In racing sports a huge role is played by the vehicle. It should be reliable, easy to manage, fast and consistent with the taste of the owner. Fans of high speed and thrill will appreciate the pit bike. What is and how to choose - we will try to understand these issues.
Bike evolution
The rare modern man is unfamiliar with the word “pit bike”. What is a vehicle used to participate in motocross and supermoto competitions, even children know. However, how and when was it created?
In its creation, the pit bike has come a long way from a regular bike to a professional mini-bike. The concept itself originated in the USA and literally means “a bicycle for technical boxing”. The fact is that pit bikes were originally called special bicycles, which at the beginning of the 20th century were used as improvised vehicles for personnel, mechanics, and riders proper, moving along the pit lane. However, they did not develop the desired speed. Later, small bikes appeared motor. Despite this transformation, the name of the transport has been preserved. And few then even had any hope of a pit bike that such a device could become more advanced and be used in professional motocrosses. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, a mini-motorcycle appeared in Japan, and then in the USA, which also had modest dimensions, like its predecessors, but at the same time was faster maneuverable. The first, classic models include the Honda Super Cub 50, Honda Z50 Mini Trail and Honda XR-50F / CRF-50F. They were released at intervals of ten years and are a prime example of the development of motorcycles.
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Characteristics
The developments of the last century were much ahead of time and formed the basis for modern pit bikes. These include, first of all, the four-stroke engine and the horizontal arrangement of the cylinder. Only models of the Yamaha PW trademark have other configurations (two-stroke engine, volume of 79 cubic meters).
Pit bike wheels are divided by diameter into 10, 12, 14, 17-inch. Mini-motorcycles are designed for the weight and height of an adult, so their wheelbase is elongated.
Modern pitbikes have three types of transmission systems: manual, automatic and semi-automatic. For beginners who are just mastering such a transport, the last two systems are acceptable.
The engine capacity of modern mini-motorcycles is also divided depending on the quality of its use. For beginners, models with an engine capacity of 50-80 cubic centimeters are acceptable. A pit bike of 125 or more cubes can be called a fairly powerful model suitable for competitions.
Benefits
- A pit bike is an ideal option for those who cannot afford a full-fledged motorcycle, but the desire to drive is unlimited. You can buy it for fun "pokatushek", as well as for serious competitions. In any case, this is an easy, improvised technique at affordable prices, which can be a great start for a future biker.
- A good pit bike can withstand weight up to 100-130 kg, although it often weighs about 70 kg. Despite these indicators, a mini copy of an adult motorcycle can be used by a child. The optimal age is 9-14 years. Younger children should choose the appropriate model.
- One of the common myths is the assertion that Chinese and domestic technology is of poor quality. However, do not forget that it has long been in the market. Even the promoted American and Japanese units are mostly assembled in China or in Russia. Their advantage is not only reliable quality, but also reasonable cost.
- Recently, pit bikes, along with scooters, have become a common means of transportation. Their miniature dimensions and the ability to maneuver allow many people to easily overcome long distances along any route: from natural landscapes to city traffic jams and narrow streets. Today, pitbikes are especially often used by couriers and postmen who need to quickly deliver orders or fulfill certain orders at a specific hour.
Minuses
The disadvantages of mini-motorcycles include their inability to move more than one person. Like its ancestor's bicycle, it only carries small carry-on baggage.
The minuses include the seasonality of this transport. In a harsh winter season with icy conditions and cold winds, the use of a pit bike is simply impossible.
Disciplines
At the end of the last century, pitbikes proved their worth in racing. Therefore, they quickly got permission from the American Motorcycle Association and were included in the rules of motocross competitions in the United States.
Mini-motocross as a separate sports discipline is not yet included in the All-Russian Register. Therefore, the country hosts only amateur races using pit bikes.
Popular models
It is important to know when choosing a pit bike that such a vehicle differs in characteristics depending on its purpose. For fans, they produce standard models with a certain set of parameters and functions. Examples are Yamaha TT-R50E, Honda CRF70F, Suzuki DR-Z70, Kawasaki KLX110, etc.
Professional racing models, as a rule, are assembled to order, or according to the requirements of the owner of the equipment, the available characteristics are improved. As such a construction base, Honda CRF110F, Kawasaki KLX110 or Suzuki DRZ110 are used. Kayo pit bike (Classic. Basic, Pro series) has excellent sports parameters. Products of the Asian brand can be equally used by professional racers and simply connoisseurs of high-quality equipment.
Among domestic products, the pit bike Irbis TTR 125 enjoys the sympathy of consumers . It is convenient to drive on rough terrain and on motor roads, perform tricks and masterly maneuvers. The classic four-stroke engine helps to reach speeds of up to 80 km / h, and a good braking system eliminates accidental collisions.
An important role is played by the appearance (color, fit), which has a pit bike. Photos of online motorcycles stores help you navigate not only the brand, but also the specific model.
Interesting Facts
- The very first pit bikes were quite primitive designs, devoid of suspensions and impromptu brakes. They were powered by the Briggs & Stratton proprietary five horsepower engine.
- One of the first Honda Z50 Mini Trail pit bikes was spotted among the Monkey Bike motorsport enthusiasts. Due to the low landing, the driver took a funny pose, from the side resembling a monkey. Models also did not have a rear shock. Today they are a rarity and are purchased in personal collections.
- A pit bike does not need a driver’s license or license plate. Officially, it is considered sports equipment.