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Mini Motorcycles: The Latest Colossal Thrill
By Tom Franck
June 2004
Mini Motorcycles are nothing new. For most of their history, the demographic that favored mini-bikes was the ten-year-old bully. But the mini-bike has been given an overhaul and has taken off in popularity. Welcome to the Mini-Moto craze. Also called "Pocket Bikes," Mini-Motos have truly become a global phenomenon.
There are a few factors that distinguish these chic new vehicles from the classic, old-school mini-bike.
Mini Motos are true miniatures of their larger cousins. All of the details that go into the high performance motorcycles of today are scaled down. The slick tires, the race replica bodywork and the "super bike" colors are all present. Although usually only 15 to 18 inches in height and weighing 35 to 55 pounds, it can be difficult to tell they're not full size when looking at them on their own. The exactness of detail adds to their cache and is most certainly what has raised them to such heights of popularity.
Although beautiful, Mini-Motos go well beyond being mere exquisite scale models. Advanced engineering has catapulted them to high-performance levels at only slightly outrageous prices. European companies like Blata and Polini sell units for $1200-$2000 but less expensive and arguably less reliable ones are made by Chinese manufacturers and cost $400-$600. Most models have two-stroke, 40cc engines, which run on a combination of gas and oil. Despite the awkward-looking position it takes to mount one, they are a sheer joy to ride. The short wheelbase and overall low weight give them a lightning-fast turn and the thrill of riding so fast and so close to the terra firma is indeed intoxicating.
Safety measures are a must when riding Mini Motos. Gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, leather and a helmet should all be worn for each and every ride. Wi tho ut them, road rash is quite likely and worse injuries are possible. Because Mini Motos do not exceed the 50cc engine size, DMV registration and moped/scooter licenses are not necessary. However, most are not equipped with turn signals and DMV-approved tires, so they are not street legal either.
This new incarnation of mini-bike is not just for neighborhood bullies. Adults are getting them for their kids but more commonly, for themselves. Normal models can regularly go 35mph, al tho ugh parents can set them to max out at much slower speeds or ¡ modify them to go faster. Moreover, models with more powerful engines are available. A GRC RX with 15hp 50cc engine by GRC Moto can be purchased for a mere $3,295.00.
The Mini Moto explosion shows no signs of ending anytime soon as MM racing leagues are popping up. The Northwest Mini Moto Racing Association and the Michigan Mini Moto Racing League have a full calendar of races and the US Mini Moto Grand Prix National Finals will be held in Florida this October.
by tyler on January 22, 2005
thats tight
by aaron on February 9, 2005
i will like to have one
by brad on February 12, 2005
I have a red suzuki mini moto but i dont race i just ride
by Roni on February 14, 2005
Hey Brad, why don''t you race it?how old do you have to be to ride one?
by biker on February 14, 2005
I need to get one too
by david on February 23, 2005
i always wanted one
by LeJarvis on February 24, 2005
I have a mini motorcycles and it is fast and looks goooood.
by emanuel on February 25, 2005
those mother ***ers are to much
by emanuel on February 25, 2005
those mother ***ers are to much
by emanuel on February 25, 2005
those mother ***ers are to much
by emanuel on February 25, 2005
those mother ***ers are to much
by LeJarvisbailey on February 26, 2005
If you have the money, buy one!
by lllll on February 26, 2005
The racing ones cost to much!
by 78797897979787987979 on February 26, 2005
They need to lower the prices!
by 777874441 on February 26, 2005
Those people who buy those are stupid mother ****ers!
by 7412 on February 26, 2005
by 4954214949 on February 26, 2005
Hey Emanuel, you need to stop complaining!
by carlos on February 27, 2005
ur all gay n i have a mini moto blata crosser n iv won 17 racing
by 000000 on March 2, 2005
Carlos, you are a gay mther f****r
by thear on March 24, 2005
man those things r so gay ,but if i could afford one id buy me one of thsoe peices of ***
by 123456789 on April 2, 2005
u all *** mini choppers rule!!
by 123456789 on April 2, 2005
thear if there so gay why would u by one?? ur the gay one
by 56656ytuttt876767548476567785 on April 7, 2005
u all ***
by craigy on April 9, 2005
ur all gay get a life
by Donniesha on April 9, 2005
I WANT A MINI MOTORCYCLE .THEY ARE COOL
by BRIANNA on April 9, 2005
I THINK THAT THE MINI MOTORCYCLES ARE FUN.
by sk8tby8 on April 18, 2005
those mini bikes are sweet!Mine gos 48.I have won over $100 in one race before.
by brett on April 19, 2005
my mini moto kicks ***! it goes round corners like a bullet! top
by brett on April 19, 2005
anyone there?
by brett on April 19, 2005
i want a race so i can kick ur ***!
by shawty on April 21, 2005
wud up err body out thrr wats popin yo them mini motorcycles is ***in hot i''m gonna get one 2 marrow
by tokyo on April 23, 2005
mini motorcycles are pimped out
by mini moto crew shane n rick on April 25, 2005
mini mini moto crew r da best
by Anonymous on April 25, 2005
gerrards cross crew any 1 wana race come down rick n shane r ere
by by lil p on april 27,2005 on April 27, 2005
ya''ll some ***es stop complaining
by devario on May 1, 2005
mini bikes are mother ***in sweet *** but it broke my *** mother ***a
by boner on May 1, 2005
they cut my manhood off,and *** they ***in tore it off now i cant bone yo momma
by g-unit on May 1, 2005
the osama thing is really ***e.it was just a joke from us in Atlanta,georgia.
by FUCKYOUALL on May 4, 2005
SHUT THE *** UP AND STOP COMPLAINING!!!1
by 50 cent on May 5, 2005
Why they cost so much....Damn!*** you too and shut the *** up
by stevo on May 9, 2005
where r u all
by bananas man on May 19, 2005
mini motos rule!! all ya need 2 do is get on a proper racing 1 and thats it, you''ll get the bug an will have 2 buy 1 too!!
by lil demon on May 24, 2005
these bikes r the *** the ***s that r writing *** on this r a bunch of bicths
by alex on May 29, 2005
i topped my bike out at 48mph and i was totally trippin out. it was crazy wicked.
by alex on May 29, 2005
i bet it will go faster. it needs adjustments with the carb so if any of u panzees want to race bring it on.
by minimoto1 on June 1, 2005
yo son, don't be hatin on those minimotos because I want one, but my parents said they are to dangerous. Is it true? Are they dangerous?
by minimoto1 on June 1, 2005
yo son, don't be hatin on those minimotos because I want one, but my parents said they are to dangerous. Is it true? Are they dangerous?
by minimoto1 on June 1, 2005
yo son, don't be hatin on those minimotos because I want one, but my parents said they are to dangerous. Is it true? Are they dangerous?
by alan on June 2, 2005
i am going 2 buy 1 cause they are nice
by alan on June 2, 2005
they are not dangerous you could buy one at minipocketrocket.com 4 200.00 and it goes 40 MPH
by ZZZZZZZZZZZ on June 5, 2005
There so in style I am rich so I have 6
by 12 incher on June 14, 2005
every1 of u mugs can all suk my 12 inch cok cos it is all about my bike the kx 125
by ??? on June 19, 2005
i can get these bikes for ¡ê180 but not sayin where haha
by quintel reed on June 21, 2005
i will like to bye one of thim on july 30 ok an tank u
by lildanG on June 25, 2005
mutha****** ull can afford one. I have the best ones cuz im f**** rich.
by J-Baby on June 25, 2005
immma get me one cause those mother****ers are tight. i don care how much they cost.
by Ted on June 27, 2005
Ya i hav a GP MX3 pocket bike w blue neons an a duel exaust pipe .... ya it is pretty tight.....an i am goin to start raceing some ......peace
by mariano on June 27, 2005
yo dog i got one it's a GP MX3 YA I GOT NEON AND IT GOES REAL FAST ILL BEAT ANYONE
by Jesse on June 27, 2005
yo wats up paul...yo i hav a green pocketbike w white an black strips an black neons an i race in compitions...mabe i will c some of u newbees on the track.....peace
by PAUL on June 27, 2005
YO JESSE I GOT A BLUE AND BLACK AND WHITE ONE IT'S OF THE HOOK SO MAYB I GOTTA RACE U ILL KILL YOU FOO
by Jesse on June 27, 2005
yo this jesse again..ya pauls is fast but i can beat him is a staight away race..... so any 1 want to hav a little compition me an my crew: me paul, pete, an konnor can hook u up...peace out
by dequinn on June 28, 2005
mini motorcycles r tha s**t biches
by lil white boy on June 28, 2005
they are defienitly worth the money
by minimike on July 1, 2005
who wants to bu a mini moto yahmaha mini r1 for 50¡ê plz call me on 07961239113
by diddy bikes on July 1, 2005
i hate mini moto i am 2 young 2 ride one *sob sob*
by Anonymous on July 1, 2005
i will buy a mini moto from anyone that is selling one
by Anonymous on July 1, 2005
ur swank bizzle
by bruce on July 2, 2005
RIDE N BE HAPPY,WHAT WEBSITE HAS THE BEST SELECTION ?
by best on July 2, 2005
I don't think you guys can beat me
by daquan on July 7, 2005
I WANT A MOTORCYCLE!!!
by pimp on July 8, 2005
yall *** shut up
by Saint on July 8, 2005
well *** all u ***es im going to buy 1 and i'm going to smoke all u ***s
by SDK ALL DAY EVERY DAY on July 8, 2005
I'm going to put nos on mine Hoes
by LUDACRIS on July 14, 2005
yall need to stop ***ing like alot af girls
by cris on July 14, 2005
mini choppers *** mini bikes kick ***
by i. p. daily on July 14, 2005
*** *** slut
by *** on July 14, 2005
*** my vigina
by *** on July 14, 2005
*** my vigina
by *** on July 14, 2005
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by *** on July 14, 2005
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by *** on July 14, 2005
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by *** on July 14, 2005
yo ***es *** my ***
by *** on July 14, 2005
yo ***es *** my ***
by *** on July 14, 2005
yo ***es *** my ***
by *** on July 14, 2005
yo ***es *** my ***
by *** on July 14, 2005
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by *** on July 14, 2005
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by g on July 14, 2005
bitc h
by g on July 14, 2005
bitc h
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by g on July 14, 2005
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by g on July 14, 2005
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by dhuuihjfvbh on July 18, 2005
ur all gay mine wil kik all ya arses
by young1 on July 18, 2005
*** ALL OF YALL
by young1 on July 18, 2005
that bike sweet as hell
by young1 on July 18, 2005
that bike sweet as hell
by young1 on July 18, 2005
that bike sweet as hell
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