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.
Latest News
 Los Angeles Times | Motorcycles meet rock 'n' roll in new RockMoto videos Los Angeles Times, CA - But there's another, less-obvious trait each band shares: At least one of their members rides a motorcycle. Starting Friday, Green Day keyboardist Jason ... |
India's Bajaj to launch new bike a month from Jan Reuters - High interest rates and sluggish consumer spending have dented demand for automobiles in India, including for motorcycles and scooters that Bajaj Auto ... |
Heater, gasoline ignite blaze, destroying Sharpsville garage ... Sharon Herald, PA - The garage, two motorcycles — one Melius’ Harley Davidson and another he was working on — and many tools inside were destroyed by the blaze, Totin said. ... |
And motorcycles rev up the action Dispatch Online, South Africa - By RODNEY HILES MOTORCYCLES made their appearance on Sunday in the Etana three-hour Endurance race as four seasons in two days aptly describes what ... |
Specialty dealer adds motorcycles Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL - COURTESY PHOTO / PHILLIPPE DIEDERICH Mark Watmough, left, of Auto Marques of Sarasota, has joined with Johnny Cortese to open a motorcycle division. ... |
Motorcycles collide killing one, injuring two The Northwest Florida Daily News, FL - SANTA ROSA COUNTY -- A 22-year-old Pensacola man was killed Sunday night when he was ejected from his motorcycle after it struck a motorcycle traveling in ... |
American Motorcyclist Association Welcomes Perry King to Board of ... AMASuperbike.com, OH - Motorcycles have played a major role in King's life for more than four decades. He owns bikes of all types, including vintage, dual-sport and sport ... |
Demand for Harley-Davidson XR1200 Sparks American Debut MarketWatch - Drawing significant styling influences from the successful Harley-Davidson XR-750 motorcycles that set new standards for dirt track racing success over the ... |
Steve McQueen was a pilot, not a celebrity, at Santa Paula Airport Los Angeles Times, CA - McQueen and his girlfriend, a stunning model who would become his third wife, slept on a four-poster brass bed amid his vintage motorcycles and airplane ... |
Just Motorcycles Wins Bike Tyrestore Christmas Hamper Tyres & Accessories, UK - Christmas may be even a touch more fun this year, at Just Motorcycles in Basingstoke, now that they have won a luxury Christmas hamper packed by Royal ... |
Resources
-
How To Turn Used Cars Into Ca$h With Your Computer
learn how to make money with used cars, used Motorcycles, used boats, used motor homes, scooters and more. Start your own used car business, profit from used cars. This is the perfrect homebased business.