Are you an avid biking fan, and looking for something new and unique to get into? Why not get one of those nifty super pocket bikes for yourself? Pocket bikes have been around for some time, attracting the curiosity of biking and racing enthusiasts everywhere... though for the most part they're written off as merely toys.
But once you've gotten your hands on one of those bikes, you'll know they aren't just toys -- they're a work of art. Miniaturization comes with a great deal of work and dedication, and only true artistes in the craft of motorcycle design can come up with something as innovative and fun as a minibike.
And a super pocket bike belongs to a whole new breed of miniature motorcycles altogether. Make no mistake -- just as there are many kinds of regular motorbikes, there are also different kinds of this kind of bike. The ones that are called "super" are larger in size and bulk than the regular ones. They have earned the "super" tag primarily because of their size, but also because they can be more powerful, faster than the regular pocket motorbikes - staying in that comfortable middle ground between pocket size and regular size.
In Japan, the home of the "minimoto" or mini motorcycle (only one of the many names for this type of bike) making things small is a big deal. For one thing, it makes them a lot cheaper and more functional. For another, it makes them cuter! And cute is another big thing in Japan, though probably less for "boy toys" like racing bikes. Over in Japan, very small mobile phones, television sets, and whole entertainment systems are accessible to just about anyone. Very small bikes are no exception.
Japan rules the Orient when it comes to developing miniaturization technology. In the West, arguably, miniaturization is bigger in Germany than in any other country... and yet it is not Germany but Italy that leads the way in the industry of manufacturing pocket bikes. Excellent makers of regular bikes in Italy have taken to making top-quality pocket motorbikes as well, for the serious collectors.
Super pocket bikes are more comfortable to ride in than the regular minibike -- definitely a must for the serious racing enthusiast. Developing these bigger "tiny bikes" comes with a lot of care. And as with anything else in your life, you would want quality. Reliable manufacturers such as Suzuki and Kawasaki should be a good place to start looking for guaranteed quality machines.
Breaking in the engine on your new super pocket bike is essential. We recommend taking it slowly and easily until you have used up at least one full tank of gas. Do not aggressively rev the engine or accelerate hard. Exercise your new bike at different speeds and loads, carefully and smoothly. The recommendation from some Italian manufacturers is to idle the engine for a good ten minutes, switch off and allow to cool down, then repeat three times.
Inspect your Brakes
Most pocket bikes have mechanical cable type brakes which are easy to maintain. Regularly take apart the brake assembly and do a thorough visual inspection. make sure the brake pads are not worn thin, the cables are not worn and the whole assembly is not worn or scratched. Also check the cable adjustment barrels and levers. Make it a regular part of your maintenance as you cannot be too careful when it comes to brake!
Fuel
The fuel you use is of paramount importance for the performance and long life of your pocket bike engine. Never economise on fuel! It will surely cost you more in the end. We highly recommend using the highest octane fuel available in your area, currently 91 octane in the US. Also use the best two-stroke oil. Economising on oil will only lead to poor performance and damage to your engine. A good ratio of gas to oil is 50:1 but check your manufacturers manual for individual recommendations.
Lubrication
We cannot emphasize enough that regular lubrication is a must. Always check your manual for individual manufacturers recommendations. Use a good lubricating oil and never cut corners with your lubricating schedule. It would be a good idea to thoroughly lubricate the inside of the chain before each use and after a lengthy ride using a good chain oil. Under lubricating will lead to a whole host of problems, over lubricating has never caused a problem in our experience!
Tuning Up the Clutch Assembly
Most pocket bikes use a centrifugal clutch which is very easy to use . The inner springs of the clutch assembly affect the engine revolution speed. These two springs are selected by the manufacturer to be suitable for the expected load on the bike, the weight of the bike and the type of track it will be used for. Of course these are going to be general considerations and you can adjust the springs to suit your individual preferences. Lighter springs are more suitable for low performance bikes and lower revs. Heftier springs need more revs to accelerate the bike. The springs installed by the manufacturer can be replaced with springs more suitable for your needs and the spring compression points adjusted to give better performance.
Buying a Used Pocket Bike
If you are purchasing a used pocket bike always ask for the manufacturers manual and if possible ask to be able to check out the brake and clutch assembly for wear and tear. A responsible seller will be glad to allow you to do this. A poorly maintained bike is not going to be a good deal, however cheap it is!
Both Trevor Mulholland & Janet Ashby are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Trevor Mulholland has sinced written about articles on various topics from Arts, Acne Treatment and Low Carb Diet. , minibikes and pocket rockets; At About-minibikes.com we have the latest and greatest info on these cool little motorcycles. Trevor Mulholland's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.
Janet Ashby has sinced written about articles on various topics from Recreation and Sports, Pets and Gardening. For more information on pocket bikes and for good deals on new and used pocket bikes visit or. Janet Ashby's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.