Are Thumpstar Pit Bikes Reliable?

There was a time when the only small sizedand this will add up to thousands of dollars. Well I don't
motorcycles also now known as pit bikes were madeknow about you, but I am not spending $5500 on a tiny
by Japanese companies such as Honda andpit bike. This is the reason why bikes made with
Kawasaki. In the past few years these pit bikes haveChinese parts such as Thumpstar pit bikes have
become more and more popular, which has createdbecome so popular. They come stock with a nice
quite a demand for them. Well now the Chineserace exhaust, the suspension is better than stock
manufacturers and others are stepping in to fill theHonda, some even now come standard with
void. So called knock off bikes such as Thumpstar pitJapanese Mikuni carburetor. I personally think most of
bikes and Sikk pit bikes are built with Chinese enginesthe knock off bikes look much nicer than the Honda or
and frames. The big question is can these bikes standKawasaki as well. As time has gone by these
up to the old faithful Honda and Kawasaki models?motorcycles have become better and better.
Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki have been theIsn't it impossible to find parts for pit bikes with Chinese
staple when it comes to dirt bikes for years, andparts? Surprisingly not. There are many suppliers now
rightfully so. These motorcycles are very competentsupporting these motorcycles, and with the internet it
and reliable. Recently a host of Chinese madehas become easier to find parts for nearly anything.
motorcycles have entered the scene in the form ofThere are many places to find aftermarket parts and
mini bikes or pit bikes. Why would people buy aupgrades for Thumpstar pit bikes and many others.
motorcycle from China when they can't be sure onSo how have my 2 Thumpstar pit bikes stood up to
the reliability? The reason is simple, they are muchthe punishment of a hard riding season? Well I have to
cheaper than their Japanese counterparts.say that they have been just great. The engine was a
You can buy a completely tricked out Thumpstar pitpleasant surprise delivering smooth power through all 4
bike for around $1500 brand new. When it comes togears. The suspension although quite stiff was still
the new CRF100 tricked out by BBR you are lookingbetter than stock so I was happy with that. The
at around $5500. This is quite a difference in price.frames have been durable, and overall the bikes have
There are many other brand names of so calledbeen very reliable. The only problems I can say I had
knock off pit bikes such as Pittster, Sikk, Thunder Pro,were that the chain dug the swingarm in the back of
and the list goes on and on. All of them are pricedone of my Thumpstars, some bolts rattled off, I
similarly and the quality is about the same dependingreplaced the levers, and some plastic cosmetic
on who you ask. I currently own 2 Thumpstar pit bikes,damage. The engines run a little hot so I am currently
and I know some people who have the other so calledlooking into getting oil coolers for my Thumpstar pit
knock off brands such as Sikk so I can speakbikes, I have seen a number of them for sale online.
personally on the quality of these motorcycles.If you are currently in the market for a pit bike it is up
Are they as good as a Honda or Kawasaki? Theto you. Do you want to pay $5500 for the very best
simple answer is no. These bikes still have quite a wayor would you rather pay around $1500 for a
to go to stand up to the quality and performance ofcomparable motorcycle? It was a no-brainer for me.
the Japanese brands when they are all tricked out.I'm sure the shelf life for my Thumpstar pit bike is less
There is only one problem. When you buy a Hondathan a Honda, but who cares I'll just get another one in
50cc, it comes bone stock. You need to upgradea few years and still have spent less money!
everything from suspension, exhaust, tune the motor