In this article, we compare the Razor RSF650 vs MX650 electric bikes. These popular models share many of the same features but one is designed as a street bike whereas the other is a dirt bike for off-road fun.
Let’s see how they match up! First we have a quick comparison table of the main features of the Razor RSF650 vs MX650. Then we look at the main differences between them and the advantages of each bike, in turn.
Finally, we’ll summarize the pros and cons of both rides, to help you make the right choice for your kids, or for you.
Razor RSF650 vs MX650 – Quick Comparison
The MX650 won our Ultimate Choice award when we reviewed the best electric dirt bikes for kids and teens recently.
In the table below we’ve summarized the main features of each bike in a side by side comparison and highlighted differences in bold, to make it easy to see where the specifications vary.
| Razor RSF650 | Razor MX650 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Description | Large electric street bike with variable speed, rear suspension and dual brakes | Large electric off-road dirt bike with variable speed, dual suspension and dual brakes |
| Age Range | 10-16 * (see note below table) | 10-16 * (see note below table) |
| Colors | Black | Orange, black or yellow |
| Weight Limit | 220 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Top Speed | 17 mph | 17 mph |
| Price | $$$$$ Check Price | $$$$$ Check Price |
| Battery System | 36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included | 36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid - charger included |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 minutes of continuous use | Up to 40 minutes of continuous use |
| Battery Recharge Time | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Motor and Gearing | 650W, high torque, chain driven | 650W, high torque, chain driven |
| Throttle | Variable speed, twist grip | Variable speed, twist grip |
| Brakes | Hand operated front and rear disc | Hand operated front and rear disc |
| Suspension | Rear shock suspension | Dual suspension (rear is adjustable) |
| Seat Height | 24" | 24" |
| Handlebars | Adjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber grips | Adjustable angle, riser style, with soft rubber grips |
| Tires | 12" pneumatic on 10-spoke mag wheels | 16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby |
| Product Weight | 102.6 lbs | 98 lbs |
| Assembled Dimensions | 53.3" L x 26" W x 30.7" H | 56" L x 24.5" W x 36" H |
| Assembly Time | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
* Note on Age: Razor’s recommended age for both the RSF650 and the MX650 is a highly conservative 16+ but an age range of 10-16 (real world guide from many buyers) with parental supervision may be more suitable. Because these bikes are youth size – the seat height of 24″ is about 10″ lower than a regular, adult sized dirt bike.
Check out the videos in the next section for a real world view of the appropriate ages for these bikes.
Main Differences
The biggest difference between both models is the style of bike and the type of terrain that each was designed for.
The RSF650 is a street bike with standard tires on 12″ wheels whereas the MX650 is a dirt bike with knobby tires on larger wheels (16″ front, 14″ rear) which make it more suitable for riding off-road.
The MX650 also has suspension front and rear whereas the RSF650 only has rear suspension. This makes the front end of the RSF650 very stiff so bumps can vibrate through to your arms – it is most suitable for smooth flat surfaces like concrete or roads.
The MX650 comes in a wider selection of colors (blue, red or black) whereas the RSF650 is only available in black.
Check out the video below for a look at the Razor RSF650 in action on the streets:
For comparison, the video below shows the Razor MX650 powerhouse doing some light off-roading:
Advantages of Razor RSF650 Street Bike
Both these bikes have very similar specifications so there aren’t too many advantages compared to the MX650:
- Longer battery life (50 minutes continuous use vs 40 minutes on the MX650) so you can have more fun before it runs out of juice
- Hidden compartment for storage (on top of the bike, a flap above the Razor logo lifts up to reveal the compartment). Handy to store a water bottle and phone or gloves etc
- Occasionally on offer cheaper than the MX650 but check the actual price below
Advantages of Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket
Likewise, the MX650 doesn’t have many advantages over the RSF650:
- MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is about $80 cheaper – but check the actual price below
- Dual suspension provides much better off-roading capability (RSF650 has no front suspension so the ride is stiffer and not forgiving over bumps)
- Larger wheels with knobby tires provide better traction off-road (16″ front / 14″ rear vs the 12″ wheels on the RSF650)
- Available in 3 colors (orange, black, yellow) whereas the RSF650 is only available in black
Pros of Both Bikes
Here is a summary of what we love about both models:
- Specifically designed for teens with user friendly controls
- Adjustable angle handlebars can adapt to fast growing kids
- Quick enough to give youths a thrill but slower than gas dirt bikes so minimizes the risk of a high speed crash
- Pneumatic tires can tackle many ground conditions including some light off-roading (especially the MX650)
- Steel frame with authentic street-bike styling or motocross frame geometry
- No pollution (compared to a gas dirt bike)
- Quieter than a gas dirt bike and require much less servicing
- Razor is a long established US manufacturer – spare or replacement parts are readily available from their website
Cons of Both Bikes
Here is a summary of what we don’t like so much about both models. But most of these issues are common to all electric bikes in this price range:
- Relatively short battery life. But 40-50 minutes is still enough to cover about 11 miles (MX650) or 14 miles (RSF650)
- Battery full recharge time is 12 hours so charging needs to be planned. Or you could buy a spare set of batteries to switch over instantly
- No headlights or rear lights – can only be driven in daylight
- Helmet and protective clothing (see our Electric Dirt Bike Buying Guide for recommended safety gear) may be uncomfortable in hot weather
- Must be stored in a dry area, due to the electrical components
- Batteries must not be stored in temperatures below freezing and should be recharged at least once a month
Conclusion
Both these electric bikes can be a good buy for older kids and teens – some small adults could even ride them too. But they are almost the same size and have similar specifications so it isn’t easy to pick a winner between them.
So which model is best? Unless you really prefer the looks and styling of one model in particular, we think the best choice depends on the type of terrain that the bike will be used on most often.
For mainly off-road riding the MX650 is by far the better bike, thanks to its dual suspension, off-road knobby tires and larger wheels.
Whereas the RSF650, with its smaller street tires, is a good choice for riding mostly on hard flat surfaces like concrete, roads or dry grass. While it is capable of venturing off-road occasionally, it won’t have as much traction as the MX650 and will give a much harder ride as it has no front suspension.
Owner’s Manuals
The Razor RSF650 Electric Street Bike owner’s manual is available in PDF format from Razor here.
The Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket owner’s manual is available in PDF format from Razor here.
NOTE: A parent’s decision to allow their child to ride either the Razor RSF650 or the Razor MX650 should depend on the child’s individual maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.