Pocket Bike Racing

Pocket bike racing, which is also known in some places as Minimoto or Mini GP racing, is a type of racing using miniature versions of full size motorcycles, called pocket bikes. Pocket bikes racing takes place on kart tracks. It’s a very popular form of racing in Japan and Europe, and is gaining enthusiasts in other parts of the world, particularly in North America.

A typical pocket bike is roughly one quarter the size of a regular motorbike, and uses an engine which is about 50cc outputting three to fifteen hp, depending on the specific model. There is no suspension on a pocket bike but they rely instead on bumps being absorbed by the tires. Most weigh approximately forty five pounds. Models designed for beginners generally produce in the region of three to four hp, but more expensive models run with much more power. The very best pocket bikes for racing are ones that provide a favorable power-to-weight ratio. Modifications are often used to enhance acceleration and speed. In spite of their small size, both children and adults can achieve speeds of sixty mph in organized racing leagues.

Pocket bikes are small and easy to transport, and the cost of the bikes is low which increases their attractiveness for both adults and children. The lowest cost pocket bikes imported from 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 become skilled at the motorcycle racing basics while adults can experience the excitement of motorbike racing without the high costs and heavy risks associated with regular motorcycle racing.