What is Pocket Bike Racing?
Racing pocket bikes, also called Minimoto racing, is racing that is done with the use of miniature versions of full size motorcycles, that are usually called pocket bikes. This type of racing usually occurs on kart tracks. It is an extremely popular sport in Japan and Europe, and is gaining in popularity all over the world, in particular in the US.
The usual pocket bike is around one quarter a normal motorcycles size, and is powered by an internal combustion engine of around 50 cc outputting between three and fifteen hp, depending on the actual model. Pocket bikes have no suspension, instead they rely on bumps being absorbed by the tires. Most models weigh about 40 pounds. Models designed for beginners generally produce approximately 3 to 4 h.p., although models designed for more experienced riders are more powerful. The best pocket bikes for racing have a very favorable power-to-weight ratio. Modifications are often used to enhance acceleration and speed. Even though they are tiny, both adults and children race pocket bikes at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour when raced in good conditions.
Because they are small pocket bikes are easy to transport, and the cost of the bikes is low which increases their attractiveness to both adults and children. The least expensive pocket bikes from China start at approximately $200 for a no frills model, while you could pay as much as as $4000 for a top of the line Italian bike. Children as young as six can become skilled at the motorcycle racing while adults are able to experience all the excitement of motorbike racing without the danger and high cost involved in the usual full size motorcycle racing.