Pitbike - what is it and how to choose?

In racing sports a huge role is played by a vehicle. It should be reliable, easy to manage, fast and fit the taste of the owner. Fans of high speed and thrill will appreciate the pitbike. What is and how to choose - in these issues we will try to understand.

The evolution of the bicycle

A rare modern man does not know the word "pitbike". That such a vehicle is used for participation in competitions on motocross and supermoto, even children know. However, how and when was it created?

In its creation, the pitbike has gone a long way from a conventional bike to a professional mini-bike. The very concept originated in the US and literally means "a bicycle for technical boxing." The fact that the Pitbikes originally called special bicycles, which in the early 20th century were used as an improvised transport for personnel, mechanics and the actual riders who moved around the pit lane. However, they did not develop the required speed. Later, small motorbikes appeared motor. Despite this transformation, the name of the transport has been preserved. And very few people at that time had any hopes for a pitbike that such a device could become more sophisticated and used in professional motocross. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, a mini-bike appeared in Japan, and then in the USA, which also had modest dimensions, like its predecessors, but it was faster and more maneuverable. The first, classic models include Honda Super Cub 50, Honda Z50 Mini Trail and Honda XR-50F / CRF-50F. They were released at intervals of a dozen years and are a prime example of the development of motor vehicles.

Characteristics

The developments of the last century were much ahead of time and were the basis for modern pitbikes. These include, first of all, a four-stroke engine and the horizontal arrangement of the cylinder. Only models of the Yamaha PW brand have other configurations (two-stroke engine, the volume of 79 cubes).

Pitbike wheels are divided by diameter into 10, 12, 14, 17-inch. Mini-motorcycles are designed for the weight and height of an adult, so they have a longer wheelbase.

Modern pitbayki have three types of transmission system: manual, automatic and semi-automatic. For newcomers who only master this kind of transport, the last two systems are acceptable.

The volume of the engine of modern mini-motorcycles is also divided according to the quality of its use. For beginners, models with an engine capacity of 50-80 cubic centimeters are acceptable. Pitbike 125 or more cubes can be called a fairly powerful model, suitable for competitions.

Benefits

• Pitbike - an ideal option for those who can not afford a full motorcycle, but the desire for drive is unlimited. Buy it can be for fun "pokatushek", and for serious competitions. In any case, this is an easy, handy technique at affordable prices, which can be a great start for the future biker.
• A good pitbike can withstand weight up to 100-130 kg, although it often weighs about 70 kg. Despite such indicators, a mini-copy of an adult motorcycle can also be used by a child. Optimum age is 9-14 years. Young children should choose appropriate models.
• One of the most common myths is the assertion that Chinese and domestic technology is substandard. However, do not forget that it has been on the market for a long time. Even the most popular American and Japanese units are assembled in China or Russia. The advantage of them is not only reliable quality, but also an acceptable cost.
• Recently, pitbikes, along with motor scooters, have become a common means of transportation. Their miniature dimensions and the ability to maneuver allow many people to easily travel long distances on any routes: from natural landscapes to urban traffic jams and narrow streets. Today, pitbikes are especially often used by couriers and postmen who need to deliver orders quickly or at certain times or carry out certain tasks.

Minuses

The disadvantages of mini-motorcycles include their inability to move more than one person. Like its ancestor bike, it allows you to carry only a small hand luggage.

The cons of the given transport can be classified as minuses. In the severe winter period with icy conditions and cold winds, the use of a pitbike is simply impossible.

Disciplines

At the end of the last century, the pitbikes proved their worth to participate in racing competitions. Therefore, rather quickly received permission from the American Motorcycle Association and were included in the rules of competitions on motocross in the US.

Mini-motocross as a separate sports discipline has not yet been included in the All-Russian Register. Therefore, only amateur racing with the use of pitbikes is conducted in the country.

Popular Models

It is important to know when choosing a pitbike 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 the Yamaha TT-R50E, Honda CRF70F, Suzuki DR-Z70, Kawasaki KLX110 and others.

Professional racing models, as a rule, are assembled to order, or according to the requirements of the host of the equipment, the available characteristics are improved. As such a building base used Honda CRF110F, Kawasaki KLX110 or Suzuki DRZ110. Kayo (Classic, Basic, Pro) has excellent sports parameters. The products of the Asian trademark can be equally used by professional racers and simply connoisseurs of quality equipment.

Among domestic products, the consumers enjoy the support of the Irbis TTR 125 pitbike . It is convenient to drive on rough terrain and on motorways, perform tricks and virtuosic maneuvers. The classic four-stroke engine helps speed up to 80 km / h, and a good braking system eliminates accidental collisions.

An important role is played by the appearance (color, landing), which has a pitbike. Photos of online stores of motor vehicles help you to choose not only a brand, but a specific model.

Interesting Facts

• The very first pitbikes were quite primitive structures, devoid of suspensions and improvised brakes. They worked on the Briggs & Stratton engine with a five-horsepower engine.
• One of the first pitbikes Honda Z50 Mini Trail was defined in the circle of motorcycle enthusiasts Monkey Bike. Because of low landing, the driver took a funny pose, from the side resembling a monkey. The models also did not have a rear shock absorber. Today they are a rarity and are purchased in personal collections.
• Pitbike does not need to get a driver's license and license plate. Officially, it is considered a sports equipment.