The History of Mini Bikes

Mini bikes are small, motorized two wheeled vehicles similar to their counterpart, the bicycle, except motorized. They generally had much smaller tire size in the 10 to 12 inch diameter range. They were developed along side their more popular cousins, go karts, after World War II. In the fifties, the U.S. defense manufacturing industry began selling smaller gas powered engines for new peacetime machines such as lawnmowers. Soon hobbyists built the first small motorized bikes with lawnmower engines and re-fitted bicycle parts. Not long after enthusists started bending tubing/conduit, welding it together into a shape that became known as the original mini bike.

Early Manufacturing/Products

Fox was one of the first names on the karting and mini-bike scene back around 1959. Many of the early names disappeared following the kart glut of 1962, but Fox survived for quite a while after and, in 1968, was selling an EXCELLENT line of mini-bikes, including the Doodle Bug and Campus. They even added some springs to the front forks which helped cushion the ride over bumpy terrain. They offered both in either a ready to run version or kits to assemble. The kits also had the option of including a motor or not. Another very popular contender in the mini bike market was Rupp.

Many people used the engines off their old reel type lawn mowers as they had the horizontal shaft which was perfect for the mini bike application. The main contenders in the early going were briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh. Of course as time went on many others joined the race like Kawasaki and Suzuki to name a few.

Through the Years

Japan’s Honda comapny started making versions with engines which also had a gearbox, like the larger motor cycles which the driver shifted with their foot. This gave the bikes much more power for hills and dirt riding while increasing the top end considerably. Some of the earliest models, like the 50cc, model where loads of fun and very good on gas mileage too. The extra power boost made mini bikes superb racing machines. Instead of being souped up toys, they were truly small motorcycles.

Due to the success of the CT70, Japan was one of the first countries outside of the U.S. where mini bike racing gained an enthusiastic following. England, France and Italy followed suit with their own clubs, race categories and commercial mini bike manufacturers.

Today riders all over the world are attracted to mini bike racing for the affordability, the ease of transporting a mini bike and the relative safety of riding. You can get a 40 lbs. (18.14 kg) minimoto with a two-stroke engine that cranks out 6 hp (4.5 kW) of power! These bikes have only 1 in. (2.54 cm) of clearance off the ground and can attain speeds up to 40 mph (64.4 kmh).

Safety

There is various types of safety equipment that can be used to protect the rider from injury. Being a two wheeled vehicle and requiring balance, it can be easy to slip in gravel or fall. A rider should always wear a helmet, period! There is leathers available for off road riding and racing which help protect from scrapes and burns. Keep your mini bike in good condition and observe safety rules for handling gasoline. Riding a mini bike can be a fun and rewarding hobby.

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