Big pocket bikes are designed to be used for street use as well as racing. Therefore they are bigger in size compared to the original pocket bikes.
The original pocket bike
Original pocket bikes are known as mini-motos. They are small sized motorcycles of about 47 inches long and 18 inches tall. They are usually run on gas.
Pocket bikes are speedy bikes. The smaller varieties reach the speed of 35 kilometers per hour. The racing models can reach speed up to 45 miles per hour whereas the higher end ones can be as fast as 50 miles per hour.
Pocket bikes have many similarities with ordinary bikes like the disc brakes, tires, fairings, light perimeter frames and swing arms. The smaller versions are portable and can be easily carried under your arms.
The bigger version of the pocket bikes
Whereas the original pocket bike is small and sleek, and has a 50cc engine, the bigger pocket bikes have a 100cc 4 stroke engine. They also have bigger structures and are bulkier. They are also known as midi motors or midi bikes.
You are not meant to use the small pocket bikes on the streets as they are only meant for racing. So due to popular demand, the bigger version has come into being for use on the roads as well.
These larger bikes are double the size of the authentic pocket bikes. And can reach the speed of 65 miles per hour. However, large they may be, they are still smaller compared to mopeds but sleeker to look at.
Points to remember while using a pocket bike
1. It is obligatory to have a motorcycle license to be able to ride on your bike on the street in some states. Enquire in your states licensing office for the legal age.
2. Bigger pocket bikes are not as easy to ride on, as they require greater balancing skills, so be sure to practice on the bike prior to hitting the road.
3. Be sure to have proper lights and rear view mirrors on your pocket bikes.
4. You have to follow all the safety rules and be very cautious while riding on these bigger pocket bikes.
The rules vary from state to state so what applies in one state will be not applicable in the other. If you find that bigger pocket bikes are not allowed by law to be ridden on your streets, please follow the instructions. If you waive the law then you stand a chance to be fined and even jailed. The authorities have good reasons to frame laws in order to prevent accidents and injuries. So, have all this in mind and thoroughly enjoy a good ride.
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Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert and read more about pocket bikes at http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Pocket-Bikes.html |
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There was a time when the only small sized motorcycles also now known as pit bikes were made by Japanese companies such as Honda and Kawasaki. In the past few years these pit bikes have become more and more popular, which has created quite a demand for them. Well now the Chinese manufacturers and others are stepping in to fill the void. So called knock off bikes such as Thumpstar pit bikes and Sikk pit bikes are built with Chinese engines and frames. The big question is can these bikes stand up to the old faithful Honda and Kawasaki models?
Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki have been the staple when it comes to dirt bikes for years, and rightfully so. These motorcycles are very competent and reliable. Recently a host of Chinese made motorcycles have entered the scene in the form of mini bikes or pit bikes. Why would people buy a motorcycle from China when they can’t be sure on the reliability? The reason is simple, they are much cheaper than their Japanese counterparts.
You can buy a completely tricked out Thumpstar pit bike for around $1500 brand new. When it comes to the new CRF100 tricked out by BBR you are looking at around $5500. This is quite a difference in price. There are many other brand names of so called knock off pit bikes such as Pittster, Sikk, Thunder Pro, and the list goes on and on. All of them are priced similarly and the quality is about the same depending on who you ask. I currently own 2 Thumpstar pit bikes, and I know some people who have the other so called knock off brands such as Sikk so I can speak personally on the quality of these motorcycles.
Are they as good as a Honda or Kawasaki? The simple answer is no. These bikes still have quite a way to go to stand up to the quality and performance of the Japanese brands when they are all tricked out. There is only one problem. When you buy a Honda 50cc, it comes bone stock. You need to upgrade everything from suspension, exhaust, tune the motor and this will add up to thousands of dollars. Well I don’t know about you, but I am not spending $5500 on a tiny pit bike. This is the reason why bikes made with Chinese parts such as Thumpstar pit bikes have become so popular. They come stock with a nice race exhaust, the suspension is better than stock Honda, some even now come standard with Japanese Mikuni carburetor. I personally think most of the knock off bikes look much nicer than the Honda or Kawasaki as well. As time has gone by these motorcycles have become better and better.
Isn’t it impossible to find parts for pit bikes with Chinese parts? Surprisingly not. There are many suppliers now supporting these motorcycles, and with the internet it has become easier to find parts for nearly anything. There are many places to find aftermarket parts and upgrades for Thumpstar pit bikes and many others.
So how have my 2 Thumpstar pit bikes stood up to the punishment of a hard riding season? Well I have to say that they have been just great. The engine was a pleasant surprise delivering smooth power through all 4 gears. The suspension although quite stiff was still better than stock so I was happy with that. The frames have been durable, and overall the bikes have been very reliable. The only problems I can say I had were that the chain dug the swingarm in the back of one of my Thumpstars, some bolts rattled off, I replaced the levers, and some plastic cosmetic damage. The engines run a little hot so I am currently looking into getting oil coolers for my Thumpstar pit bikes, I have seen a number of them for sale online.
If you are currently in the market for a pit bike it is up to you. Do you want to pay $5500 for the very best or would you rather pay around $1500 for a comparable motorcycle? It was a no-brainer for me. I’m sure the shelf life for my Thumpstar pit bike is less than a Honda, but who cares I’ll just get another one in a few years and still have spent less money!
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If you want the latest pictures, news, and reviews on Thumpstar pit bikes and any other brands currently on the scene, stop by at my website http://www.thumpstarpitbike.org I update it regularly so pleasecheck back often. |
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