At the moment, the topic of pit bikes is very popular among all segments of the Russian population and many want to know how to choose a pit bike in order to be satisfied with the purchase. Everyone’s choice is individual, so different models will suit different people, both in terms of characteristics and price/quality ratio.
99.9% of all pit bikes are produced in China, because this idea originated and gained popularity there, and most importantly, it made it possible to reduce the cost of a full-fledged motorcycle to 50-70 thousand rubles for good quality equipment.
In Russia, category “A” licenses are not required for pit bikes, a PTS is not provided and there is no need to register it with the traffic police. In fact, this equipment is sports equipment and can be used by people of any age. Ownership of the equipment is confirmed by a purchase/sale agreement indicating the VIN number and passport details of the owner.
With the growing popularity, companies from Europe paid attention to this phenomenon and began to order high-quality models under their own brands for sale on world markets.
At the moment, the selection of high-quality pit bikes includes more than 100 models. The difference between all the models lies only in the design of the stickers and the quality of the components from which the equipment is assembled. Which pit bike to choose?
What is a pit bike?
It can be called a bicycle that has gone through its own path of technical improvement, evolving into a professional mini-motorcycle. And professional in the truest sense of the word. So in the USA, pit bikes are already included in the official regulations of mini-motocross competitions. In Russia, a separate sports discipline has not yet been allocated for this vehicle, but amateur racing causes considerable excitement.
A little bit of history
Such a unit arose in the middle of the last century. They were used by mechanics who serviced racing tracks. Initially, service personnel used bicycles for these purposes. But when the first mini-motorcycle appeared in America in the 60s, mechanics abandoned bicycles in favor of faster and more powerful equipment. And since the line along which the personnel moved is called the pit line, this is where the name pit bike comes from.
Initially, mini-motorcycles had a Briggs & Stratton engine, and its power was only 5 horsepower. But a few years later, pit bikes were brought to America by a Japanese woman. These models had a four-stroke engine, which was located horizontally. Here the Japanese showed their superiority in power, and from that moment on the spread of Japanese motorcycles began.
By the end of the 60s, pit bikes had gained wide popularity among users, not only among the adult generation, but also among children. For this reason, such units began to be sold in retail stores.
As buyer interest grew, I started thinking about improving my mini-motorcycle models. And in 1999, a more improved pit bike appeared, which is suitable for off-road driving.
Today, Americans use pit bikes for fun during the weekend, and in our country such motorcycles are used for country trips. Also in the USA, mini-motorcycles are included in the American Motorcycle Association. In our country, pit bikes have not yet gained such widespread demand, but racing races are still held.
When is a pit bike better than a motorcycle?
Purchasing a pit bike is an excellent opportunity to acquire motorized transport for those who cannot afford to buy a motorcycle. The latter means of transportation is significantly more expensive. In addition, in our country, driving a mini-motorcycle does not require category rights. And you also don’t have to register your pit bike with the traffic police. In fact, it has the status of sports equipment that can be used by people of any age in accordance with their goals. The following versions are available for sale:
- urban (for example, BSE PH10-190E);
- sports (for example, BSE PH10-190E PRO);
- children's (for example, Motoland PWR Racing FRZ 50);
- teenagers (for example, Motoland PWR Racing FRZ 125 14/12).
For sport or for road trips: the main difference between the two categories of pit bikes
The main feature of pit bikes and the first thing you should pay attention to is the category of vehicle (vehicle). As a rule, a pit bike is considered sports equipment. It does not have a vehicle passport, it cannot be driven on public roads and it does not need to be registered.
But there are also pit bikes that belong to “regular” transport: they have a title, and they need to be registered, and they also need a driving license (category A). And they cost a little more than sports equipment.
The conclusion is simple: you should immediately decide how you will use the pit bike. If you are using it as a vehicle for traveling through traffic jams in the city, then choose a model only with a title. If it’s for sports, then you can do without it.
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.
The best pit bikes from 100,000 rubles
Apollo RXF Freeride 190E
The models can be recognized by their V-shaped frame. The manufacturer has completely redesigned the frame to fit the size of the wheels used. It is also worth noting that the distance from the footpegs to the saddle is quite large, due to this it will be convenient for the rider to ride in a standing position.
The Apollo RXF Freeride 190E suspension features forks and shock absorbers that can be adjusted for rebound. The engine capacity of this model is 190 cc and its power is 17 horsepower. Also in the Apollo RXF Freeride 190E, the manufacturer increased the fuel tank, now it can hold 6.5 liters of gasoline. And for greater reliability, the pit bike is equipped with a filter box. Now the carburetor is not afraid of either moisture or dirt. There is also plastic protection on the brake discs, and a mudguard on the rear wheel.
The average cost is 115,000 rubles.
Apollo RXF Freeride 190E
Advantages:
- High power;
- Reliable braking system;
- Stylish design;
- Verified manufacturer.
Flaws:
- Small people will find it uncomfortable.
Kayo Pro Daytona 190 17/14 KRZ
This model was born in 2022. Unlike its predecessors, this pit bike has an ergonomic frame. With such a “comrade” you can perform well in competitions or just ride off-road.
"Kayo Pro Daytona 190 17/14 KRZ" has an adjustable suspension, which is presented in the front in the form of a telescopic fork, and in the rear in the form of an aluminum pendulum with a monoshock absorber. The wheels have a diameter of 17 and 14 inches; for a more comfortable ride, the manufacturer installed towbars and linings. The four-stroke engine has a displacement of 190 cc and its power is 20 horsepower. Thanks to this, the bike can easily gain high speed.
The average cost is 170,000 rubles.
Kayo Pro Daytona 190 17/14 KRZ
Advantages:
- Ease of management;
- High power;
- Availability of filterbox;
- Ergonomic frame shape;
- Design.
Flaws:
- High price.
YCF Factory SP2 F150
This model is in great demand among both professional athletes and motorcycle enthusiasts.
The four-stroke engine is air-cooled and has an electric starter. Its volume is 150 cc and its power is 16 horsepower. Thanks to this, the YCF Factory SP2 F150 can easily reach high speeds. The wheels of this model have a diameter of 14 and 12 inches, and for a better ride they are equipped with powerful cross-country tires. There are also towbars here. In addition, the YCF Factory SP2 F150 has the ability to adjust the height of the steering wheel.
The average cost is 150,000 rubles.
YCF Factory SP2 F150
Advantages:
- Suitable for competitions;
- Powerful engine;
- Powerful tires;
- Improved brake lever.
Flaws:
- High price.
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.
Japanese "monkey" (PITbike)
It was with the solution to the problem of fast movement along the pitline that Japan began to actively develop the first export models. Honda became the flagship.
This is a Honda Monkey. It has been in production for 50 years. Of course there have already been modifications, but this 2022 model can be proud of its history.
Its version, Super Cub 50, appeared in the early 60s. The idea turned out to be successful, and for 30 years one of the conveyors - this is how mechanics dubbed pit bikes because of the purely monkey-like fit on this vehicle.
This is what the first pit bikes looked like. This is a 1987 Honda super cub 50.
Replacing 2-stroke with 4-stroke was also tested on this bike. Almost all modern models are built according to the same concept that Honda implemented. A low-power, short vehicle that does not require expensive maintenance for moving around the pit line.
In the video, the uncle, at 32 years old, masters his first pit bike. This is his very first motorcycle!
What to look for when purchasing?
Engine. The vast majority of pit bikes are equipped with a four-stroke engine with a horizontal cylinder. Only some Yamaha models have a two-stroke. Next, look at the engine power:
- 50–110 cc. Optimal at the very beginning for calm, measured walks, as well as for children riding. Such units reach a speed of no more than 60 km/h. For example, Motoland PWR Racing FRZ 50.
- 125–140 cc. Pit bikes are suitable for beginners and teenagers. Maximum acceleration is usually up to 90 km/h, and the vehicle load is up to 130 kg. For example, BSE SSSR ATOM or Motoland PWR Racing FRZ 140.
- 160–190 cc. Already quite cool bikes that are suitable for experienced pilots who are ready to rock out on cross-country racing. Such as the BSE PH10-190E or Motoland PWR Racing FRZ 190.
- 200–250 cc. Models for people who feel like fish in water on the road. They perform well on off-road and enduro (aggressive motorsports involving passing a course with obstacles).
Gear system. There are three types: manual, automatic and semi-automatic. For beginners, it is best to pay attention to the last two; they will help you master a pit bike faster and easier.
Wheels. Their optimal size is determined in accordance with the height of the driver. To do this, check the following recommendations:
- Height up to 120 cm - wheels 10/10 and 12/10;
- Height 120–150 cm - wheels 12/10 and 14/12;
- Height 150–180 cm - wheels 14/12 and 17/14;
- Height above 180 cm - wheels 17/14, 19/16 and 21/18.
Choosing a pit bike based on price/quality ratio.
Pit bikes up to 40,000 rubles.
Well suited for quiet driving, country walks, fishing trips, as well as for beginners who are getting into the topic of pit bikes and want to test their compatibility with motorcycles. Jumping, drifting, stunting, and hard enduro on such pit bikes is dangerous.
General disadvantages:
- Motors are practically impossible to adjust, valves may have a smaller diameter, and the kickstarter mounting points quickly break;
- Hollow steel frame with thin walls, not suitable for overloads;
- Weak shock absorber rods;
- Tires, rims and spokes of minimal quality;
- The behavior of the fork is difficult to predict;
- The seat cover wears out faster than your jeans.
To bring such equipment to fruition, you will need to invest at least 10-15 thousand rubles in it. It’s easier to immediately consider a higher-class pit bike.
Children's pit bikes from 42,000 to 50,000 rubles. Engines from 50 to 110 cc.
Suitable for children up to 120 cm tall. Skating level from minimal to experienced young athlete. It is possible to install additional side wheels for learning initial skills. All pit bikes are equipped with an electric starter. For gearboxes, only CVTs and semi-automatics.
Pit bikes from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles. Engines from 125 to 250 cc.
All representatives of this class are quite good devices, if you don’t demand the impossible from them:
- Hollow thick-walled steel frame;
- Large selection of models with aluminum pendulums and fittings;
- Ultra-reliable and wear-resistant YX, Zongshen engines. Kickstarter gears can be an issue, but there is a large selection of electric starter models available;
- The wheels are not particularly reliable, but can last up to 50 hours on the ground and asphalt with proper use;
- The suspensions perform predictably well. Adjustable rear suspensions are available;
- Flexible plastic with shape memory;
- The handlebars may become deformed when dropped. Change to thick-walled and different sizes if necessary;
- Chains and sprockets typically wear out within 35 hours.
Basic version
Chinese-made motorbikes with a volume of 125 cm3, made in the basic version, can be considered using the Kayo YX-125 Basic model as an example. Produced in 2015, the bike is distinguished, as the name suggests, by the YX engine installed on it.
The power unit is a four-stroke engine with a displacement of 123 cubic meters. Its power reaches 11 l/s. The engine is air-cooled and has electronic ignition. An interesting fact is that for this modification the manufacturers installed a two-valve head made of cast iron.
Kayo 125 in the basic configuration is distinguished by agility and maneuverability. He is capable of developing good speed. The maximum value is 80 km/h.
There is no instrument panel as such. Instead, an hour meter and an electronic tachometer are installed.
8. MOTOLAND CRF-125 NEW 4T, from 61,000 RUR
MOTOLAND CRF-125 NEW 4T is one of the newest pit bikes in the Motoland line. It is ideal for off-road and dirt roads. It is specially designed for mini motocross and high jumps. But it is also suitable for absolute beginners, as it does not require special care and is very easy to operate.
This model is very similar to the BSE РН10-125e, but there are very small differences, for example, the seat is not so easy to remove, the flute is not worth it.
SSSR SSR Atom 125 17/14 from 56,000 RUR
SSSR SSR Atom 125 17/14 - has nothing to do with the USSR or even modern Russia. This model is a completely Chinese development. The suspension of this pit bike is considered one of the best, as it is very soft.
Its main drawback is that there is no electronic starter, that is, you can only start the pit bike with a pedal, which can create difficulties on the track. It seems childish, but is as powerful as others - it can easily cope with the race track and rough terrain.
Dimensions
As mentioned above, the Kayo 125 pit bike is small in size. Its length is 1650 mm and its width does not exceed 750 mm. The bike's seat height reaches 885 mm. Taking into account the steering wheel, the height increases to 1130 mm.
The wheelbase length is 1225 mm. The ground clearance is 350 mm. The weight of the bike is 71 kg.
The front wheels are different in size from the rear. Tires with dimensions 70/100-17 are installed in front. The rear wheels are slightly larger - their size is 90/100-14. But this is not the only option for installed wheels. Depending on the specific model, the radius of the tires may vary. But the rear tires are always slightly larger than the front tires - this is a key feature of this type of motorcycle.
2. MOWGLI-SIMPLE-1210, from 46,500 RUR
MOWGLI-SIMPLE-1210 is a pit bike that was developed specifically for children. This is an ideal technique for a teenager. Among its obvious advantages, it is worth noting a powerful (for a children's pit bike) engine, an electronic starter and small-diameter wheels. All this goes along with making driving easier and safer.
It can easily carry a weight of up to 90 kg, which makes it possible to use it by adults or two teenagers at the same time. But this pit bike is not so safe in case of a fall; it does not have protective guards.
Some parents note the possibility of limiting the speed as a significant plus when purchasing this particular pit bike.
PBC 800kW, from RUB 50,000
PBC 800kW is a small electric pit bike, you can even call it a toy. But on the other hand, it has a high load capacity (almost 100 kg) and easily overcomes any terrain.
Another pit bike that does not need refueling, and for it to go, you just need to charge the battery. This affects the speed, since its maximum speed is 28 km/h, which, in theory, is enough for a pit bike, but some indicate it as a disadvantage.
BSE PH10-125e, from RUR 66,000
BSE PH10-125e is a model released in 2014 from BSE. Its differences: non-adjustable suspension, a more rigid frame (compared to the previous year's version), lighting technology and fashionable plastic, which the company copied from the Honda CRF110 model.
The battery is located in the back and is protected from dirt. Having an electric starter is very useful, but you need to get used to using it.
Among the shortcomings of this pit bike, you can notice the tail section without an amplifier and poor protection in case of falls.
Classic performance
The Kayo 125 Classic pit bike is equipped with a single-cylinder Lifan power unit. This is a four-stroke engine with a power of 11 l/s and a displacement of 120 cm3. The torque, which can reach 8,000 rpm, is impressive. An air cooling system is used. These characteristics allow the motorcycle to accelerate to 80 km/h, while the bike has good maneuverability. The pleasant sound of the running engine is diluted by the sound of the exhaust.
The engine consumes 2.5 liters per 100 km. The fuel tank with a capacity of 5.5 liters is made of plastic and equipped with a special bleed valve.
The four-speed manual transmission has some special features, which include the way the gears are shifted. The first position is neutral gear. When selecting the following modes, the presser foot must be raised up. This switching method takes some getting used to. The bike is equipped with a disc brake system with reinforced hoses.
The frame, made of steel, has a fairly simple design. But this is precisely what ensures its reliability. It is able to withstand the loads that arise even after jumping. Up front there is an inverted telescopic fork. A pendulum-type shock absorber represents the rear suspension - this design allows you to adjust the stiffness to your liking.
External elements are made of plastic that can withstand shocks and other mechanical impacts. After the impact they return to their original position.
ZiD-150-23, from 63,000 rub.
ZiD-150-23 pleases its customers with its build quality. It is assembled from Chinese parts at a factory with a military component, so the quality is strictly monitored. Many people note that this pit bike picks up speed very smoothly and pleasantly. It is easy to drive and brake.
It has few disadvantages. For example, buyers criticize road tires, which are completely bare after the factory, which reduces its cross-country ability, but can be changed3 later. And also the high cost of repair, since it is not common in Russia and the parts can be very expensive.
BUTCH X1, from RUB 60,000
BUTCH X1 is distinguished by its dimensions. It is very easy to transport in a car and store in an apartment. It is quiet, almost silent, very light. Battery powered, just needs a power outlet. A great option for a child, as this pit bike is considered one of the safest.
Naturally, in this case it is not designed for a weight of more than 50 kg; if you make the suspension stiffer, then it can be used with a weight of 65-75 kg, but no more. In this case, there is no possibility of using it by adults or two teenagers at once.
