Pit bike

With the popularity of off-road motorcycles increasing through the 1980s, the production of inexpensive, introductory-model motocross and dual-sport pit bikes began.

Many factors contributed to the popularity of pit bikes, such as the X Games, televised on ESPN, and the creation of promotional direct-to-video stunt films in the 1990s.

Series such as the Crusty Demons of Dirt have been credited by fans for inspiring people to race or attempt stunts using undersized motorcycles.

The Internet and video sharing boom of the early 2000s has also credited by fans of such activities on various forums for popularizing pit bike riding off-road.

As teenagers and young adults began to show interest in these introductory models, a cottage industry for aftermarket parts grew, with the intent of making the bikes more powerful and more comfortable for bigger riders.

It is especially popular with younger riders, as the machines are initially more affordable, less intimidating and easier to maintain than standard motocross bikes.

The shorter wheel base, lower centre of gravity and linear power delivery simplifies handling aspects for novice competitors, resulting in fewer accidents and injuries.

Freestyle motocross riders are known to use pit bikes to learn certain tricks, in an attempt to limit injury if not performed correctly.