When choosing a motorcycle for their outdoor activities, people may become confused by the numerous models available on the market. Even though dirt bikes are common, their smaller cousins, the pit bikes, are seeing a rise in popularity.
Pit motorcycles were originally made to be used in garages to travel around, but they have subsequently been improved to perform more favorably than standard-sized dirt bikes.
So what is the main difference between pit bikes and dirt bikes? Pit bikes do not have rubber on the outer surface of their tires, making them less effective at moving through muck, sand, uneven terrain, and dirt than dirt bikes do. The dirt bikes benefit from this rubber’s improved grip and balance, which makes them effective for riding on bumpy streets.
Pit bikes can’t reach the speeds of dirt bikes, which makes them ideal for off-road paths. Below is further information on how these two types of motorcycles differ from one another.
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What’s the Difference Between a Pit Bike and a Dirt Bike?
Here are the key differences between a pit bike and a dirt bike, so let’s start.
Engine Type
Pit bikes typically have four-stroke engines and range in size from 50 to 1400 cc. Pit bikes are limited to 250cc, and given their diminutive size, one would question why they have four-stroke motors.
A whole engine cycle in a 4-stroke motor requires four piston movements. Each and every stroke generates reliable and continuous propelling energy.
So it makes reasonable that a bike made for kids and teenagers would have regulated power. Due to a smoother powerband, pit bikes are also simpler to control.
Two-stroke and four-stroke dirt bikes are both acceptable. The piston moves twice during a full engine cycle in two-stroke engines. Although they are more difficult to control, these motorcycles have a quicker rate of acceleration that makes them ideal for tracks.
Contrarily, four-stroke dirt bikes are more suited for racing and street riding since they have faster “maximum speeds” than their two-stroke equivalents.
You essentially have to decide between maximum speeds or a swift initial acceleration when deciding between two-stroke and four-stroke dirt bikes.
Compared to pit motorcycles, dirt bikes have four-stroke engines that are more potent. Four-stroke dirt bikes typically have a capacity of 300 to 400 cc, though some can go as high as 750 cc.
Body Structure
Pit motorcycles have more compact frames, and their lightweight and small size make it possible for them to traverse through tight pit courses. Due to their low height, pit bikes are not permitted on the majority of off-road tracks.
Off-road riding is best done on a huge bike to clear any obstacles in your path, which makes dirt motorcycles perfect. Pit motorcycles shouldn’t be used on dirt bike tracks because doing so will simply ruin the model’s mechanics and put you in danger.
A pit bike can, however, be used on a well-lit, level trail. Pit bikes are perfect for toddlers, teens, or short adults because of their smaller frames.
Since dirt bikes are larger than pit bikes, they are more difficult to store and transfer. They have a larger frame to clear obstacles, making them safer to ride on dirt roads.
Due to their regular-sized bodies, dirt bikes are not made to handle narrow courses. In order to fit riders of different heights, dirt motorcycles are now available in a variety of sizes.
Suspension
The wheels and the frame of the bike are connected by suspension systems. This system includes shock absorbers, which protect riders from jarring rides.
Note: Pit bikes do require the more sophisticated suspension found on dirt bikes.
Pit courses do not have the same types of bumps as off-road tracks, therefore these bikes may get away with having a less-than-perfect suspension. On the contrary, dirt bikes need to retain their wheels in close proximity to the ground and will need greater suspension.
However, different dirt bike models will have different suspension systems. For instance, motocross dirt bikes have a great long-travel suspension that can handle huge jumps at fast speeds.
Motorcycle Tires
The kind of tires installed on dirt motorcycles and pit bikes are most suited for the surfaces that these bikes are operated on most frequently.
Off-road paths and city streets are where dirt bikes are most frequently utilized. They can navigate tough terrain, including paved streets and mountain trails, thanks to their knobby tires. The tires increase the bike’s speed capabilities while keeping the engine higher off the ground.
An outer rubber layer that cushions the dirt bike tires preserve the grip required to ride across rocky terrain. As a result, dirt bikes can move effortlessly on sand, mud, and dirt.
The normal tire size for dirt bikes is 18 inches, as opposed to the 12 to 14 inches for pit bikes. On pit motorcycles, the rear tires are typically 12 inches and the front tires 14 inches.
These tires are better suited to smooth trails and open tracks and go well with the bikes’ smaller frames.
Top Speed
Pit bikes lack the power and speed that are seen on dirt bikes. While dirt bikes have a maximum displacement of 125cc, pit bikes often have a range of 50 to 150cc. Even some dirt bikes come with 750cc engines.
Pit motorcycles have less torque since they are lighter and smaller. The pit bike would still be less potent than the dirt bike even if the engines on both were the same size.
On short trails, a 50cc pit bike will often top out at 15 to 25 mph in lower gears. The bike’s top speed on extended stretches is 50 mph. Pit bikes with 140cc and 160cc engines have higher top speeds that range from 70 to 75 mph.
Pit motorcycles may be made faster with a few straightforward adjustments without sacrificing low-end torque acceleration. You would have to swap out the factory-installed 14-tooth drive sprocket for a 15-tooth one.
Note: To enhance speed, you can also switch out the default 42-tooth rear sprocket for a 32-tooth one, but doing so will reduce the acceleration of low-end torque.
Due to their propensity for extraordinarily high speeds, dirt bikes are common in racing. At the low end of the scale, there are 50cc dirt bikes that travel at 25–40 mph. 87 mph is the top speed for 400cc dirt bikes, which are better left to experienced riders.
Price
Compared to dirt bikes, pit bikes have far lower starting prices. While new pit motorcycles rarely cost more than $1300, used ones may be had for as little as $300.
Due to the numerous brands available on the market, dirt bike pricing are quite variable. For excellent models, prices start at $1,500 and go up to $5,000. The purchasing price of certain dirt bikes might potentially exceed $10,000.
The cost of maintenance and upkeep varies between pit and dirt bikes as well. You will need to perform a lot of maintenance on dirt bikes, which are quite an investment.
Since dirt bike components are more sophisticated than those on pit bikes, they are also more expensive. For instance, a radiator set may cost you between $200 and $300.
In general, four-stroke dirt bikes require less maintenance than two-stroke ones. Since every component in a four-stroke engine participates in movement, there will be more parts to maintain than in a two-stroke motor.
The numerous parts required for a four-stroke pit bike repair might make it costly. It should be simple to maintain if you keep your model on well-lit paths and carry out the required maintenance.
Sound
Although two-stroke motorcycles are noisier than four-stroke motorcycles, all bikes are noisy. Due to their high RPMs and short mufflers, dirt bikes are very loud.
However, regardless of the type you are riding, you can anticipate noises that will annoy your neighbors.
General Safety
Pit bikes are safer since they go at a slower speed and are typically driven on paved surfaces. While dirt motorcycles are frequently used for adventure, pit bike racing is also conducted in a controlled environment.
While riding pit bikes, you should be prepared for some bumps and bruises, major accidents are regular among dirt riders. Pit bikes are appropriate for kids, teens, and novice riders, whereas dirt bikes require a greater degree of ability due to the inherent risks.
Which is Better: A Dirt Bike or a Pit Bike?
Depending on your demands, dirt bikes and pit motorcycles each have advantages and disadvantages.
You are better off with a dirt bike if you want to go off-roading. Pit bikes can only be used on trails that are flat and smooth; they cannot be used in the same conditions as their larger counterparts.
But you can go on an adventure through the desert and mountains on a dirt bike. These vehicles have the power and speed required to traverse difficult terrain.
A pit bike could be a fantastic method to get acquainted with the track if you are a beginner or if you do not yet feel confident enough to ride a dirt bike.
The abilities you acquire on a pit bike will transfer to a regular-sized bike since it handles exactly like a dirt bike. Since they are safer, pit bikes are also appropriate for kids and adolescents.
The accessibility of the riding community is another important consideration. Adults prefer dirt bikes more since they are thought to be tougher. A dirt riding community is more likely to exist nearby than a pit racing one.
Pit bikes are typically used by young people as “training wheels.” Pit bikes, however, are a more mellow type of motorcycle because competitive and furious dirt biking can occur.
Final Thoughts
Finally, a pit bike cannot be substituted for a dirt bike and vice versa. Your chosen model should be able to accommodate your demands.