Pitbike, although this type of motorcycle appeared relatively recently, is gaining increasing popularity among users. Many believe that such a unit is intended for beginners who are just starting to get acquainted with motorcycles, but such a mini-motorcycle can be accelerated to high speed, which allows it to be used in competitions. Also, do not ignore the affordable price of pit bikes and the ability to drive them without a driver’s license. For this reason, many people purchase such equipment in order to ride in holiday villages or off-road.
Myths
There are a lot of myths regarding gear shifting. Simple rules:
- the faster you shift, the less you wear out the clutch;
- the higher the rpm, the faster you shift;
- you can and should slow down with gears;
- you can move from 5th to first gear (understanding why this is necessary and what will follow);
- you can and should shift at high speeds;
- Shifting gears without a clutch causes minor wear to the fork and camshaft.
Rating of the best pit bikes with a 125 cc engine
A modern option that is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their pit bike control skills. The product will bring only positive emotions. The engine is made of high-quality and wear-resistant elements, so there will be no problems during operation. The engine is started using a button, this is a convenient solution that is suitable for everyone.
The average price is 72,600 rubles.
Starter model equipped with a mechanical clutch. The user will not only learn how to ride a mini-motorcycle, but also how to change speed correctly. A single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a power of up to 11 hp is installed. This option will be a good solution for almost every child. The seat is soft and the steering wheel is firm. The frame is made of steel and plastic.
The average price is 65,000 rubles.
An excellent option for a beginner rider. The product is made of a durable frame that gives the pit bike optimal rigidity and control. Low weight simplifies handling. The built-in filter box prevents small particles from entering the carburetor, which increases durability. There is a rear suspension and a progressive linkage system. All connections are protected with moisture-repellent material, which prevents short circuits.
The average cost is 82,400 rubles.
An inexpensive but reliable option that is suitable for traveling on various roads. This mini-motorcycle will allow you to hone your off-road skills. The maximum acceleration speed is 90 km/h. The product does not require any complex care, which is an advantage. Suitable for both beginners and experienced users. The front suspension is telescopic, which provides additional reliability.
The average cost is 60,660 rubles.
Shifting without clutch
The motorcycle gearbox is designed in such a way that it allows you to shift up without a clutch at any speed. One way to shift up gears without a clutch is to briefly reduce traction using the throttle. You need to quickly close and open the throttle and at the same time push the gear shifter up. If you do this at the same time and quickly, the box will shift up without using the clutch. Another way is to use a quick switching device; a sensor connected to the ignition control unit is installed in the break of the switching foot rod. During an upshift, the rod presses on the sensor, the sensor transmits a command to the ignition control unit, and the unit turns off the ignition for a pre-programmed time depending on the engine speed (usually no more than 50 milliseconds), the motorcycle’s thrust drops and the box clicks up.
The best pit bike models
Budget
Among the budget pit bikes, we should highlight Plister Pro LX5 . Characterized by a powerful engine. The price is about 50,000 rubles.
If you are on a limited budget, it is also recommended to pay attention to the BSE CS150 XL , which features a long-travel suspension. The average price is 40,000 rubles.
This video explains how to choose a budget pit bike:
Medium and high price category
Many people advise purchasing a Honda CRF50 F. Characterized by an automatic clutch system, electric start engine, inverted fork. The average cost is 90,000 rubles.
Kawasaki KLX110 is often the basis for further tuning. The main negative point is the 3-speed gearbox. The price is about 70,000 rubles.
The Yamaha TT- R50 E is also noteworthy . Features a 3-speed automatic transmission. The average cost is 85,000 rubles.
Polini XP4 Street pit bike is produced in Europe and has high power ratings, about 15 horsepower. It has a high cost - 130,000 rubles.
Children's pit bikes
the BSE CF50 A stands out , which has an automatic clutch with a single-speed gearbox and electric engine start. The average cost is 50,000 rubles.
Forsage 100 Cross is another pit bike for children. It has a durable frame and requires running tuning before motocross. The average price is 40,000 rubles.
You should choose a pit bike based on your requirements and financial capabilities. When choosing, you should take into account such criteria as: height, age and experience of the driver, engine power, material of the frame, wheels and steering wheel.
Source
Criteria for choosing a mini motorcycle
In order for the product to bring only joy, it is important to approach the purchase correctly and take into account various parameters and technical features. There is nothing complicated about this, the main thing is to know what to pay attention to first.
Engine
Most modern pit bikes have a 4-stroke engine with horizontal cylinders. Of course, simpler models equipped with a two-stroke engine are sold. However, it is recommended to look not only at this; we must not forget about the power of this element. The following modifications are on sale today:
Gear system
There are only three popular versions:
It is necessary to select a product based on this parameter based on the user’s skills. It is not recommended to immediately buy manual options if a person cannot stay on the road normally, it is unsafe.
Wheels
To find a suitable option, you should decide on the height of the driver. All you need to do is look at the recommended height to size ratio. For example:
Quality of components
We must not forget that most of the components are produced in China. If a person wants to get a reliable option, then he will have to overpay a little. Otherwise, there is a chance that the product will last for a couple of years, after which the rest of the time it will be repaired in the garage. A lot always depends on the price, so there is no point in buying deliberately too cheap options.
Of course, expensive models are also produced in China, but it is important to understand that wear-resistant alloys are used for their manufacture. Therefore, a person receives a durable structure that will last for several years. In addition, most of the components are produced on modern equipment, which guarantees additional quality.
The cheapest models are sold in the range of 35-45 thousand rubles. However, using such a technique will not work without problems. It is important to pay attention to her, otherwise problems will begin very quickly. In addition, such copies are not subject to modernization and improvements.
Models from 45 to 100 thousand rubles belong to the middle price category. Such options will be an excellent solution for beginners and experienced drivers. This segment sells mini-motorcycles that can last several years, and with proper care, all 10.
Premium options start at prices over 100 thousand rubles. This technique is intended for professional use only. Therefore, it is often used by athletes for motocross riding or honing various skills.
Application area
Even some adults buy this vehicle, as it makes it easy to avoid traffic jams without impeding traffic. But for these purposes it is best to buy adapted urban options. Also, such a model will be an excellent solution for users who work in delivery services.
One of the advantages of a mini-motorcycle is low gas mileage. However, it is important to understand that transport is intended for only one person. Therefore, it is not worth using it to give rides to friends, because the structure will not withstand such a load and will break. The model cannot be used when driving on ice, as there is a risk of falling. It is best to use the product in late spring, summer and early autumn, when there is no precipitation.
Do you need a license for a pit bike?
Let's look at the legislation. The requirements for obtaining a license state that a driver’s license is not needed if a person drives a vehicle with an engine displacement of less than 50 cubic cm and a maximum speed of less than 50 km/h. There is such a variety of pit bikes, but it is not in trend. After all, at such a speed, experienced drivers, and just the majority of young people, are unlikely to want to drive.
A license for a pit bike with a volume of less than 50 cubic meters and a speed of up to 50 km/h is not required.
However, we must not forget about the existence of pit bikes with an engine capacity of 110 cubic meters, 125 cubic meters and 150 cubic meters, which, naturally, are more common due to their power and speed. In theory, a driver's license is required to drive this vehicle. In practice, these are already the characteristics of a light motorcycle.
Theoretically, for powerful pit bikes with a volume of 50, 120, 150, etc. cubes of rights are needed
Getting a category A driver's license is not difficult. You only need to pass the exam and the practical part. But here another “stone” arises - registration. A transport passport is required, which is obtained during transport production. But the manufacturer does not issue it to the factory. And the only document that is given to the owner of a pit bike is the purchase and sale agreement. There is no vehicle passport.
There is one clue, why don’t they issue PTS? Because this is a sports vehicle and is not intended for public roads. It turns out that it cannot be driven on the road?
It is almost impossible to obtain rights to any pit bike. However, it cannot be driven on any roads of state, regional or local significance.
It is impossible to qualify every vehicle as a “vehicle”. An examination is required to ensure compliance with standards. The first and main one is safety. This means that the transport does not pose any danger and complies with GOST standards. Only when the examination is passed, a transport passport is issued, which indicates whether this device is a full-fledged transport or not.
Vehicle or sports equipment?
A vehicle is a device that can transport people (passengers in this case) or any cargo along the roads. If everything were simple, then bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, etc. would fall under the category of “transport.”
Let's look at one more point - driving on roads. According to traffic regulations, a road is not only an asphalt surface, but also a well-trodden road or a dirt road. You can't ride there. But forests and fields are available for sports equipment. Where the wheels of transport did not go.
Let's summarize: licenses for sports equipment are not required. They cannot be obtained for such a device. However, you can only participate in competitions and go mushroom hunting on a pit bike, but you cannot ride on state, regional or local roads. Even if there is actually no road there, according to the rules there is one. You might be lucky if there is no traffic police officer, but if he gets caught, there will be problems.
Torque limiter
For beginners, switching down is quite difficult and not entirely clear. The likelihood that the rear wheel will suddenly lock is high. Therefore, motorcycle manufacturers have been installing a so-called torque limiter in the clutches of most motorcycles for about 10 years. The torque limiter should not be confused with the slipper clutch used on racing motorcycles. The main difference is that the limiter is activated when the clutch is not fully depressed, namely at the moment when you release the clutch. So if you accelerate in second gear, squeeze the clutch, lower the engine speed and now release the clutch, then the torque limiter will work a fraction of a second before the lever drops. The limiter is designed to combat the “jumping” of the rear wheel if you make a mistake with the speed at which you shift down or up. Remember - the limiter does not work with the clutch fully released and is not a panacea against locking the rear wheel.
Quality options for professionals
A durable option suitable for professional use. The model is made of durable materials that can withstand high loads. A nice addition is the electric starter, which makes starting the pit bike easier. A steel frame is installed, which is highly durable. Fuel tank capacity – 4 liters.
The average cost is 90,000 rubles.
A durable option suitable for adults. The model is able to withstand heavy weight and not deteriorate from high loads. The engine guarantees trouble-free operation for a long time. The frame is made of reliable and impact-resistant material. The carburetor is equipped with an air filter. The gearbox is mechanical.
Sold at a price: from 75,000 rubles.
Switch down
In order to understand what you should be wary of when shifting down, do a simple exercise: accelerate in second gear and completely close the throttle, while braking the engine, depress the clutch and roll with the clutch depressed, you will see that the engine speed will drop to idle, now, if you release the clutch there will be a sharp push, up to the temporary blocking of the rear wheel - the motorcycle will try to spin the engine from idle speed to the speed at which the motorcycle is currently moving. If you raise the speed when you release the clutch, the push will be less noticeable, and if the engine speed matches the speed at which the motorcycle is moving in second gear, there will be no jerk at all.
When you shift down, you must either do it quickly with the throttle closed in order to prevent the engine speed from dropping, or use over-throttle - i.e. add gas when shifting down.
So - quickly depress the clutch, quickly click the gear down - quickly release the clutch. If you do it slowly, we recommend using over-throttle - i.e. at the moment when the clutch is depressed and the speed begins to drop to idle speed - briefly, sharply raise the speed and, shifting down, release the clutch. The goal is that the rpm at which the lower gear is engaged should be either the same or 1500 higher than the rpm at which you shift.
