ATV or pit bike – which is better?

Different types of motorcycles are in demand not only among athletes, but also among fans of active recreation - fishing, hunting, tourism. ATVs and pit bikes

They are distinguished by good maneuverability, maneuverability and ease of control.
They are capable of moving through difficult terrain, have an impressive range of models and are quite affordable. But what is better to choose – a pit bike or an ATV? What to choose?

What to look for when choosing?

When choosing a motorcycle, you should pay attention to the following:

Engine. This is the heart of any car. The power and speed that the vehicle can develop depends on it. Both indicators depend on engine size. The larger the cubic capacity, the more powerful the motorcycle. Beginners should not chase impressive numbers, since a large engine is difficult to control. The optimal option for pit bikes is 125-190 cm, for ATVs – 125-150 cm³.
Equipment. It all depends on the purpose of purchasing a motor vehicle. If it is needed only for light tourist trips and riding outside the city, the simplest configuration is sufficient. Hunters and fishermen will benefit from models with a full range of options.
Dimensions. When choosing a vehicle, it is necessary to take into account the age and size of the future rider.

What to look for when choosing?

Classic off-road motorcycles

A typical representative of classic off-road motorcycles is the Soviet off-road scooter Tula 200 TMZ. Compact size, classic suspension and small but wide wheels. Engine with a volume of 200 cm3 and a power of 13 hp. The modern heirs of this legendary motorcycle can be called the Scout motorcycle produced by the Izhevsk plant, as well as the dude - the Lifan LF100-C motorcycle. These motorcycles are usually real workhorses, great for rural areas.

By the way, you can order Scout and Lifan motorcycles in our store motolifeshop.ru

Advantages of ATVs

Such vehicles are deservedly popular. Their main advantages include the following:

High cross-country ability. They overcome any rough terrain - rocky soils, coastal zones, hills, fields, forest belts. The light weight of the vehicle only improves the quality of the all-terrain vehicle.
All-weather. Rain, snow, puddles, washed out roads - all this is not a problem for an ATV. The textured tread provides reliable grip on any road surface.
Versatility. Can be used not only for tourism, entertainment or hobbies. This transport is especially in demand on farms. It is even used for plowing land, transporting goods, mowing lawns, and removing snow.
Compactness. Due to the small dimensions of this type of motorcycle, there are no problems during storage or transportation. It can be moved using a small trailer.
Excellent technical characteristics. Despite its modest size and equipment, the vehicle can accelerate to 70-80 km/h. Models with a powerful engine even exceed the 100 km/h mark.
Maneuverability and controllability. Even a child can get behind the wheel. It’s not for nothing that there are so many models on the market for young riders from 5 to 16 years old. Compact dimensions significantly increase maneuverability.

The ATV has both pros and cons

Even a non-professional can handle repairing this equipment. The simplicity of the device allows you to independently eliminate minor defects or carry out easy tuning.

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.

Disadvantages of ATVs

The main disadvantage is their cost. This is a fairly expensive hobby if you consider the ATV only as a means of entertainment. The average cost is 150-250 thousand. Simpler models can be purchased for 70-80 thousand. However, there are options, the price of which reaches up to 1 million rubles. The engine capacity is more than 900 cm³, and the speed is over 90 km/h.

The second is the low level of security. Therefore, when driving a vehicle, especially a powerful one, it is necessary to have motorcycle protection. Beginners often roll over on sand and gravel. Children and teenagers can operate the all-terrain vehicle only under adult supervision.

Another significant drawback is high fuel consumption. Almost 10 liters of gasoline are consumed per 10 km of travel. Such consumption will not surprise the car owner, but it will make the owner of light motorcycles think. The weight, dimensions and technical characteristics of these vehicles are different. Everything is explained simply - the special design of the ATV engine is “tailored” for off-road driving.

The ATV has quite a high fuel consumption

The functionality of all-terrain vehicles is also not that high. To transport large cargo you will have to purchase a trailer. And these are additional costs.

The last thing worth mentioning is the lack of protection from changing weather conditions. The ATV is not equipped with a roof or protective glass, so it is inconvenient to ride it in rain and strong winds.

And lastly, to drive you need to obtain a category A driver's license.

Trial motorcycles

A trial bike, a type of off-road motorcycle intended for motorcycle trials, is a type of motorsport. Its essence is to overcome various obstacles, such as rocks, large logs, and so on. There may be both natural and artificial obstacles. Trial is a super light motorcycle, without a seat. A trial motorcycle cannot boast a high top speed, but it has a very traction engine with a heavy flywheel and a soft, energy-intensive suspension. And all this for one purpose - for better passage of complex and extremely complex obstacles, sometimes reaching a height of several meters.

Advantages of pit bikes

Pit bikes are more maneuverable than ATVs. However, this is not their only advantage.

Pit bikes also have a number of pros and cons.

This type of motorcycle is lightweight, only 68-73 kg, and it can accelerate to 100 km/h. Children's models demonstrate a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
Pit bikes are very easy to control. It's almost the same as riding an electric bike.
Due to their low seat height and compact size, mini motorcycles are great for people of average and even short height.
Pit bikes perform well on any road surface. They move smoothly both on asphalt and on country roads.
Fuel consumption on mini motorcycles is only 1-1.5 liters per 100 km. For ATVs this figure is 10 to 100, and for regular motorcycles it is 8 to 100.

And finally, to drive a pit bike you do not need to obtain a driver’s license, since it is not a vehicle, but a sports equipment.

The best pit bikes

Of course, before any purchase, absolutely every person thinks about its quality and characteristics. Pit bikes are no exception to this. Naturally, you want to buy the best mini-motorcycle possible. But which one is he, the best? Of course, the best one will be the one that the person assembled himself, taking into account all the needs and wishes. However, this is not for everyone. Therefore, most people prefer to buy a ready-made mini-motorcycle rather than bother with assembling it in the garage.

First of all, before purchasing a mini-motorcycle, you should decide on its purpose - whether it is being purchased for professional sports, for learning to ride a motorcycle, or for various tricks and entertainment. The only indisputable fact in any of the three options is that you will get 100% pleasure from riding a pit bike.

If we talk about the company and country of manufacture, then Japanese-made pit bikes are considered the best. Here the leaders are four companies - , , , . However, despite this, Chinese manufacturers are no less popular, among which it is worth mentioning, BSE, Pitsterpro, etc. Not least occupied by the domestic manufacturer of pit bikes - Irbis. In general, motorcycles of the same class differ little from each other in their configuration. The only difference is the quality of the parts. Well, only the owner can decide which small iron horse is the best for certain purposes. As they say, to each his own.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that this motorcycle is a small, very comfortable, versatile motorcycle designed for off-road racing, which is capable of giving a sea of vivid impressions and unforgettable sensations to its owner from the first minute of riding it.

Disadvantages of pit bikes

However, the disadvantages of mini motorcycles cannot be ignored. Before purchasing, consider the following nuances:

Engine cooling is air-oil. This means that the engine overheats faster, and dirt collected during off-road driving quickly “sticks” to the engine housing.
Liquid mud is not the best type of road surface for a pit bike. To prevent it from clogging the engine, you need to take care of its protection.
With constant vibration, some of the bolts may become unscrewed, so all connections must be checked and tightened regularly.
Pit bikes have a number of restrictions on cross-country ability. Liquid mud, loose snow, snowdrifts - all this is not the best option for a mini-motorcycle.
There is a need for frequent oil changes. On average, this procedure is carried out every 20 engine hours.
Pit bikes can hardly be called quiet, so those around you are not always enthusiastic about such hobbies.

A pit bike is not as passable as an ATV

Beginners should remember that a pit bike has a rather short wheelbase and at the same time a high-spirited engine. Therefore, when riding a mini-motorcycle for the first time, you need to be extremely careful.

Enduro in motorsport and life

Representatives of this type of motor vehicle stay a little apart from other two-wheeled vehicles.

First of all, enduro bikes are intended for competitions or long off-road trips in rough terrain.

Enduro is designed so that the motorcycle can easily cope with various road conditions, which in themselves are obstacles and also change quickly.

In addition to using them in professional competitions, a biker with some riding skills can use enduro to test his own endurance.

Thanks to their design, such bikes can easily withstand huge loads , jumps and tough obstacles on various types of tracks, including logs and stones.

Key Differences

Enduro motorcycles are characterized by large diameter wheels with developed lugs.

Key technical features include the following.

The most lightweight frame.
Wide steering wheel for easy off-road control.
Front wheel with a diameter of 21 inches.
Wheels of spoked design. This technical design helps to withstand hard impacts.
High front fender.
Lighting engineering.
Mirrors.
Water cooling system.
The simplest disc brakes.
Low power.
Single or double cylinder engines.

In general, enduros are very similar to cross-motorcycles and differ only in the presence of navigation and lighting equipment.

As a rule, the engine is protected from stones and dirt, and body kits are designed to withstand inevitable falls.

Only a professional can see minor differences. As for the other two-wheeled representatives of the class, even an inexperienced motorcyclist can distinguish enduro from them.

Riding an enduro is quite possible for teenagers over 14 years old, although they must have some driving skills on another, simpler bike.

conclusions

What type of bike to buy is a matter of taste, preferences and individual needs of each person, but experienced representatives of motorsports recommend starting your acquaintance with two-wheeled transport with a pit bike - it will allow you to master the basics of driving and learn the basics. And some true bikers, on the contrary, consider the Pitbike to be nothing more than a toy!

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I'm the person who writes reviews. I have been interested in motorcycle technology since childhood. Now I prefer ENDURO, since it is simply impossible to preserve it for the winter. It's always open season for me!

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Add-ons

Many novice cross-country enthusiasts strive to purchase trousers that have special protective inserts in the knee joints and hips. This decision is wrong and can be dangerous to health and life. As already mentioned, the road surface during such trips is absolutely unpredictable, and if these same inserts fall, colliding with an obstacle, they themselves will cause injury. Cross-country protection must be removable, for example, armored trousers and articulated knee pads.

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.

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).
Rights. In the latest editions of the traffic rules there are categories A1 and M. Both relate to 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.
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.

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.

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 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.

The history of motor vehicles

The first production of motorcycles began in 1901. At that time, the Werner brothers thought about whether it was possible to install a motor on a two-wheeled vehicle. Despite the fact that even before them, engineers tried to come up with something similar, it was they who patented their own development. The Werner motorcycle turned out to be a heavy, clumsy machine, which almost immediately became popular among postmen and couriers. A four-stroke power unit running on gasoline was installed between the wheels. The power was only 0.75 horsepower. But this was quite enough to develop a decent (for those times) speed of 35 kilometers per hour. After several years of modernization, they began to use an electric ignition system. In the first year after Werner motorcycles went on sale, three and a half thousand copies were sold. It was from this time that the long history of the motorcycle industry began.

Structure

Motocross or enduro trousers have a special shape - their legs should always be tapered at the bottom. The fact is that with these types of riding it is unacceptable for the trousers to go over the shoes, and thanks to this structure it is very easy to tuck them into cross boots.

The cut of a good product is characterized by increased ergonomics; even when separated from a person, crossover pants should look as if they are slightly bent at the knees. This structure provides freedom of movement of the lower body when driving a vehicle when you have to make quick decisions.

Visual appeal

Bright colors and original large prints can add entertainment and effectiveness to a cross-country trip. When choosing trousers for cross-country, you should remember that in this case, effectiveness cannot be superfluous.