| Best Choice |
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X-PRO 110cc Dirt Bike Pit Bike | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
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MotoTec 50cc Pit Bike | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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Apollo 250cc Dirt Bike | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Small but perfectly designed, pit bikes are mini powerhouses that can be a total blast, whether you’re off-roading, on the track, or in your backyard. Initially used as convenient, pint-sized bikes to transport people between pits at the race track, the pit bike has come into its own. With the looks of a downsized mini dirt bike but with a big personality, the pit bike is a lot of fun to own.
So, if you fancy a piece of pit bike action, check out our guide below and we will help you pick the best options available when it comes to price, performance, and downright wheel-spinning, turf-churning fun.
The Best Pit Bikes
The X-Pro Bolt Pit Bike earns our top spot for its stylish design and ability to provide a fun riding experience. It features a 4-stroke, 110cc air-cooled engine that provides optimal power, and it can maintain top speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, depending on conditions and the rider’s weight. The bike has a gross weight of 154 pounds and a semi-automatic transmission, which is a good way for transitioning young riders to manual bikes at a later time.
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes provide instant stopping power, and it has a 28-inch seat height for teens and adults. Also, it’s pretty fast in each gear, and overall the size and weight are manageable for children aged approximately seven to 14 years old. One downside is the kick start may be a bit tricky for some new and younger riders. Some assembly is also required, and there have been some reports that it may get slightly damaged during shipping.
- Semi-automatic transmission
- 4-stroke
- Air-cooled system
- Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes
- Brand X-Pro
- Model DB-H01
- Weight 154 pounds
30 mph top speed
Manageable size and weight
Good stopping power
Fun riding experience
Hard for kids to kick start
Some assembly required
May receive some minor damage during shipping
If you are looking for a safe and affordable bike for your young adrenaline junkie, then we recommend the MotoTec 50cc Pit Bike. It features a fully automatic 2-stroke, 50cc cylinder engine, and an easy pull start. It only weighs about 60 pounds and has a top speed of 25 miles per hour. The bike is designed for those over age 13 and can handle a maximum weight of about 135 pounds. It’s also available in a range of colors, including green, white, and blue.
The bike is solidly built and can be used off-road in both wet and dry conditions. It has an alloy steel frame, front telescopic forks, rear mono shock suspension, and disc brakes. It’s also easy to ride: just twist the throttle (which is restrictable for speed control). Overall, it’s easy to put together, runs well, and is worth the money. However, it does require some maintenance to stay in good shape, but that’s common with all motorcycles. Also, the pull start may break prematurely, and it’s tough to find replacement parts.
- Two-stroke engine
- Fully automatic
- Pull start
- Front and rear disc brake
- Brand MotoTec
- Model MT-DB-50cc-Demon_Green
- Weight 60 pounds
Solid construction
Easy to start and operate
Can work on any terrain
Fun for older kids
Requires a bit of maintenance
Pull start isn’t the best quality
Replacement parts are hard to find
The heavyweight in our list, the Apollo is our premium pick due to its styling, build quality, and sheer performance. Yes, it is at the top end of the budget, but you really do get what you pay for. As an adult bike that thinks and acts like a dirt bike, this is a ton of off-road adult fun. First, you get a whole 250 ccs, giving you a seriously impressive top speed of 71 miles per hour, although you will have to ride it hard.
This does mean it is not for the smaller rider, but in the right hands the Apollo is a fantastic introduction to going off-road or on to the pit bike track. You will have to assemble it, but this is a great way to get to know your ride! And with both a kick start and manual transmission, you are firmly in the driving seat with the Apollo 250cc. For hills, thrills, and rough terrain, this is your best pit bike.
- Kick and electric start
- Manual transmission
- 250cc engine; 15.64HP
- Top speed of 71 miles per hour
- Max rider weight: 440 pounds
- Brand Apollo Tools
- Model AGB-36
- Weight 300 pounds
The real deal when it comes to speed and performance
A large tank, but it’s also economical on the gas
Easy to learn the controls
Has a tough, sporty design
Expensive
Not suited for younger or smaller riders
Insufficient installation instructions
The SYX Moto Kids Pit Bike is another affordable pit bike for a kid learning to ride off-road. It’s driven with a gas-powered, two-stroke engine with a 50cc cylinder. A two-stroke engine has more maintenance needs, but the benefit is that the engine runs rather quietly, so your kid can enjoy a fun riding experience without distracting other riders who are enjoying the trail.
Pneumatic, knobby tires help to offer an almost seamless riding experience on almost all types of terrain by cushioning the impact and providing optimal grip. A speed limiter helps to regulate the speed from 15 to 30 miles per hour, so you can limit your child to a safe speed. It can handle a maximum weight of 160 pounds, so even teenagers or adults can enjoy it.
- 50cc engine
- 15-30 miles per hour speed range
- 160-pound maximum load capacity
- Front and rear disk brakes
- Brand SYX Moto
- Model Holeshot2020
- Weight 48.5 pounds
Great for both kids and adults
Includes a speed limiter for safety
Provides optimal grip on rugged terrain
Instant and responsive brakes
Doesn’t come assembled
May have to be assembled by a professional
Requires a high level of maintenance
As a transition from a smaller kid’s electric or gas mini dirt bike to a decent-sized pit bike with plenty of power, the DB14 from TaoTao is not only great value but awesome fun. With its 110cc, air-cooled, manual kick start engine, this a responsive ride, and its frame is sized for the teen or small adult rider. And with enough ground clearance, the DB14 can handle some tough off-road blasts.
We like the semi-automatic transmission, which supports the younger rider into the world of the fully manual bike but also enables him or her to concentrate on balance and control. Add in dual disc brakes and all-terrain tires and you have a pit/dirt bike that handles well off-road while also stepping it up for when a larger, more experienced rider wants to take over. Available in a choice of six colors, you need to know a little about bike mechanics as it requires assembly, but for the price, you get a neat 110cc pit bike for your money.
- 110cc, air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- Dual disc brakes
- All-terrain tires
- Comes in a choice of six colors
- Top speed of 31 miles per hour
- Brand TAO
- Model DB14
- Weight 175 pounds
A nice step up for the young pit bike rider in your life
A good performance pit bike for the budget price
Easy to ride
Sufficient ground clearance
Some self-assembly required
Doesn’t come with installation instructions
A bit on the heavy side
For a reasonable price, you get a decent bike for your money with all the spec and styling you need to have some serious pit bike fun. With a 125cc engine, this is no lightweight pit bike when it comes to power and speed, and with its full manual transmission you get up close and personal with the ride.
The styling of this 125cc dirt bike from Coolster is compact and solid yet easy to ride, and with its 42 miles per hour top speed, this is no couch potato. The kick start keeps it all real and can be handled by the less experienced youngster or teenager with little problem. And with reinforced fork tubing and stiff heavy-duty springs, it can take the spills and thrills of a wide range of terrain all in its wheel-spinning stride. It also comes part-assembled, so less work and more fun tinkering to get it right for your off-road adventures. It’s one of the best pit bikes for the money.
- 125cc; 4.72HP
- Air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- Kick start and manual clutch
- Top speed of 42 miles per hour
- Max rider weight: 143.3 pounds
- Brand Coolster
- Model Extreme 125cc
- Weight 170 pounds
Decently priced
Lightweight and powerful, the Coolster eats up rougher terrain
Lovely sleek and stylish design
Durable frame
Younger riders may initially find it a little tricky to start
Leans on the heavy side
Needs a little riding experience
This pit bike from Tao is certain to turn your kid’s head with its awesome styling and quick-as-a zip performance. The DB10 is a good-priced 110cc pit bike that will get any young rider excited. With its automatic transmission it’s not quite the step to fully manual, but it is a mini pit bike that demands focus and some skill to ride, making it a good first pit bike for the younger person.
The kick start keeps it all fun and real, and its super sturdy frame means it can cope with all the off-road thrills as well as the occasional (or not so occasional) spills as your young rider hones their pit bike skills. And what we also like about the DB10 is that it is not just exclusive to the kids as it has enough oomph to take on a larger rider, so many people can join in on all the fun. In short, it’s the perfect family pit bike for all to enjoy without busting the budget.
- 110cc single cylinder
- Air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- Kick start
- Assembly required
- Top speed of 40km/hr
- Brand TAO
- Model DB10
- Weight 120 pounds
Stylish look
Decently priced
A great pit bike for the younger rider that can step it up for an adult jockey
Great value for a starter bike that has all the essential spec
The battery life on the DB10 could be better
A bit heavy
Designed with a few fragile plastic parts
If junior has been drooling over your dirt bike, then check out this 70cc pit bike from Coolster — a great beginner bike for the 7-13-year-olds in your life. As an affordable priced mini bike, this cool-looking machine ticks all the boxes. It’s semi-automatic with four gears and a responsive kick start, and your mini rider is engaged and involved right from the start.
Perfect for trail riding, kicking up the dirt, and bike play in the mud, the Coolster Kids Pit bike is a wild ride with a sensible head on its shoulders. The frame is solid and sturdy, the wheels are large, and the stiff springs give suspension when you need it the most. It can maintain a speed of about 30 miles per hour, which is lower in com[arison to other models, but just enough to offer an adrenaline-filled ride. And if you also want to test out the action, the Coolster is strong enough for an adult to take for a short ride.
- 70cc single cylinder
- Air-cooled 4-stroke engine
- Kick start
- Top speed of 30 miles per hour
- Max rider weight: 130 pounds
- Brand Coolster
- Model N/A
- Weight 88 pounds
Lightweight and easy to control
Comes 90 percent assembled
A spunky mini dirt bike which is ideal for kids starting out in pike bike riding
The shift pattern is four down rather than one down, three up so a little out of synch with some other bikes
Lower speed rating than other models
Best Pit Bike Buying Guide & FAQ
What is a Pit Bike?
Simply put, a pit bike is a small, on or off-road motorbike that has some similarities to a dirt bike but is much smaller and generally ridden by kids, although big kids (AKA, adults) are also getting in on the action too.
Small, practical, and inexpensive, they were originally used by event staff at motocross race tracks to get around the pit areas, but their versatility was soon realized, and they started to be used for more than ferrying VIPs around. Robust and zippy, riders started to play around with tricks and jumps on the pit bikes and the potential of these small capacity machines started to catch on. Manufacturers started to up-spec their pit bikes and since the early 2000s, pit bike racing has also been a thing.
The pit bike is smaller than your typical dirt bike and has smaller diameter wheels, and has an engine generally between 50cc and 150cc, although some manufacturers are starting to significantly up the engine sizes and spec. While the speed is typically slower than a dirt or full-sized off-road bike, it is easier to handle, especially for a beginner, and thanks to the size and ride of the pit bike, the drive is no less exhilarating and a whole heap of pint-sized fun.
As a way to get into racing, as a starter machine for a youngster…or simply as an affordable way to have a bit of four-stroke fun, the pit bike is an awesome way to get out and off the road.
Things to Consider When Buying a Pit Bike
Not all pit bikes are made equal and they can vary greatly in price and build quality. To ensure you get the right mini dirt bike for your skill level as well as your pocket, you will need to take into account the following:
Purpose
Be clear on why you want to pit bike ride, and this will ensure you get the best pit bike for the job at hand. If you simply want it to be a fun alternative to your ordinary motorbike and will ride it for leisure, then opt for an uncomplicated model that is reliable. The same applies if you are only just starting out. But if you are serious about going off-road and down the motocross and trail riding route, then opt for a quality machine that offers a higher spec.
Skill Level
Be honest with yourself when it comes to this one as some pit bikes really are only intended for the off-road Pro. As a beginner, go for a low-maintenance small displacement pit bike — trust us, you won’t be sacrificing the fun factor for the CCs — to learn the ropes and get your confidence while still having an off-road blast. The more competent riders could look for a more spec’d model with more power and performance options to take you to the next level. If in any doubt, chat to your salesman to ensure you get the right pit bike ‘love match’.
Assembly
If you are opting for a model that requires some self-assembly, choose a pit bike you can easily put together yourself. If you are not mechanically-minded, then opt for a ready assembled or make sure you have a professional you can call on to help.
Price
There are a lot of cheap and cheerful models out there, just as there are budget-busting racing pit bike thoroughbreds so be sure you have your maximum spend in mind before you hit the showroom or online sale. It all depends on what you want to do with your new mini dirt bike and how much spec and features you really need. Weigh up the pros and cons to ensure you are getting the right model for your needs as well as your price.
Speed and Engine Size
Most pit bikes are in the 50-150cc range, although you can go for a more pimped up engine — with pit bikes, typically up to 250cc. The engine size and max speed of the bike will depend on what you want it for — if the race track is in your pit bike sights then go bigger…there are models that can give out speeds of 60km+ per hour — not bad for a mini pit bike!
Weight
As mini bikes that are largely the toy of kids, always check the maximum weight capacity of your new pit bike to ensure it can take your adult bulk.
Different Types of Pit Bikes
No one size fits all — even with the mini bike so we’ve taken a look at the main types of pit bike to help you make the right choice:
Children’s Mini-Cycles
As the name suggests, these pit bikes have been built with junior in mind and are a whole (mini) heap of fun. Also known as the “Japanese Children’s mini-cycle,” they can also be upgraded, depending on what you want to do with the bike, although this can be both time-consuming and costly.
Production Pit Bikes
With the main brands leading the way, these pit bikes are fully formed and are ideal for adults as well, They are designed to have larger displacement engines, taller handlebars, and a much stronger suspension, meaning they can be used off-road as they can take the hard knocks.
Racing Pit Bikes
This is the business end of the pit bike, built specifically for the track. This means they are typically for racing only rather than mucking about in the park or on the road. Smaller than motocross bikes, these mini bikes are a great way for youngsters to start out in the racing world — as well as giving adults an awesome, racing ride.
Best Pit Bike FAQ:
Both are off-road bikes, but a pit bike is smaller and has a shorter body so it can be easier to ride for younger kids. Dirt bikes can go at higher speeds and are better for racing in comparison to pit bikes. However, pit bikes do come in more stylish designs than dirt bikes.
Pit bikes aren’t allowed on public lands including existing roads, footpaths, or parking spaces. If you are an unlicensed rider or supervising a minor, you can ride on private property or commercial tracks. Licensed riders can go on defined trails on public land.
Absolutely. Pit bikes aren’t just for kids. You can find an adult-friendly model on the market that can support up to 200 pounds.
Pit bikes don’t have age restrictions so your child can ride the bike when you feel that they are ready. That is if his or her motor skills are developed enough to safely ride the bike. However, they do have a maximum load capacity that can help you find the best bike for your child’s weight range.
Our Top Pick
The X-PRO 110cc Dirt Bike Pit Bike earns our top spot because of its high-quality design that helps to offer an unparalleled riding experience off-road. It meets all safety standards, and although you are required to assemble it, you won’t have a problem putting together the different parts.
Final Thoughts
While the X-PRO 110cc Dirt Bike Pit Bike may be a beast on the dirt, it wouldn’t hurt to look at a more affordable alternative. This is why we included the MotoTec 50cc Pit Bike, which is an inexpensive option that doesn’t compromise on a powerful engine. It’s efficient and can take you to top speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
