SuperTuning Pocket Bikes

Racing pocket bikes, also known as Mini GP racing or Minimoto racing, is a type of racing that is done with the use of miniature versions of full size motorcycles, also known as pocket bikes. This type of racing usually occurs on go kart tracks. It is extremely popular in Europe and Japan, and is gaining in popularity all over the world, in particular in the United States.

The usual pocket bike is roughly a fourth the size of a regular motorbike, with an engine which is about 50 cubic centimetres producing form 3 to 15hp, which varies with the specific model. Pocket bikes have no suspension, instead they rely on the tires absorbing bumps. Most weigh around 35 pounds. The entry-level models often produce around 3 to 4 horsepower, but the more expensive racing models are more powerful. The best racing pocket bikes are designed with an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Speed and acceleration can be enhanced by special modifications. Despite their miniature size, both adults and children race pocket bikes at speeds of up to sixty five miles per hour when raced in good conditions.

Pocket bikes are small and easy to transport, and they are cheap to buy which adds to their appeal to both children and adults. The least expensive pocket bikes from China start at around $300 for a no frills model, while prices can be as high as $4000 for a top racing bike made in Italy. Children from around six or seven can be taught the basics about motorcycle racing and adults can feel the thrill of motorbike racing without the high costs and heavy risks associated with regular motorcycle racing.

Bikes come to Brum

THE Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham’s NEC is set to kick off on November 27 for ten days of motorcycling fun.

And while most bike shows are purely about gawping at the latest models and kit on display, the NEC show is much more action packed.

But let’s start with the gawping – by that I mean the new bikes.

Some manufacturers treading cautiously at times of recession have decided not to attend this year’s show. Noticeable absentees include Harley-Davidson, Honda and Ducati. But there are still plenty of big names lending their support including Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki. They’ll be displaying their 2010 line-up, with Kawasaki unveiling its new learner models for the first time.

Of course, Triumph will be there to support the British show, as will the recently resurrected British marque Norton that will unveil two new machines, the 961 Commando and the Café Racer Commando.

Norton will also display its NRV588 Rotary race bike that was recently clocked at more than 180mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Austrian manufacturer KTM will also be present. It wouldn’t want to miss this year’s NEC show, which will have a larger than usual off-road presence. The latest dirt machines will be on display, including bikes from BMW-owned off-road marque Husqvarna.

After a 12-year absence from the NEC, Husqvarna has chosen the event to unveil four new off-road models.

And if you’ve ever dreamt of trying your hand at dirt biking, the NEC show is your chance to try out the latest bikes on the UK’s largest supercross circuit. All equipment (helmet, goggles, gloves and boots) will be provided, as well as instruction from qualified motocross coaches including Yamaha’s Barry Johnson.

In addition, the Suzuki Off Road Zone will offer visitors as young as six their first taste of off-road riding. And to kick-start the show in style, the NEC will be hosting rounds one and two of the British Supercross Championship on November 28th.

But if getting dirty’s not your thing, then you can always get your kicks at the indoor karting and mini moto track. If you’d rather just spectate there’ll be all the usual stunt shows and wall of death in the action-packed arena.

This year the show is divided into zones including the Touring and Adventure Zone, Custom Zone and Training Zone.

For race fans, there’ll be a dedicated Race Paddock as well as a Classic Racers Zone, where Freddie Spencer’s 1985 Rothman’s Honda 500 will be on display alongside other legendary machines.

There will be plenty of human legends kicking about too – racing heroes Jamie Whitham, Guy Martin, Tommy Hill, Leon Camier and James Toseland are just a few of those casually milling around and giving interviews at the various stands.

Finally, the NEC has an entire hall dedicated to its ‘Marketplace’, where manufacturers sell last year’s clothing and accessories at bargain basement prices. There will also be competitions to enter, with plenty of worthwhile prizes to win including a Suzuki GSX-R1000, top of the range Arai helmets, MotoGP passes and off-road experiences.

The show runs to December 6. For details check out www.motorcycleshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 581 2345.

Australia’s leading stunt bike, freestyle motocross, trials and mini moto stars are set to entertain crowds at next week’s Sydney Motorcycle Show, with up to four daily shows included free upon admission.

Doors to the event will open from 10am each morning from Friday November 20 through to Sunday November 22 at the Sydney Showgrounds at Sydney Olympic Park.

The Yamaha Action Arena will be the centre of attention for fans of the four popular disciplines of two-wheel action sports.

Celebrating its 10th year in 2009, the Yamaha Showtime FMX team, featuring riders Matty McFerran, Kain Saul and Brad Burch, will bring its jaw-dropping display of aerial acrobatics to the fore.

Launching up to 40 foot from the ground, the trio will pull off a stunning series of backflips, whips, no-handers and various combinations high above the precinct.

“This will be my fourth visit to the Sydney Motorcycle Show, it’s an event the whole team enjoys because we get so close to the crowd and they get such a good view,” said McFerran.

“The show has a great atmosphere and we really enjoy mixing it with bike fans of all ages over the three days.”

Keeping things closer to the ground will be stunt sensations Matt Mingay and Lukey Luke from Australia’s leading outfit, Stuntz Inc.

Voted as crowd favourites in the past, the duo will light up the bitumen with their own custom moves, including wheelies, stoppies and burnouts.

Harley-Davidson mounted Mingay said the event was a highlight of the team’s calendar and looked forward to putting on a show for Sydney-siders.

“We perform at a number of motorsport events throughout the year but the Sydney Motorcycle Show is unique because the fans are so close to the action,” said Mingay.

“It’s a great day out, we look forward to seeing thousands of visitors through the doors and cheering on during shows.”

Lukey Luke’s skills will be showcased aboard two bikes – his regular Triumph, and for the first time ever, the fully-electric Zero Motorcycle.

Putting on a show within their own custom-built arenas will be Australian Freestyle Entertainment trials stars Jack Field and Jack Kavanagh, plus the popular Brown’s Grafix Mini Moto team.

Crowds are sure to be amazed as the trials duos manoeuvre their custom-built motorcycles up and over obstacles in a seemingly impossible display.

Packing a punch of just 50cc per bike, the Mini Moto team make up in prowess what they lack in power – up to 8 riders will showcase their own blend of tricks over a ramp and quarter-pipe.

All show entertainment and Yamaha Action Arena displays are included with the purchase of an entry ticket, which starts at just $13.

A family can make a day of it at the Sydney Motorcycle Show for just $46 – entry includes 2 adults and 2 children.

The event showcases over 500 new motorcycle models from 16 of the world’s most iconic and renowned manufacturers, while also featuring displays from various accessory, apparel, parts and service exhibitors.

For further information, please visit www.australianmotorcycleexpo.com.au.