Off-roading is one of the popular sports in the automotive sector. You sure have seen those higher-capacity dirt bikes doing gravity-defying stunts. You don’t have to empty your pockets by buying a high-capacity dirt bike to enjoy a little off-roading. The pit bikes are the best alternatives if you want to experience off-roading in your home’s backyard or pits.
Pit bikes are a smaller version of dirt bikes with similar off-road capabilities. Unlike dirt bikes, pit bikes have lower capacities ranging between 50 to 250 cc. These bikes also have a smaller seat height making them comfortable for small-sized people. What makes these bikes different from other bikes? To answer this question, we must be aware of certain factors.
- Engine Size: The engine size or displacement is kept at the topmost priority for a pit bike. It directly controls factors like power and the torque the bike’s wheels generate. Depending on the models, the engines are usually 2-stroke or 4-stroke units. Most pit bikes are available with engine sizes from 50 to 250 cc. Engines bigger than 250cc are also available but are rarely used.
- Seat Height: Considering the wide range of users pit bikes have to serve, seat height becomes crucial. The seat height is designed keeping human ergonomics in mind. While using the bikes, the user won’t feel uncomfortable while handling the bike. Usually, the seat height of pit bikes is lower and kept in the range of 30 to 46 inches.
- Wheel Size: The wheel size of a pit bike becomes important when the user wants to use the bike on an uneven surface. Factors like tire size and ground clearance are dependent on the wheel size. The wheel size is kept between 14 to 17 inches to keep the bike stable on uneven roads. The front wheel is larger than the rear wheel for added stability.
When you understand these factors, selecting the right pit bike becomes easy. Being a popular bike segment, the market is already flooded with pit bikes of several brands. To help you select a good option, we have compiled a list of the best pit bikes in this article. We have also included a “Buying Guide” to help you understand some important factors of these bikes.
Best Pit Bike Table
| Best Pit Bike | Engine size | Seat height | Wheel size (inch) | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APO Pit Bike | 125cc | 34 inches | Front: R17 Rear: R14 | Check On Amazon |
| X-PRO 140 Pit Bike | 140cc | 35 inches | Front: R17 Rear: R14 | Check On Amazon |
| TAOTAO Pit Bike | 125cc | 30.70 inches | Front: R17 Rear: R14 | Check On Amazon |
| HHH DEALSNOW Pit Bike | 125cc | 32.28 inches | Front: R17 Rear: R14 | Check On Amazon |
| SYX MOTO Whip Pit Bike | 125cc | 33 inches | Front: R17 Rear: R14 | Check On Amazon |
Best Pit Bike Reviews
1. APO Pit Bike
APO 125cc Dirt Bike is a powerful ride made for those who love off-road fun. It comes with strong 125cc engine that can go fast. It has a manual 4-speed transmission, similar to the gears in an automobile. This bike can handle tough trails and tricky terrain. Its large 14-inch rear wheels are paired with 17-inch front wheels. The huge wheels give the bike stability and traction, allowing you to comfortably maneuver over any obstacle.
It has strong brakes that work well and make your adventures safer. This vehicle offers an exhilarating ride with a top speed of 55+ MPH. When you ride, it feels correct because the seat is at a comfortable height of 34 inches and the distance between the wheels is 48 inches. With a 1.03-gallon gasoline tank, the motorcycle boasts a long range between fill-ups.
Best Features:
- Strong 125cc 4-stroke engine.
- Stable with 17″/14″ wheels.
- Hydraulic disc brakes for safety.
- Easy kick-start ignition.
- Comfortable riding position.
Pros:
- Excellent power and speed.
- Suitable for adults and big kids.
- Durable and rugged design.
- Extended ride time with a 1.03-gallon fuel tank.
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners.
- Requires manual transmission skills
2. X-PRO 140 Pit Bike
The second product also comes from the wider portfolio of X-Pro bikes. This product is a higher-capacity sibling of the previously mentioned bike. It assures the user of high quality along with performance.
The X-Pro 140 Pit Bike is a more powerful version of the X-Pro 125 unit. Featuring an engine of 140cc displacement, this bike delivers more power than its sibling. The 4-speed manual transmission smoothly changes gears. The engine and transmission help the bike achieve a top speed of 52 mph. The seat is positioned at 35 inches to offer a comfortable stance to the rider.
To enhance the bike’s handling, this bike features a larger R17 wheel on the front. The rear section of the bike uses a smaller R14 wheel for better acceleration and riding stance. Hydraulic disc bakers are installed for the front and rear wheels for better braking. The net weight of this bike increases to 162 lbs due to the higher displacement engine.
Best Features:
- Features a 140-stroke engine with 4-speed manual transmission
- Maximum seat height of 35 inches
- Front-wheel size: R17
- Rear wheel size: R14
- Top speed of 52 mph
- Net weight of 162 lbs
- Hydraulic disc brake at both wheels
Pros:
- It features the most powerful engine on the list
- It offers improved handling compared to the X-Pro 125 bike
- It comes pre-assembled, thereby saving assembly time
Cons:
- The bike does not feature ABS
3. TAOTAO Pit Bike
Tao Motors is a synonymous name for ATVs and off-road bike enthusiasts. It focuses on offering customer-centric products along with aggressive pricing. The reliability of products can be trusted with the company’s 3 decades of experience.
The TAOTAO DB17 Pit Bike has a sharper body design. It features a 125cc air-cooled engine that churns out powerful figures. The 4-speed manual transmission offers a quick shifting of gears resulting in better torque delivery on the tires. The lightweight frame offers better control over the bike with excellent toughness.
The front wheel gets an R17 tire, while the rear wheel sports an R14 tire. The leather seat is positioned at 30.70 inches, making it comfortable for all users. The bike’s safety is taken by the hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear sections. Even after weighing 155 lbs, the bike is not hard to steer or control.
Best Features:
- Features a 125cc 4-stroke engine with 4-speed manual transmission
- Maximum seat height of 30.70 inches
- Front-wheel size: R17
- Rear wheel size: R14
- Net weight of 155 lbs
- Hydraulic disc brake at both wheels
Pros:
- The bike comes with a 30-days parts replacement warranty
- It offers better ground clearance while off-roading
- It is suitable for teens as well as adults
Cons:
- At lower speeds, the transmission is susceptible to a false neutral shift.
4. HHH DEALSNOW Pit Bike
Apollo Motors develops and manufactures a range of high-performance vehicles, including ATVs and pit bikes. The products are available in various configurations, suiting the consumer’s taste.
The Apollo AGB Pit Bike is positioned as a youth bike. This unit uses a 125cc air-cooled engine which churns out sufficient power to ride any road. The 4-speed manual drivetrain feels smooth while shifting the gear from 1st to 4th. In terms of speed, the bike can effortlessly reach 55.89 mph at the last gear.
The riding posture of the bike is kept comfortable thanks to the seat height of 32.28 inches. For better stability while riding the bike, the front side gets an R17 wheel, while the rear section gets an R14 wheel. Braking becomes easy with hydraulic disc brakes at both the front and rear wheels.
Best Features:
- Features a 125cc 4-stroke air-cooled engine with 4-speed manual transmission
- Maximum seat height of 32.28 inches
- Front-wheel size: R17
- Rear wheel size: R14
- Top speed of 55.89 mph
- Hydraulic disc brake at both wheels
Pros:
- It is the fastest bike on the list
- It offers a better power output of 8.2 HP
- It comes with a 30-day parts replacement warranty
Cons:
- The fuel tank capacity is low
5. SYX MOTO Whip Pit Bike
SYX Moto is a manufacturer of ATVs, dirt bikes, and electric scooters. Believing in innovation, its products are equipped with the latest technologies. The brand also offers good technical support to the consumer.
The SKX Moto Whip 125 Pit Bike is one of the most premium bikes in the segment. This unit features a powerful 125cc 4-stroke engine which is refined and makes low noise. The 4-speed manual clutch transmission has a 4-up gear arrangement which helps avoid false neutral at lower speeds. On a straight patch, this bike can run at a top speed of 46.6 mph.
The bike also offers a better riding posture with a seat height of 33 inches. The bike features an R17 wheel on the front and an R14 at the rear to improve off-road handling. A set of disc brakes on both front and rear wheels offers confidence to the user to drive without worries. Even with a wet weight of 189 lbs, this bike feels light while riding off-road.
Best Features:
- Features a 125cc 4-stroke engine with a 4-speed manual clutch transmission
- Maximum seat height of 33 inches
- Front-wheel size: R17
- Rear wheel size: R14
- Top speed of 46.6 mph
- Net weight of 189 lbs
- Hydraulic disc brake at both wheels
Pros:
- The up-gear transmission helps in smooth shifting and avoids false neutral at a lower speed
- It comes 85% pre-assembled so the user won’t have to install components
- The engine comes with a 3-month manufacturer’s warranty on defects
Cons:
- The bike has an expensive price tag compared to the units
Buying Guide For The Best Pit Bike
Pit bikes are one of the exciting inventions in the motorcycle segment. These bikes can deliver some serious performance with good off-roading capabilities. Used for trails, pits, and even muddy tracks, these bikes are cheaper alternatives to dirt bikes. We have already gone through the detailed list of the best pit bikes. To understand some governing factors related to these bikes, this buying guide walks you through each factor.
1. Engine Size
The pit bike won’t move an inch from its position without an engine. The engine size matters since it transfers power and torque to the wheels. The overall displacement is designed to move the bike with all the load, including the rider. A 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine is used for the lower displacement segment. The engine size is also kept in mind to keep the bike lightweight. Most of the pit bikes have engine sizes between 50 and 250cc. Large-capacity engines are not generally used since they are bulky and overkill for the bike. However, the popular engine choice for dirt bikes lies between the 125 to 180cc segment.
2. Seat Height
While riding a bike, if the feet of the user can’t reach the ground, the bike is too big for them. The seat height of a pit bike is usually kept lower than that dirt bike. It is positioned lower to accommodate short and medium-sized users. Pit bikes are hence popular between kids and teens due to the positioning of the seat. It also gives the user a comfortable position to sit on the bike for long hours. The human body’s ergonomics align perfectly to avoid uncomfortable movement of the rider’s body. Pit bikes have a seat height between 30 and 40 inches, making them suitable for taller users.
3. Wheel Size
Wheel size is one of the most neglected factors of a pit bike. All bike control depends on the tires, which are fitted on the wheels. The size of the wheel matches the tire’s size, making it easy to install any tire configuration. A larger wheel size will easily climb uneven obstacles but affect the bike’s acceleration.
Similarly, a small wheel will accelerate faster but might lower the ground clearance. Hence, the front wheel is usually larger than the rear wheel. The larger front wheel assists in handling, while the smaller rear wheel will help in acceleration and power transfer. For the font wheel, the ideal size is R17, while the rear wheel is available in sizes like R14 to R16.
4. Frame Material
Unlike dirt bikes, a pit bike has to endure low levels of stress. Still, a good material for the bike is essential to avoid the bike from breaking under continuous loading. All the stress on the tires, suspension system, and other parts are concentrated on the bike’s frame. Hence, a stronger yet lightweight material makes the bike sturdy. Aluminum and steel are the popular materials used in the bike’s frame. Steel offers a better toughness to the frame and can continue to absorb stress. Aluminum is used as a lightweight alternative to steel with similar properties. Carbon fiber frames are also used by a few brands but are limited to the masses due to higher prices.
5. Brakes
A brake is an important bike component responsible for the user’s safety. It allows the user to de-accelerate and handle the bike’s speed whenever necessary. The braking system is either mechanical or hydraulic. Mechanical brakes require more effort than hydraulic brakes. The brake pads are positioned around a disc or inside a brake drum. A brake drum with brake shoes offers a slower braking power. Disc brakes are known for their instant engagement, which stops the bike in less time. Mechanical brakes have a lower maintenance cost compared to hydraulic brakes. New generations of bikes also use ABS systems to reduce the wheels slipping under braking.
6. Warranty
Warranty on the pit bikes is as important as any other factor. The brand usually gives a warranty on its engine and related components. In case of the engine’s failure, it will be repaired or replaced free of cost by the brand. Some brands even offer free raptors and maintenance to the pit bikes for a specified period. The warranty period can be extended by choosing warranty extension options. Users can opt for vehicle insurance to add a safety cover for the whole pit bike.
Best Pit Bike – FAQs
Ans: The engine size for pit bikes is available in several sizes up to the quarter-liter class (250cc). Small-capacity engines can go as low as 50cc with enough horsepower to run the bike. The 100 to 125cc engines are suitable for beginners with ample power figures. The most popular engine sizes are between 125 to 190cc units. Anything from 190 to 250cc is powerful for a pit bike. Engines beyond 250cc are rarely used, but they do exist.
Ans: The compatibility of pit bikes for racing is dependent on several factors. These bikes come with a wide range of engine sizes. They are equipped with a good frame, seat height, suspensions, and wheel size. The cooling systems also efficiently keep the engine running with uneven acceleration. These bikes can be used for racing depending on the rider’s skills.
Ans: Pit bikes offer a wider range of customization in several departments. Modification to the external components is easy compared to the internal components. Users can opt for better suspension sets, exhaust, and even handlebars. The legality of modification of the integral components like engines and transmission depends on the motorcycle laws of the religion.
Ans: The most common fuel used by the pit bike is gasoline due to its compatibility with the engines. It offers the user good mileage and the necessary power boost to the engine. However, racing bikes can opt for higher grades of gasoline with better octane ratings. Users must check for the complaint fuel to avoid damage to the engine.
Conclusion
A pit bike might not be the first choice for a regular commute, but it is the best alternative for dirt bikes. These bikes perform well on unpaved roads, even in muddy conditions. Due to its design and engine size, it is also a good option for beginners and teens to get accustomed to off-roading. We have gone through a detailed list of the best pit bikes available. The buying guide and FAQ section add more clarity to the user about these bikes. Sticking to this discussion, we have chosen our favorite options from the list.
- The X-Pro 140 Pit Bike is an ideal choice to fulfill the needs of power-hungry consumers. It has a powerful 140cc engine mated with a 4-speed manual transmission. As a result, the bike delivered an improved performance with a top speed of 52 mph. With a seat height of 35 inches, the rider can enjoy a comfortable riding position for a long time. The front wheel has been upgraded to a larger R17 size to improve the bike’s maneuverability. For enhanced acceleration, the rear section gets a smaller R14 wheel size. The front and rear wheels have hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring superior braking performance.
- If you want to feel the adrenaline rush, the HHH DEALSNOW Pit Bike is the fastest bike on the list. This bike has a 125cc air-cooled engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. With the smooth shifting of gears, the bike effortlessly achieves a maximum speed of 55.89 mph in the final gear. The bike features a seat height of 32.28 inches to ensure a comfortable riding position. For enhanced stability on unpaved roads, the bike features an R17 wheel on the front and an R14 wheel on the rear section. With hydraulic disc brakes installed on both wheels, use can brake comfortably.
- If you want to experience the thrill of riding a bike through the pit, and that too on a limited budget, the APO Pit Bike is the best option. This model has a 125cc engine that provides enough power to maneuver through the pits. To adapt to different terrains, the bike features a 4-speed manual transmission. The bike has a lighter steel frame, allowing it to reach a top speed of 45 mph. Regarding comfort, the bike offers a seat height of inches. The front gets an R14 wheel, while the rear section features an R12 wheel. To assure safety, both wheels are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. All these features are available at the lowest price, making this unit the most affordable pit bike.
