Pocket
bikes, super pocket bikes, also known
as mini motos, are miniature sized motorcycles averaging around
47 inches long and 18 inches tall. Pocket bikes, although small
enough to carry under one's arm, are capable of impressive speeds.
They are usually built with gas-powered engines.
The smaller industrial-motored models used by Junior class racers
are capable of speeds of over 35 mph, the average 4.2 hp and 6.2
hp racing models achieve about 40-45 mph, and open class machines
reach speeds over 50 mph. Pocket bikes can be built
with many of the features common to regular bikes, such as disc
brakes in the front and rear, racing tires, fairings, lightweight
aluminum alloy cast perimeter frames and swing arms.
Why
Buy a Pocket Bike?
* Pocket bikes are easy to transport. They conveniently fit into
small cars and trunks, so you don't need a huge pick-up truck to
move them.
* Pocket Bikes are easy to care for and service. Pocket bikes can
be serviced by mechanically inclined owners or taken in to almost
any motorcycle or moped repair shop.
* Affordability is a huge asset of pocket bikes. Compared to full-version
motorcycles, buying a pocket bike is a bargain
by anyone's standards.
* A pocket bike will allow you to possess your very own small version
of the Harley or European bike you've always wanted but couldn't
afford.
* If you enjoy competitive racing, you can race your pocket bike
at a growing number of racetracks and go-kart tracks. There are
even organizations devoted to pocket bike racing,
which are laying out the rules that govern this new motor
sport.
* Pocket bikes, in addition to being a fun hobby, can also be a
serious sport for those interested in seeking out, and competing
in, pocket bike competitions.
* There are a huge number of models and manufacturers of pocket
bikes to choose from, including Blata, Polini, GRC, Harley, Cagllari,
Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, Pasini, and many more. You'll be able to
own the model you've always wanted.
* Pocket bikes are fun for adults and for children. It has been
found that children over the age of 12 pick up the sport of pocket
bike riding quickly and easily. With strict adult supervision, youngsters
over 12 can enjoy pocket bike riding along with adult riders.
* Pocket bikes can reach thrilling speeds. Depending on the model,
riders can reach speeds of 35 to 50 mph.
* Because of pocket bikes' small sizes, they offer new excitement
to even the most experienced motorcyclists. Certainly,
there are new thrills to be had with pocket bikes.
* Pocket bikes provide excellent training for riding full-size
motorcycles. For proof, just look to all of the European
motorcycle champions who started out as pocket bike racers and later
dominated the tracks at larger motorcycle competitions.
* It's easy for pocket bike riders to set up their
own tracks in open spaces or empty lots. All you need is an unobstructed
area with a smooth surface. This is a cheap and convenient way to
host your own races with friends.
* Pocket bike riding is a growing global phenomenon. You can become
a part of this exciting new sport as it develops.
Where to Ride Pocket Bikes?
While pocket bikes are not street-legal in most areas-that is, you
cannot legally ride a pocket bike down the street-there are many
options for legally racing your pocket bike with friends and even
in competitions. A racing sanctioning body has been established
to promote racing in North America called NAPRA, the North American
Pocket Bike Racing Association. Go-kart tracks offer a road racecourse
that is perfectly scaled to pocket bikes. You can give your local
go-kart track a call or get in touch with NAPRA itself to see if
any tracks or leagues are offering pocket bike racing in your area.
Major kart tracks across the country have adopted pocket bike racing,
and there are sure to be more as the national interest in pocket
grows with every passing day.
Of course, not everyone in North America has the luxury of living
near a decent scale racing facility or a go-kart track. But fear
not, since pocket bikes, being so small in scale, can often be raced
in a parking lot. All it takes is a decent-sized, unobstructed,
smooth parking lot with no major obstructions or light poles to
race pocket bikes. This method of racing pocket
bikes can be a cost-effective and convenient solution for every
pocket bike owner. You can even construct your own course by placing
orange cones as course markers.
Where to Ride Your Pocket Bike
While many pocket bike owners race their pocket
bikes at competitions and go-kart tracks, others simply enjoy riding
their pocket bikes for fun in an open area. Remember, it is not
legal to ride your pocket bikes on the street in most areas. Also,
it is not legal to ride a pocket bike on the sidewalk in most states.
Pocket bikes are designed for high-speed use, which makes them too
fast for pedestrians walking at sidewalk speeds. Check with your
local city officials for the specific rules governing pocket bike
riding on the street. It is always best to check with officials
to find good, legal ways to ride your pocket bike.
In lieu of racetrack competitions, all you need is an open lot with
plenty of free space and no major obstacles. You want to be able
to build up speed without the risk of running into harmful obstacles.
A relatively smooth concrete surface is also a plus. With friends,
you can even host your own races using cones. Again, here are the
major things to keep in mind when searching for a good place to
ride your pocket bike:
A clear, open area that would allows for the high speeds of pocket
bikes
No major obstacles or obstructions that could cause harm or injury
A relatively smooth surface to maximize control over the pocket
bike
Steer clear of public roads and pedestrian-heavy areas
Pocket Bike Care
When considered as miniature racing motorcycles,
pocket bikes are relatively easy to service and repair. In fact,
with a little bit of mechanical ability, you should be able to do
routine maintenance-change the plug, lube and tension the chain-all
on your own. If you do run into mechanical trouble, your local motorcycle
or moped shop should be able to service your pocket bike without
any difficulty. Some have even said that they have found service
for their pocket bikes with lawn mower repair shops. Pocket bikes'
engines are fairly basic and easy to service and should not present
any problems for owners.
Many use pocket bikes for racing, and, when this
is the case, extra care should be given to the pocket bike for maximum
safety and performance. In other words, a certain degree of care
and preparation is needed when racing your pocket bike. Many racers
will completely disassemble their bikes, and then inspect, thread
lock, zip-tie, safety wire, and carefully detail their pocket bike
rather extensively to get them ready for racing. Of course, not
everyone is quite this serious about racing, but some level of care
and preparation certainly will be required to get your bike safe
and ready for riding. A simple set of metric wrenches will be required
to tighten the handlebars and hand controls, for instance. Because
of their small sizes, pocket bikes are easy to service at the racetrack.
Simply throw the necessary tools and parts in the trunk; you don't
need a huge pick-up truck to care for your pocket bike when you're
away from home. This is yet another advantage to owning a pocket
bike-they are easy to service and convenient to transport.
Pocket bikes should receive the same routine checkups that other
motor vehicles receive. For both safety and maximum
performance, it is important to keep your pocket bike in good working
order. If you are mechanically inclined, you should have no problem
performing your own basic preventive care. If you are not that familiar
with motor vehicles and maintenance, it will be easy to find service
shops that can fix any problems that may arise.
