What are Pocket Bikes?

 by: Mark Lambie

Pocket bikes, also known as mini motos, are miniature sized motorcycles averaging around 47 inches long and 18 inches tall. Pocket bike, although small enough to carry under one's arm, are capable of impressive speeds. They are usually built with gas-powered engines. The smaller industrial-motored models used by Junior class racers are capable of speeds of over 35 mph, the average 4.2 hp and 6.2 hp racing models achieve about 40-45 mph, and open class machines reach speeds over 50 mph. Pocket bikes can be built with many of the features common to regular bikes, such as disc brakes in the front and rear, racing tires, fairings, lightweight aluminum alloy cast perimeter frames and swing arms. Originally, pocket bikes were solely made by specialty manufacturers who sold them at expensive prices. As their appeal has grown, however, affordable pocket bike imports have become available to a much larger group of motor sport enthusiasts.

While many owners race their pocket bikes at competitions and go-kart tracks, others simply enjoy riding their pocket bikes in open local areas. There are many options for legally racing your pocket bike with friends and in organized competitions. A racing sanctioning body has been established to promote racing in North America called NAPRA, the North American Pocket Bike Racing Association. Go-kart tracks offer a road racecourse that is perfectly scaled to Pocket bikes. Whatever your choice, it is yours to make. And it will be a fun one. Nothing quite matches Pocket bike racing