Pocket bikes (a.k.a. minimotos, mini GP’s or pocket rockets) are miniature GP “Grand Prix” racing motorcycles. They’re approximately one-forth the size of a regular motorcycle, but accurate in detail and proportion to world-class GP bikes. Common features include; small two-stroke gas engines (between 40 – 50 cubic centimeters in size), front/rear disc brakes, racing tires, fairings, a sturdy yet light weight aluminum or aluminum alloy frame, plus the look and feel of a real GP racing motorcycle.

Performance varies depending on the model and horsepower. The smaller industrial-motored models used by Junior class racers are capable of speeds of over 25 mph, the average 4.2 hp and 6.2 hp racing models achieve about 40-45 mph, and open class machines can clock over 50 mph!

You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to several thousand dollars on a pocket bike depending on the quality and features offered. When purchasing a lower priced pocket bike it’s important to stick with a good brand name. The inexpensive, off-brand pocket bikes on the market are typically very poor quality. Boreem and Freedom are two brands names that manufacturer lower cost, good quality pocket bikes.

Pocket Bikes are built for racing and intended for use on speedways, go-kart tracks, or closed parking lots. Pocket bike racing is currently very popular in Europe and Japan and becoming increasingly more popular in the USA. Pocket bikes provide an inexpensive way to live out fantasies of GP Racing stardom and are a great entry way into full-sized motorcycle racing.

Now that we’ve described what pocket bikes are, here are a few words about what pocket bikes are not…

Pocket bikes are not STREET MOTORCYCLES: Pocket bikes are highly specialized, miniature GP Racing motorcycles and not intended for use on the street, sidewalk or other areas used by motor vehicles. STAY OFF THE ROAD!

Pocket bikes are not TOYS: Pocket bikes are built for high speed racing. While a younger rider may look physically proportional to a pocket bike, they may not be able to safely operate the full-sized hand controls. Only younger riders who possesses a high degree of training, skill, and dexterity should attempt to ride pocket bikes and only under close adult supervision. CHECK WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO CONFIRM AGE RESTRICTIONS IN YOUR AREA.

Pocket bikes are not… TO BE UNDERESTIMATED: The more powerful and expensive pocket bikes aren’t made for adult riders, but built for experienced adult racers. Starting out with a 9.5 hp or 12+ hp model is surely ill advised, especially if you have no prior road racing experience. Pocket bikes have an incredible power-to-weight ratio and more power on tap than can be used safely in all situations. USE COMMON SENSE AND BE SAFE!

Where to Ride Pocket Bikes?

The easiest way to find a good place to ride your pocket bike is through a regional pocket bike league. These regional pocket bike leagues hold racing events in various locations, typically speedways, go-kart tracks, or closed parking lots. These leagues can also point you in the direction of safe and legal places to ride outside of race time. If you can’t find a league in your region, you may want to search the yellow pages or internet for local go-kart tracks, which usually allow pocket bike riding at designated times.

If you’re not ready to join a league and would prefer to scout out a location on your own, there are several basic things you’ll want to look for;

_ A clear, open area that allows for a pocket bikes high speed.
_ No obstacles or obstructions that could cause harm or injury.
_ A smooth, flat surface area to maximize control over the pocket bike.
_ Steer clear of public roads and pedestrian-heavy areas.

Mini Choppers

A history of mini choppers:

Fast Mini Choppers are found under a variety of names including mini motorcycles, or scooters. Mini choppers are a cross between the regular sized choppers and the mini bikes similar to those produced by Yamaha in the 1970's.

The Chopper bicycle draws its design inspiration from customized motorcycles of the 1950s, which had been 'chopped' to make them more distinctive.

The story of mini chopper bikes is interesting as it illustrates how a product category can come into being as a result of user customization. Von Hippel refers to this as the 'lead-user' phenomenon. A couple of US bicycle firms started to take notice, and in June 1963 the Schwinn Stingray was launched.

UK firm Raleigh followed the trend with a 'copy' of the Stingray - the Raleigh Rodeo - which appeared in the US in 1966. Raleigh resolved to design its own new bike for the US market and the Raleigh Chopper was born.

Although there is some dispute over who was responsible for the design of the Raleigh Chopper (since Raleigh had been working with Tom Karen of design firm Ogle Design), either way it is clearly based on the earlier US models. The Raleigh Chopper appeared in the US in September 1968, but by then the market was crowded with ape-hanger bikes, and it made little impact.

Now, riders can find cheap mini choppers online, helping spread the enthusiasm for mini choppers throughout the world.