Pocket Bikes

What Are Pocket Bikes?

You have seen them on television and probably have seen them in your neighborhood, but aren't quite sure what they are. Known as "pocket bikes" they really are more motorcycle than bicycle as they are based on Gran Prix racing motorcycles, but in miniature form. Pocket bikes are fast growing and popular sport pleasure for adults and youth alike. Keep reading and we'll explore just what pocket bikes are and what they are used for. Pocket bikes are true mini motorcycles roughly 25% of the size of a full sized motorcycle, hence the "pocket" part of their name. They are not toys and they are not street motorcycles; pocket bikes were developed for racing on special tracks and using one on a street could result in trouble for you with the law.

Typical pocket bikes feature a two stroke engine mated to an aluminum or aluminum alloy body. Lightweight, a pocket bike can go as fast as 50 mph and are stopped with their front and rear disc brakes. Pocket bikes are available for as little as a few hundred dollars all the way up to several thousand dollars. Quality, of course, is the question for most low priced pocket bikes as their durability is often suspect.

Built strictly for racing, pocket bikes can be seen racing on fully enclosed parking lots, go-kart tracks, and motorcycle speedways. In some areas you can take pocket bikes on right-of-ways, bike paths, and other lesser used pathways. Always check with local ordinances first before using your pocket bikes as some locales are cracking down on their use.

Pocket bikes have their origin in Asia and Europe where this type of racing got started. New to America, pocket bikes are catching on as local clubs form and tracks are made available for their use. Most owners of pocket bikes belong to a club in order to access facilities and share camaraderie with fellow riders. For some owners, pocket bikes are one way to enter the sport of motorcycle racing: become an expert with operating pocket bikes and soon you may make the transition to Gran Prix motorcycle racing.

Certainly, pocket bikes offer an attractive leisure activity for enthusiasts everywhere. If you aren't sure whether pocket bikes are for you, call up a local club and ask when their next "heat" will be held. Witness for yourself all that pocket bikes have to offer and you may soon find yourself strapping on your helmet and jumping onboard for the thrill of your life!