Asian Pocket Bikes

1. Neunkirchen: Unbekannte Täter brachen in Honda-Autohaus ein

In der Nacht von Montag, 16. März, auf Dienstag, 17. März., drangen bislang unbekannte Täter in ein Honda-Autohaus in der Zweibrücker Straße ein. Der oder die Täter begaben sich zunächst auf die von der Straße aus nicht einsehbare Rückseite des Gebäudekomplexes. Dort schlugen sie die Scheibe eines Fensters ein, das ihnen den Zutritt zu einem Heizungsraum ermöglichte. Von dort aus begaben sich die Täter über eine Steintreppe zu einer Tür, die zur Kart-Bahn des Autohauses führt. Nach erfolgtem Abkippen des Zylinderschlosses hatten die Täter freien Zugang zur Kart-Bahn, wo nach derzeitigem Kenntnisstand 8 – 9 Kart-Motoren entwendet wurden. Bei den Motoren handelt es sich um Erzeugnisse der Fa. Honda, Typ GX 200 und 280. Im weiteren Verlauf der Tatausführung wurde auch ein sog. Pocket-Bike entwendet, das ein Mitarbeiter der Firma in der Werkhalle abgestellt hatte. Im Ausstellungsraum des Autohauses wurden unterschiedliche Schubladen und Schränke geöffnet. Soweit derzeit bekannt ist, wurden hierbei ca. 450 Euro Bargeld, ein Fotoapparat sowie diverse ASU- und Umweltplaketten in den Farben grün, gelb und rot entwendet. Aus einer Vitrine ließen die Täter darüber hinaus Uhren der Marke Honda und BBS sowie einen kleinen Kühlschrank mit der Aufschrift HONDA mitgehen. Diese Artikel sind nicht im freien Handel erhältlich und können nur über die Firma Honda bezogen werden. Schließlich durchsuchten die Täter auch einen Gaststättenraum, der im Umfeld der Kart-Bahn eingerichtet ist. Hier kam es jedoch nicht zu weiteren Entwendungen. Vermutlich durch ein Fenster im ehemaligen Toilettenbereich wurde die Tatörtlichkeit verlassen und das Diebesgut abtransportiert. Ersten Schätzungen zufolge dürfte sich der entstandene Gesamtschaden auf mehrere tausend Euro belaufen. Sachdienliche Hinweise nimmt die Polizeibezirksinspektion Neunkirchen unter der Rufnummer (06821) 2030 rund um die Uhr entgegen.

2. Wiebelskirchen: Geldbeutel und MP3-Player aus Ford Focus entwendet

Ein bislang unbekannter Täter machte sich in der Zeit von Samstag, 14. März, 17:00 Uhr, bis Montag, 16. März, 05:00 Uhr, an einem weiß lackierten Ford Focus zu schaffen, der in Höhe des Anwesens Karl-Marx-Straße 39 abgestellt war. Laut Mitteilung des Geschädigten wurden ein Geldbeutel sowie ein MP3-Player entwendet. Über die Art und Weise der Tatausführung liegen derzeit noch keine näheren Erkenntnisse vor. Die Ermittlungen dauern an. Zeugenhinweise werden unter der bekannten Rufnummer an die Polizei in Neunkirchen erbeten.

3. Wiebelskirchen: Navigationsgerät aus Handschuhfach gestohlen

Ein weiterer Fall des Diebstahls aus Kraftfahrzeugen ereignete sich in der Nacht von Sonntag, 15. März, auf Montag, 16. März. Tatort war dieses Mal die Römerstraße im Neunkircher Stadtteil Wiebelskirchen. Bislang unbekannter Täter entwendete hier aus dem Handschuhfach eines PKW, der vor dem Anwesen Nr. 9 abgestellt war, ein Navigationsgerät der Marke Blaupunkt. Die Polizei vermutet derzeit, dass das Fahrzeug durch einen kleinen Spalt im Fenster mittels einer Drahtschlinge entriegelt wurde. Hierfür spricht jedenfalls der Umstand, dass ansonsten keine Aufbruchs- oder Hebelspuren festzustellen waren. Der Wert des Diebesgutes beläuft sich auf mehrere hundert Euro. Sachdienliche Hinweise werden unter der Rufnummer (06821) 2030 entgegen genommen.

The associated press is reporting that U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and Rep. Denny Rehberg are each proposing legislation to undo a ban on sales of mini-bikes and parts for them.

Pocket bikes were banned as a result of a new national limit on the amount of lead in kid’s toys. Unfortunately, the standards included pocket bikes and pocket bike parts in the ban which is ludicrous.

We will keep you updated as the new laws intentions are redefined.

One of the most common problems with owning a Chinese Scooter or Motorbike has always been where to get hold of spares and accessories to keep your machine on the road. It’s all very well purchasing a bike at a fraction of the cost of a Japanese or European machine, but if it is kept off the road for the want of something simple like a brake lever or throttle cable, then it is next to useless. In the past, many motorcycle garages have refused to get involved with the service or repair of Chinese bikes because of this. A lot of them still do, but as the number of these machines in the UK increases every year and the improvement of the supply of parts continues, then they are having to come round.

There are several companies in the UK now dedicated solely to the import and supply of Chinese scooters and motorbikes, many of them branding the machines under their own names. They have recognised that they need to be able to supply any part for these bikes to their customers , from basic servicing parts such as oil filters and drive belts, to the larger items such as body panels. The more reputable of these companies have departments dedicated solely to this side of the business and will be able to supply all parts to all the motorcycles that they import and sell.

If you are thinking of buying yourself a Chinese Scooter or Motorbike, it is well worth asking the dealer you are buying from how easily available the parts are for your particular model. You should find most motorcycle dealers fairly honest people, especially if you are dealing person to person, as they too have reputations to uphold.

If you already own a Chinese bike, it would be a good idea to find out the original factory product number for your machine. As I said, many of the importers are branding the bikes under their own labels, you will find there are several bikes out there with different names but will actually be the same model from the same factory. The product number will usually be a couple of letters such as BT, JL, ZN, etc denoting the company that built the bike, followed by a series of numbers showing the model number, engine size etc. Using these details when searching for parts should make it a lot easier to find what you are looking for and quite often a local dealer could be supplying the same bike under a different name and so can obtain the parts you need.

If you don’t manage to get what you need from your local dealer, then the best place is going to be from an importer. Some of these now have web-sites dedicated just to the supply of parts for Chinese bikes. If you think your bike may be particularly obscure it could well be worth taking a picture of the part you need, this along with a detailed description of the part should be enough for them to be able to establish whether they can supply the part you need.

Why would you want to purchase bike scooters? Let me count the ways! First, they are incredibly economical; second, they’re environmentally friendly; third, they’re just plain fun. Whether you use them for in town rides, tricks or stunts, or off road fun, they are a blast.
Fast Dirt Pocket Bikes – Safety Precautions
By Joe Hayes

Pocket bikes are typically little quarter scale motorcycles; don’t let these two feet tall devils fool you, they can run very fast. Even though these mini-bikes are really small, a lot of people, even adults, ride in them. This is becoming a fast growing market. There are different types of these mini-bikes made by major manufacturers like Polini and even Chinese knock-offs. These bikes can go quite fast, in fact they’re often referred to as “pocket rockets.” These motorcycles can go up to 50mph on the super models; however, the speed of a pocketbike is slower compared to normal motorcycles and dirt bikes. Also the speed depends upon the form and weight of the rider.

Fast pocket bikes are fantastic for the reason that they have a unique variety of running on both gas and electricity. As mentioned, these mini-bikes can reach up to a speed of 50mph but they are not allowed to run on public highways. Novices should remember that when riding motorbikes, you should always take special care and remember that these vehicles are not toys – they are machines to start with. Most likely, despite the small size of these motorcycles, young people are discouraged from riding because they have the tendency to go mad with speed. They lack the extra amount of maturity needed to run a vehicle on the road.

Just like in riding a full sized motorcycle, you should also take into account safety measures prior to your plan to venture with speed. Before getting on your pocketbike, always remember to check if it’s a clear open area with little to no chance of finding obstructions or accidental injuries. Overcrowded places are highly discouraged as fast pocket bike playgrounds. A lot of people entail more accidents because driver has the tendency of getting distracted from riding. And also with crowded places, you’ll also have to pay attention to the other drivers on the road.

Fast pocket bikes are works of art. They are both similar and different from ordinary motorcycles. Different because they are light in weight, therefore, they are more portable for traveling. The same because they are equally fast as regular motorcycles.

Always look into the two characteristics in purchasing a fast dirt pocket bike – quality and durability. It is important that you know that it is a pleasure and skill to go riding with a fast pocket bike on the road. The experience is both exhilarating and fulfilling.

Le Championnat sera composé, cette année, de 5 épreuves qui se dérouleront sur deux jours sauf celle du Château du Loir qui aura lieu le samedi en journée et en nocturne, une première dans le championnat de France Pit Bike !

Après une première année de rodage, le championnat va connaître quelques nouveautés afin de renforcer son attractivité et le spectacle proposé :
- L’organisation d’une SUPER FINALE qui se déroulera après les 2 finales 10 et 12 Pro, les 10 premiers de chaque catégorie seront qualifiés en Super finale.
- Le BASTOS CHALLENGE AMATEUR : Il aura lieu le samedi après-midi et permettra ainsi d’accueillir davantage de pilotes.

Il sera divisé en 2 catégories :
Amateur A : pilote confirmé ayant déjà participé à une compétition ou à une saison
Amateur B : pilote désirant découvrir la compétition ou participer seulement à une épreuve, classement à la journée

Les 20 meilleurs pilotes de la catégorie Amateur A rouleront dans une Manche Unique le lendemain en parallèle des catégories du Championnat de France.

Le règlement technique de la catégorie 10 Pro évolue :

• Roue arrière de 10 obligatoire
• Moteur 4 temps à l’horizontal, cylindrée minimum 88cc et maxi 150cc
• Embrayage automatique ou manuel
• Longueur maxi 120cm (de l’axe de la roue avant à l’axe de la roue arrière)
• Hauteur de selle maxi 82cm (du sol jusqu’à l’assise de la selle)

De gros clubs organisateurs vont accueillir les différentes épreuves du championnat, ce qui va offrir davantage de confort pour les pilotes mais également pour les spectateurs et les médias.

La première épreuve, les 28 et 29 mars à Saint-Thibery, a dores et déjà fait le plein de pilotes (200 pilotes), ce qui démontre une nouvelle fois l’engouement croissant pour cette discipline.

On pourra ainsi compter sur la présence du double champion de France en titre, Mike Valade (Team Kaitham) qui va remettre son titre en jeu dans la catégorie 10 Pro. En 12 Pro, l’ancien Champion du Monde de Motocross 125cc et vice champion France de Pit Bike, Mickael Maschio, sera présent aux côtés d’Alex Barbosa (Team Bucci WorkShop), de Jimmy Peyras (Team Vinco MX WorkShop). D’autres pilotes peuvent également créer la surprise à l’image de Daniel Razoux (Team CRZ) ou encore Frédéric Robert (Team Bastos) qui ont terminé dans les dix premiers du classement général en 2008.

En 10 Pro, Mike Valade aura pour adversaire notamment Jéremy Cotte (Team Motovert Workshop), Anthony Eluau (Team CRZ) ou encore Pierre-Alain Carrasco (Team Fuzion Wear), champion en 2007. Le Championnat de France remercie ses fidèles partenaires : CRZ, Kaitham, Apollo Motors, Gun Shot, Bastos, Workshop, Ko Shop, France Equipement, Hot Rider, Crow Metal, MX Tube, Mini Bike Revolution.

The day Charles Bever stole the mini bike, he rode it on the sidewalk.

And that was his second mistake.

Marion Police Sgt. Terry Kearney spotted Bever, 19, riding the bike in the 200 block of Eighth Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Kearney pulled over, warned him that it was illegal to ride the bike on the sidewalk and let him go on his way.

But before he did that, he got Bever’s name and found out where he lived.

Bever apparently ditched the bike in the 100 block of Fifth Avenue because a resident found it there the next day and reported it to police.

It didn’t all come together until Wednesday, when Thomas Slaymaker, 36, reported a burglary at 1889 Apache Dr. He told police someone had taken a 2008 Baja Racer mini bike from his shed.

Sgt. Kearney remembered the exchange he had with Bever and knew where to find him. Police located Bever on Thursday night on Apache Drive and cited him for fourth-degree theft.

Bever also was charged with driving with a suspended license, even though he was on the sidewalk.

“The roadway includes the city right-of-way,” Lt. Steve Etzel said. “It’s a motorized vehicle, and you can’t operate a motorized vehicle on the roadway if your license is suspended.”

The bikes, which are intended for young kids, are meant to be used in off-road situations. Technically, Etzel said, even a child could be cited for driving without a license if they were riding a mini bike on the street or sidewalk.

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.

With constant demand in motorbike sector, there is a wide variety for passionate bikers worldwide. Since many riders find it a superb pocket money investment, the good looking super pocket bike is well kept in family garages. Who would like to invest in these riding glories? Those who have a sense of adventure outdoors and sense of responsibility while driving it to work will opt for these machines.

In the present global bike market, it is a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality- a perfect roll of splendour on wheels. Super pocket bikes are fashionable amongst riders. They carry the legacy of bikes designed during the classic era and are adored by generations of bikers. Regular bike fanatics desperately wait for opportunities to own these kinds of sporty super pocket bikes. They are known to be good investments. Super pocket bikes have a great significance for the buyers who are also passionate about racing them. You need to be an experienced rider to own and to ride the super pocket bikes. Super pocket bikes are extremely powerful and pricey which are designed for experienced adult riders. As the name belies, it is not a toy but a full fledged adult mean machine.

Super pocket bikes look endearing, as they are built sleek for fast racing abilities. They are powered by a 9.5 hp or 12+ hp engines and are mostly recommended for professional racers only. So riders are aware of the safety precautions and are well educated to handle the bike before racing. Definitely the rider needs to have a prior experience before opting for these bikes. Generally such bikes are driven on race tracks or there are many options and locations such as speedways, go-kart tracks, or closed parking lots. They are driven at high speeds in open areas and not on public roads and pedestrian-heavy areas.

Super pocket bikes are a mini replica of massive motorcycle racers and are very fast and have top speeds around 70MPH. The bikes engine vary from 2 stroke 49cc up to 4 stroke 125cc. They possess larger engines. They can be raced in narrow pit lanes and dirt tracks. These bikes have gained recognition worldwide. Safety equipments and accessories are easily available. They come equipped with elegant headlights and taillights, horn, electric starters, entire suspension systems that. Want to enjoy speedy and thrilling ride then go ahead with cool super pocket bikes.

A mini-bike, sold to kids, is in storage at Matt’s Honda in Coxsackie because a new law prevents them from being sold. (Zak Radick)

It’s a new law that has local bike shops revved up.

Rachel Weidman of Matt’s Honda said, “It’s frustrating, it’s ridiculous to me as a citizen that I can’t sell a 50 cc dirt bike to somebody.”

That’s because motorcycle dealers, like Matt’s Honda in Coxsackie, were forced by law to put their mini-bikes and four-wheelers designed for kids in storage. Under a new federal law that went into effect February 10, children’s products that contain more than 600 parts per million of lead can’t be sold. And mini-bikes fall under that category because like most vehicles, they contain lead. Paint on the handle bars and frames contain lead. Weidman believes the law is too broad.

She said, “It was really geared towards toys and things kids can chew on.”

These bikes can run from $1,300 up to $3,000. Now their inventory, like the 200 plus other dealers statewide, is collecting dust.

Weidman said, “We can’t sell product, we’re talking thousands of units.”

Even parts for the mini bikes aren’t available and if you’re buying a part for a bigger bike that’s say interchangeable with a little bike, you have to sign a waver.

Matt Weidman said, “Never once have I ever seen a kid do anything remotely close to a motorcycle to get any bad lead from it or anything.”

Some say this is a way to get mini-bike’s out of the hands of kids for their own safety. Rachel’s son, Matt, a professional bike racer, says it’s a safe sport but a poorly written law could ruin it all.

M. Weidman said, “I think it’s gonna hurt the industry a lot, I think it’s gonna hurt racing in general a lot as well.”

FOX23 News contacted the Consumer Products Safety Commission on Thursday, but the calls were not returned.

Several organizations and two mid-western congressman are petitioning to change the law.

When you first receive your brand new pocket bike you will want to take it out on the track and see what it can handle. But before you do any racing or tricks with it you first need to break it in. With every new pocket bike comes a brand new engine that is not going to be used to the speed and power that you will use it for. That is why you will break it in. There are two techniques that you can use.

Heat Cycling

In the process of heat cycling you will run your pocket bike engine right above idle for five to ten minutes. Once the time is up you will notice that the engine will be below the normal operating temperature. You will then need to shut it off and allow it to cool down.

After it is finished cooling off turn the engine back on to idle for another ten minutes before shutting it off once more. Again you will need to wait for it to cool down. Repeat this process a total of four times.

After the fourth time you can ride your bike at a slow pace until you run out of gas. Do not rev the engine or drive it at high speeds during this part of the process because it will put too much stress on your engine. Once you are out of gas you can fill her back up and you will be good to race and perform those crazy tricks you love.

Racing Break In

The racing break in method is not used very often by many people. You will start off the breaking in process by warming up the engine of your pocket bike for five minutes at idle. After the time is up bring the throttle up to where the clutch can engage. This will keep you from being thrown off the bike if and when you apply too much throttle when driving it.

Now you will be able to take the bike onto the track – but only as a test run. During the first lap take it slow. In fact take it a slow crawl. This will also help to break in the tires as well as the engine.

In the second lap you can put more pressure on the gas. Continue to ride at this easy pace for fifteen minutes. Don’t ride the bike too hard – but also make sure that you do not ride it at too slow of a pace.

If you do nothing to break in your bike then you will find yourself without one for a long time. The reason the breaking in processes are important is because they help to make sure that your engine and other pocket bike parts will not break down within the first week or month you have it. Replacing pocket bike parts is not always inexpensive so take good care of it.

Three-year-old Nolan Pogge received his birthday wish, but with some bumps along the way.

It’s a motorized mini-quad four-wheeler his parents purchased for his birthday. Now they’ve received a surprise. An unexpected deduction from their debit account.

“It hurts pretty badly when you have to have the money in your account to pay other bills and it’s just gone,” says Amanda Pogge.

Here’s how $355 has been drawn from their account. The Pogges ordered a mini-quad bike from USA Power Sports of California. However the company told the Pogges that the model they wanted was no longer in stock. Amanda canceled the order only to find later the company still deducted the money.

The Pogges demanded a refund which USA Power Sports promised several times. Six On Your Side found a refund won’t be coming.

USA Power Sports had its account seized by a bank and the mini-bike dealer can’t pay bills or refunds. A company spokesman said via e-mail that there was no fraud and the company had every intention of shipping the mini-quad until its bank shut down the company account.

USA Power Sports blames the economy for forcing company out of business. The Pogges say be careful using a debit card to purchase items on line.

They will file forms with their bank for reimbursement of the money withdrawn. In the meantime they purchased another mini-quad from another company so Nolan will be enjoying a fun ride this spring.

Custom motorcycle builders from around the globe gathered under the water slides of the Daytona Lagoon for the 37th Annual Rat’s Hole Custom Show. This year’s event was a true international affair billed as the “Italian Showdown” as three winners from the Padova Bike Expo Show in Italy were flown over to compete with their American custom building counterparts. Approximately 175 motorcycles, ranging from mini choppers built by custom builders of the future in the ‘1 to 250cc Class’ to the always entertaining ‘Over 1000cc Super Radicals,’ were on hand competing for one of the new bronzed Rat’s Hole trophies.

“It’s my 23rd year working here in Daytona and the work never ceases to amaze me,” said emcee Radical Randy.

The craftsmanship of the European contingency was superb. La Fenice di Custombike, the winner from the Italian show, is a superb streetfighter created by Jerry Chillico. The foundation of the bike is based around the Harley-Davidson Sportster, sourcing its 1203cc engine and using a heavily

La Fenice di Custombike, aka The Phoenix, is said to represent ‘the rebirth of the motorcycle as it should be.’

modified Sporty frame. La Fenice features a unique strip of metal that parallels the backbone and sits on the top of the tank. The strip lifts up to expose the hidden fuel cap and conceals the hardware of the electronic braking system on the front wheel. Other innovative features include the rear brake which sits behind the belt final drive instead of its standard placement on the rear wheel.

The motorcycle symbolizes the rebirth of the Phoenix, the mythological bird that rises from the ashes every 500 years. Chillico said that it’s based on a 13th century poem, and the blackened flames on the bike’s small front spoiler are representative of when the phoenix bursts into flame, and the golden feathers on the metal strip are analogous to the beautiful bird that rises in the aftermath.

“This is the rebirth of the motorcycle as it should be,” Chillico said.

The second bike had a boardtracker design with blinged-out gold components. Affectionately called ‘The Red Carpet’ bike by its owner because of its star-quality, the low-riding motorcycle was built by a company called Dreamachine out of Slovenia. It features a thin, stretched tank, skinny, spoked wheels and short drag bars. It also features a host of gold-plated components, from its exhaust and engine covers to its rods and carb all the way down to its foot controls. Even the Springer fork got the gold treatment.

The winning bike in the Italian Showdown is a one-piece billet bike made by VAV-Tuning out of Czechoslovakia.

The final competitor was a one-piece billet bike made by VAV –Tuning out of Czechoslovakia. Owner Vaclav Vavra started with a 100kg piece of billet aluminum and kept CNC machining for 12 hours a day for 14 days straight until he had the foundation for the motorcycle’s frameless construction. The crankcase serves as a bearing support and includes an integrated oil tank and serves as support for the rear suspension. The carbon fiber Springer front end holds a VAV wheel that uses drum-like disc brakes with a central disc rotor and four-piston calipers. The handlebars, foot controls and exhaust are all stainless steel and were made in-house.

“My idea was to build a bike that was frameless and to use the engine as a source of reinforcement,” said Vavra.

His efforts would be recognized later by people attending the Rat’s Hole Show as the best of the three motorcycles from Europe. Vavra had the distinction of being the first of the day’s winners to hoist the new Rat’s Hole trophy over his head.

As good as the Euro customs were, their counterparts from the states were equally up to the task. The Rocket Ship, with its oversized tubular frame, stood out in the ‘Over 1000cc Radical Class’ not only for its bright orange paint but for its innovative design. Built by World Class Customs,the Rocket Ship does away with the conventional backbone mounted tank, opting to house the fuel in the upper frame rails while oil is stored in the frame’s downtube. Wrapped up in the unique framework is a beefy Merch 120 engine which enables the Rocket Ship to blast off the line. But this low-slung cruiser is definitely made more for styling down the boulevard than screamin’ down a drag strip.

On the other end of the spectrum were the rat bikes. It amazes me that

I see dead people! Something tells me the creator of this bike might have seen Dawn of the Dead one too many times

somewhere beneath the menagerie lies a functional motorcycle. Looking past the deer horns on the bike in front of me, I marvel at how the odd assortment of Mardi Gras beads, trophies, buttons, key chains and bells from past rallies stay on when I know these motorcycles are daily riders. I wonder how they continue to ride on a seat pan that’s stripped down to bare, rusting metal with only a few tufts of foam clinging on. This rat bikes’ chief competition has an old school, tin Evel Knievel lunch box fixed to its side, so I gotta give it my nod for creativity.

Speaking of creativity, one of my favorites was a green mini chopper in the 1 to 250cc class made by a young man called Brandon Lunderman. I’d wager that the up-and-coming custom bike builder out of Palm Bay, Florida couldn’t be more than ten-years-old, but he’s already displaying a love and dedication for the trade that rivals big-time custom builders. His chopper has a ‘70s retro-vibe, decked out with mini apes up front and a tall sissy bar on the back. A 49cc single cylinder engine powers wide mini-bike tires on this cool little scoot. My favorite part was the collage of pictures that showed Brandon working on the build, especially the one with him sleeping with the bike’s green fenders like most kids sleep with their teddy bear.
I

This custom mini chopper has a 49cc engine and was built by a young man called Brandon Lunderman.

f Brandon continues to pursue custom motorcycle building with the same zeal, maybe his talents will evolve to the level of my favorite bike of the show which I ran across it in the Extreme Bobber Class. The custom motorcycle is built by Charly Gregoire from Red Baron Choppers in Belgium. Its thick, tubular backbone has been drilled out, as has the fork, frame, heat shields on the exhaust, the metal seat pan and even the foot controls. All of the motorcycles’ drives are chain, Gregoire uses a Springer fork up front, runs all the wiring on the homemade handlebars internally, and keeps it old school with a kick starter to go along with its flathead engine. The most amazing feature is the homemade brake system built into the hubs of the front and rear wheels. Incredible work. And while most show bikes live and die by their high-dollar paint, the Belgian bobber leaves the metal in its unfinished state and uses the natural patinas of metal for paintwork.

With so much talent in one show, the competition is fierce but friendly. To put matters in perspective, custom builder Jerry Graves of Graves Custom Cycles was honored at the event. Graves was a friend to many at the Rat’s Hole, known not only for his work but for his outspoken personality. Unfortunately, Graves passed away a few weeks ago, and even though he has passed, the last build that he was working on was there to bear the torch for Graves Custom Cycles. And while a moment of silence is

Start with a one-piece billet bike from Europe, add a Playboy Playmate, and you’ve got Miss Rat’s Hole Bike Week 2009.

usually held as a way for people to pay their last respects, these are bikers, and in a sendoff more in vein of a Viking burial, a raucous cry of “Hell yeah, Jerry” filled the Lagoon in his honor. With Jerry’s building partner, John, on hand in his stead and Jerry’s father, Pops, and other friends in attendance, having the last motorcycle that Graves worked on at the Rat’s Hole meant he was there in spirit as well.

“This is his family right here, and you guys are his family,” said Graves’ father during the tribute.

So what do you get when you start with world class custom motorcycles, add celebrities, throw in a bunch of trigger-happy photographers and maybe a Playboy Playmate or two as Ratmates, and hold the event under clear, hot Florida skies all within the colorful confines of the Daytona Lagoon? You have another successful Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show. 37 years running. Here’s to 37 more.

What if your kid brother or son or daughter throws a tantrum about not wanting a ride on a motorcycle but to ride one? Well, you don’t really have to stand puzzled by your loved one’s request.

Ergo introduces to you the ‘Pocket Bike’, a 49-cc motorcycle exclusively designed for children. Exact replicas of big branded bikes, these petite two-wheelers are designed for 10 to 15-year-olds.

Pocket bikes, which are usually imported pieces, are available only with a few dealers in Chennai city. One among them is Ubidhullah of Moto Designr in Royapettah, who claims to be the first one to deal in pocket bikes in the city. “I started selling pocket bikes two year ago from my showroom here and I can say that there is a good demand for them in our city, especially during school vacations,” he says.

Scramblers, sports bikes, scooters and even all-terrain vehicles (ATV) are available at Moto Designr, with prices starting from Rs. 8,000 and going up to Rs. 45,000 (see box). “These bikes with genset engines that can travel only in low speeds could be an apt pastime for bike-loving kids,” adds Ubidhullah, who gives a one-year warrantee and free service for the bikes he sells.

These pocket bikes come in various models and are colourful and trendy to appeal to the younger lot. No licence or other on-road documents are required as the vehicles are strictly for children and to be used off-road.

“Earlier, vehicles like Bajaj Sunny and a few other mopeds used to be modified into pocket bikes, but in the last three years they are being imported. These small vehicles have a decent demand in Chennai and also in other cities in the state, like Coimbatore.

Moreover the bikes are easy to manoeuvre for children and the speeds can also be adjusted according to the rider,” says Balachandran of Champion Motors on G.P. Road, Mount Road, another dealer for pocket bikes in the city.

Some pocket bikes that are miniature sports bikes come with imported two-stroke and four-stroke engines with kick-starter and self-starter, double disk brakes, bright fairings and an overall chic outlook.

Prices

Scramblers and sports models are available from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 24,000. Scooters are priced Rs.15,000. ATVs cost Rs. 45,000. (Prices may vary from dealer to dealer)

Where to get them

Moto Designr

New College complex,

Royapettah.

Phone: 94442 67830

Champion Motors

G.P. Road, Mount Road.

Phone: 3022 2838.

There are also a few individual dealers in the city who deliver pocket bikes on prior order.

Agrandir la photo
Deux garçons ont été sérieusement blessés dans l’accident et transportés à l’hôpital.

Samedi, 17 heures. Un jeune déjà dans le collimateur de la gendarmerie circule à vive allure devant une autre « dirt bike », ces mini-motos très à la mode. « Ils faisaient la course », avoue un témoin ayant assisté à la scène. Ils roulent rue Hennequin, la rue de la caserne des pompiers, vers celle d’en face, la rue de l’Hermitage, derrière le lycée Sainte-Sophie. À toute vitesse, les deux bolides grillent le stop. Le premier passe, mais le second est pris de plein fouet par une voiture immatriculée dans le Calvados. Le choc est sérieux. Le conducteur de la Clio, venu visiter de la famille dans sa ville natale, n’a pu éviter l’engin. À bord de la moto, deux garçons. Ils sont projetés violemment au sol, sur le goudron. Un seul casque sera retrouvé plus tard, laissant supposer que l’un des garçons n’en portait pas.
Le SAMU a été immédiatement appelé par les pompiers, rendus rapidement sur les lieux l’accident s’étant produit à deux pas de la caserne. Le jeune pilote souffrait de diverses plaies et d’une jambe cassée, le second, plus jeune, étant aussi victime de sérieuses blessures aux membres inférieurs. Ils ont été transportés en urgence à l’hôpital de Saint-Quentin par deux véhicules médicaux. L’un d’eux a pu rapidement le quitter.
Les gendarmes de la COB de Bohain ont procédé aux constatations d’usage. Au début du mois, plusieurs patrouilles avaient déjà fait la chasse dans le centre-ville à des mineurs qui circulaient en petites motos en oubliant les règles de

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sécurité élémentaires. Sans succès. Huit jours plus tard, deux jeunes en ont subi les conséquences.