2nd attempt - minimoto pocket bike

k9handler · 01-04-2007, 11:02 AM

The time has come for me to add another 2 wheel ride to my collection, this time it will be a minimoto or pocket bike as named in the US.

Anyone have good info on them? Source for cheap upgrades and replacement parts? I have my eye on a used one here in the local area that only needs one part replaced so I can be up and running for less that $100.

Nice thing is we have an indoor track, so a safe place to ride and enjoy what seems to be an inexpensive fun thing to do.

Looking forward to any insight you guys can contribute.

David · David's Garage

I'll bite, what's a minimoto pocket bike?

k9handler · 01-06-2007, 12:17 AM

49cc small version of a Moto GP bike. Guys race them and the parts to fix or upgrade them are pretty cheap from what I can tell. It's something new I want to try so that is why I asked this here. I was told in europe they are called mini moto and in the US they are called pocket bikes. HP ranges from 1.2 to 15 hp and speeds over 50 mph. Still looking for more info and a good idea of what to buy.

Milu · 01-06-2007, 02:44 AM

Milu · 01-06-2007, 02:45 AM

Some guys used to race motorised barstools too!

k9handler · 01-06-2007, 03:35 AM

yep that is them, seems like a good choice for me since I already have all the safety gear!

David · David's Garage

I used to race Yamaha YSR-50's. We'd run them on kart tracks. They were incredible fun, you could drag your knees and everything. It was tough enough getting my 6'3" frame on the YSR, I don't think I could get on a minimoto.

I just did a search on YSR's and they're still pricy even for a 10+ year old bike. So maybe $100 for one of those is good deal.

sammyg2 · 01-06-2007, 12:35 PM

When these first started getting popular i figured I wanted one too. A few friends of mine got them and it really looked like fun.
They rode them about 5 times and then lost interest and let them sit, I'm afraid the same thing would happen to me.

k9handler · 01-06-2007, 01:12 PM

yeah I thought that as well, that is why I am looking at a used one...my son will enjoy it as well.

Tim Hancock · 01-06-2007, 04:39 PM

I have come close a couple times to buying one. The real small ones would fit in the back seat of my airplane. After the first couple hours of playing with one, I also would probably rarely play with it. The kind I was looking at a few years back was about $300, can't remember the brand, but it was pretty cheaply built.

nota · 01-07-2007, 12:17 AM

beware the red china built ones [most if not all]
cheap junk with no replacement parts system
and you will need to replace bits alot as they break alot
if you can find name brand jap or euro bikes
go for it

k9handler · 01-07-2007, 12:26 AM

I agree...being in europe I am looking at the italian models or the upper end japaneese knock offs...CAG is the model with loads of parts and the one I made a $100 offer for.

k9handler · 01-10-2007, 10:44 AM

here is the one I purchased.

picked her up yesterday...

and here she is today...

Upgrades for performance and a Gulf racing scheme for paint.

AFC-911 · 01-10-2007, 10:53 AM

I've never seen these in person!! They look like tons of fun!

rouxroux · 01-10-2007, 10:54 AM

I think stinky is jealous...when was the last time that chain/sprocket saw oil? I think with this new secret weapon, you can buzz around the 'burg knocking off OTHER folk's mirrors and no one will ever see ya'!

k9handler · 01-10-2007, 08:43 PM

ha ha Stinky was just mudded up last weekend so she is fine! =o)
The pocket bike had sat for about 1 year with a broken pull start...so I purchased it for $75 and also snagged a billet alu starter kit for $24 so she will be up and running very soon. The chain and sprocket cleaned up very nice...like beautiful brass!

k9handler · 01-11-2007, 08:09 AM

I agree with you Wayne, the karts are great fun and I race them about once a month. This bike is for fun, my son and I will share time on it...in fact I will have a set of body work for him and the Gulf scheme set for me. =o)

k9handler · 01-13-2007, 11:05 AM

and back together with a few tweeks. Just waiting for the new starter and fuel cap.

k9handler · 01-13-2007, 12:18 PM

and one with my matching helmet...that was just luck as I have had this helmet for 5 years!

k9handler · 01-21-2007, 06:40 AM

Working on the bike today I decided to test my Hopes 6 piston hydraulic brakes on the front for size. Good news is they bolt right up and all I will need to do is find a slightly larger rotor.

What do you think?