We’ve just kicked off what’s shaping up to be a proper year-long showdown between the 2025 YCF 50A petrol and W50 electric, with our plan to rotate the bikes every month and ride them back-to-back. The goal? Figure out which one lasts longest, which one Jax ends up preferring for everything from farm work to ripping trails and racing his mates. We’re already learning plenty about what works best for a five-year-old who’s fast approaching six.
Starting with the YCF 50A, this little petrol ripper has been a hit with Jax because he loves the engine noise – it just feels like a proper dirt bike. The auto clutch makes it easy to ride, but it does take a little while to spool up, meaning hill climbs with short run-ups can catch him out if he’s not careful. Think of it like a TT-R50 in power and dimensions but without the gears – a bigger, more powerful PW50 that’s perfect for building confidence. On the farm, Jax loves it, especially for general trail riding and messing about, but we can already see that as he edges closer to six, it would be ideal for him to start learning about gears. The air-cooled 49.9cc engine has been bulletproof, and the fuel efficiency is insane – he can ride all day without a refuel, which makes life easy for everyone.
The YCF W50 electric, on the other hand, is a bit of a different beast. Instant torque and smooth, predictable power make it perfect for climbing hills and riding when we’re in Sydney. The battery life is solid. The display is simple but useful, showing how much juice is left, and the 1200W motor gives him enough grunt to have fun without being overwhelming.
Suspension, chassis, and handling on both bikes have been impressive, with compliant setups that never buck Jax around or shake him out of the saddle. Brakes are excellent on both bikes, with hydraulic discs front and rear, and the seats are comfy enough for longer rides. So far, the petrol 50A is still king for general all-day fun, but the W50’s instant power, ease of use, and zero-maintenance factor mean it’s a serious contender.
Stay tuned as this test rolls on – by the end of the year, we’ll know which one is tougher, more fun, and ultimately more suited to the next stage of Jax’s dirt bike journey.
Mitch Lees
2025 YCF 50A
RRP
$1899
WARRANTY
6 months parts only
DISTRIBUTOR
Lowry Australia
INTERNET
www.ycf-riding.com.au
SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS
10
MODS THIS MONTH
None
