In today’s competitive market, ample on-road, as well as off-road vehicles, is available to look for. And when concerned with teenagers and Youngers, one can never overlook recreational bikes. In this context, Pit Bike Vs Dirt Bike is very common among adolescents, adults, and Youngers. They have some common characteristics that make people often get confused about them.
Although both of the bikes can be used for racing, they have many other differences that make them unalike and not good to use interchangeably. Keeping in view their salient features, both of these bikes have been compared in this article based on particular factors. You will find profound details by reading on Pit Bike Vs Dirt Bike that will reflect a clear difference between pit bike and dirt bike.
Table of Contents
You Might Also Like ⇒
- How To Make Coffee While Camping
- Best Camping Cots
- Best Solar Charger For Camping
- Best Rechargeable Led Lantern
- Floating Cooler For Pools
- Best Fishing Coolers
- Best Beach Cooler
- Most Comfortable Camping Chair
- Best Beginner Road Bike
- Best Fat Bikes Under 2000
- Schwinn Mountain Bike
Pit Bike vs Dirt Bike-Comparison Table
Before going further, this can be defined briefly that;
“A dirt bike is suitable for riding on off-road bumpy tracks for adventures as it has high engine power, speed, suspension, and optimized tires to grip the ground. Whereas, a pit bike is not good for riding in an adventurous way as it has a low power engine and suspension. Its small tires can’t handle rough surfaces, so its appropriate use is on clear and plain tracks. Unlike the dirt bike, this is safer to use by kids.”
Let’s spell out the comparison between both bikes.
| Features | Dirt Bike | Pit Bike |
| Terrain | Off-road i.e. uneven riding trails, dirt, deserts, motocross tracks, etc. This is suitable for paths having high-rise jumps and resistances. | Smooth trails, pit racing events, and garages. This is not suitable for adventures on trails with high jumps and obstacles. |
| Cc level | Over 650cc | Around 150cc |
| Engine | 2 or 4 stroke | Typically, 4 stroke |
| Average speed (Miles per hour) | Around 70 mph | Around 40 mph |
| Engine Power | More power | Less power |
| Suspension | Better | Inferior |
| Frame | Large | Small |
| Noise | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance | Need more care | Need less care |
| Durability | High endurance | Less endurance |
| Price | Expensive | Economical |
The 10 Best Dirt Bike Helmets For Children
Here is the list of the Top Pit Bike Vs Dirt Bike.
Editor’s Note: We will update this list as more Pit Bike Vs Dirt Bike hits the market.
Pit Bike vs Dirt Bike – Detailed Comparison
The comparison table concisely shows the salient features of the pit bike and dirt bike. The pit bike is also known as a mini dirtbike because its appearance is similar to a dirt bike. A detailed explanation of their aspects has been unveiled below. So, both of these bikes have been compared based on the following factors;
- Terrain
- Engine capacity level (cc)
- Two-stroke-engine & four-stroke engine
- Speed
- Suspension
- Tires
- Frame & weight
- Accessibility
- Safety
- Noise
- Maintenance & durability
- Cost
1. Terrain
Pit bikes are suitable for smooth roads without bumpy jumps. Moreover, they are not good for mountains, deserts, and rough paths.
Quite the opposite, dirt bikes are designed for rough terrains with high jumps, and hurdles. They can be used in the dirt, deserts, mountains, etc. The design and power of the dirt bikes show that they are suitable for expert adults.
Notably, both of the bikes are used for racing. Besides, if a mini dirtbike or the pit bike is used as an alternative to a dirt bike, you may have to face negative consequences because it may not pass through the specific track.
2. Engine Capacity Level (cc)
The capacity of a combustion cylinder is referred to as the cubic capacity (cc). An engine undertakes the fuel, based on this capacity. Thus, the more the capacity or cc level is, the more fuel can be put in to burn per stroke, and consequently, more power is produced. This is why the bikes with higher engine capacity (cc) have more acceleration power.
In this view, dirt bikes for adults are faster than pit bikes as they come in higher cubic capacity (cc). According to estimation, a dirt bike can go over 700cc, whereas, pit bikes are mostly found around 150cc. This unveils the higher power of dirt bikes.
Another impact of cc level is on the bike’s weight. The higher the cc level is, the more the weight is. This is the reason that pit bikes are usually lighter than dirt bikes.
3. Two-Stroke-Engine & Four-Stroke Engine
Following the difference between pit bikes and dirt bikes, one of the significant differences lies in the engine of both bikes. In this wake, dirt bikes can be found with 2 stroke engines as well as 4 stroke engines. But, pit bikes are mostly available in 4 stroke engines only. This is necessary to consider this factor for comparison because it has a direct effect on efficiency.
Precisely, the crucial part of the internal combustion engine is the piston. There can be a two-stroke or a four-stroke piston engine in a bike. The piston drives wheels by transferring energy that is converted from the potential energy of the fuel to mechanical energy.
In a two-stroke piston engine, the engine fires twice as compared to a four-stroke engine. The result is more fuel consumption and gaseous emissions along with noise. Comparatively, the four-stroke engine is better than the 2 stroke engine because it consumes less fuel and creates less noise. Along with that, the speed is certainly not compromised. All these characteristics make a four-stroke engine more durable and long-lasting because it is less likely to undergo wear and tear like the 2 stroke engine.
This shows that pit bikes and dirt bikes with 4 stroke engines are preferable. However, the pit bike has less speed than the adult dirt bike because of its cubic capacity level. For smooth and high speed, the dirt bike is favoured.
4. Speed
This factor is directly influenced by the previous factors; engine and engine capacity (cc). If engine capacity is higher, the piston will deliver more power to the wheels because of high fuel burning. This power drives the bike at a great rate and a large distance is covered in a shorter time. So, the bikes with higher engine capacity, have more speed.
As discussed earlier, pit bikes are lighter due to having less cubic capacity; their speed is far less than dirt bikes for adults. The analysis shows that an average speed of a dirt bike revolves around 70 miles per hour while 40 miles per hour for a pit bike.
5. Suspension
The suspension isolates the rider from bumps and road imperfection. This greatly reduces the impact of high jumps and obstacles in an uneven path by absorbing shock and minimizing vibrations. This is also a big difference between pit bike and dirt bike.
The dirt bikes have greater suspension than the pit bikes. Also, the mini dirtbike is not intended for bumpy trails, so there is no issue with inferior suspension. But, dirt bikes will never work better with such suspension because they are supposed to be in off-road uneven trails with potholes. Subsequently, their tires should have a grip on the ground to absorb shock as they cause severe injury in other cases.
6. Tires
The diameter of pit bike tires is smaller than adult dirt bike tires. Therefore, the pit bikes are suitable for plain and even paths. On the contrary, being larger, the dirt bike tires can encounter rough terrain and resistances.
The reason behind presenting these details is that piston is a significant factor to distinguish between dirt bikes and pit bikes.
7. Frame & Weight
The frame of a pit bike is smaller than a dirt bike. As mentioned above its tires have a smaller diameter than the dirt bike. This short frame enables them to get used by kids as well. These bikes are also lightweight.
The adult dirt bike has a high frame and more weight. Their big size makes them appropriate for hurdles. But, their bigger size does not let them pass through narrow courses. Notably, the dirtbike sizes can be varied along with modifications in their features.
Regarding physical features, this is a major difference between Pit Bike Vs Dirt Bike.
8. Accessibility
Pit bikes are easy to ride than dirt bikes. Kids and Youngers can drive pit bikes, but for riding a dirt bike, you need to have expertise. This is because an adult dirt bike rider confronts challenging barriers that can be crossed by experts only. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to use the pit bike. Once you have hands-on practice then switch to dirt bike.
In short, riding a dirt bike is not the cup of everyone’s tea, but a pit bike is easy-going.
9. Safety
In this context, this is clear from the above discussion, that dirt bike riding involves more risk. But, a mini dirtbike is safe up to a great extent because you do not have to adventure. But, kids need special safety while riding this bike.
As both bikes need safety, a safety helmet must be used to prevent head injuries that are common in this regard.
10. Noise
Both of the bikes create noise while riding. The two-stroke engine bike creates more noise than a four-stroke engine bike. Moreover, dirt bikes for adults are usually noisier. As the pit bikes have less engine capacity, their acceleration causes less noise but is still noticeable. Likewise, the high power of dirt bikes causes a high acceleration that creates more noise. If these bikes are used far away from residential or living areas, there is no problem in riding. Regarding pit bikes, you can ride them in your backyards that wouldn’t be troubling for others.
In this context, this can be stated that noise is not a noticeable difference between Pit Bike Vs Dirt Bike.
11. Maintenance & Durability
Generally, more maintenance is required for an adult dirt bike than a pit bike. The prime reason behind this is the rigorous use of this bike while going over hurdles on a trail i.e. desert or a rough patch. This significantly makes it high-maintenance-demanding. You may need to repair its parts and do regular cleaning. Need of parts replacement is also possible but it works only if the manufacturer can do so.
In contrast, you can effortlessly maintain a pit bike as its riding is smooth. Furthermore, the vital characteristics of a four-stroke engine make the mini dirtbike more convenient in maintenance than a two-stroke engine dirt bike.
But being smaller, the parts of a pit bike are not as long-lasting as a dirt bike. So, in wake durability, this can be said that an adult dirt bike is more durable than a pit bike.
12. Cost
Pit bikes are cheaper than dirt bikes. Dirt bikes have higher engine capacity and so they are costly and not affordable by everyone. On the other hand, pit bikes have a reasonable price.
Which Bike Should You Choose?
The comprehensive details on Pit Bike Vs Dirt Bike clearly show that any of them cannot be used everywhere. They are designed to be used on specific terrains. Using a mini dirtbike or a pit bike in place of a dirt bike would not make sense.
If you are a beginner trainer, kid, or new to riding, you should consider the pit bike. The reason is that its speed and power are moderate. The terrain is also even and less difficult where it is used. Furthermore, they are four-stroke engine bikes and require less fuel consumption than two-stroke engine dirt bikes for adults. This is also because their cubic capacity is less than the dirt bikes. Besides all, they are safer and require less care & maintenance.
On the other hand, dirt bikes are designed for off-road racing. They can also be used for street roads, but their higher engine capacity makes their best fit for irregular and potholed trails. They have substantial suspension to overcome the jumping effect. But, trained riders can use it conveniently and smoothly.
So, the difference between pit bike and dirt bike concludes that, if you are a beginner, do not go for a dirt bike. Once you have enough experience of pit bike riding, then consider the dirt bike only if you want to venture bumpy rides.
You have gone through the inclusive comparison of pit bikes and dirt bikes. If you resonate with these details, you can share your feedback and opinion in the comments below. This would be of utmost importance for further improvements.
Disclaimer
“All brand names and images are Registered Trademarks of their respective companies. All manufacturer’s names, numbers, symbols, and descriptions are used for reference purposes only, and it is not implied that any part listed is the product of these manufacturers or approved by any of these manufacturers.”
