Are Thumpstar Pit Bikes reliable?

There was a time when the only small motorcycles, also known now as pit bikes, were made by Japanese companies such as Honda and Kawasaki. In recent years, these pit bikes have become increasingly popular, which has created a great demand for them. Well now Chinese manufacturers and others are stepping in to fill the gap. So-called knockoff bikes, like Thumpstar pit bikes and Sikk pit bikes, are built with Chinese motors and frames. The big question is, can these bikes stand up to the old loyal Honda and Kawasaki models?

Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki have been the staple when it comes to dirt bikes for years, and with good reason. These motorcycles are very competent and reliable. Recently, a large number of motorcycles made in China have entered the scene in the form of mini bikes or pit bikes. Why would people buy a motorcycle in China when they cannot be sure of its reliability? The reason is simple, they are much cheaper than their Japanese counterparts.

You can buy a completely rigged Thumpstar pit bike for around $ 1500 brand new. When it comes to the new CRF100 made by BBR, you are looking for around $ 5,500. This is a huge price difference. There are many other brands of so-called knockoff pitbikes like Pittster, Sikk, Thunder Pro, and the list goes on and on. They are all similarly priced and the quality is roughly the same depending on who you ask. I currently own 2 Thumpstar pit bikes, and I know some people who have other knockoff brands like Sikk, so I can personally speak to the quality of these bikes.

Are they as good as a Honda or a Kawasaki? The simple answer is no. These bikes still have a long way to go to cope with the quality and performance of Japanese brands when they are all duped. There is only one problem. When you buy a Honda 50cc, it’s all about bone material. You need to upgrade everything from suspension, exhaust, engine tuning and this will add up to thousands of dollars. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to spend $ 5500 on a small bike. This is why bikes made from Chinese parts like Thumpstar pit bikes have become so popular. They come standard with a good racing exhaust, the suspension is better than the stock Honda, some even now come standard with a Japanese Mikuni carburettor. Personally, I think most knockoff bikes look a lot better than Honda or Kawasaki too. Over time, these motorcycles have gotten better and better.

Isn’t it impossible to find parts for pitbikes with Chinese parts? Surprisingly not. Now there are many suppliers that endorse these motorcycles, and with the Internet it has become easier to find parts for almost anything. There are many places to find parts and upgrades for Thumpstar pit bikes and many others.

So how have my 2 Thumpstar pit bikes withstood the punishment of a tough riding season? Well, I have to say, they have been just great. The engine was a pleasant surprise by delivering smooth power in all 4 gears. The suspension, although quite stiff, was better than stock, so I was happy with that. The frames have been durable and overall the bikes have been very reliable. The only issues I can say I had were the chain sinking the swingarm in the rear of one of my Thumpstars, some bolts came off, I replaced the levers, and some plastic cosmetic damage. Engines run a little hot so I am currently looking for oil coolers for my Thumpstar pit bikes, I have seen several of them for sale online.

If you are currently in the market for a pit bike, it is up to you. Do you want to pay $ 5,500 for the best, or do you prefer to pay around $ 1,500 for a comparable motorcycle? It was a no-brainer for me. I’m sure the lifespan of my Thumpstar pit bike is shorter than a Honda, but who cares? I will buy another one in a few years and will have spent even less money!

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