Motorcycles Information

Mini Moto Mayhem


Mini Motos have been around in the UK for around ten years now. The first bikes we're cobbled together with parts that were already available. Small 2 stroke engines, mainly from garden machinery, were used. This type of engine is still used today for a few models and is referred to as an 'industrial' engine. But now the mini moto has been given an overhaul and has taken off in popularity.

Mini Motos are true miniatures of their larger Super bike cousins. All of the details that go into the high performance motorcycles of today are scaled down. The slick tires, the race replica bodywork and the "super bike" colours are all present. Although usually only 15 to 18 inches in height and weighing 35 to 55 pounds, it can be difficult to tell they're not full size when looking at them from a distance. The exactness of detail adds to their 'coolness' and is most certainly what has raised them to such heights of popularity.

Although beautiful, Mini Motos go well beyond being mere exquisite scale models. Advanced engineering has catapulted them to high-performance levels at only slightly outrageous prices. European companies like Blata and Polini sell units for £1200-£2000 but less expensive and arguably less reliable ones are made by Chinese manufacturers and cost £180-£400. Most models have two-stroke, 47cc engines, which run on a combination of petrol and two stroke oil. Despite the awkward-looking position it takes to mount one, they are a sheer joy to ride. The short wheelbase and overall low weight give them a lightning-fast turn and the thrill of riding so fast and so close to the terra firma is indeed intoxicating. Safety measures are a must when riding Mini Motos. Gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, a leather suit and a helmet should all be worn for each and every ride. Without them, road rash is quite likely and worse injuries are possible.

Despite the size of these little wonders adults are getting them for their kids but more commonly, for themselves. Normal models can regularly go 35mph, all though parents can set them to max out at much slower speeds or ? modify them to go faster. Moreover, models with more powerful engines are available. A GRC RX with 15hp 50cc engine by GRC Moto can be purchased for a mere £1999.

The Mini Moto explosion shows no signs of ending anytime soon and MM racing leagues have been in practice in the UK for around seven years now.

The Mini Moto Racing Association offers the following categories for you to test your Mini Moto.

Junior Lights (4.2 hp) Age 6 - 15 up to 35.9 Kg
Junior Cadets (4.2 hp) Age 6 - 15 over 36 Kg
Junior Production Age 9 - 15 no weight limits
Lightweight Production Age 16 + up to 74.9 Kg
Senior Production Age 16 + over 75 Kg
4.2 Senior Age 16 + no weight limits
Supers Age 16 + no weight limits

Race meeting are held around to the country at Go Kart and Mini Moto Tracks. There are also many 'Arrive and Drive' practice sessions hosted by tracks around the UK.

Matt Tong owns and maintains the website http://www.minimotosandmore.com/ he has been riding and importing Mini Motos in to the UK for two years and can offer help and advice for newcomers to the sport.


MORE RESOURCES:

The San Francisco Appeal

SF motorcycle cops collide during training exercise
San Jose Mercury News
SAN FRANCISCO — Two San Francisco Police Department motorcycle officers who were hospitalized after crashing during a training exercise this afternoon are ...
Two SF motorcycle officers hurt in crashSan Francisco Chronicle

all 11 news articles »


Reuters

Harley-Davidson Rises on Buyout Chatter
New York Times (blog)
Harley-Davidson shares rose sharply on spiked Tuesday on speculation that the motorcycle maker was the target of a buyout bid, Reuters reported. ...
Heavyweight Motorbikes, RVs -- Biting the Bullet: 2010 ScenarioCNNMoney.com (press release)
Harley-Davidson for Sale?AllAboutBikes
Rumors lift Harley-Davidson stockYork Daily Record
Sun-Sentinel -MotorcycleUSA.com (blog) -Article Ant (press release)
all 97 news articles »


Arizona House takes up the Motorcycle Relief Act
AZ Central.com (blog)
But it has hit upon a way to bring aid and comfort to people who drive motorcycles. The Arizona House this afternoon is scheduled to debate House Bill 2475. ...

and more »


Pickup truck smashed into two motorcycles, killing 4 in Sumter County, FL
Justice News Flash
Legal News for Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys. A crash involving a pickup truck and two motorcycles caused injuries ranging from minor to fatal. ...
4 motorcyclists killed in crash identifiedMiamiHerald.com
Four motorcyclists killed in Sumter accidentTampabay.com
4 on 2 motorcycles killed in Fla. collisionThe Associated Press
WESH Orlando -Tampa Tribune -ABC Action News
all 228 news articles »


Lehigh Valley Motorcycle Extravaganza: Biker heaven
Allentown Morning Call
Browse or buy at the Lehigh Valley Motorcycle Extravaganza Saturday and Sunday at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown ...

and more »


Poker Run motorcycle ride to aid Farmerville High School
Monroe News Star
The Farmerville High School Alumni Association will host its inaugural Poker Run motorcycle ...

and more »


Legislation intended to help regulate motorcycle noise moving forward
York Weekly
Nancy Sullivan that could help curb the use of loud, after-market motorcycle mufflers. As of March 16, an amended version of the bill had been voted "ought ...

and more »


Mobil 1 Motorcycle Built by Orange County Choppers Awarded to Lucky Enthusiast
MarketWatch (press release)
--As part of the grand prize, he also won a free trip to the 2010 Daytona Bike Week celebration, where he received his new custom motorcycle from Paul ...

and more »


Gang task force serving search warrants throughout RivCo
Press-Enterprise (blog)
"They're doing a sweep this morning ... on outlaw motorcycles gangs," said Hemet police Capt. Tony Margis. Both men declined to provide further information, ...

and more »


Crash involving police cycle shuts down US 95
Las Vegas Sun
Authorities say there were no serious injuries in the crashes Wednesday night that involved two motorcycles and some cars. Metro Lt. Chris Jones says it ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006