Did you find a pit bike online and decide you want one? It’s fun to ride a pit ride around an expansive backyard.
However, you’re unsure of your decision because you don’t know a thing about pit bikes. You want a faster pit bike but want help in choosing one.
Many people are like you. But, unfortunately, they’re also clueless about pit bike speeds.
Thus, this article can be of great help in your decision. Kindly read on to learn which pit bike is best for you.
Factors Affecting Pit Bike’s Average Speed
Engine Size
A standard engine for a pit bike ranges between 50cc and 140cc. However, some manufacturers create versions with 175cc and 250cc engines.
These newer versions exceed the pit bike class. Manufacturers design the pit bike to reach the maximum rpm in every gear quickly.
A 50cc dirt bike often reaches a high speed between 15 and 25 miles per hour. On the other hand, a 140cc pit bike can achieve a maximum of 70 mph.
Sprocket Gearing
The pit bike’s sizeable rear sprocket and a smaller drive sprocket produce a base gear ratio.
However, manufacturers set up pit bikes with a combination of sprockets to target a broader customer base.
Generally, a standard sprocket setup is 14/42 (14-tooth drive and 42-toot rear sprockets).
Pit Bikes Modifications
By replacing a stock sprocket, you can boost the pit bike’s speed without compromising the lower-end torque acceleration.
Many 50cc race mechanics consider a boost of 3 mph average speed exceptional. It would help if you understood sprocket gearing to increase the average rate quickly.
Time Trials
If you wish to find out a specific pit bike’s average speed, you should design a course of a certain distance.
Invite a novice rider, an experienced rider, and a timekeeper. Let each rider run three laps using the pit bike to determine the average data.
The data you gathered using a stock bike will correlate with computations based on sprocket gearing and engine size.
You may conclude that the pit bike’s average speed depends on the rider’s expertise.
Generally, a pit bike’s slower average speed compared with a dirt bike can be a manufacturer’s deliberate decision.
Therefore, you shouldn’t seat a child on a pit bike with a faster and average maximum speed.
Top Pit Bikes Speed
Pit Bike Name | Engine (cc) | Stroke | Top Speed (mph) |
X-PRO Titan | 250 | 4 | 60 |
X-PRO Hawk | 150 | 4 | 45 |
Apollo DB-X18 | 125 | 4 | 55 |
X-Pro DB-T011 | 140 | 4 | 52 |
Tao Tao DB14 | 110 | 4 | 40 |
X-Pro Titan
Features:
- Cylinder: Single
- Type: 4-stroke dirt bike
- Engine: 223cc
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Cooling System: Air cooled
- Top Speed: 60+ mph
- Start System: Electric/Kick
- Brake: Disc – Front and Rear brake
- Suspension: Front and Rear
Pros
- Excellent suspension
- Quality Brakes
- Great looking pit bike
- 5-speed transmission
- Durable frame
- Fastest bike on the list
Cons
- Expensive
X-Pro Hawk
Features:
- Cylinder: Single
- Type: 4-stroke
- Engine: 150cc dirt bike
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Cooling System: Air cooled
- Top Speed: 60+ mph
- Start System: Kick
- Drive System: Chain
- HP – 12.92
Pros
- Superior control
- Excellent speed
- Adjustable suspension
- Solid build
- Beautiful color
Cons
- Kick start sometimes fail
Apollo DB-X18
Features:
- Cylinder: Single
- Type: 4-stroke
- Engine: 125cc pit bike
- Transmission: 4-speed
- Cooling System: Air cooled
- Top Speed: 60+ mph
- Start System: Kick
- Brake: Front and Rear Disc Brakes
Pros
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Efficient maneuverability and control
- Enough fuel capacity for minor trails
- Large tires have excellent grip.
Cons
- Inefficient carburetor
X-Pro DB-T011
Features:
- Cylinder: Single
- Type: 4-stroke
- Engine: 140cc
- Transmission: 4-speed
- Cooling System: Air cooled
- Top Speed: 52+ mph
- Start System: Kick
- Brake: Disc – Front and Rear
Pros
- Hydraulic disc brake
- 140-cc engine
- Value for money
Cons
- Not as reliable as expensive dirt bikes
- Basic suspension
Tao Tao DB14
Features:
- Cylinder: Single
- Type: 4-stroke
- Engine: 110cc
- Transmission: Semi-automatic
- Cooling System: Air cooled
- Top Speed: 40+ mph
- Start System: Kick
- Brake: Disc – Front and Rear
Pros
- Excellent for off-roading
- 11+ inches of ground clearance
- Value for money
Cons
- Not as powerful as the other pit bikes
- Hard to set up and assemble
Top Considerations When Purchasing a Pit Bike
The price of a pit bike often depends on the brand you prefer. Moreover, it depends on the frame, exhaust, brakes, suspension, chassis, and engine.
If you only want to ride in your backyard, you shouldn’t spend on premium parts.
However, if you ride on tricky trails or tracks with friends, you should buy a high-end bike.
Significant Features
Powertrain
Your first consideration in buying a pit bike is its engine size. Next, however, consider the user and the terrain.
For instance, you should buy a pit bike with at least a 110cc engine if you ride on steep inclines and rough terrain.
On the other hand, if a child will ride the pit bike, you should get a 70cc engine and 4-speed semi-automatic clutch.
Suspension
A lower-priced pit bike has basic and nonadjustable suspension. Therefore, if you ride on rough terrain and hit jumps, you should invest in a cycle with excellent suspension.
Search for a bike with rebound adjustability and inverted compression, and front forks.
However, if you prefer excellent rear suspension, you should get a fully-adjustable spring for rebound and compression.
A high-priced pit bike has a rear linkage system for maximized progression ratio and shock compression.
Additional Features
An expensive pit bike has extra features for serious off-road enthusiasts. However, these additional features may not be necessary for most riders.
Find a pit bike with upgraded exhaust systems and carburetors if you prefer a more responsive engine and more power.
You should also contemplate having a skid plate and folding levers if riding on rough terrains.
However, these features aren’t necessary on small-engine bikes if you’re learning to ride.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a motocross bike and a pit bike?
A motocross bike has a larger frame than a pit bike. Moreover, a pit bike may have a 14-inch front wheel and a 12-inch rear wheel.
A pit bike engine ranges from 50cc to 190cc. Its original purpose is for a person to ride around the pits at motocross tracks.
Can I use a pit bike on the streets?
Using a pit bike on the streets is illegal, but you can modify it to make it legal in some U.S. states.
You should add lights, a horn, DOT-approved tires, turn signals, and a license plate.
Can a child ride a pit bike?
Some manufacturers produce pit bikes specifically for children. Generally, a child can ride a 110cc pit bike if they know how to use it.