Pocket Bikes: Big Fun In A Mini Package
Early miniature motorcycles were created in Japan and modeled after full size motorcycles. Because full-sized motorcycles are involved in racing, it is only natural that pocket bikes would be used for the same purpose. Mini-bike racing is also called Mini GP Racing. Races are usually held on a go-kart track using motorcycles that are approximately one-quarter of the size of a standard bike.
With a size of about 20 inches tall and 40 inches long, the bikes are usable by children or by adults. The minimoto weighs less than fifty pounds. Power is supplied by a small two-cycle engine with a capacity of about 50 cc. The ratio of weight to engine size means that there is approximately 2.4 to 17 horsepower available to reach top racing horsepower output.
Mini-bike racing is believed to have started in Japan. The first bikes were developed as miniature versions of full-sized motorcycles. It required fine tuning to determine the best ratio of power, size and weight. Much of that development was done in the country of Italy, where the finest racing machines were manufactured. The combination of Japanese inventiveness and Italian technology resulted in a lightweight, perfectly balanced machine capable of reaching top speeds of up to seventy-eight miles per hour on a kart track.
Beginner bikes are available now from China at prices less than $200. At the other end of the range, superbly engineered racing machines sell for as much as $7000. Early racing models cost much more than they do today, because of the costly research and development expenses. The bikes of today reflect precise relationships between braking systems, engine configuration, geometry of the frame and available power.
The bikes are small enough to fit in a car seat, so they can be transported easily to ride to racing events or for recreational riding. The weight is light enough that a bike can be handled by young children. Six to eight year old children can learn and enjoy motorcycle riding on mini-bikes. Adults can enjoy racing and riding on the minimoto also. Because the equipment is not so costly as a full-sized racing machine, almost anyone can enjoy minimoto racing.
The bikes are not street legal in most countries. So, though the rider doesn’t need a license to operate a mini-bike, riding is usually done on private land. There are a growing number of car parks, race tracks or other areas where the bikes can be done safely.
Safety is an important part of riding a mini-bike. Learning how to ride safely is just one part of the process. You should pick safe places to ride where the chance of accidents is reduced. Safety and protective equipment, especially for juvenile riders must include full-head helmets, knee and elbow guards and protective footwear. Riding classes are available in some areas for beginning riders.
If you are interested in taking part in the growing sport of racing pocket bikes, you can begin by visiting locations where riders gather. Racing leagues have formed and races are held in many parts of the world, especially during the summer season. Racers compete in races distributed by age, gender and type of bike.
Racing pocket bikes is a sport that is immensely popular in space-limited Japan. Racing meets are also found in Europe and elsewhere on the planet. More info on the ultimate pocket bike.
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