Razor SX500 vs MX650 Comparison

In this article, we compare the Razor SX500 vs MX650 electric dirt bikes.

Both can be a great choice for kids to zip around on for some off-road fun – being electric they’re environmentally friendly too. But, although they share most of the same components, there are several important differences between both models.

Our guide below will show you which is the most suitable for your children, or even for you! First we’ve got a quick comparison table of the key features of the Razor SX500 vs MX650.

Then we look at the main differences between them and the advantages of each dirt bike, in turn. Finally, we’ll summarize the pros and cons of both rides, to help you make the right choice.

Razor SX500 vs MX650 – Quick Comparison Table

Both these bikes were our top picks for Best Value (SX500) and Ultimate Choice (MX650) when we reviewed the best electric dirt bikes for kids and teens recently. Let’s take a closer look at how they measure up against each other.

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 SX500	Razor MX650
Description	Large electric off-road dirt bike with Jeremy McGrath graphics. Dual suspension and dual brakes	Large electric off-road dirt bike. Dual suspension and dual brakes
Age	8-14 * (see note below table)	10-16 * (see note below table)
Weight Limit	175 lbs	220 lbs
Top Speed	15 mph	17 mph
Price	$$$$ Check Price	$$$$$ Check Price
Battery System	36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid rechargeable - charger included	36V (3 x 12V) sealed lead acid rechargeable - charger included
Battery Life	Up to 40 minutes of continuous use	Up to 40 minutes of continuous use
Battery Recharge Time	Up to 12 hours	Up to 12 hours
Motor and Gearing	500W, 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	Dual suspension (rear is adjustable)	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	16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby, motorcycle-spec	16″ (front) and 14" (rear) pneumatic knobby
Product Weight	98 lbs	98 lbs
Assembled Dimensions	56" x 24.5" x 36"	56" x 24.5" x 36"
Assembly Time	30 minutes	30 minutes

* Note on Age: Razor’s recommended age for the SX500 is 14+ but this is highly conservative. An age range of 8-14 (real world guide from many buyers) with parental supervision may be more suitable because the seat height is about 10″ lower than on a typical adult dirt bike.

Likewise, Razor’s recommended age for the MX650 is 16+ which is also very conservative. An age range of 10-16 (real world guide from many buyers) with parental supervision may be more suitable. Because this dirt bike also isn’t a full adult size – the seat height is 24″ compared to about 34″ or more on a regular adult dirt bike…

See the videos in the next section for a view of appropriate ages for these bikes.

Main Differences

The Razor SX500 and MX650 are mechanically the same dirt bike with the same size frame, except that the MX650 has a more powerful motor (650W vs 500W). This gives the MX650 a higher top speed (17 mph vs 15 mph) and a higher maximum weight capacity (220 lbs vs 175 lbs).

The MX650 is therefore more suitable for older and heavier riders – Razor recommend a minimum age of 16+ compared to 14+ for the SX500.

For a better idea of size, check out the video below to see the MX500 (which is identical to the Razor SX500) with a 9 year old boy riding:

For comparison, the video below shows the more powerful Razor MX650 in action with an older teen riding:

Advantages of Razor SX500 Dirt Rocket McGrath

• MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is about $40 cheaper than the MX650 – but check the actual prices below
• Motorcycle-spec tires may be more hard wearing (but cost a bit more to replace)
• Authentic Jeremy McGrath (the ‘King of Supercross’) design, graphics and logos definitely look the part!
• If you purposely want to reduce risk then the top speed of the SX500 is 2 mph lower than the more powerful MX650, and acceleration is slightly slower too

Check price at Amazon

Advantages of Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket

• Higher maximum load (220 lbs vs 175 lbs) means it can cope more easily with older teens and even small adults
• A more powerful 650W motor gives it a top speed of 17 mph (compared to 15 mph for the SX500) and slightly faster acceleration
• The MX650 is available in three colors (orange, black or yellow) whereas the SX500 only comes in green
• Some users who have both models report that the MX650 motor is quieter than the SX500, with the same weight of rider on both
  Razor don’t publish noise specifications so we can’t be certain this is true. But it sounds very likely as a larger electric motor will be under less strain and have to work less hard to propel the same weight of rider

Check price at Amazon

Pros of Both Bikes

The summary below highlights what we love about both models:

• Specifically designed for older kids and teens with user friendly controls
• Adjustable angle handlebars can adapt to fast growing kids
• Quick enough for an exciting ride but slower than gas dirt bikes which minimizes the risk of a high speed crash
• Large knobby rubber pneumatic tires can tackle many ground conditions, including off-road
• Dual suspension and dual brakes provide better comfort and safety when off-roading
• Steel frame with authentic motocross frame geometry
• Quieter and cheaper to buy than a gas dirt bike
• No pollution and require much less servicing than a gas dirt bike
• Razor is a long established US manufacturer – spare or replacement parts are readily available from their website

Cons of Both Bikes

The summary below includes what we don’t like so much about both models. But note that most of these issues are common to all electric dirt bikes in this price range:

• Relatively short battery life. But 40 minutes is still enough to cover 10 or 11 miles on the SX500 and MX650 respectively
• Battery full recharge time is up to 12 hours so charging needs to be planned (or you could buy a spare set of batteries to switch over instantly)
• No reverse gear – both bikes weigh 98 lbs so can be awkward to maneuver backwards
• The seat height of 24″ may be too low for tall teens or adults
• 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
• Not as high top speed as most gas dirt bikes
• 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 to keep them fully operational

Conclusion

The Razor SX500 and MX650 are almost identical dirt bikes – they’re the same size with all the same features except the MX650 has a more powerful motor.

So which model is best? Well, the higher top speed and ability to cope with riders weighing up to 220 lbs make the MX650 far more suitable for older or heavier teens – and maybe some adults too!

Whereas the SX500 is probably the better and safer choice for most pre-teens, unless they are mature and experienced enough to be let loose on the hardcore MX650.

Owner’s Manual

As the Razor SX500 and MX650 are mechanically identical, apart from the motor, they share the same owner’s manual. It is available in PDF format from Razor here.

NOTE: A parent’s decision to allow their child to ride either the Razor SX500 or the Razor MX650 should depend on the child’s individual maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.