Do you need a license to own a pit bike? Can you drive it on the roads and in the fields? How much is the fine?

If you want to go on long trips, choose a highway bike or, in the case of motorcycles, a cruiser. For moving through the forest or fields - enduro.

But when a user is just getting acquainted with motorcycles, it is at least wrong to take a heavy and powerful tourist. For such cases, it is better to look towards motocross motorcycles, or better yet, pit bikes.

They have a lot in common. Light weight, compact dimensions, traffic regulations restrictions. But making the final choice is extremely difficult. To do this, you need to understand the main features of each type.

Traffic rules and motocross motorcycles with pit bikes

This is an Irbis TTR 125 pit bike - one of the most common models of pit bikes. It cannot be driven on public roads.

First of all, it is worth noting that the traffic rules prohibit both types from traveling on public roads.

It is interesting that for each type the ban is dictated by radically opposite reasons. Nevertheless, it is so. If you don’t want to have problems with the traffic police, you can’t ride these bikes on city roads .

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.

Common features of both types

Due to its low weight, even a child can handle this technique. The photo shows a beginner cross-country athlete.

The first and most important thing is light weight. If during the learning process you drop (or lay down) such a bike on the asphalt, it is easier to pick it up than a large tourist.

Cross bikes are made from lightweight materials, and a pit bike is a mini-motorcycle.

The second parameter is the comparable power of both types . While the former needs this to participate in competitions, the latter is only prevented from gaining speed up to 100 km by the pilot’s skills.

Cross versions are mainly 250 cc and two-stroke. Two-strokes produce more power and are more reliable.

The next parameter follows from the first two. This is the engine size . It's no secret that new engine models are being developed for racing motorcycles or existing ones are being boosted. The project is created in such a way as to produce high power with minimal volumes. You also rarely see a liter engine on a pit bike.

One more feature can be distinguished from the previous one. Less volume, less fuel consumption. You need refueling less often and you can travel more.

Selection of pit bike by height

When choosing a pit bike based on height, you need to evaluate such a parameter as the height of the mini-motorcycle on the saddle. As a rule, it varies from 550 to 950 mm. To find the optimal ratio, you need to measure your height and divide the resulting figure by 2.

The choice of wheel diameter also depends on the height of the rider. When inspecting a mini-motorcycle, you need to make sure that when landing, the rider does not touch the steering wheel with his knees, and that his foot is completely on the ground when stopping. The discomfort of landing will definitely affect the quality of pit bike control and maneuvering capabilities.

It is important to choose the right pit bike for your height

Distinctive features

But the classes have many more distinctive features. In addition to the fact that in terms of speed indicators they are at opposite poles, a number of other parameters are distinguished.

Yamaha YZ250 motocross motorcycle.

For this purpose, classes are considered separately. And you can start with a cross-country one.

What is characteristic of a motocross motorcycle?

A typical representative of the junior cross-country type is the HONDA CRF 125.

Cross-country motorcycles are designed for racing and moving around the city on one is not very convenient. A racing track is like a stadium. There are stands for spectators, a central field (often this is where team garages and all kinds of official equipment are moved) and running tracks, or in the case of motorcycles, driving tracks. Only, unlike the stadium, the latter are not paved.

In order to participate in races, any motocross motorcycle must meet the requirements of racing, which bear little resemblance to traffic rules.

The motocross motorcycle has:

• full-size spoked wheels;
• tires that are similar to those used in enduro, but the requirements for cross-country tires are an order of magnitude higher;
• large working stroke of the pendulum and fork ( 200–300 mm ).

Cross-country motorcycles are characterized by an inverted fork. There, less dirt gets into the rod.

The latter is most often of an inverted type, for better handling.

In addition, the characteristic features of such bikes are the reduced size of the steering wheel and a loud exhaust due to a lightweight and sometimes completely absent muffler.

Now, by the way, cross-country racing on pit bikes is gaining popularity.

But the main thing is that although such a bike does not require a license, operating it requires special skills.

What is inherent in a pit bike?

Unlike a cross bike (this is how “cross motorcycle” is abbreviated), you can ride a pit bike in the park, at the dacha, or even on the playground (naturally for a child).

Kayo classic 125 pit bike.

Pitbike REGULMOTO 125

Pitbike Irbis TTR 125 in standard coloring.

This “transport” has:

• compactness and light weight;
• ease of control;
• low cost upon purchase;
• easy and inexpensive maintenance.

But this also includes small wheels and safety. Children's cars are also distinguished by a greater possibility of customization to suit the level of vehicle ownership and understanding of control features.

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.

Difference in engines

Standard view of the engine of a Chinese pit bike. The photo shows our Regulmoto 125 cc.

Pit bikes mostly come with a 4-stroke engine, it is easier to maintain, but under serious loads it is more fragile than a 2-stroke cross bike.

Cross-country models are equipped with separate oil cooling, while pit bikes have only air cooling. This all affects the price . Well, the more parts, the greater the likelihood of breakdowns!

Most pit bikes have only air cooling.

You can see the additional cooling on the motocross bike. You can’t go anywhere without it, the loads are too big.

Choosing a pit bike by wheel diameter

“Size matters” - this is exactly about pit bike wheels. Today on sale you can most often find 17x14 or 14x12 options. The “multi-caliber” wheels guarantee better stability, especially in rough terrain or off-road conditions.

When choosing a pit bike, the rider's height is taken into account not only to determine the height of the saddle. It can also affect the diameter of vehicle wheels.

For children under 120 cm tall, motorcycles with 10×10 and 12×10 wheels are suitable. Teenagers with a height of up to 150 cm most often buy models with wheel diameters of 12x10 and 14x12. The average height from 150 to 180 cm corresponds to the sizes 14×12 and 17×14, and the tallest (from 180 cm and above) – 17×14, 19×16 and the less common 21×18.

Features of the scooter

The main difference between a scooter and a pit bike, or a motocross motorcycle, is that it can be ridden on the roads absolutely legally.

To complete the picture, let’s also take into account the scooter.

Many will say that the capabilities of a pit bike and a scooter overlap. This is true, but the scooter has a number of differences.

1. Landing . The driver sits as if on a chair. On a motorcycle, he squeezes the fuel tank with his knees (the passenger on the scooter actually sits as well).
2. Rights . In the latest editions of the traffic rules there are categories A1 and M. Both are scooters. In some circles there is talk about requiring a vehicle inspection ticket, as well as compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance - but this is in the future. And if your scooter is less than 50 cubic meters , then OSAGO and registration are not required.
3. There are restrictions in the traffic rules, but among them there is no ban on driving on public roads.

There are other features, but they are not significant for the article.

How to behave on the road in the city?

If this is how you legalized your ride around the city on a pit bike, then remember that representatives of the law can still stop you and doubt your vehicle. Stand on the fact that this moped is so wonderful, what the Chinese don’t do.

1. Be sure to wear a helmet, so the traffic police will have fewer reasons to stop you.
2. Follow the traffic rules: stay in the far right lane, don’t drive drunk, don’t run red lights, etc.
3. Try not to drive too hard, especially when passing traffic cops, drive at a speed of about 50 km/h.

What to choose for a child?

When a child on a pit bike meets a traffic police inspector, there will definitely be problems!

Despite all of the above, parents may still have questions - what is the best gift for their child (from the classes described)?

The answer is actually simple. A beginner can only be offered one thing - a pit bike . Why?

1. It will be easier for you to customize it to your child's skill level . There are models on the market where the gearbox can be reconfigured. From fully automatic, when you don’t need to worry about shifting, the electronics will do everything for the child, to conventional - sequential, when gears are changed with your foot.
2. On some models you can block the upper speed limit . A good pit bike can reach up to 100 km/h . It's unlikely to be a good idea to let a little guy who only got behind the wheel yesterday drive at such a speed. (In the traffic rules, by the way, there is a point - if your driving experience is less than 2 years - do not exceed the speed above 70).
3. Easy to start. It may be difficult for a child to hold the bike, hold down the brake, not touch the gas, and at the same time swing the kick starter foot with his foot. The main starting option used on pits is the starter button on the instrument panel. On a cross bike, you can remove the battery, lightening the weight, and start it with your foot.

   Most pit bikes are equipped with an electric starter.

4. From the point of view of the surface of movement, the pit bike is universal . It can be used both on an asphalt playground and on a grassy clearing in a park/forest. Light off-road conditions will not be an obstacle either. On asphalt, of course, it is better to change tires from mud to road, otherwise they will quickly wear out and become unusable.
5. The speed of a serious cross-country motorcycle, for example the flagship Yamaxa R1, lies far beyond the 200 km mark. Whether a child needs a speed of two hundred kilometers is up to parents to decide.

Selection of pit bike by power

Engine capacity is one of the main technical indicators of motor vehicles. If we are talking about models for children, then a volume of 50-70 cm³ will be more than enough. For teenagers, engine capacity can be increased to 110 cubic meters. All models - both children's and teenagers - are usually equipped with electric starters.

When helping a beginner choose a pit bike, you should pay attention to models with an engine from 125 cc to 140 cm³. This type of motorcycle is perfect for a novice rider. It is capable of accelerating up to 70-80 km/h, has a good load capacity (up to 130 kg) and a margin of safety (when choosing, you should pay attention to the frame).

Pit bikes with a 160cc engine produce power up to 20 hp. This is already an option for experienced drivers who like to have fun on the track. They can accelerate up to 90 km/h.

Models with engines of 200-250 cc are already enduro. They are designed for long off-road tourist routes and are equipped with an air-oil engine cooling system, a lightweight frame and simple disc brakes. Suitable only for experienced riders who understand how equipment behaves in certain conditions.

What should an adult choose?

Only the adult himself knows the answer to this question. Examples have already been given in the preface - for long-distance travel they take a tourist, for the forest - an enduro, for commuting to work... In the video below, my uncle at the age of 32 rode a motorcycle for the first time, and it was a PIT BIKE!

But when choosing, you should remember a few rules:

1. Both pitas and crossbills are prohibited in urban areas . You can go to a village store if you don’t drive past the prosecutor’s dacha.
2. Thanks to the development of this class, competitions, motocrosses, and races are also held on pit bikes . So riders don’t have to buy a motocross bike at all.
3. Do you want to do stunts on motorcycles? A pit bike is more suitable for training . It’s lighter, the plastic can be removed, and it’s mentally easier to drop a cheap motorcycle!
4. If the user has just opened the motorcycle, it is also better to start with the pit.
5. And one last thing. Pit bikes have one serious drawback. Since the suspension was developed for a mini-motorcycle, the pilot’s weight should not exceed 80 kg . This parameter may not be indicated in the price lists, but if you want to use a pit bike for more than one season, you must definitely clarify the issue with the equipment seller. That is why it is recommended to take pitas new. For comparison, prices for a rear shock absorber start at 3,000 rubles, which is where the heaviest load is placed. Then the support bearings suffer.

Selecting a pit bike by price

The price factor when choosing a pit bike is often decisive. However, today this is not a problem. With a huge selection of models from a variety of manufacturers, you can find a suitable model without going beyond your planned budget. There are both inexpensive options and more expensive ones.

Up to 40 thousand rubles

The first thing that comes to mind at this price is children's and teenage models. One of them is Avantis 050 Basic 17/14. This is an excellent option with an engine up to 50 cc and different-sized wheels of 17 and 14 inches. Like many similar models, it is equipped with reliable disc brakes and an automatic transmission. Pit bikes of this type are easy to control, and most importantly, they have a speed limiter.

Avantis 050 Basic 17/14

If we talk about models for adults, a good example of budget vehicles would be Cross 50 X (2020) and Kayo DBR SX50-A2T. The volume of two-stroke engines of these models also does not exceed 50 cm³. Power varies from 2.1 to 3.5 hp. However, there are even cheaper pit bikes, but their power is no more than 1.8 hp.

Cross 50 X (2020)

The transmission for public sector employees is most often a CVT. All have disc brakes. As for the maximum speed, as a rule, it is 35-40 km/h.

Budget pit bikes are great for fishing, hunting, and safe riding over rough terrain. Their main advantage is the price. The main disadvantage is the same, since developers are forced to save on almost everything.

Kayo DBR SX50-A2T

Eventually:

1. the engine of cheap mini-motorcycles is almost impossible to adjust;
2. the kickstarter mounting points quickly fail;
3. The frame, although made of steel, is hollow inside, not suitable for intense loads;
4. The shock absorber rods are weak, so the fork often sways at speed, which negatively affects handling;
5. rims, spokes, rubber tires - all of this is often of poor quality.

As a result, to bring this type of equipment to fruition, additional tuning of 10-15 thousand will be required. Is it worth it? You decide. Many people find it easier to consider a more advanced model in a higher price category.

Up to 100 thousand rubles

There is already room to turn around. The choice of pit bikes in this price category is simply huge. Here you can find models for children and for more experienced riders who love tricks - jumps, drifts, stunts.

It is in this price segment that you should look for the first car for a beginner. Firstly, pit bikes priced at 50-80 thousand will, at a minimum, be more reliable and safe. Secondly, they are easier to control and will not hit the wallet as much as mini-motorcycles costing 150-200 thousand.

The best choice would be a 125cc pit bike, such as the Kayo Basic YX125. It is equipped with standard wheels (rear 14 inches, front 17 inches), telescopic forks, rear monoshock absorbers and a 125 cc four-stroke engine producing 11 hp.

Kayo Basic YX125

Most models in this price category can boast of the following features:

1. Steel frame. Despite the fact that on some models it is still hollow, it has a more impressive wall thickness compared to “state employees”.
2. Engine. It is reliable and more resistant to stress. The volume varies from 110 to 160 cubic meters.
3. Electric starter. Many models, in addition to the classic kickstarter, also have an electric starter.
4. Impact resistant plastic. All plastic parts have shape memory.
5. Steering wheel. It is also heavier due to an increase in the wall thickness of the parts. Much less likely to become deformed when dropped.

As for the transmission, it is available in both manual and automatic versions. The weight of a mini-motorcycle varies from 70 to 80 kg. Monoshock absorbers on some models are already adjustable. The tire thickness has been increased and the tread has a deeper pattern.

In this category you can already find more powerful units, for example YCF Supermoto F125 12/12, 125 CC (2020). With the same volume of 125 cubic meters, there is already a power of 11 hp, and the total weight does not exceed 69 kg.

YCF Supermoto F125 12/12, 125 CC (2020)