The two-wheeler market is filled with so many options that buyers often have a hard time deciding which bike to choose. If you love thrill and adventure, you may be thinking of investing in dirt bikes or pit bikes. The market for such bikes has also witnessed significant growth in recent years thanks to a rise in the number of biking enthusiasts.
If you are a first-time buyer, you can find some great dirt bikes and pit bikes in Australia to choose from. But before you make the choice, it is important to know the difference between a pit bike and a dirt bike.
- Engine:
Pit bikes primarily use a four-stroke engine that offers swift acceleration and higher speeds. These bikes are stronger and more powerful. While dirt bikes also use a four-stroke engine, you may find some options with two-stroke engines. These two-stroke engines allow riders to achieve high speeds with quick acceleration. In case you did not know, strokes are the number of piston movements the engine requires to complete an engine cycle. Four-stroke engines do not accelerate to maximum speed as quickly, but they offer more engine power, use less fuel, and have a higher top speed.
- Frame Size:
Pit bikes have a smaller frame size when compared to full-sized dirt bikes. The smaller frame size of these bikes allows riders to pass through pits easily. Due to their shorter frames, pit bikes are suitable for young riders as long as they have a motorbike license. Also, the smaller size of these bikes makes them look more attractive and easier to ride. So, if you want to become a dirt biker, you may consider using a pit bike for initial training. Pit bikes also have big handlebars. On the other hand, dirt bikes come with a bigger frame and proportional handlebars.
- Tyres:
The tyres on dirt bikes have rubber on the outer surface, which allows them to move better in dirt, mud, sand, and rough terrain. The dirt bikes receive a better grip and balance because of these knobby tyres, allowing them to move more efficiently through rocky roads and long rides. Pit bikes do not have rubber on the outer surface of their tyres.
- Speed:
The engine power of most pit bikes ranges between 50cc and 150cc. However, there are pit bikes that come with more powerful engines. On the other hand, dirt bikes do not go below 125cc. Some dirt bikes can also go up to 750cc. Due to such high engine power, dirt bikes are capable of extremely high speeds. Professional riders can easily reach the speed of 140 km/h using a 400cc dirt bike. However, powerful pit bikes with 160cc engines are able to reach a speed of 120 km/h at best.
- Safety:
Since pit bikes are slower and typically ridden on smooth roads, they are considered safer than dirt bikes. Moreover, pit bike racing is held in controlled quarters where you may expect some minor cuts and bruises but no serious injuries. Dirt bikes, on the other hand, are used for adventure, where the risk of injury is higher. Also, you need a higher skill level to ride dirt bikes. Remember to wear helmets no matter which bike you ride.
- Suspension:
A suspension system, in case you did not know, connects the wheels to the main body of the bike. It has shock absorbers that allow riders to ride smoothly over rough terrain. Dirt bikes generally have a better suspension system than pit bikes. This is why dirt bikes are more secure and efficient. Pit bikes do not require advanced suspension as the pit courses do not have the bumps like the off-road tracks. Since dirt bikes need to keep their wheels in direct contact with the ground, they require better suspension.
Conclusion
It is important to understand that pit bikes and dirt bikes are made for different sets of users. While pit bikes are meant for young riders with limited riding skills, dirt bikes are designed for skilled professionals. So, before you buy one for yourself, try to figure out your requirements first. This will help you find the right vehicle for your riding needs.
