The Sport of Pocket Bike Racing

Racing pocket bikes, also known as Mini GP racing or Minimoto racing, is a type of auto racing using miniature versions of full size motorcycles, also known as pocket bikes. These bikes are raced around tracks designed for karts. It is a sport that is very popular in Japan and Europe, and is gaining in popularity in many other countries, in particular in North America.

The usual pocket bike is roughly one quarter the size of a regular motorbike, and is powered by an internal combustion engine which is about 50cc producing three to fifteen hp, depending on the exact model. Pocket bikes do not have a suspension but instead rely on any bumps being absorbed by the tires. Most weigh roughly fifty pounds. Models designed for beginners usually produce approximately 3 to 4 h.p., although the more expensive racing models produce more power. The finest racing pocket bikes have a good weight to power ratio. Modifications are often used to enhance acceleration and speed. In spite of their small size, both children and adults race pocket bikes at speeds of up to sixty five mph under good conditions.

Because they are small pocket bikes are easy to transport, and they do not cost a lot which adds to their attractiveness for both adults and children. The least expensive pocket bikes from China start at as low as $250 for a fairly basic model, although you could pay as much as as $6000 for a top racing bike made in Italy. Children from the age of about six can learn the basics about motorcycle racing and adults can feel the thrill of bike racing without the high costs and heavy risks associated with the usual full size motorcycle racing.