🏁 New To Pit Bikes? Here’s How To Start & Ride Yours Properly
If you’ve just bought a pit bike — welcome to the fun!
We sell a lot of pit bikes, especially in the summer. This means we also get a lot of questions about how to use them.
Unlike an electric bike, these are petrol engines with a carburettor, so there are a few basics you need to understand before kicking it over.
Here’s a simple guide to get you started.
⛽ Step 1: Make Sure The Fuel Is ON
Under the fuel tank you’ll find a small tap (called a petcock).
It usually has three positions:
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ON – Fuel flows to the carb (normal riding position)
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OFF – Stops fuel flow
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RES – Reserve fuel (last bit in the tank)
If the fuel is OFF, the bike will not start or will run briefly and cut out.
👉 Always check fuel is set to ON before you start the bike.
🟡 Step 2: Use The Choke For Cold Starts Only
Pit bikes use a carburettor. When the engine is cold, it needs a richer fuel mix to start.
The choke does this by increasing fuel in the mixture.
Cold engine:
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Fuel tap → ON
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Choke → ON
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No throttle
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Kick start
Let it idle for 30–60 seconds, then turn the choke OFF gradually.
⚠️ Do not ride with the choke on — it will run poorly and may bog.
🐢 What Does “Bogging” Mean?
If you open the throttle and the bike hesitates, splutters, or feels flat instead of revving cleanly — that’s called bogging.
Common causes:
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Choke left on
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Dirty air filter
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Incorrect carb setup
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Fuel not flowing properly
Essentially bogging is poor throttle response. A healthy pit bike should respond quickly and rev cleanly when you twist the throttle.
🔥 Warm It Up Properly
Don’t rev the bike hard straight after starting.
Let it:
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Sit idle for 1–2 minutes after starting
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Warm up gently
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Then ride normally
Cold revving shortens engine life. Avoid starting and turning the bike off repeatedly in quick succession as this can also cause issues.
🛠 Basic Pre-Ride Checks
Before riding:
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✔ Fuel ON
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✔ Choke OFF (once warm)
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✔ Chain tension correct
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✔ Oil level correct
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✔ No fuel leaks
⚠️ Important: These Are Not “Twist & Go” Bikes
Pit bikes are small motorcycles. They require:
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Basic mechanical understanding
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Routine maintenance
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Proper warm-up
As we always say: Look after your bike and your bike will look after you!
We offer service packages and repairs for any pit bike bought from us. If you are looking to take the hassle out of your maintenance then get in touch with our workshop.
