Most of us have thought at least once in our lives about the possibility of experiencing extreme sensations. Some people will enjoy skydiving, some will enjoy bungee jumping, and there are those who don’t mind testing the speed of riding a motorcycle during motocross. The main thing that stops many is the fear of injury, or even more, fear for their lives.
When choosing a method for obtaining this kind of emotion, you should weigh the pros and cons, or, as an option, choose a more or less safe one, such as, for example, learning to ride a pit bike.
Many professional motorcyclists recommend a pit bike as an excellent first vehicle for learning motocross. It will help you hone your skills and knowledge and develop your skills. But before you ride a pit bike, you should learn about its main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
The long path of pit bike evolution: from bicycle to motorcycle
Pitbike - what is it? Direct translation sounds like “technical boxing bike.” If we go deeper into history, we find out that pit bikes were a special type of equipment that was used by mechanics and maintenance personnel to move around the race track and the area where the teams’ pits were located (pit line).
The first pit bikes resembled bicycles; they were very chalk and unsafe, which in turn made it difficult to move along the highway. Over time, they were equipped with a motor, their power did not exceed 5 hp. But progress did not stand still; in the late 60s, the Japanese company Honda released new models of pit bikes, the Honda Super Cub 50 and Honda Z50 Mini Trail, which differed from their predecessors in their compactness and ease of maintenance.
Over time, this type of transport has evolved and nowadays a pit bike is no longer a bicycle, but a mini-motorcycle.
Rating of pit bike manufacturers
| Brand | A country | Country of Origin | Popularity |
| Apollo | China | China | 3 |
| Ataki | Russia | China | 3 |
| B.S.E. | Russia | China | 5 |
| J.M.C. | Russia | China | 4 |
| Kayo | China | China | 4 |
| Motoland | Russia | China | 3 |
| PWR Racing | USA | China | 3 |
| Regulmoto | Russia | China | 3 |
| YCF | France | China | 3 |
Review of the main characteristics of a pit bike: pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages
A pit bike is a subspecies of a motorcycle that has a number of characteristics unique to it, among which the following should be highlighted:
- Reduced geometry. Pitbike - transport for one person;
- Small wheel size. There are pit bikes on the market with a diameter of 10, 12, 14 and 17 inches;
- Extended wheelbase;
- Most often a four-stroke horizontal engine (less often a 2-stroke);
- Power from 2 to 15 hp;
- Inverted front roll type;
- Engine capacity from 50 to 190 cubic meters.
There are two main types of models: amateur and professional. The latter are distinguished by improved equipment. Most often, to purchase them you need to make a special order.
In addition to the main technical characteristics, you need to pay attention to a number of advantages of this type of equipment:
Advantages:
- Price. A pit bike is an excellent choice for those who cannot afford a full-fledged motorcycle. The cost of a mini motorcycle is several times cheaper and will pleasantly surprise everyone;
- Compact and lightweight. Depending on the model and configuration, the weight of a mini motorcycle does not exceed 80 kg.
- Ease of operation. The mini motorcycle is so easy to operate that even teenagers can handle it. As a result, many manufacturing companies produce children's models for ages 9+.
- Inexpensive to maintain. Due to its popularity, the owner of a mini motorcycle will not have problems replacing the necessary parts;
- Maneuverability. A pit bike is a vehicle that can cope with riding on most surfaces, including off-road. Even if it is impossible to overcome a certain distance, it can be easily moved.
In addition to the above advantages, it should be noted that a small number of disadvantages that are inherent in a pit bike:
- Inability to travel on public roads;
- Technical limitation - this equipment is intended for one passenger;
What are the objective advantages of transport?
Sitting behind the wheel of a pit bike, you can feel almost the whole range of pleasures inherent in riding a real bike - freedom, speed, etc. The vehicle is easy to control, the design itself is small in size, maneuverable, reliable and even safer than a large motorcycle. If you plan to buy the latter in the future, then a pit bike will be an excellent simulator - it will teach you how to change gears, brake, and feel the road surface in a more simplified mode.
Motocross motorcycle or pit bike: so which is better?
The main distinguishing feature of motorcycles is the purpose of use. If we consider the best motocross motorcycle, it is important to understand that it is intended for motorsports and competitions on prepared tracks. Pit bikes are mini motorcycles that, unlike cross-country motorcycles, can be used to move around parks, squares or in the countryside.
If the question is about buying a motocross motorcycle or a pit bike, then you need to understand that the first one is not so easy to master, it will require special skills and practice. But the second one is quite easy to operate.
In this regard, we can conclude that the best motocross motorcycles are for professionals, and the best pit bikes are for amateurs.
The main differences between a pit bike and a motocross motorcycle
Despite some similarities between a pit bike and a motocross motorcycle, such as reduced dimensions, small engine capacity, power, and a ban on city driving, they also have some differences:
- Specifications:
| Name | Pitbike | Motocross bike |
| Motor type | Usually four-stroke | Single cylinder |
| Brakes | Improved | Regular disk |
| Suspension | Soft, since the main position is sitting | Rigid, designed for jumping and riding in standing positions |
| Wheels | Small (12 inches) | Large |
| Exhaust | Classical | Loud |
| Cooling system | Air and oil | Water/dry sump |
- Safety of use . Pit bikes are considered a more bladeless mode of transport due to their ease of use.
- Durability . The design of the pit bike uses fewer plastic parts, so in the event of a fall, breakdowns are less common.
- Price . The cost of a pit bike starts from 50 thousand rubles, but a minimum-spec motocross motorcycle will cost you from 100 thousand rubles.
- Difficulty of control . Driving the best motocross motorcycle requires a lot of practice, which cannot be said about a pit bike, which children can easily ride.
Sports pit bike disciplines
Mini motocross
Among other pit bike disciplines, the most popular in the world is mini-motocross (mini-MX). This discipline completely repeats “classic motocross” with minor exceptions.
Firstly, the lap length is shorter for the safety of the riders and greater entertainment. Secondly, the figures on the tracks are smaller and adapted to the features of pit bikes to ensure safety when passing the track at high speed.
Major motocross competitions and championships may also feature pit bike races on the same tracks where dirt bikes compete. Usually in such cases the race takes place in a small circle of a large track. But the biggest test for both the rider and the pit bike is driving the entire length of the track.
In Russia, the most popular “pit bike” competition is held by the Pitbike Russia club on the track near the village of Gorki in the Moscow region. The event has the status of an unofficial Russian mini-motocross championship.
Mini-enduro, hard-enduro
Pit bikes are also used for enduro and hard enduro competitions, because... This technique is great for off-road use. Pit bikes cope well with rough terrain with fairly complex terrain. Forests, fields, sand pits, hills, river mouths - this is not what a pit bike is afraid of. But swamps and other muddy areas pose a danger to the pit bike due to air cooling. The system becomes clogged with dirt and cannot cope with its function, which can lead to engine overheating. In addition, the small size of the wheels has an effect, resulting in less cross-country ability. Therefore, the optimal wheel diameter for enduro is considered to be 17/14 inches.
Mini freestyle
With the growing popularity of “big” freestyle, there were people who wanted to test themselves in jumping and performing tricks on pit bikes.
As a rule, freestyle is performed on expensive pit bikes from well-known manufacturers with wheels with a diameter of 10/10 and 14/12 inches, guided by the principle - the better and more durable the bike, the safer the jumps. Sometimes there are athletes on pit bikes with 17/14-inch wheels.
Areas for freestyle riding on pit bikes are also being adapted - the size of the jumps is reduced, as in mini-cross. Jumping distances rarely exceed 10-12 m in length. In “adult” FMX they are much larger.
The pit bikes themselves undergo adaptation. Their design is strengthened so that it can withstand impacts from long amplitude jumps.
Even the relatively short jump distance does not prevent you from performing most of the “classic” tricks from the “big” freestyle, thanks to the light weight and size of the pit bikes.
In recent years, mini-freestyle has become increasingly popular throughout the world. Pitbikers perform at many international freestyle competitions, demonstrating spectacular tricks to the public.
Mini supermoto
The supermoto discipline is most like its “big brother.” The competitions take place on the same “full-size” circuit tracks, and the athletes’ equipment is the same.
Thanks to the mass distribution of pit bikes, the mini-supermoto discipline has changed beyond recognition. In many countries, pit bikes have replaced scooters, which were previously used in the mini-supermoto discipline, but were not very suitable due to their design, less power and high weight.
Races in this category are held on pit bikes of the “motard” type - they are equipped with slicks (rubber without tread) for better grip on asphalt and, as a rule, wheels of the same diameter. Pit bikes are often tuned, increasing engine power and handling at high speeds.
Choosing a pit bike for yourself: taking into account important parameters
If you decide to buy a pit bike, then first of all read and take into account the list of important parameters before purchasing.
Speed shift system:
- Automatic;
- Semi-automatic;
- Manual.
Wheel diameter to driver height ratio:
- Models with a wheel diameter of 10-12 inches with a height of up to 120 cm;
- Models with a wheel diameter of 12-14 inches with a height of up to 120cm-150cm;
- Models with a wheel diameter of 14-17 inches with a height of up to 150cm-180cm;
- Models with a wheel diameter of 17 inches and larger with a height of 180 cm.
Divide your height by 2, this will give you an average saddle height that will be comfortable for you.
A pit bike is a vehicle designed for people with a maximum weight of up to 130 kg.
Engine power:
- Volume 50-110cm/cubic. Designed for children, as the maximum speed is 60 km/h;
- Volume 125-140cm/cubic. Designed for teenagers and drivers without experience. Maximum speed – 90 km/h;
- Volume 150-160cm/cubic. Such pit bikes are suitable for people with experience driving motorcycles;
- Volume 200-2500cm/cubic. Designed for professionals and off-road travel.
Do you need a pit bike license in 2021?
As you can see, the Code of Administrative Offenses refers to the Federal Law “On Road Safety”. It says about rights quite succinctly and extremely clearly:
A driver's license gives its owner the right to drive a vehicle - a device designed to transport people, goods or equipment installed on it on roads...
That is, an indispensable attribute of a vehicle is its purpose for transporting people, goods or equipment on roads. Precisely on the roads. And, if you look at the passport of any pit bike, you will receive clear information that this is sports equipment not intended for use on public roads.
Therefore, a license to drive a pit bike in 2021 is not needed, regardless of engine displacement, because it is sports equipment, not a vehicle.
Interesting facts about a pit bike that you should know before purchasing
Before you learn to ride a pit bike, check out the following interesting facts :
- Due to the fact that a pit bike is a sports equipment, this type of equipment does not require registration with the traffic police and assignment of a license plate;
- Moreover, you don’t need a driver’s license to ride a pit bike;
- When choosing gasoline, the most optimal brand will be A92;
- The first time you need to change the oil for a pit bike is after 18 hours of riding. In the future - after every 35 hours of driving.
What is the scope of application?
Purchasing a pit bike is important for those who want to move around the city without difficulty avoiding traffic jams. That is why this technique is especially loved by couriers who deliver correspondence, goods, and food. The speed of order fulfillment is very high, and the cost of gasoline is minimal.
The fact that a pit bike is intended for only one person does not greatly hinder such workers, or even athletes participating in motocross. However, it should be taken into account that it is problematic to use transport in snow and ice, but in cities where, as a rule, the roads are cleaned and treated, problems should not arise.
Popular models
It is important to know when choosing a pit bike that such a vehicle differs in characteristics depending on its purpose. For amateurs, they produce standard models with a certain set of parameters and functions. Examples of them are Yamaha TT-R50E, Honda CRF70F, Suzuki DR-Z70, Kawasaki KLX110, etc.
Professional racing models, as a rule, are assembled to order, or the existing characteristics are improved according to the requirements of the owner of the equipment. Honda CRF110F, Kawasaki KLX110 or Suzuki DRZ110 are used as such a construction base. The Kayo pit bike (Classic, Basic, Pro series) has excellent sporting parameters. The products of the Asian brand can be equally used by professional racers and simply connoisseurs of quality equipment.
Among domestic products, the Irbis TTR 125 pit bike enjoys the sympathy of consumers. It is convenient to ride on rough terrain and on motorcycle tracks, perform stunts and masterly maneuvers. The classic four-stroke engine helps you reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, and a good braking system eliminates accidental collisions.
An important role is played by the appearance (color, fit) that the pit bike has. Photos of online motorcycle stores help you navigate the choice of not only a brand, but also a specific model.
What is the fine for riding a pit bike on the road?
As of 2021, the law does not provide for a fine for driving a pit bike on public roads at all. But this is legal. In practice, traffic police inspectors try to attract the driver under the following articles:
- 12.7, part 1 (most often) for driving without the right to drive - a fine of 5 to 15 thousand rubles,
- 12.3, part 2 (less often) for lack of a driver’s license (if you have the right to drive) - a fine of 500 rubles,
- 12.1, part 1 (less often) for failure to fulfill the obligation to register a vehicle - a fine of 500 rubles.
But none of these sanctions are illegal. Let's explain why!
As we cited an excerpt from the Code of Administrative Offenses above, in order to apply any fine from Chapter 12 of the Code, the vehicle must have a clear attribute - a special right must be granted to drive it. And the Federal Law “On Road Traffic Safety” says that a special right is granted only to vehicles intended for the transport of people or goods. And since a pit bike is sports equipment, you don’t need a license to drive it.
Accordingly, a fine for not having the right to drive a pit bike is unlawful. And against the backdrop of this fact, fines for the lack of a license and for the lack of registration of a pit bike with the traffic police look completely absurd.
If a traffic police officer tries to fine
In this case, he should try to explain the logical chain of the legal side of this issue. However, if this cannot be done on the spot, such a decision should be appealed on the basis of the unlawful application of the fine due to the lack of corpus delicti.
When appealing (it is better to appeal to the court), as a basis for canceling the fine, cite Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 13-AD15-1, which successfully canceled the decision on the above grounds.
Something else useful for you:
- Is it possible to ride an ATV on roads and where not? Is it possible to drive without rights?
- Is it possible and how can I pass and get a license for a car and a motorcycle at the age of 16?
- Do you need a driver's license for a bicycle with a gasoline engine or an electric motor?
The most popular pit bike brands in Russia
In Russia, almost 100% of pit bikes sold are made in China.
It doesn’t matter which country the company belongs to, these are almost always Chinese devices, branded or assembled in the Middle Kingdom for a third-party brand. Chinese motorcycle manufacturers represented in Russia:
