Most of us have thought at least once in our lives about the possibility of experiencing extreme sensations. Some people will enjoy skydiving, some will enjoy bungee jumping, and there are those who don’t mind testing the speed of riding a motorcycle during motocross. The main thing that stops many is the fear of injury, or even more, fear for their lives.
When choosing a method for obtaining this kind of emotion, you should weigh the pros and cons, or, as an option, choose a more or less safe one, such as, for example, learning to ride a pit bike.
Many professional motorcyclists recommend a pit bike as an excellent first vehicle for learning motocross. It will help you hone your skills and knowledge and develop your skills. But before you ride a pit bike, you should learn about its main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
The long path of pit bike evolution: from bicycle to motorcycle
Pitbike - what is it? Direct translation sounds like “technical boxing bike.” If we go deeper into history, we find out that pit bikes were a special type of equipment that was used by mechanics and maintenance personnel to move around the race track and the area where the teams’ pits were located (pit line).
The first pit bikes resembled bicycles; they were very chalk and unsafe, which in turn made it difficult to move along the highway. Over time, they were equipped with a motor, their power did not exceed 5 hp. But progress did not stand still; in the late 60s, the Japanese company Honda released new models of pit bikes, the Honda Super Cub 50 and Honda Z50 Mini Trail, which differed from their predecessors in their compactness and ease of maintenance.
Over time, this type of transport has evolved and nowadays a pit bike is no longer a bicycle, but a mini-motorcycle.
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.
Review of the main characteristics of a pit bike: pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages
A pit bike is a subspecies of a motorcycle that has a number of characteristics unique to it, among which the following should be highlighted:
- Reduced geometry. Pitbike - transport for one person;
- Small wheel size. There are pit bikes on the market with a diameter of 10, 12, 14 and 17 inches;
- Extended wheelbase;
- Most often a four-stroke horizontal engine (less often a 2-stroke);
- Power from 2 to 15 hp;
- Inverted front roll type;
- Engine capacity from 50 to 190 cubic meters.
There are two main types of models: amateur and professional. The latter are distinguished by improved equipment. Most often, to purchase them you need to make a special order.
In addition to the main technical characteristics, you need to pay attention to a number of advantages of this type of equipment:
Advantages:
- Price. A pit bike is an excellent choice for those who cannot afford a full-fledged motorcycle. The cost of a mini motorcycle is several times cheaper and will pleasantly surprise everyone;
- Compact and lightweight. Depending on the model and configuration, the weight of a mini motorcycle does not exceed 80 kg.
- Ease of operation. The mini motorcycle is so easy to operate that even teenagers can handle it. As a result, many manufacturing companies produce children's models for ages 9+.
- Inexpensive to maintain. Due to its popularity, the owner of a mini motorcycle will not have problems replacing the necessary parts;
- Maneuverability. A pit bike is a vehicle that can cope with riding on most surfaces, including off-road. Even if it is impossible to overcome a certain distance, it can be easily moved.
In addition to the above advantages, it should be noted that a small number of disadvantages that are inherent in a pit bike:
- Inability to travel on public roads;
- Technical limitation - this equipment is intended for one passenger;
So, do you need a license for a pit bike in 2022?
So, to clarify this issue, let’s turn to: traffic rules, which establish the regulatory framework and the Code of Administrative Offences, which provides for sanctions for violations of the rules. To drive a pit bike with an engine capacity of 50 cubic meters or less, you need a category M license. With an engine capacity of more than 50 cubic meters, it is equated to a motorcycle, and less than 50 cubic meters, to a moped. For example, to drive a 125 cc pit bike, a pit bike with an engine capacity of 150 cc, you need a category A license. This is according to traffic rules.
But if we turn to the Code of Administrative Offenses, we see that a vehicle is those vehicles that are subject to state registration and are granted the right to drive. There is also the Federal Law “On Road Safety”, which states that a vehicle is any machine that is intended to travel on regular public roads. Accordingly, a pit bike cannot be considered a vehicle, because it is not intended for driving on roads, it is sports equipment. Accordingly, a pit bike license is not needed in 2022.
But you need to take into account that since a pit bike is not a vehicle, traveling on it on regular roads is prohibited. Therefore, we recommend using a pit bike exclusively in specialized areas.
That is, there is no clear answer to the question of whether you need a license for a pit bike in 2022.
Motocross motorcycle or pit bike: so which is better?
The main distinguishing feature of motorcycles is the purpose of use. If we consider the best motocross motorcycle, it is important to understand that it is intended for motorsports and competitions on prepared tracks. Pit bikes are mini motorcycles that, unlike cross-country motorcycles, can be used to move around parks, squares or in the countryside.
If the question is about buying a motocross motorcycle or a pit bike, then you need to understand that the first one is not so easy to master, it will require special skills and practice. But the second one is quite easy to operate.
In this regard, we can conclude that the best motocross motorcycles are for professionals, and the best pit bikes are for amateurs.
The main differences between a pit bike and a motocross motorcycle
Despite some similarities between a pit bike and a motocross motorcycle, such as reduced dimensions, small engine capacity, power, and a ban on city driving, they also have some differences:
- Specifications:
| Name | Pitbike | Motocross bike |
| Motor type | Usually four-stroke | Single cylinder |
| Brakes | Improved | Regular disk |
| Suspension | Soft, since the main position is sitting | Rigid, designed for jumping and riding in standing positions |
| Wheels | Small (12 inches) | Large |
| Exhaust | Classical | Loud |
| Cooling system | Air and oil | Water/dry sump |
- Safety of use . Pit bikes are considered a more bladeless mode of transport due to their ease of use.
- Durability . The design of the pit bike uses fewer plastic parts, so in the event of a fall, breakdowns are less common.
- Price . The cost of a pit bike starts from 50 thousand rubles, but a minimum-spec motocross motorcycle will cost you from 100 thousand rubles.
- Difficulty of control . Driving the best motocross motorcycle requires a lot of practice, which cannot be said about a pit bike, which children can easily ride.
Do you need a license for a 125cc pit bike?
What sanctions await a person driving his, for example, 125 cc pit bike, without a license?
Let’s make a reservation right away: as of this year, there is no fine in the law as such for driving a pit bike on the roads.
In practice, traffic police officers may try to prosecute the driver under the following articles:
- 12.1 part 1 “for failure to fulfill the obligation to register a vehicle”
- 12.3 part 2 “for lack of a driver’s license”
- 12.7 part 1 “for driving without the right to drive”
But, according to the law, none of these articles can be applied. Since: the Federal Law “On Road Safety” says that a special right is granted to vehicles intended for transporting people and goods, and a pit bike, as we have already said, is sports equipment and a driving license is not required for it.
Accordingly, all of the above fines are unlawful. And if you were fined, you can appeal this decision in court.
According to the law, a pit bike cannot be sent to the impound lot either, because... in accordance with Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, this is an interim measure for the execution of other punishments, and since neither fines nor other sanctions are applicable to pit bikes, accordingly, it cannot be sent to the impound lot. This is the whole answer to the question: do you need a license for a 125 cc pit bike ?
Choosing a pit bike for yourself: taking into account important parameters
If you decide to buy a pit bike, then first of all read and take into account the list of important parameters before purchasing.
Speed shift system:
- Automatic;
- Semi-automatic;
- Manual.
Wheel diameter to driver height ratio:
- Models with a wheel diameter of 10-12 inches with a height of up to 120 cm;
- Models with a wheel diameter of 12-14 inches with a height of up to 120cm-150cm;
- Models with a wheel diameter of 14-17 inches with a height of up to 150cm-180cm;
- Models with a wheel diameter of 17 inches and larger with a height of 180 cm.
Divide your height by 2, this will give you an average saddle height that will be comfortable for you.
A pit bike is a vehicle designed for people with a maximum weight of up to 130 kg.
Engine power:
- Volume 50-110cm/cubic. Designed for children, as the maximum speed is 60 km/h;
- Volume 125-140cm/cubic. Designed for teenagers and drivers without experience. Maximum speed – 90 km/h;
- Volume 150-160cm/cubic. Such pit bikes are suitable for people with experience driving motorcycles;
- Volume 200-2500cm/cubic. Designed for professionals and off-road travel.
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
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.
Is it possible to ride a pit bike on public roads?
A cross-country motorcycle is designed for high-speed riding on specially equipped tracks. It is unacceptable to drive it under your own power on roads. Pit bikes are transported on cargo trailers.
To travel on highways without breaking laws, you must have a driver's license that matches the category of vehicle you are using.
However, this document alone is not enough to avoid criticism from traffic police. The vehicle must be equipped in accordance with technical regulations and have registration numbers.
Owners of pit bikes who have successfully modernized their “iron horses”, gone through the procedure for obtaining a title, received license plates for the vehicle and took out insurance, can safely ride on highways without fear of punishment.
