The Sport of Pocket Bike Racing

Pocket bike racing, also called Mini GP racing, is a type of auto racing using smaller versions of full size racing motorbikes, also known as pocket bikes. Pocket bike races usually use go kart tracks. It’s extremely popular in Japan and Europe, and is gaining enthusiasts in many other parts of the world, especially in the US.

Typically a pocket bike is about a quarter the size of a full sized motorbike, and is powered by an internal combustion engine which is about 50 cubic centimetres producing somewhere between 3 and 15 horsepower, which varies with the exact model. There is no suspension on a pocket bike but they rely instead on the tires absorbing bumps. Most models weigh roughly 45 pounds. The entry-level models will usually produce in the region of 3 to 4 h.p., while the more expensive racing models produce more power. The best racing pocket bikes have a good weight to power ratio. Speed and acceleration can be enhanced by special modifications. In spite of their small size, both adults and children can reach speeds of at least fifty five miles per hour when raced in good conditions.

Pocket bikes are small and easy to transport, and the cost of the bikes is low which increases their appeal to both children and adults. The lowest cost pocket bikes made in China start at around $350 for a fairly basic model, while you could pay as much as as $6000 for a top pocket bike from Italy. Children as young as 6 or 7 can be taught the basics about motorcycle racing and adults can experience all the thrills of motorbike racing but not the risks involved in the usual full size motorcycle racing.