Posts: 468
Joined: 1/9/2016
Location: NY, USA
I started a thread looking for recommendations on Japanese pit bikes: https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Japanese-pit-bike,1340535 but neglected to make a poll.
I'm 6'2, 235 lbs, and want something to rip around a backyard track on. Not a ton of jumps at the moment, but looking to add some in the future.
I really want a clutch and a stronger engine than a 110.
Posts: 1482
Joined: 1/9/2010
Location: Riverside, CA USA
True pit bikes are 110 and below..... only 2 options imo are klx110 or crf110 unless you want to build a killer CRF70
Don't let your height or weight be an excuse. I'm 6'4" and 250 on a good day and ride a 110
twist wrist and go...
brad@palmspringsmotorsports.com
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Location: Al-ew-min-ee-um, WA USA
IMO anything smaller than the 150 is no fun to ride (even putting around). The CRF150R shouldn't be on this list though, that thing is a monster!
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Joined: 10/5/2017
Location: Frankfort, IN USA
ThegodSmith wrote:IMO anything smaller than the 150 is no fun to ride (even putting around). The CRF150R shouldn't be on this list though, that ...more
I second this, snapped my femur right at the knee on one
2009 RMZ 250 (sold)
2004 LTZ 400
#nukethequads
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Location: MI, USA
Posts: 468
Joined: 1/9/2016
Location: NY, USA
0% concerned about whatever ‘true’ means.
110 would be an absolute minimum...feel like I’m going to blow out my knees riding stuff smaller.
Which of the 110s you like better?
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Location: NY, USA
Posts: 989
Joined: 12/13/2010
Location: Carlsbad, CA USA
My son just had a '18 150RB and it was so fun for me to play on! Every time we went to the track, I found something fun! I would love to have one as a goof off bike!
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Location: Rydal, GA USA
Posts: 90
Joined: 8/28/2017
Location: Frankfort, IL USA
Xr100/CR85 conversion. You get good brakes, suspension, and a motor that can be built as wild as you’d like it to be.
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Joined: 12/17/2008
Location: Cairo, GA USA
You know my opinion. I'm loving my KLX140L. And this is from someone who has owned a KLX110, a CRF150rb and now a 140. There's just something about modifying and riding these play bikes!
addklx110 by Wandell Asbell, on Flickr
add150 by Wandell Asbell, on Flickr
klx1403 by Wandell Asbell, on Flickr
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Joined: 3/19/2012
Location: Redford, MI USA
For a play bike I prefer the centrifugal clutch of the 110's and below, but you want a real clutch so those are out.
My girlfriend has a CRF150F and it's enjoyable to ride. It's also received approximately zero maintenance besides an initial oil change when we bought it in 2009. The tiny air cooled Hondas are bulletproof.
Nick
-2015 Grom grocery getter
-2011 Road King Classic
-2010 WR250X supermoto
Posts: 468
Joined: 1/9/2016
Location: NY, USA
I just feel like I need a clutch as a heavy person on an underpowered bike.
I also think my next full-size will be an Alta, so just one more thing I want different between the two for variety.
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Location: TX, USA
Posts: 690
Joined: 5/2/2017
Location: Oregon City, OR USA
CRF150R should not be considered pit bikes... those things haul serious ass.
I’m like 5’10, 180lbs and I rip my KLX110 (that I turned red to match my big bike) all day with no issues. Ive done some mods to it and tasteful appearance stuff but that’s about it and I love it. Just needs a pipe and it’ll be perfect. 
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Location: Chester, GBR
Anyone ever made a 65 into a pit bike with high rise bars and longer cables? Always liked the idea of doing this wondered if anyone had
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Location: TX, USA
KLX140L should be your best option. People are starting to forget about XR100s these days, though. All depending upon your budget of course, but XR100s have the most hop up potential out of any of the vertical cylinder bikes. Lots of stuff available for them.
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Joined: 12/17/2008
Location: Cairo, GA USA
Yes, a few people have. Planetminis.com is a great source of info on play bikes/pit bikes. There are some members there with serious fabrication skills. I think that modifying play bikes is half the fun. As long as you don't sink $10k into them that is!
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Location: NY, USA
If I knew it was exactly what I was looking for, I’d be more than willing to pay the price of a full size bike, mods included. Maybe more. But obviously don’t want to.
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Location: way north, IN USA
