MX Championship this year?
Yes
No
Maybe

	There are a lot of other factors that determine whether a kid is ready to ride. It's not just their age; coordination, vision, strength, attention span, all play a part in determining if a child is ready to head out on their machine.

Are the kids coordinated?
Can they perceive depth, distance and speed?
Do they have a good attention span, can they take direction well?
How about size, can they even reach the footpegs, grip the throttle, and easily reach the brake or clutch?

These are all the things you'll need to know before you run out and buy a motorcycle or 4-wheeler.

So what should you buy?

Well, there are two main types of off-road vehicle that may be suitable for young riders. And within each, you may find a range of sizes, power, looks, ease of operation, and of course, the all-important cost.

Group 1 - Off Road Motorcycles
Some are designed for off-road use only, while others can be ridden both on- and off-road. These are called road registerable dirt bikes. However, kids on dirt bikes can only ride on private land - to ride anywhere else you've got to be old enough to get your motorcycle license.

Group 2 - ATV or 4-wheeled motorcycle
With four fat tyres, these 4- wheelers are really popular, especially among families. There are recommendations for kids when it comes to choosing a 4-wheeled motorcycle.

70 -90cc - 12 years and older
Over 90cc's, 16 years and older.

For further advice, or if you're not sure, your Honda dealer can explain the advantages of each type and model and to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Whatever vehicle you pick, make sure it fits the kid.

Are their arms long enough to turn the handlebars all the way to the right and left?

Are their hands big enough and strong enough to work the brake levers, the throttle and other hand controls?

Can their feet comfortably reach and operate the brake and other foot controls?

Get your kids to stand up on the footrest while you hold onto the handgrip. See if there is at least 10 centimeters between the vehicle's seat and the seat of their pants, so they can rise off the seat for comfort and balance.

With the motorcycle, make sure the youngster can sit on the seat with both feet touching the ground. Make sure they are strong enough to push and pull the bike whilst they walk along beside it, with the engine off of course.

	There are a lot of other factors that determine whether a kid is ready to ride. It's not just their age; coordination, vision, strength, attention span, all play a part in determining if a child is ready to head out on their machine.


	Are the kids coordinated? Can they perceive depth, distance and speed? Do they have a good attention span, can they take direction well? How about size, can they even reach the footpegs, grip the throttle, and easily reach the brake or clutch? These are all the things you'll need to know before you run out and buy a motorcycle or 4-wheeler. So what should you buy? Well, there are two main types of off-road vehicle that may be suitable for young riders. And within each, you may find a range of sizes, power, looks, ease of operation, and of course, the all-important cost. Group 1 - Off Road Motorcycles Some are designed for off-road use only, while others can be ridden both on- and off-road. These are called road registerable dirt bikes. However, kids on dirt bikes can only ride on private land - to ride anywhere else you've got to be old enough to get your motorcycle license. Group 2 - ATV or 4-wheeled motorcycle With four fat tyres, these 4- wheelers are really popular, especially among families. There are recommendations for kids when it comes to choosing a 4-wheeled motorcycle. 70 -90cc - 12 years and older Over 90cc's, 16 years and older. For further advice, or if you're not sure, your Honda dealer can explain the advantages of each type and model and to help you decide which one is best for your needs. Whatever vehicle you pick, make sure it fits the kid. Are their arms long enough to turn the handlebars all the way to the right and left? Are their hands big enough and strong enough to work the brake levers, the throttle and other hand controls? Can their feet comfortably reach and operate the brake and other foot controls? Get your kids to stand up on the footrest while you hold onto the handgrip. See if there is at least 10 centimeters between the vehicle's seat and the seat of their pants, so they can rise off the seat for comfort and balance. With the motorcycle, make sure the youngster can sit on the seat with both feet touching the ground. Make sure they are strong enough to push and pull the bike whilst they walk along beside it, with the engine off of course.