The Best RC Motorcycle
- Gary B.
- UPDATED May 9, 2019
- in RC & toy vehicles
Maisto Harley Davidson XL 1200N
RC motorcycles are just about the coolest thing on two remote controlled wheels, but like a lot of RC toys, it’s hard to tell the quality apart on sight. When toys are remote controlled, they need to perform well and be sturdy to stay functional and entertaining to kids, plus they can be pricey, so getting a dud is extra frustrating. We’ve taken a look at the 9 best remote control motorcycles to buy in 2019 so you can pick an RC motorbike that works well and holds up to childhood antics.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Maisto RC Harley Davidson XL
Upgrade Choice
Kyosho Casey Stoner Repsol
Best Budget Buy
Nintendo Super Mario Kart 8
How to Pick the Best RC Motorcycle
1. Recommended Age
Choosing a toy your child will enjoy and that will be safe for them to use starts with focusing on recommended age ranges. For RC vehicles, the age a manufacturer recommends can tell you how difficult the car is to use and whether the features and controls will be comprehensible to your child. To make sure they’ll like and understand their toy, check out the recommended age range before buying.
2. Size
Some kids love showy huge RC vehicles, while others don’t have the space for them or like little RC vehicles that have more technical finesse. Likewise, the amount of space your child has to play and drive in can be a factor here. A big vehicle can do more and maneuver more easily in a large space, but little RC motorcycles don’t struggle with tight spaces, especially because they’re narrow. If dimensions are important to you, take note of a product’s size when making your pick.
3. Color
Toys for kids are colorful, and a lot of kids have strong feelings about colors. Whether it’s their favorite, what’s cool or – gasp – uncool, an addition to a collection or just an aesthetic they have in mind, when your kiddo asks for a red motorcycle, that’s what you’ll be looking for. If color is an important factor in your decision making, make sure you take a peek at what’s available, since some RC vehicles offer multiple color options for the same toy.
4. Batteries
We’re sure you know that RC toys need power to run – a lot of times, manufacturers include the rechargeable battery and charger needed to power the car’s body, but they leave out the household sized batteries that power the controller. RC cars don’t get very far without their controllers and kids get frustrated when battery powered toys won’t work, so make sure you know if you need batteries and have them on hand to make your life easier.
5. Includes
While many RC vehicles come with everything you need save for controller batteries, others are standalone vehicle units that require you to bring a rechargeable battery, charger and controller or other items. Experienced RC users will be accustomed to this and may even seek it out for customization purchases, but new kids will find it easier to stick to all inclusive kits.
6. Difficulty Level
While age range does dictate whether a toy is safe for children of certain ages, toys can be technically safe while still requiring intermediate skill. If your child is new at RC toys, you’ll want a motorcycle with a beginner difficulty level – choose one that’s sturdy to prevent frustration and let them practice simple controls and tricks without fear of damaging the toy or remote.
The Winners
#1
Maisto Harley Davidson XL 1200N
Best Overall
Maisto Harley Davidson XL 1200N features a rugged Harley Nightster design and is great for kids who are fans of the Harley-Davidson line. It features full motion functionality, and the pistol grip control is ergonomic and easy for younger users to handle. It’s a great pick for all ages with a limited learning curve. The heavy duty construction is durable, runs smoothly and has responsive controls. It runs on standard AAs, and buying rechargeable batteries makes your power source extra affordable.
- You'll love: The Harley design is cool and it's an easy pick for younger kids to master
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not safe for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 5+
Size: 12 x 6.4 x 8.7 inches
Color: Black, blue
Batteries: 6 AA batteries not included
Includes: Bike, remote control
Difficulty Level: Beginner
#2
Kyosho Casey Stoner Repsol
Upgrade Choice
The sleek detailing on this small, hyper realistic 1:18 scale model of a Kyosho Casey Stoner Repsol features a driver with a Reposi windsuit as well as similar decals adorning the vehicle for a realistic racer appearance that’s eye catching. The RPM settings can be adjusted for low or high throttle input, and experienced kids can modify the model. The rear wheel high tech gyro is adjustable and combines with front and rear suspension to add stability to the ride. The soft rubber tires offer exceptional handling, and easy USB charging means only controller batteries need to be replaced.
- You'll love: The detailing and performance are exceptional and it's a good pick for older kids who are serious about RCs
Recommended Age: 14+
Size: 4.7 x 1.6 x 2.9 inches
Color: Black, orange
Batteries: 4 AAA not included
Includes: Bike, remote control, rechargeable battery, charger
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
#3
Nintendo Super Mario Kart 8
Best Budget Buy
Nintendo Super Mario Kart 8 is a classic childhood favorite, and Mario on his motorcycle is an extra cool first RC pick for kids. This toy requires 10 AAs to run, but they’re all included, which is awesome (but you may want to consider replacing with rechargeables when they run out, because 10 is a lot). Kids can drive in standard mode or use anti gravity mode to perform drifts, slides and tricks. Even inexperienced users can master cool maneuvers with the easy controls on this inexpensive model.
- You'll love: It's inexpensive, easy to use, has cool tricks and a beloved character
- Watch for: 10 AA batteries are included, but replace them with rechargeable ones to save money and go green; also, there's choking hazards present, so it's not safe for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 4 – 7 years
Size: 13 x 5 x 10 inches
Color: Red, white, black
Batteries: 10 AA batteries included
Includes: Bike/Mario, remote control, batteries
Difficulty Level: Beginner
#4
Liberty Imports RC Police Patrol Motorcycle for Kids
Best RC Police Bike
Two channel motion offers both forward travel and 360 spins for Liberty Imports RC Police Patrol Motorcycle. The controls are simple to master, featuring large buttons that are ideal for small hands. Kids can explore using the police bike or head off in hot pursuit of bad guys. The bike navigates tight spaces with ease, and the uniformed police officer with sunglasses is ready to bust crooks at every turn.
- You'll love: It's a great RC pick that's safe and easy to use, navigating tight spaces easily
Recommended Age: 3+
Size: 12 x 8.8 x 5.8 inches
Color: Black, blue, white
Batteries: 6 AA batteries not included
Includes: Bike, remote control
Difficulty Level: Beginner
#5
Remote Control Quad Bike TG635
Best RC Quad
The Remote Control Quad Bike TG635 has big tires and a wide wheel base that allow it to handle rough terrain with ease where most two wheeled bikes would struggle. Full motion functionality plus front and rear suspension offer a smooth and durable ride in most conditions, but it’s not good in wet areas. The bike runs on 6 AAs batteries, which are included, but rechargeable replacements will save you money going forward.
- You'll love: It handles rough terrain better than two wheeled bikes are able to
- Watch for: It doesn't work well in wet conditions, and you'll need to buy replacement batteries repeatedly or invest in rechargeable ones
Recommended Age: 6+
Size: 9 x 7 x 7 inches
Color: Black, blue
Batteries: 6 AA batteries included
Includes: Bike, remote control, batteries
Difficulty Level: Beginner
#6
IQ Toys My First Motorcycle RC
Best RC Motorcycle For Toddlers
An ideal pick for tots, IQ Toys My First Motorcycle RC offers opportunities for little ones to improve their hand eye coordination and small motor skills while engaging in sensory stimulation through lights and sounds with a safe and fun RC vehicle. The bike toy is just the right size for little hands, and the controller features a unique steering handlebar design with big, easy to use buttons featuring recognizable colors and symbols to make operation easy for younger users.
- You'll love: It offers developmental and sensory opportunities plus lots of safe, frustration free fun for toddlers
Recommended Age: 18 months +
Size: 9.1 x 9.1 x 4.2 inches
Color: White, blue, red, green
Batteries: 6 AA batteries not included
Includes: Bike, remote control
Difficulty Level: Beginner
#7
Top Race 4 Channel RC Motorcycle with Built in Gyroscope
The high quality metal and plastic body of Top Race 4 Channel RC Motorcycle can stand up to collisions with no problem. The durable rubber anti skid tires let young drivers navigate sharp turns with ease, even at top speed. The front and rear LED headlamps add immersive realism to this little bike which is safe, easy for younger kids and ideal for taking along on adventures or vacations because of its compact size.
- You'll love: It's a smaller toy with lots of finesse, a sturdy construction and cool aesthetics
Recommended Age: 5+
Size: 5.9 x 5.8 x 5.4 inches
Color: Green, black
Batteries: 2 AA batteries not included
Includes: Bike, remote control, rechargeable batteries, charger
Difficulty Level: Beginner
#8
Haktoys HAK142 MotoHawk
Realistic and sturdy, this scale model by trusted brand Haktoys offers superior control and full motion functionality with a heavy duty motor that withstands tough conditions easily. Haktoys HAK142 MotoHawk offers an extra element of stability that’s great for first timers who want the aesthetic of a motorcycle without the logistical challenges of operation. The front wheels tilt, allowing for cool maneuvers, and the driver tilts forward in action as though he’s racing toward the finish.
- You'll love: The 3 wheeled design offers a little extra stability during operation
Recommended Age: 6+
Size: 10 x 5 x 8 inches
Color: Black, green
Batteries: Included
Includes: Bike, remote control, RC batteries, charger
Difficulty Level: Beginner
#9
Kid Galaxy Cyber Cycle
The unique and super cool design of Kid Galaxy Cyber Cycle makes it look like it could belong to the hero OR the bad guy. Futuristic and bright cherry red, the motorcycle features big rounded tires and an enclosed orb body that’s eye catching to say the least. Hidden wheels under the chassis add extra stability and prevent tipping. The bike can be used to execute power slides and other awesome maneuvers. Younger users can master the basics easily on this toy while older kids will love the chance to perfect the tricks.
- You'll love: The body design is futuristic and unique and it has enjoyable play opportunities at all skill levels
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not safe for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 5 – 15 years
Size: 6.5 x 13 x 6.5 inches
Color: Black, red
Batteries: 5 AA batteries, 1 9 volt battery not included
Includes: Bike, remote control
Difficulty Level: Beginner / intermediate
DIY, Craft and Décor: Ideas for RC motorcycle lovers
Footprint Motorcycle Art
A cute and fun art activity for kids of all ages, Amanda from Fun Handprint Art Blog teaches parents and kids how to make a simple footprint into a motorcycle using just a bit of paint and paper – it’s a fun craft to hang on the fridge or in their rooms, and as they grow you’ll marvel that their little feet were ever so tiny.
Motorcycle Handlebar Toy
Harley-Davidson Birthday Party
Quick Decision
Maisto RC Harley Davidson XL 1200N – Best Overall
Harleys are iconic bikes and kids will love the chance to drive their own
Kyosho Casey Stoner Repsol – Upgrade Choice
It’s a great model for teen RC enthusiasts that can be modified fairly easily
Nintendo Super Mario Kart 8 – Best Budget Buy
It’s an inexpensive but fun pick featuring a childhood favorite
You and your child both want an RC car that will go the distance, so we examined the 11 best RC cars for kids to show you some winning picks for 2019.
Gary B.
Gary is a father of two, self-identified RC fanboy, and part-time guitar plucker. When he's not racing his collection of remote-controlled vehicles or strumming away, we bend his arm and get him to write with precision and expertise on a range of mechanical and electrical toys.
- More from RC & toy vehicles