Aren't they the ultimate trackday accessory? Since this summer I've been dying to have a little scooter to goof around on and make my way around the facilities.
At first I thought it had to be a 50cc Ruckus... a machine I thought was kinda cool in a dorky way since they came out a few years ago. I could use it to burn around the pits, and since it would be street legal, I could even use it to ride to the porn store or my crack dealer's house or even to work if the weather was good. Only problem is that a new Ruckus costs about $2500 (talking Canuck here) and used ones are nigh impossible to find. Hell, $2500 can buy a lot of things... a set of Ohlins R&T forks, a weekend in Vegas, a couple pairs of designer jeans for Jessica...
So I got the idea that maybe a CRF50 would be a better buy. It would cost a little more than half as much as the Ruckus, and though I couldn't (legally )ride it on the street, there are lots of cool hop-up parts and I could customize the hell out of it. Even still though, 15 hundy could buy me spare wheels and a couple sets of tires for my Blade, or maybe even a nice Gucci handbag. At least the used Honda fiddys are plentiful.
Then I remembered going into Canadian Tire (AKA Newfie Speed and Custom) to buy chrome skull & crossbone hubcaps for Purpdust's trailer and noticing the disposable Chinese dirtbikes. They have quite a few styles and models to choose from and they cost less than a decent mountain bike. From what I've heard, the motors are basically Honda knock-offs and while crude it should serve its purpose right? I'm kinda partial to this 200cc fat-tired unit from Baja Motorsports: Canadian Tire
Anyone have much experience with these things? Would it be wiser to just step up and buy a damned Honda?
What's your pit bike?
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
-Dark Helmet
Crime ain't sumfin you should do. It's sumfin you should don't.
-Ali G
Lobster tail and Beer. Tree o' my favorite tings.
-Newfie Proverb
I rock an SDG 107 cc. I was in your same position about 2 months ago. A local dealer sells them for $2000. I bought mine for $900. It always starts on the first kick, and runs great. All the parts are interchangable with the CRF50, and XR50. You know, it all depends on what you are going to do with it. Just for pit use? I'd say just get a honda. They are bulletproof, and you can get a used one for $600-900. But if you are going to dump $$$ into it for suspention and brakes, get the knock off
Just a thought p-diddy....but last track day I did at mid -ohio this year had issues with "pit bikes". Let me re-phrase that. The Pit bikes had to be street legal with a license plate and all. I don't know how that works with other tracks or maybe it was just the outfit running that track day "SportbikeTracktime" but just look into a little bit.
This might not be enforced anywhere else...which I hope because I was looking to do the same as you. Except it would double as a starter bike for my daughter
It has a suprising about of "pop". I think it tops out at like 55mph or so. (that's with my "race tires"). I like it because it has a manual clutch. Good for ripping wheelies. And it has awesome hydrolic brakes.
I can't ride it at mid ohio? That's the whole reason I bought it!!!!
The biggest problem with the Honda 50 bikes and build-ups is that the pegs are connected only to the engine case. Too much flexing cracks them. That and the rear suspension is really bad for riders weighing over 50 pounds. To solve that, you have to get a new frame with engine cradle and a different swingarm/shock setup. There is no rear suspension when I ride my son's XR.
I have a blast riding my son's little XR50, but these things are so much fun it is stupid. Pitster Pro Gallery :: Motard edition X2R!!! Race ready
Made for bigger guys into the fiddy thing, and made better than pretty much all the others. It's basically a Honda/Kawasaki knockoff. It is more or less a KLX110 cradle frame with a Honda-derived 125cc engine and 4 speed manual transmission.
All kinds of hop up parts already on it, and adjustable suspension.
Anyway, the things are kick ass. The HQ/importers is just down the road from me and I've been talking with them about being a low-number dealer for them.
I've not started a thread about these things as I don't have the final answers and haven't talked to Z about starting a thread, so I'm not trying to step on toes here.
Last edited by bda116; 01-25-2007 at 12:51 PM.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government.
Seriously, they aren't all that pricey at full MSRP, and if things go right I can offer them at a deal to you all.
If anyone is seriously interested, PM me and it may give me more leverage.
(Again, not trying to step on toes, Z. Maybe a future sponsor )
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government.
Just a thought p-diddy....but last track day I did at mid -ohio this year had issues with "pit bikes". Let me re-phrase that. The Pit bikes had to be street legal with a license plate and all. I don't know how that works with other tracks or maybe it was just the outfit running that track day "SportbikeTracktime" but just look into a little bit.
This might not be enforced anywhere else...which I hope because I was looking to do the same as you. Except it would double as a starter bike for my daughter
That's a Mi-O thing, not an STT thing. I think VIR has the same requirement. Most other tracks I've been to allow them. However, those zipping around the pits at well over the 5-10 mph limit will eventually ruin it for everyone.
My pit bike is a Yamaha Zuma. I like it because you can ride 2-up.
“I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.”
~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Seriously, they aren't all that pricey at full MSRP, and if things go right I can offer them at a deal to you all.
If anyone is seriously interested, PM me and it may give me more leverage.
(Again, not trying to step on toes, Z. Maybe a future sponsor )
I probably should buy our son a motorized toy before spending more money on myself (including medical bills in my cost of ownership ).
Flashlight reveries caught in the headlights of a truck...
At the moment my team runs a hopped up golf cart. I'm looking into a quad though. Pit Bikes are cool, but you can't cart back all the stuff you need to run after on one. Think about it; How are you gonna carry 3 people, 6 drinks, Burgers, fries, and make a stop by the VP stand for fuel with a Pit Bike?
I got a burn scar on my finger from one of those...
The first time I ride it I am cruising down to get the mail at probably 20mph when the rear locks up instantly and your hear a loud tire squeeling noise. The chain had come off and got locked around the rear sprocket. The spacer that came with it was too large and the counter shaft and rear sprocket didn't line up properly. Great quality
Every on has a plan 'till I hit'em in 'da mouf"
-Mike Tyson
Yeah, I wasted a lot of time on one of those things. Mine kept draining all the gas out of the carb. Plus you would have to have the choke in the perfect position for it to run... I curse those pocket rockets!
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)ride it on the street, there are lots of cool hop-up parts and I could customize the hell out of it. Even still though, 15 hundy could buy me spare wheels and a couple sets of tires for my Blade, or maybe even a nice Gucci handbag. At least the used Honda fiddys are plentiful.
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Originally Posted by bwhip
.... Just kidding big guy! What a riot! I'm glad we have this topic, because I'm rembering why I bought mine
I had almost forgotten about that.
).
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