| Racing pocket bikes is a sport that is very popular in | | | | they do today, because of the costly research and |
| places like space-starved Japan. Racing meets are | | | | development expenses. The bikes of today reflect |
| also found in Europe and elsewhere in the world. The | | | | precise relationships between braking systems, engine |
| bikes are also known as mini-moto's and the races as | | | | configuration, geometry of the frame and available |
| Mini GP Racing. Races are typically conducted on a | | | | power. |
| kart track. The miniature motorcycles resemble sport | | | | Even a child can pick up one of these |
| bikes but are only about one-quarter the size. | | | | mini-motorcycles and put it into a rear seat or cargo |
| Mini-bikes are about 20 inches high and forty inches | | | | compartment of an automobile. The price means that |
| long. They usually weigh in at around 50 pounds. This | | | | both children and adults can enjoy the fun of |
| small size means they can be operated by either | | | | operating a racing motorcycle. Children as young as |
| adults or children. Power for the mini-bikes is usually | | | | six own and operate the mini-bikes in races. Adults |
| supplied by a small two-stroke engine of around fifty | | | | can have the enjoyment of racing without the cost |
| cubic centimeters in size. The entry-level bikes usually | | | | of purchasing and maintaining a full-size motorcycle. |
| provide from 2.4 to 4.2 hp, with increased | | | | Mini-bikes are not legal for street riding in most |
| horsepower for racing bikes. The high performance | | | | countries. Even though you don't need a driver's |
| minibikes have anywhere from eleven to seventeen | | | | license to operate a mini-bike, they should only be |
| horsepower output. | | | | enjoyed in car parks, trails, parking lots or race |
| In Japan, where the concept of minibikes was first | | | | tracks. They are safer to operate on fairly smooth |
| put into practice, the original bikes were much less | | | | and clean paved areas. |
| developed than they are today. The early bikes were | | | | Even though the mini-moto is a small and lightweight |
| simply smaller frames with a small two-cycle motor | | | | machine, riding it takes experience and skill. Safety |
| attached. As the idea of mini motorcycles spread into | | | | training is important and safety equipment such as |
| Europe, the Italian engineering skills came into the | | | | helmets, protective boots and other items are |
| picture. They took the idea of mini-bikes and | | | | imperative. This is particularly important when young |
| upgraded the technology to produce a racing machine | | | | children are riding. Pick your place for riding based |
| that is optimized for weight, balance and wind stream | | | | upon the skill and experience of the rider and always |
| effectiveness. The speed record has been set at 78 | | | | do a vehicle safety check before riding. |
| miles per hour in a recent race. Races are typically | | | | If motorcycle riding interests you, pocket bikes may |
| held on kart tracks. | | | | be a good way to include your family in riding. Racing |
| Beginner bikes are available now from China at prices | | | | events for mini-bikes are popular in Japan and Europe |
| less than $200. At the other end of the range, | | | | and are also found in the United States. Races are |
| superbly engineered racing machines sell for as much | | | | divided into categories by gender and age group. |
| as $7000. Early racing models cost much more than | | | | Three main types of bikes are raced. |