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How to choose a pit bike to serve faithfully for a long time. Pitbikes

24.11.2019

Before we tell you what to look for when choosing a pit bike, let's take a short journey into history.

Pitbikes appeared in the 90s, in sunny California. They quickly became popular all over the world. A pit bike should be understood as an apparatus with four-stroke engine... Honda has become a kind of benchmark for the subsequent improvement of "pits". Various models of such brands as: Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Yamaha appeared.

The famous motocross champion Guy Cooper and his company in 2003 began to upgrade branded vehicles with components from China. Other minibike importing companies gradually began to emerge, for example USA Motortoys began selling pitbikes in 2004 under its own brand Pitster Pro. This brand, very well known all over the world, is found in our country too.

Chinese motorcycle "builders" went even further. They did not clone the design of the Honda XR50, but made their own innovations. They turned the "kids" pit bikes into quite adult vehicles.
If the first "pits" had 10-inch wheels, a small frame, short-travel suspension, then the modern generation is radically different from them. Pit bikes have grown so much that they fit any adult. Now it can even be called a sports motorcycle, as many as 4 speeds have appeared in the gearbox. Maximum speed can exceed 100 km / h.

It is worth paying attention to the brand. There are motorcycles with both original Chinese names and third-party ones, for example, American brands.

When we choose a pit bike, we should pay attention not so much to the brand as to the purpose of the motorbike. For example, you buy it for fun or for sports. According to statistics, more than half of pit bikes are bought for entertainment and only a few percent for sports.

If your weight is no more than 100 kg, and when landing, your feet reach the ground, you can be sure that this pibike is right for you. "Pits" are small copies motocross bikes, which means that it will be a pleasure to ride.

The question arises: how to choose the right purpose of the pit bike. Exterior designs can be very catchy with different stickers and the like. However, the main thing is his specifications... The most important is the frame that encloses the engine and swingarm. In the most common, this frame looks like a thick tube bent in one plane, and the footpegs are bolted to the crankcase tides in the engine.

Other signs of a professional pit bike are suspensions. The “pros” have long-stroke, adjustable, with a lever system, tires of well-known brands.

When choosing a pit bike or any other vehicle, we often focus on famous brands... It is not right! The main thing is not the name, but the quality. Therefore, always look at the characteristics and check the entire structure for strength, then you choose a pit bike of the proper quality.

Pit bikes are a fairly safe form of transport, but do not forget about additional protection. When driving, always use common sense and follow the well-known driving rules, then you will never have any unpleasant situations on the road.

Remember that pit bikes are mostly sports cars and are rarely suitable for daily use. If you are a fan of off-road driving and overcoming various obstacles, then this type of transport is ideal for you.

Today's pit bike market is represented by a huge number of firms and models, in which it is very, very easy to get lost. Sometimes, after reviewing a bunch of models and studying their advantages and disadvantages, you get confused so that in the end you choose the model that pleases the eye more.

How to choose a pit bike?
All pit bikes differ in several ways:
Frame type;
Wheel size;
Engine type and size;
Component quality (country of origin).

Let's take a closer look at these components. So, "frame type". The frame is essential element the whole structure. It is on her that both the landing and appearance the whole pit bike. Frames are conventionally divided into the following types:
CRF50 / CRF70

This is the most common frame type among pit bikes. It is based on the Hunda CRF50 design. This type is characterized by the presence of a characteristic swingarm, a longitudinal shock absorber mount, a 3.5-liter fuel tank and a rather popular plastic body kit.
The CRF70 frame has increased ground clearance, a straight swingarm and a higher fit for an adult. In the field of pit bikes, this type of frame is considered a classic.
KLX - frame.

This type is considered the second most popular. It is based on the Kawasaki KLX110 design, which is characterized by the presence of a straight pendulum. Landing a pit bike is quite similar to landing a CRF70. The characteristic difference the frame is a plastic body kit.
TTR - frame.
This type of frame is considered the most technologically advanced, but less common option. The design of the full-size Yamaha models is taken as a basis. As distinctive features can be noted a straight swingarm with internal attachment in the frame, progressive rear suspension, 5-liter fuel tank... There are characteristic slots on the plastic body kit in the area of ​​the sidewalls. Landing of a pit bike is as close as possible to adult motorcycles.
This pit bike has become the top in the line of models.

You can also distinguish between pit bikes by the type and size of the engine. Among Chinese pit bikes, there are two types of engine:
YХ - the manufacturer is YINХIАNG, also Lifan;
ZS - the manufacturer is considered to be the ZONGSHEN company.
Both companies are engaged in the production of engines for pitbikes of various sizes. The maximum mark in this case is 160 cm3. Transmission patterns can also be of two types:
1-N-2-3-4;
N-1-2-3-4.

The engine type and displacement are necessary if you need to order spare parts or tuning parts for your unit.

When answering the question "Which pit bike to choose?", Special attention should be paid to the size of the wheels. It also has its own classification:
The entry level is the presence of a front 12 "and rear 10" wheels.
Two 12-inch wheels are considered a classic size. Supermoto.
14-inch front wheel and a 12-inch rear design means this is a classic minicross model.
14-inch wheels - Supermoto.
17 x 14 inches - the most new size wheels that can only be found on really powerful pit bikes.

Speaking in more detail about the quality of components and manufacturers, the following points should be noted.

Branded manufacturers, of course, also produce branded components, made with high precision and passed quality control. But you have to pay extra for the brand and sometimes a lot. What are these manufacturers?

Firms Marzosshi, Ohlins, Elka, Raioli, Showa, Fox, Reger are engaged in the production of excellent suspension components for pit bikes.

ProTarer and Renthal are renowned for the production of high-strength handlebars.
Mikuni and Keihin produce carburetors for pit bike engines.

Chains and stars are needed - Renthal. For rims it is best to contact Excel. Bearing experts - SKF and NTN. Intake systems are manufactured by Doma, Akrarovis, FMF, Levinse, etc.

The cost of a pit bike, which consists of this kind of components, can reach several tens of thousands of euros.
But there are also budget Chinese copies the main components of a pit bike. Their quality does not differ much from branded elements, but the price is 2-3 times lower. For example, companies such as DNM and Fastace are engaged in the production of suspension elements for pit bikes.

After reviewing the classifications that we have provided you, you most likely have already decided what you want and which pit bike to choose.

18.01.2016

Interest in pit bikes as a technique for outdoor activities and sports remains stable in our country. And although today pitas are deservedly popular among people of all ages and hobbies, there are still a number of biases and erroneous opinions that people who are far from the topic tend to take at face value. Below are some such judgments that sometimes become an obstacle to a closer acquaintance with this relatively young type of motor vehicle.

1. A pit bike is bought by someone who has no money for an "adult" motorcycle.

Since most of the pits, with some exceptions, are not vehicles, a mini-bike is purchased most often for pure "fun" - not boring rides with friends and the development of the nearby intersection. Some sophisticated sports equipment can compete in cost with used cross-country equipment. Often times, a pit bike becomes the second motorcycle in the garage, next to a sports bike, cruiser or chopper.

2. A small motorcycle for little kids.

Indeed, pits are more modest in size, weight and engine power. But they are able to withstand loads that are not childish, and are constructively designed for the average adult. Of course, if you are a two-meter giant weighing more than a centner, then you will look comical on almost any bike. The small size and weight of the pit also gives a significant increase in controllability and allows you to forgive a lot of mistakes when piloting.

3. A toy for adult boys.

This may be partly true, but even amateur motorsport is quite costly. In addition to the equipment itself and the cost of its maintenance, you will also need a vehicle to deliver the pit bike to the track. Even if you are racing in the vicinity of the summer cottage, full protective equipment will not hurt you at all. And the next point just addresses this issue.

4. The pit bike is absolutely safe.

There is a saying: "Motorcycle racing is not chess, you have to think here." Compared to "adult" disciplines, mini-motocross will be the safest in motorsport, but the safety requirements are no less stringent. Motocross gear is a must for those parts of the body whose integrity and performance are essential and important to you. First of all, you will need a motocross helmet, motorcycle boots and gloves. Protection of the body, elbows and knees will also not be superfluous.

5. Any motor vehicle is subject to mandatory registration.

Pit bikes, for the most part, are not certified for public roads, that is, driving them under DOPs is prohibited by traffic rules. The exception is some models that have a full set of necessary equipment and a passport. vehicle, which is the basis for registering a mini-bike with an inspection. In all other cases, a pit bike is a sports equipment for use on the tracks of a motorcycle stadium and you do not need to register it, just as you do not need a license to drive a pit bike.

6. All pit bikes are the same.

Even with a cursory examination of this issue, one can see that this is far from the case. In addition to differences in the working volume of the engine and components, among the models on the market, you can also find age, sports and other differences in characteristics. Renowned motorcycle tuning brands are producing many parts and assemblies that can change the character of your steel friend and give him personality.

7. Chinese pit bike - wasted money.

This not so long ago ubiquitous statement has lost its meaning today. Like any other technique, pit bikes require timely service, compliance with the operating regulations and the correct location of the upper limbs for the prompt elimination of possible "children's" sores. In addition, it has long been known that today China has become one of the world leaders in industrial production, and not only in the field of precision engineering. It is enough to choose a manufacturer with a good reputation in order to be sure of purchasing a product with an optimal ratio of decent quality and affordable prices.


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August 20, 2012

Small motorcycles for great pleasure - this is how the Pit-bike class can be described in a nutshell. Their choice on the Russian market is growing rapidly, but the confusion of designations and little-known brands often confuse buyers. Let's try to put everything on the shelves ...

HIGHER, BIGGER, STRONGER. Let's start with a little excursion into short story class. Pit bikes appeared in the late 90s in Southern California (USA). Then they quickly began to gain popularity in other states and spread throughout the world. Historically, pit bikes are not understood as any small crossover, but a device with a four-stroke "horizontal" engine, similar to the Honda "cab". Actually, the Honda ХR50 (later CRF50F, CRF70F) was the reference "pit" and the starting point for the evolution of this class. In the beginning, other members of the “magnificent four” took up the initiative - there were Kawasaki KLX110, Suzuki DR-Z70, Yamaha TT-R50E, Yamaha TT-R110E. Former motocross champion Guy Cooper added fuel to the fire: in 2003, his company Xtreme Motor Corp. began to upgrade branded devices with Chinese components, and later to import already finished clones. Other American companies have also sprung up, such as a small Utah firm importing minibikes from China, USA Motortoys, began selling them in 2004 under its own brand Pitster Pro. Today this brand is well promoted; it is also present in our market.

Moreover, the Chinese motorcycle builders, contrary to custom, did not blindly clone the proprietary and rather primitive design of the Honda ХR50 (CRF50F), but poured in "fresh blood". In fact, they gave impetus to the evolution of children's pit bikes into fully combat "adult" devices for entertainment and full-fledged sports. So, if the first "pits" (and modern Honda CRF50F and Yamaha TT-R50E) have a short frame, 10-inch wheels with drum brakes, three gears and short-travel suspensions, then the new generation of "Chinese" is different. It has grown significantly, so it will fit an adult. Wheel sizes have grown to 17 inches in front and 14 in the rear, powerful disc brakes, and move adjustable suspensions increased to 180-190 mm. "Manual" clutch develops the skill of driving a real sports bike; in the gearbox - four speeds (though with not the most successful switching scheme - "neutral" at the bottom). The “maximum speed” of the flagship “pits” with motors of 150–160 cm³ exceeds 100 km / h.

BRAND MASKING. We have motorcycles under both original Chinese brands (BSE, Kayo, Mikilon) and third-party ones, such as the American Pitster Pro. But most of all you will meet under “ours”: Armada, C.Moto. Forsage, Irbis, JMC, Patron and others. Although every sandpiper praises its swamp, there is a picture that the most advanced producer of "pits" from the Middle Kingdom is KAYO (Jinyun KAYO Motor Machinery Co. Ltd.): the company has specialized in this technique since 1999, has its own engineering division and a cross-country training ground in the territory factory. Annual production - about 30,000 units, about 25 models, export - to all continents, including the USA (under the already mentioned Pitster Pro brand). Another company worth mentioning is BSE (Zhejiang Bosuer Motion Apparatus Co., Ltd.). She has been in business since 2002, produces a dozen models of "pits".

In general, a brand, if it is not Chinese, says little: in the line, as a rule, products from different factories, different levels complete sets and, accordingly, prices. It is better to subdivide pit bikes not by the brand of the manufacturer or trader, but by purpose (entertainment or sport) and the cubic capacity of the motor. According to the statistics of world sales, out of every ten devices sold to the first, entertainment, group includes eight and only two - to the second, sports.

How to determine the purpose of a pit bike? There can be a lot of external "bells and whistles" and catchy stickers ... Perhaps the main thing is a powerful spatial frame that encloses the engine and the swingarm, and in the rear part at the bottom there are "branches" to which the driver's footboards are attached. In simple pits, the frame usually looks like a thick tube bent in one plane, and the footpegs are attached with four bolts to the tides of the engine crankcase. This frame is less rigid, and the footpeg mounts may not withstand long jumps and damage the crankcase. Other signs of a "pro" - suspension: long-travel, fully adjustable with a linkage system at the rear, light-alloy reinforced wheel rims, tires of well-known "local" brands (Maxxis, Kenda). You should not dwell on global brands of suspensions and brakes, you need to understand that design and workmanship are more important for driving. The bike may have a nameless fork, which from the same Chinese factory goes to other buyers as a product, for example, Marzocchi. Often, lateral stops are not placed on devices "sharpened" for racing - they are replaced by "temporary huts" made of a steel bar, inserted into the provided slot. In “everyday” trips it is inconvenient, but they also need a different bike ... In addition, the “sportsmen” do not have lighting equipment (instead of it there is a shield for the start number) and an ignition switch. Accordingly, it is not recommended to leave such a device unattended.

There is also a specialization in sports - machines for motocross, enduro and motarda races. The last two types are equipped with the simplest lighting equipment; in motards, moreover, wheels of the same diameter are "shod" in road or track rubber.

Don't think that motorsport is in its infancy in China. They also drive there, and the mass scale is such that we never dreamed of. There is a category of domestic races and championships in which only domestic (i.e. Chinese) motorcycles are used, including pit bikes. The leader among manufacturers is KAYO, about 90% of athletes participate in these motorcycles. This one also appeared in our editorial office - read the first impressions on p. 40.

Particularly important is the engine, its manufacturer and characteristics. Engines are used different. But if for bikes up to 125 cm³ these are "Kabovskie" clones, which are produced by the mastered technology by everyone who is not lazy (and there are several dozen such factories in the Celestial Empire), then with large-capacity motors the picture is different. There are three main manufacturers here: Yinxiang (motors are marked YX), Lifan (LF) and Zongshen (ZS). In principle, all three manufacturers are quite worthy, but YX motors are the most widespread - they are in the chassis of every third Chinese pit bike. "Large" engines are produced without electric start and have design differences from Honda clones - for example, a clutch on the secondary shaft of the gearbox, oil filter, oil cooler, timing chain tensioner. Usually motors with a working volume of 125 cm³ give up to 9-10 hp, 140 cm³ - up to 12, 150 cm³ - up to 16; 160 cm³ - already 17-18. There are references to 175 cc units, but these are already the fruits of tuning. However, we will talk about the features of "large" motors in another article.

FIRMS WITH THE NAME. Products of well-known motorcycle manufacturers are poorly distributed on the market, and, first of all, because of the price. Official dealers (and quite justifiably from an economic point of view) prefer "adult" motorcycles to this technique. In the best case, you can get it on order. Advantages, besides the brand, are durability and quality, but unfortunately this does not replace performance. If you aim at sports, then you will have to work and work with such motorcycles ... But remember: for one "sport", four "reel" machines are sold.

Honda CRF50F

Length / base, mm 1302 / 911
Dry weight, kg 50,0
Engine displacement, cm³ 49
Power, h.p. at rpm 3,0/8500
Front / rear tire 2,50–10 / 2,50–10
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 41 000

Honda CRF70F

Length / base, mm 1537 /1067
Dry weight, kg 58,1
Engine displacement, cm³ 72
Power, h.p. at rpm 5,0/8000
Front / rear tire 2,50–14 / 3,00–12
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 55 000

Kawasaki KLX110

Length / base, mm 1560 / 1075
Dry weight, kg 68,0
Engine displacement, cm³ 111
Power, h.p. at rpm 7,3/7500
Front / rear tire 2,50–14 / 3,00–12
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 120 000

Suzuki DR-Z70

Length / base, mm 1320 / 935
Dry weight, kg 53,0
Engine displacement, cm³ 67
Power, h.p. at rpm 4,8/7000
Front / rear tire 2,50–10 / 2,50–10
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 79 000

Yamaha TT-R50E

Length / base, mm 1306 / 925
Dry weight, kg 56,7
Engine displacement, cm³ 49
Power, h.p. at rpm 3,2/8500
Front / rear tire 2,50–10 / 2,50–10
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 42 000

Yamaha TT-R110E

Length / base, mm 1565 / 1080
Dry weight, kg 68,9
Engine displacement, cm³ 110
Power, h.p. at rpm 7,1/7500
Front / rear tire 2,50–14 / 3,00–12
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 41 000

Polini XP4 Street

Length / base, mm 1577 / 1145
Dry weight, kg 68,5
Engine displacement, cm³ 120,7
Power, h.p. at rpm 10,7/8000
Front / rear tire 3,50–10 / 3,50–10
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 100 000

PIT BIKES FOR CHILDREN. The simplest and smallest cars from the family of pit bikes are 50 cc. They are similar in appearance and characteristics to the Honda CRF50F, except that the box is a four-speed (there are also power units with only one gear). One-speed models with automatic clutch and electric starter are suitable for training young riders. Small travels of the suspensions turn into dignity - the seat is low, the child's feet always reach the ground. The next step is cars with 70 cc motors. But 110s are already for advanced ones, there is a more "evil" motor, and long-travel suspensions. The speed is also higher - disc brakes are used to "curb" it.

BSE CF50A

Length / base, mm 1600 / 1100
Dry weight, kg 67
Engine displacement, cm³ 49
Power, h.p. at rpm 3,0/7500
Front / rear tire 2,75–10 / 2,75–10
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 30 000

KAYO CRF Mini

Length / base, mm 1336 / 955
Dry weight, kg 50
Engine displacement, cm³ 49
Power, h.p. at rpm 4,2/7500
Front / rear tire 2,50–10 / 2,50–10
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 29 000

C.Moto 70 (BSE CF70AT)

Length / base, mm 1300 / 960
Dry weight, kg 45
Engine displacement, cm³ 72
Power, h.p. at rpm 4,0/7000
Front / rear tire 2,50–10 / 2,50–10
Front / rear brake drum / drum
price, rub. 30 000

Forsage 100 Сross

Length / base, mm 1430 / 965
Dry weight, kg 45
Engine displacement, cm³ 97
Power, h.p. at rpm 6,0/8000
Front / rear tire 90/90–14 / 90/90–12
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 30 000

Irbis TTR 110

Length / base, mm 1650 / 1140
Dry weight, kg 64
Engine displacement, cm³ 110
Power, h.p. at rpm 6,5/8000
Front / rear tire 2,50–14 / 3,0–12
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 32 000

"SHMONKI". So in the old years in Kovrov, one of the motorcycle centers of the USSR, they called light motorcycles for dynamic rides through the streets and pampas, but not for serious sports. "Shmonki" were registered with the traffic police (though they were radically altered later), and this is their difference from pit bikes, which were not initially subject to registration. They are transported as sports equipment - due to this, the cost of customs clearance is significantly reduced. Modern Chinese "shmonki", with a working volume of 120–125 cm³, also fall short of the parameters of really sports devices. But you can get a lot of positive emotions and adrenaline from them. More advanced devices of this group are suitable for teaching the basics of off-road driving.

Irbis TTR 125

Length / base, mm 1700 / 1150
Dry weight, kg 67
Engine displacement, cm³ 124
Power, h.p. at rpm 8,2/7500
Front / rear tire 70/100–17 / 90/100–14
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 43 500

Forsage 125 Cross

Length / base, mm 1700 / 1260
Dry weight, kg 75
Engine displacement, cm³ 124
Power, h.p. at rpm 8,2/7500
Front / rear tire 90/90–14 / 90/90–12
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 37 000

Patron Junior 125 Enduro

Length / base, mm 1800 / 1200
Dry weight, kg 75
Engine displacement, cm³ 124,8
Power, h.p. at rpm 9,5/8000
Front / rear tire 2,75–17 / 3,00–14
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 52 500

Patron Junior 125 Motard

Length / base, mm 1800 / 1200
Dry weight, kg 67
Engine displacement, cm³ 124
Power, h.p. at rpm 8,2/7500
Front / rear tire 3,00–14 / 3,00–14
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 56 500

S. Moto 125

Length / base, mm 1800 / 1255
Dry weight, kg 68
Engine displacement, cm³ 125
Power, h.p. at rpm 12,0/7500
Front / rear tire 70/100–17 / 90/100–14
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 37 500

KAYO CRF-7H

Length / base, mm 1690 / 1210
Dry weight, kg 70
Engine displacement, cm³ 150
Power, h.p. at rpm 13,6/9500
Front / rear tire 70/100–14 / 80/100–12
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 71 000

S.Moto 160

Length / base, mm 1800 / 1255
Dry weight, kg 70
Engine displacement, cm³ 161,3
Power, h.p. at rpm 14,0/7500
Front / rear tire 70/100–17 / 90/100–14
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 37 500

Pitster Pro LX5 125 Base

Length / base, mm 1650 / 1180
Dry weight, kg 74
Engine displacement, cm³ 125
Power, h.p. at rpm 9,0/8500
Front / rear tire 2,50–14 / 3,0–12
Front / rear brake disk / disk
price, rub. 38 000

HI-CLASS. This includes pit bikes that are really fit for racing (if any) or training in motocross sections, of which there are more and more. For the latter, this is a good purchase: pit bikes are simpler and more "kondo" in design than classic crossovers, while the cost of repairs and spare parts is much lower. The cubic capacity of the motors is 125–160 cm³, and these motors are of a special design, as we have already mentioned. At the same time, due to the use of aluminum alloys, the weight of pit bikes even of this level can be in the range of 65–70 kg.

025_KAYO_CRF801-7L

KAYO CRF801-7L. With YX mid-range engine, simpler than ZS and LF. Despite the small wheels, the ground clearance is 320 mm, and the rigid frame makes it possible to rank fully combat vehicles in the group.

KAYO CRF801-7L. With YX mid-range engine, simpler than ZS and LF. Despite the small wheels, the ground clearance is 320 mm, and the rigid frame makes it possible to rank fully combat vehicles in the group.

BSE TT150XL

This is a small lightweight motorcycle that looks like a cross-country off-road unit. It has a 4-stroke engine and wheels in sizes 10, 12, 14 and 17 inches. They are produced by many manufacturers of motor vehicles, both world leaders and smaller companies. Today you can buy it in almost every more or less large city near official dealers companies.

Mini motorcycles of this type are suitable for people weighing up to 100 kg. To make it comfortable to operate, it is equipped with a reinforced frame, an increased wheelbase, a reinforced suspension, a high steering wheel, etc. At the same time, it remains an oversized bike, which makes riding it a real pleasure. The 92nd or 93rd gasoline is used as fuel, which is simply poured into the gas tank. There is no need to add or mix oil with additives into gasoline, which also simplifies the preparation of the bike for the ride and operation.

The main questions are how to ride and where?
Country - cross-country driving. For this, 10-17-inch wheels with off-road tread are suitable. Country is the most popular type of skiing. The main thing is to protect the rider.

Motocross c. Any trails and trampolines for riding and jumping are suitable for this. Wheels must be either 14/12 or 17/14 inches, fitted with off-road tires. All attention to the safety of the rider.

Supermoto involves driving on any level surface. For this, Karting or special tracks for Supermoto are perfect. Wheels can be 12/12 or 14/14 inches, and Slick tires provide good grip with the road.

Stunt is one of the most popular disciplines. Any site with a smooth, high-quality surface is suitable for it. It involves the performance of various stunts and basic aerobatics of motorsport. For better result use pegs and a yoke.

The park is a fairly new direction, involving tricks and figures. You can ride in Skate and BMX parks, specially created for this. The pit bike weighs very little in this discipline. Wheels with road tires should be 12/12 inches. The motorcycle is protected by pegs and sliders.

Freestyle is also a new discipline. These are dizzying jumping from trampolines, performing acrobatic stunts in flight. But this is also the most dangerous direction.

Street (Street) is driving around the city without rules and restrictions. Various tricks are performed on the obstacles. Obstacles are stairs, curbs, walls, cars - any objects protruding or towering above the asphalt. Motorcycle protection is provided with pegs, yokes, sliders. But this discipline is prohibited, because it is dangerous for the drivers themselves and others.

There is a question that interests both the owners of a new pit bike and those who are just going to buy it: is it dangerous? Riding a minibike is safe, if you do not forget about protection and be guided not by passion, but by common sense. If you act the other way around, then not only a motorcycle will become dangerous, but also a bicycle, but also a scooter.

It has a simple, but at the same time reliable design, the control of which does not require special knowledge or specific skills from the driver.

In order for the bike to serve you for a long time and not cause complaints, you need to properly run it in and monitor the condition of parts and assemblies. Attention should be paid to the quality of movement from the first ride until the first 35 motorcycle hours.

Pay attention to the engine when running in. In order to further enjoy the good and driving fast, first you need to be patient. Carefully check the engine oil level using the dipstick. When checking, the motorcycle must be level, otherwise the indicator will be overestimated or underestimated.
Unscrew the control dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth, insert it back without screwing it in, then remove it again and look.

The oil level can also be checked on a "hot engine". After stopping the engine, you need to wait a couple of minutes and then measure.

When running in the motorcycle for the first 35 hours, make sure that the engine does not overheat. By launching cold engine, wait for it to warm up (about 2 minutes).

For the best break-in experience, follow the guidelines. Avoid sudden and heavy loads on the engine and clutch. Don't roll long on low revs, pick up speed smoothly. When changing speeds, avoid jolts and jerks, smoothly change gear modes. With each next ride, if the break-in has been done correctly, the gearbox will work more clearly and the gear changes will become more confident. For the engine to last longer, the oil should be changed twice during break-in: after 18 and 35 hours of operation.

Pit-bike is a small motorcycle with a 4-stroke horizontal engine. Due to the confusion of the classification of motor vehicles, the low popularity of brands, in particular, on Russian market it is often difficult for buyers to decide which pit bike is better buy.

The history of the emergence and improvement of pit bikes

Pit bikes were first designed in Southern California in the 90s. The first benchmark was the Honda XR50, then other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers took up the idea. The buyers liked the first motorcycles, and their popularity grew rapidly. Guy Cooper, a former motocross champion, at his company Xtreme Motor Corp began to upgrade branded products with components from China, then a small American company based in Utah that imported Chinese minibikes began selling them under its Pitster Pro brand. Then Chinese motorcyclists evolved children's pit bikes into serious sports cars. The bikes have "grown" for an adult athlete, the wheels have increased from 10 inches to 17 inches, disc brakes have been added. Usually put 4 speed box gears, the speed develops above 100 km / h.

How to choose a pit bike for a beginner and a professional? Let's take a look at various factors to help you decide what to expect from your motorcycle:

  • frame type;
  • engine type, volume;
  • wheels and steering wheel;
  • shock absorbers;
  • manufacturer;
  • price.

Frame type

The frame is the basis of the pit bike design, the appearance of the bike and the driver's position depend on it. The frames can be conditionally divided into three groups. looks like that.

1.CRF50 / CRF70.

The basis of this frame is the Hunda CRF50 construction. Features - straight swingarm, plastic body kit, 3.5-liter tank, longitudinal shock absorber mount. Equipped with increased ground clearance, comfortable fit for tall stature.

At the heart of the design is the Kawasaki KLX110. Features - a straight swingarm, a characteristic plastic body kit.

At the heart of the design of Yamaha motorcycles. Straight swingarm with internal mounting in the frame, 5 liter tank, progressive rear suspension, the highest fit.

In addition, there are frames specially designed to order.

The frames are most often made of steel. Aluminum are less common, they are more expensive and lighter.

Engine

When deciding on a motorbike, be sure to take a closer look at the engine. Reliable, powerful - that's YX. Able to withstand a good load, for example, minimotocross, hardy, easy to find spare parts, repair does not take much time and money.

Sometimes engines are equipped with a semi-automatic gearbox. All gears are usually shifted, but there is no clutch handle, the spring itself squeezes the clutch, the main thing is to change them in time. A very convenient option for riding learners, children, girls. Extremely reliable, no less than a conventional clutch.

Children's models with a cubic capacity of 50-125 are smaller, lightweight, just start up. An adult can also ride such, if he adjusts the shock absorbers to the weight. Models with a semi-automatic gearbox are especially appreciated.

For teenagers, we recommend the 125-500 cc version. They are good for adults, this is what they are golden mean... If you wish, you can later replenish it with expensive spare parts for serious motocross practice. The engines produce 9-16 liters. with.

Motorcycles over 150 cubic meters are expensive for experienced ones, but you will immediately buy a well-equipped motorcycle on which you can safely jump from 10-meter jumps. Such large-capacity motors are manufactured by three main manufacturers: Yinxiang (YX), Zongshen (ZS), Lifan (LF). The most common motors of the first of the listed - in almost every third Chinese motorcycle. Engines are produced without electric start.

Wheels and steering wheel

Budget pit bikes have steel rims and bushings. They are heavy and require frequent maintenance. The more expensive and practical ones are aluminum. The steering wheel is also recommended thick-walled aluminum, which is lighter than steel, stronger, straightened after a fall.

Pay attention to the rubber. Cross-country options are intended only for driving on the ground. High-standing tires on asphalt roads are erased in a week. Better install then road rubber or enduro - more durable.

For trail training, 12x14 wheels are recommended - they are universal, suitable for everything, ideal for the track. Due to its small size, durable, comfortable for drivers of short, medium height. Large diameter wheels turn your bike into a scooter.

The classics of this type are 10x10 or 10x12 wheels - this is how the pit bike was conceived. The size is suitable for children, street skating, fan, camp. The most durable wheels, bikes with them are lightweight, and withstand the usual weight of 100 kg.

Wheels 17x14 are made in Russia for driving in forests, wilds, swamps, fields. They bring the pit bike closer to the motocross motorcycles. Also makes the pit comfortable for tall riders.

Shock absorbers

Adjustable shock absorbers are installed on expensive models; for a beginner, we do not recommend taking complex equipment, standard unregulated shock absorbers are quite enough, but at budget prices. The most famous brands here are Fastace, DNM, GPX.

The best models of famous brands

Honda

Kawasaki

The most interesting pit bike - KLX110, is often used as a basis for tuning. A small drawback is the 3-speed basic gearbox.

Suzuki

A well-known company tried to enter the pit bike segment with the release of the DR-Z70. Currently not produced.

Yamaha

Polini

XP4 Street is a European-made version of a pit bike, powerful (up to 15 hp), quite expensive.

Children's pitbikes

These models are the easiest to operate, lightweight, and small.

The best high-end racing models

Price

The price of a pit bike mainly depends on the motor: the more powerful the engine, the more expensive the motorcycle equipment. Accordingly, the price depends on the number of aluminum components that lighten the weight of the motorcycle, and the quality of the suspension.

The branded components are undeniably high quality, but you have to pay a lot for the brand. Excellent pendants produced by Fox, Marzosshi, Ohlins. For high-strength handlebars, you should turn to ProTarer, Renthal, the latter also has chains, stars. Best carburetor it is worth asking from the companies Keihin, Mikun, and look for bearings in NTN, SKF. Per intake systems it is recommended to go to Akrarovis, Doma, Leovins, FMF. A pit bike in such an assembly will be of excellent quality, but expensive.

Of course, everyone doesn't mind buying a cheap bike, remember that it will last you less. Although an expensive bike is not always more durable and better. We recommend you follow the golden mean. The best option costs about 50,000 rubles. On this and just to the dacha, you can go, and drive on the track, and walk in the forest normally. Children's versions can be taken cheaper, there is no need for a large carrying capacity, for 30-35 thousand.

Remember: design and quality are important, not a global brand.