Buying a Pitbike: the ultimate guide for beginners & professionals

You want to buy a Pitbike but you are unsure which model suits you? In this comprehensive guide you will learn everything about petrol vs. electric, 160cc vs. 190cc, YX vs. ZS engines, PMT tyres and what you really need to look out for when buying. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider – you will find all the answers here.

What you will learn in this guide:

• Pitbike types: 160cc vs 190cc, petrol vs electric – which one suits you?
• Engines: YX vs ZS engines, electric motors, D2G DropIN system
• Tyres: Slick, semi-slick, rain – the right choice for every track
• Buying criteria: budget planning, suspension, brakes, quality features
• FAQ: licence, insurance, maintenance, areas of use

What is a Pitbike? History, areas of use and why they are so popular

In recent years, Pitbikes have developed from pure paddock vehicles into fully fledged racing machines. These compact motorcycles were originally developed in Japan in the 1970s to give mechanics and riders a quick way of getting around the pit lane. Today Pitbikes are long since more than just a means of transport – they are independent pieces of sports equipment with a huge community.

At its core, a Pitbike is a miniature motorcycle with typically 12-17 inch wheels, compact dimensions and a powerful engine. The low seat height and low weight make it ideal for beginners, while the impressive performance also thrills experienced riders. Whether on dedicated Pitbike tracks, supermoto tracks or private training facilities – the areas of use are many and varied.

One often underestimated aspect: Pitbikes are the perfect training tool for full-size motorcycles. The compact dimensions and lower speeds make it possible to perfect seating position, body position and vision in a safe environment. It is no coincidence that MotoGP world champions such as Marc Márquez, Valentino Rossi and Francesco Bagnaia regularly train on Pitbikes – the riding technique transfers 1:1 to larger machines, while the risk of crashing is considerably lower.

Particularly exciting: Pitbikes are not approved for road traffic, but designed exclusively for use on closed racing circuits and private land. That makes them the perfect training tool for ambitious riders and the ideal entry drug into motorsport. If you want to experience live what riding a Pitbike feels like, take a look at our training bikes.

Pitbike types & engine options: petrol vs. electric

The question „Which Pitbike suits me?“ begins with the fundamental decision between a petrol and an electric drive. Both variants have their justification and different strengths.

Petrol Pitbikes: proven technology with raw power

160cc vs. 190cc – which displacement is the right one?

Petrol Pitbikes are mainly offered with 160cc or 190cc displacement. The difference may look small on paper, but it has a noticeable effect on the riding behaviour:

Feature	160cc Pitbikes	190cc Pitbikes
Power	approx. 14-16 hp	approx. 18-20 hp
Weight	75-85 kg	80-90 kg
Character	More nimble, freer-revving engine	More torque, stronger pull
Ideal for	Beginners, technical tracks, tight corners	Advanced riders, fast tracks, long straights
Service intervals	Oil change every 10-15 operating hours	Oil change every 10-15 operating hours

The decision should depend on your body weight, your experience and the track profile you prefer. For most beginners, a 160cc Pitbike is completely sufficient and offers enough performance to get started. Advanced riders or heavier riders benefit from the additional torque of the 190cc engine.

Indoor vs. outdoor use: Another important factor is the main purpose of use. The 160cc engine is a good compromise for both scenarios and works reliably both in indoor halls and on outdoor tracks. For outdoor use, however, the 190cc engine is clearly superior – especially on faster tracks with longer straights and more demanding conditions, the additional torque proves to be a clear advantage.

If you are looking for high-quality petrol Pitbikes, you will find a selection of 160cc and 190cc Pitbikes at Racetrck Performance.

YX vs. ZS engine – the two dominant engine manufacturers

Two Chinese engine manufacturers have established themselves in the Pitbike world: YX and ZS. Both produce reliable, powerful engines that are fitted in numerous Pitbike brands.

Feature	YX engines	ZS engines
Known for	High revving, sporty character	Strong pull, robust construction
Distinguishing feature	Often somewhat higher revs	Tends to offer more torque low down
Spare parts supply	Excellent, wide selection	Also very good
Availability	Very widespread, proven technology	Increasingly popular in Europe

The practical advantage: because both engine manufacturers use similar designs, many spare parts such as oil filters, spark plugs or gasket sets are compatible. This considerably simplifies maintenance and repairs. Both engines are regarded as reliable and offer an excellent price-performance ratio.

Electric Pitbikes: the silent revolution

Electric Pitbikes have made an enormous leap in development in recent years. What used to be smiled at as a toy is today a serious alternative to petrol engines – especially for tracks with noise restrictions.

Advantages of electric Pitbikes:

1. No noise: train without annoying the neighbours or hitting noise limits
2. No maintenance effort: no oil changes, no wear parts such as clutches or carburettors
3. Full power instantly: electric motors deliver maximum torque from the very first moment
4. Environmentally friendly: no emissions, no smell of oil or petrol
5. Low running costs: electricity is considerably cheaper than petrol
6. Optimal weight & centre of gravity: the total weight is identical to petrol Pitbikes, but the battery sits low in the frame – this provides a noticeably lower centre of gravity and clearly better handling in corners
7. Better riding technique training: more focus on yourself for better work on body position and vision. Reliable throttle response!

Disadvantages you should know about:

1. Limited range: depending on riding style, 40-60 km or 60-90 minutes of riding time
2. Charging time: a full charge takes 2-4 hours (fast chargers shorten this)
3. Higher purchase costs: electric Pitbikes usually cost €1,500-2,000 more than petrol models

72V systems – the current standard

Modern electric Pitbikes rely on 72 volt systems that deliver an impressive 8-12 kW of power (approx. 11-16 hp). That is enough for speeds of up to 100 km/h and provides riding fun on a par with 160cc petrol engines. The batteries typically have a capacity of 30 Ah and are often designed as a swap system – perfect for longer track days with a spare battery.

A particular advantage: electric Pitbikes are „Ready to Race“ – simply charge, switch on and ride. No carburettor setting, no warming up, no fiddling with the idle.

If the silent power excites you, take a look at the electric Pitbikes at Racetrck Performance.

Ready for your first Pitbike?

Discover our selection of petrol and electric Pitbikes for every requirement:

• 160cc & 190cc petrol Pitbikes – proven technology, powerful performance
• Electric Pitbikes with 72V systems – silent power, ready to race
• Professional advice – we help you choose

View Pitbikes

The right engine makes the difference

What do kW, hp and cc really mean?

Engine power is stated in various units, which often causes confusion:

• cc (cubic centimetres): the engine’s displacement – the larger it is, the more air volume can be burnt per working cycle
• hp (horsepower): an outdated but still common power rating (1 hp = 0.735 kW)
• kW (kilowatt): the official power rating (1 kW = 1.36 hp)

A 160cc petrol engine produces around 14-16 hp (10-12 kW), while a 190cc engine reaches 18-20 hp (13-15 kW). Electric Pitbikes with 72V systems achieve 11-16 hp (8-12 kW) – which sounds like less, but often feels faster thanks to the instant torque.

Electric motors vs. petrol engines in direct comparison

Feature	Petrol engine	Electric motor
Power delivery	Progressive, dependent on revs	Instant, full torque from 0
Maintenance	Regular (oil, air filter, plugs)	Minimal (only wear parts such as the chain)
Noise level	85-95 dB	Almost silent
Range/tank	80-120 km	40-60 km
Refuelling/charging	2 minutes	2-4 hours
Engine life	200-300 operating hours	500+ operating hours
Riding feel	Mechanical, direct	Smooth, electronic

Interchangeable engines & retrofitting

A major advantage of modern Pitbikes: engines are interchangeable. Many frames are designed so that both petrol and electric motors fit. That opens up exciting possibilities:

• Engine upgrade: switch from 160cc to 190cc for more power
• Electrification: swap the petrol engine for an electric motor
• Repair: simply replace a faulty engine completely instead of repairing it laboriously

One example of such systems is the D2G DropIN 72V system – an electric motor kit that fits many common Pitbike frames. With 12 kW of power (14.5 – 16 hp) and a 30 Ah battery, it offers a serious alternative to the petrol engine. The system consists of motor, controller, battery and charger and can often be installed within a few hours. You will find further engine parts and accessories in the shop.

For anyone interested in engine upgrades or swaps, it is well worth taking a look at the Pitbike engines at Racetrck Performance.

The role of the right tyres

While engine and chassis take the spotlight, tyres are often underestimated. Yet they are the only point of contact with the track and have a decisive influence on grip, handling and lap times.

Slick vs. semi-slick vs. rain – when do you need what?

Feature	Slick tyres	Semi-slick tyres	Rain tyres
Tread	Completely smooth, no grooves	Minimal tread, light grooves	Heavily grooved, deep tread
Use	Dry tracks, optimum grip	All-round tyres for training and racing	Wet tracks, rain
Advantages	Maximum contact patch, best lap times	Good in light dampness, versatile	Water dispersal, grip in the wet
Disadvantages	Completely unusable in the wet, dangerously slippery	Optimal neither in the dry nor in the wet	Too soft in the dry, overheat quickly
When to use	Race events, dry track days, optimum conditions	Training, uncertain weather, beginners	Rainy days, wet tracks

Rule of thumb: as a beginner, semi-slick tyres are recommended to start with. They forgive mistakes and work well in most situations. Advanced riders ideally have two sets of tyres: slicks for dry days and rains for wet weather.

Size chart: 12 inch vs. 17 inch

Pitbikes are ridden with two standard sizes:

Feature	12 inch tyres	17 inch tyres
Dimensions	Front: 2.50-12 / Rear: 2.75-12	Front: 80/100-17 / Rear: 90/100-17
Character	More agile, direct handling	Smoother running, more traction
Use	Technical tracks, tight corners	Faster tracks, supermoto tracks
Typical bikes	Pitbikes	Moto 5 bike

Most modern Pitbikes rely on 17 inch, as they offer better performance and a wider tyre selection.

Compounds and track conditions

Tyres are offered in various rubber compounds that are matched to the track temperature:

• Soft (soft compound): maximum grip, faster wear, for cool conditions (10-20°C)
• Medium: all-round compound, a good compromise, for 15-25°C
• Hard (hard compound): durable, less grip, for hot conditions (25-35°C)

Practical tip: most hobby riders are perfectly served with soft. Only in extreme temperatures or at race events is it worth buying special compounds.

PMT tyres – the benchmark in Pitbike sport

PMT (Performance Motor Tires) has established itself as the leading tyre brand in the Pitbike sector. The tyres are developed specifically for small, light motorcycles and offer:

• Consistent performance over the entire service life
• Available in all three variants (slick, semi-slick, rain)
• Proven quality on European race tracks
• Excellent value for money

If you are looking for high-quality Pitbike tyres, you will find a complete overview including a size chart at PMT tyres for Pitbikes at Racetrck Performance.

Buying criteria checklist: what you really should pay attention to

Budget: what do I get for €2,500 vs. €5,000?

Budget segment (€2,000-3,000):

• Solid entry-level Pitbikes with 160cc petrol engines
• Simple suspension (often not fully adjustable)
• Standard brakes (sufficient for beginners)
• Often supplied as a kit or with minimal equipment
• Who it is for: beginners, hobby riders, occasional users

Mid-range (€3,000-4,000):

• High-quality 160cc or 190cc petrol Pitbikes
• Adjustable suspension (spring preload, rebound)
• Better brake systems (often wave discs)
• „Ready to race“ equipment
• Who it is for: ambitious riders, regular track days

Premium segment (€4,000-5,500):

• Electric Pitbikes with 72V systems
• Fully adjustable high-end suspension
• Racing brake systems with braided steel lines
• High-quality components, minimal weight
• Who it is for: advanced riders, racers, tech enthusiasts

Realistic beginner budget: plan for at least €2,500-3,000 for a sensible Pitbike. On top of that come:

• Protective gear: €500-1,000 (helmet, boots, protectors, gloves) – no compromises!
• Transport: trailer or van
• Maintenance/wear parts: €200-400 per season
• Track days: €50-150 per track day

Suspension, brakes, quality – the decisive details

Suspension:

• Forks: upside-down (USD) forks are stiffer and more precise than conventional forks
• Shock absorber: adjustability of spring preload and rebound is essential for an optimal setup
• Travel: 200-250mm front and rear is standard
• Spotting quality: high-quality suspension has no visible oil leaks and runs smoothly without sticking
• Upgrade option: high-quality suspension components noticeably improve handling

Brakes:

• Standard: 220mm brake discs front/rear with 2-piston calipers
• Upgraded: 240-260mm discs with 4-piston calipers, braided steel lines
• Wave discs: provide more consistent braking performance than smooth discs
• Important: replaceable brake pads, not just simplex drum brakes
• Performance tip: high-quality brake components for optimal deceleration

Quality features you should look out for:

• Welds on the frame: clean and even, no visible cracks
• Paintwork: professional, without bubbles or uneven patches
• Chain tension: easily adjustable with eccentric adjusters
• Footpegs: replaceable, not welded solidly to the frame
• Cable routing: neatly routed, no pinched lines

Ready-to-race vs. kit – which suits you?

Feature	Ready-to-race	Kit
Advantage	Ready to use immediately, professionally pre-assembled, tested	Cheaper (often saves €300-500), you get to know your bike from the ground up
Disadvantage	Higher price, less learning effect during assembly	Time required (8-12 hours), tools needed, risk of assembly errors
Ideal for	Beginners without technical know-how, saving time	Technically minded people, budget-conscious buyers, tinkerers

Decision aid: if you have no experience with motorcycle technology, invest in a ready-to-race bike. The extra cost pays off through the certainty that everything is correctly assembled and set up.

FAQ: the most important questions about Pitbikes