Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
Daily Archive
Posted by supertuning on 22 Oct 2009 10:35 am. Filed under
Pocket Bikes.
Racing pocket bikes, also known as Mini GP racing or Minimoto racing, is racing using smaller versions of full size racing motorbikes, called pocket bikes. Pocket bikes are raced around dirt tracks. It’s a very popular form of racing in Europe and Japan, and is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world, particularly in North America.
A typical pocket bike is around a fourth the size of a full sized motorbike, and uses an engine which is about 50cc producing between three and fifteen hp, depending on the particular model. The machines have no suspension, relying instead on the tires absorbing the bumps. They generally weigh roughly 45 pounds. The entry-level models often output around 3 to 4 hp, however more expensive models can be much more powerful. The best racing pocket bikes have a good weight to power ratio. Modifications are often used to enhance acceleration and speed. Despite their miniature size, both adults and children can reach speeds of at least 55 m.p.h 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 cheapest pocket bikes made in China sell for around $200 for a no frills model, although you could pay as much as as $4000 for a top of the line Italian bike. Children as young as 6 or 7 can learn the motorcycle basics and adults can experience the excitement of bike racing without the huge costs and danger involved in regular motorcycle racing.
Posted by supertuning on 22 Oct 2009 10:34 am. Filed under
Pocket Bikes.
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SUCCESS: Ryan Magnussen with his bike and some of his trophies.
YOUNG Ryan Magnusson is making a big name for himself on a very small bike.
The Mollymook teen has collected a cabinet full of trophies since taking up mini-moto approximately two years.
Just recently he finished third in the junior nations after rounds in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
He races most months at Wollongong with occasional races elsewhere, including Canberra.
At his most recent race meet in the ACT Ryan collected the trophy for first place in the junior division before backing up for the seniors and finishing second.
Each meet consists of four races – the first two over five laps of a go kart track, the third over eight laps and the fourth over 10 laps.
At a previous race meet in Wollongong he took out first place in both the junior and senior races.
The 50cc mini-motos, or pocketbikes as they are also known, can reach speeds of 85-90 kilometres per hour.
They might look uncomfortable to ride but Ryan says the riders get used to it.
As for high speed accidents, because the riders are so close to the grouund the risk of serious injury is minimal.
The Wollongong City Raceway is the only approved track for mini-motos in NSW.
Ryan, who just turned 16, told the Times last week that he had never owned a motorbike before getting his hands on a mini-moto.
But he says they are fun to race and extremely quick for their size.
He says he has also met a lot of great people through mini-moto and has been bitten by the racing bug.
Ryan is sponsored by John Monty from Pocket Racing Imports and has two bikes – one a pro Chinese water cooled bike and the other a hand-made Italian elite water-cooled bike worth more than $4500.
It was on this bike that he enjoyed so much success at this year’s national’s.
Ryan now has his sights set on a Honda RS125, which he also plans to race – with the occasional return to mini-moto.
He said the decision to buy a larger bike and to race at venues such as Eastern Creek, Wakefield Park and Amaroo represented the next step up in his racing career.
Posted by supertuning on 22 Oct 2009 10:33 am. Filed under
Pocket Bikes.
Source: ONE NewsA mini motorcycle
Education is not normally something you can fast track, but for hundreds of secondary school students, this year’s school work has literally thrust them on to the Manfield motor racing track.
Year 12 students are racing mini motorcycles they built at school – and they even get NCEA credits for them.
The concept started in a just a few schools last year. Now hundreds of students from schools around New Zealand are competing in this year’s inaugural grand prix.
Gisborne school teacher Ross McDonald says it is very easy to motivate the students.
“The hardest thing is to actually physically throw them out of the classroom at the end of the period,” he says.
This year, sidecars are also being showcased.
“If you’re silly on (the sidecar), you’ll fall off. But if you know what you’re doing, you should be alright,” says James Hopkinson of Feilding High School.
The students complete their course on Wednesday, when the winners receive awards from former World Superbike champ Aaron Slight.
Posted by supertuning on 22 Oct 2009 10:32 am. Filed under
Pocket Bikes.
JONATHAN CAMERON/ Manawatu Standard
ON THE MARK: William Nicholson, from Whakatane High School, strains forward off the starting line in the air cooled standard class.
Heavy rain, bitter cold and a plenty of mud couldn’t stop 160 obsessed teenagers racing their own creations around Manfeild race track yesterday.
The teens spent a year of engineering classes building the motorbikes for the second annual NZ Secondary Schools Mini Moto GP in Feilding, which ends today.
The mini motorbikes stand about 40cm high, can travel up to 100kmh, and run between 38cc and 110cc.
Riders from one of three weight classes perched doubled up over the tiny frames to race the 1.5km loop around the back straight on Manfeild.
Feilding High School student Tony Smith’s modified bike took second place in the qualifying rounds.
Carrying his bike clear of the pit lane mud the year 12 student listed the modifications he had worked on during the year.
“It’s got a big bore exhaust, a free flow carburettor, extra transfer ports, and all the ports are lined and polished.
“All the steel work construction work was done by myself with a gas mig welder,” he said.
Tony is now planning to become an engineer, and said he would look for an apprenticeship building cars.
“My teacher, Mr [Roger] Emmerson, has really driven me.”
He explained the rain was making the day even more exciting as the tiny slick tyres had such a small area to grip the wet track.
“It’s pretty dangerous out there at the moment but it’s all part of the fun,” he said, heading for the starting line, bike in hand.
The event was the brainchild of Feilding High School engineering teacher Roger Emmerson, who wanted a project students could engage with.
The first event last year attracted 50 students and immediately generated interest from around the North Island. It was a stunning success.
They each start with a $380 kit containing the engine, wheels and brakes then build themselves a bike, Mr Emmerson said.
“They’re in before school, lunchtimes, and after school.
“It’s given them a taste of engineering, to make engineering fun and to give them a go… we need talented young engineers.”
The students earn unit standards for the projects and this year Mr Emmerson also took students to see the National Mini Moto Bikes race in Taumaranui to see the experts race and get some driver training.
Several of the students involved in the first mini bikes GP last year were now working in engineering apprenticeships, and studying auto-machining at UCOL, Mr Emmerson said.
Final rounds will be held today.
MINI MOTO GP
Classes
Air Cooled Standard
Lightweight, mediumweight and heavyweight classes49cc two-stroke motorEstimated to reach 65kmh
Only modifications external to the motor allowed.
Water Cooled Standard
38cc two-stroke motor
Estimated to reach 100kmh
Only modifications external to the motor allowed.
Open Modified
49cc two-stroke motor
Modifications to the motor allowed.
Sidecars
110cc four-stroke Loncin motor
Carry two riders.
Schools:
Feilding High School, St Peter’s College, Rangitikei College, Wanganui Collegiate, Wanganui City College, Mercury Bay Area School (Whitianga), Wairoa College, Central Hawke’s Bay College, Karamu High School (Hastings), Gisborne Boys’ High School, Lytton High School (Gisborne), Whakatane High School, Nelson College
Posted by supertuning on 22 Oct 2009 10:30 am. Filed under
Pocket Bikes.
CRUSHED this mini-moto will cause no more mayhem on an estate plagued by the machines.
Riders as young as nine and 10 have been caught tearing through the Teams area of Gateshead, making families afraid to step out on to paths.
Determined to make the area around Tyne View Primary school, Redheugh, safe for all, Neighbourhood Police have stepped up their efforts to stop the delinquent riders.
Smashed with a hammer then crushed by a giant metal claw, this is what will happen to bikes caught being used dangerously, officers have warned.
There have been more than 18 mini-moto related convictions in the area around Lovett Walk and Rose Street, Redheugh, in the last two years, thanks to neighbourhood beat manager PC Gavin Soulsby.
His tough approach has been welcomed by locals, but he remains aware there is still work to be done, as long as fears of a serious accident remain.
One of the most popular routes for joyriders is the ‘Bankies’ section of pathway running down to the banks of the Tyne.
Police have secured an agreement with Gateshead Council, which means barriers are now planned to break-up the mini-moto riders’ route.
Newly appointed Inspector for the Gateshead East neighbourhood team, Michael Robson, said: “Following complaints from residents we were very concerned about the level of illegal motorbike activity in the area.
“As a result we are continuing to take action to cut the disturbance they cause.
“We are working with the council to look at what else can be done in the area, including putting barriers in place as obstacles to the bikes.
“Like local families we are pleased with our results so far. Work like this shows the real strength of neighbourhood policing. When officers of PC Soulsby’s calibre have worked in the same neighbourhood for six years, their close links help find solutions.
“We want this to be a warning to all those considering riding bikes illegally. You will be caught, you will be prosecuted and your bike will be crushed.”
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