Asian Pocket Bikes

This summertime why not make your own fun that is various and fun for the entire family. Numerous of us have grown drained of doing nothing during the summertime but swimming at the beach or staying home and watching movies all day long. Why not put your time into something that will offer you and all of your friends some fun and needed down time.

Pocket bikes are mini sized motorcycles that were produced in Japan. They were constructed to make various kinds of racing teams that were different and never seen before. They became a big hit for this and it did not take long for these bikes to spread to other countries. You now are able to acquire a lot of models in the US – but not many individuals have created their own racing teams.

Why not get a few friends and families together and create racing leagues. You will be able to set up safety guideposts, places to meet at, and what kinds of bikes you need to have. Then you will be able to set up time to come together each week or every other week.

These are able to be fun – but only if you understand what you are doing. It would be best if everyone who participated in classes that taught them the essential safety steps that they need to know. Also make sure that they know how to safely utilize a pocket bike.

Racing pocket bikes have the ability to be quite fun and you may find that it grows to become quite popular in your region. When this occurs you have the ability to find businesses that can sponsor you and race teams in other areas. This could some of the best fun that you have ever had.

Traditionally gas powered, pocket bikes are becoming increasingly popular as a result of the introduction of electric pocket bikes. They are changing the way pocket bikes are being viewed and against common misconception, the speed and power provided by an electric engine rivals that of traditional pocket bikes.

Now widely popular around the world, it was originally developed in Japan and was popular for performing tricks and racing. Due to the added safety electric pocket bikes offer, it spread to Europe and the United States with much excitement. The reputation of being dangerous and loud is now countered by the electric engine.

On the other hand, the electric engine is a smooth quiet ride that stores as much as 700 watts of power in an electric motor. It provides a big image boost for the pocket bike industry since the quiet and environment friendly engine is inviting to the more noise conscious crowd.

There is still a lot of excitement and thrill in riding pocket bikes that remained intact in the development of the electric version. And because of the safety improvement, the pocket bike industry can expect to see more young customers with permission from their parents.

The electric pocket bikes usually come with the necessary safety equipment including knee and elbow pads and a helmet. Also, both front and rear disk brakes are vented and can be adjusted by using the brake caliper to help prevent any wear that might damage the brake pads.

Many new models are designing their tires with an interior airtight seal to minimize the chances of getting a flat. Because of its size, this is a huge safety improvement that prevents severity of an accident that may result from flatting.

To prevent theft, there is a small lock over the ignition keyhole. This just might prove enough deterrent to mitigate any petty criminal with nothing more than itchy hands. And expect the get attention with some models sporting a tinted windshield, instrument light, and flare that gives the bike a little edge in the looks department.

For some kids young and old, or really old, this is a dream toy. And for parents, it’s a relief to be able to give their child a high end toy that borders the real deal with less risk to safety. It is easy to see why electric pocket bikes are increasingly popular. The racers can start their practicing young and can upgrade to power pocket rockets as they get older and more experienced.

I recently visited the local Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office to renew my motorcycle-operating privileges. The portion of the test about which I was most concerned — identifying blank road signs — I passed with ease.

The kind examiner then escorted me to a computer station for the fundamental-knowledge portion, which I considered a mere formality.

How quickly the road can fill with potholes.

After missing the first couple of questions, my confidence began to wobble. With 13 of 25 questions still unanswered, I crashed into a wall. The examiner said I would have to come back another day.

On the list of places I care to revisit, there are literally thousands of locations ahead of the DMV office. But failure is not an option and I shall return.

The good men and women at the DMV are specially trained to make sure everyone takes a number, waits in the same line and answers the same questions before being let loose on the same highways.

Everyone must be equally tested without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin or personal hygiene.

I was so sure of my motorcycle-riding knowledge that I didn’t even study that portion of the official Motorcyclists’ Handbook.

My attitude of superiority was equally inflated the first time Craig Owens let me ride his minibike when we were 8 years old. I wouldn’t listen to Craig, so his mother had to teach me the concept of using lower gears to maintain speed while climbing hills.

Later, after I’d mastered Craig’s mini-bike, I straddled my cousin Wayne’s Yamaha Mini Enduro 60 in his backyard. Wayne started to explain the concept behind a clutch (Craig’s minibike had automatic gears), but I dismissed most of the instruction as an affront to my vast cycling expertise.

Seconds later, my Uncle Ed had to remove the small motorcycle and me from the top of a 6-foot wire fence that provided an enclosure for their dog.

Fortunately, only my self-esteem was damaged by the incident, which Wayne often recounted as proof of his Yamaha’s superior capacity for climbing the steepest of inclines.

Since those early riding mishaps, though, I’ve logged thousands of miles on motorcycles with no major incidents. More than 40 years of riding experience should be adequate preparation for any quiz the DMV might throw together, right? Wrong.

Oh, the shame of failing a test on something I’ve been doing for most of my life. It’s like going to the doctor and being told there’s a lot you don’t know about how to inhale and exhale.

“That test has trick questions,” I asserted to the DMV examiner.

“You have to go by everything that’s in here,” he said offering me a fresh copy of the Motorcyclists’ Handbook.

I’ve studied every page of that handbook, and guess what? There’s absolutely nothing in there about how to successfully climb a 6-foot fence on a motorcycle.

Some things you just can’t learn from a book.

Pocket bikes began in the garages of bike enthusiasts who had spare parts. For this reason, there was a lot more heart put into the pocket bikes that were built by the hands of their owners. Today, mass production can crank out clones of bikes that lack the same degree of personality. But for the enthusiasts today, who wish to customize their pocket bikes, there are a number of shops who supply parts and many of them sell online to anyone.

There are engine parts, frame parts and performance parts for pocket bikes. The engine parts is self explanatory and the frame parts is anything visible once the bike is put together. It makes up the exterior and the body of the bike. The performance parts are modifications that alter the performance of the pocket bike. These parts come together to form the entirety of the pocket bike and each piece makes the bike customizable to the owners preference.

Pocket bike engines are very similar to lawn mowing engines. Both are commonly four stroke engines and about the same size. The difference is the build and a pocket bike can’t be built around a lawn mowing engine because of the direction the engine shaft is built.

There are some much improved and specialized engines for pocket bikes available today. It is not uncommon to a double stroke or two-stroke engine and typically the strengths are around 49cc but can go much higher than that. In fact, the super pocket rockets, a higher class of pocket bikes, usually have a 110cc engine.

The frame includes any part of the pocket bike that is visible when the entire bike is put together. This makes up the body of the bike and serves a double function. The pocket bike frame is what holds the bike together as well as supports the weight of the bike including the rider. It also gives the pocket bike its aesthetics.

What makes modifying a pocket bike so much fun are the performance parts. It is one thing to put in new lights and admire the aesthetics, it’s really another thing to put in a two piece high compression heat kit and feel the new power of the pocket bike. Performance parts are anything that improves the way the bike rides. This can be basic like a changing the air filter, or advanced like upgrading the reed cage. This is where amateurs can begin with simple mods and move up to more advanced modifications.

Accessories are also available and put in a category of its own because it doesn’t serve the performance or functioning of the bike directly. Accessories are things like LCD screens and upgraded seating which do nothing to improve the bikes performance but does improve the rider’s experience.

With so many parts available, any hobbyist can buy a new pocket bike fresh off the mass production assembly line and do all sorts of customizations to personalize and improve the pocket bike. There are also kits available for anyone who wants to assemble their own bikes. This makes it even more possible to make the mods since the owner technically built his own bike. The sky is the limit to how far you can take the customization your pocket bike.

LAVIS - Presentata la nuova mini moto del servizio antincendio dei pompieri.

LAVIS . In occasione della 13ª edizione «Porteghi e Spiazi» (10-11-12 luglio 2009), che si svolta nelle vie e piazze del centro storico grazie all’impegno di numerose associazioni, è stato presentato il nuovo veicolo antincendio in dotazione al locale corpo dei vigili del fuoco volontari. Per garantire un immediato soccorso quando il traffico è particolarmente intenso, e che talvolta impedisce l’arrivo tempestivo dell’autobotte sul luogo del sinistro, i pompieri hanno pensato bene di acquistare una mini moto da corsa. Simile a quella guidata dal campione del mondo Valentino Rossi, seppur in formato mignon. La motocicletta ha una cilindrata di 35cc a due tempi, una potenza di 3,5CV e raggiunge una velocità di 60 km/h. Il pompiere che interviene sul luogo dell’incendio, porta in spalla un piccolo estintore a polvere da 1 Kg. La verità, ovviamente, è ben diversa. Questa due ruote, per altro perfettamente funzionante, non è altro che il premio della lotteria organizzata dai pompieri per la sagra del paese. Per acquistare nuove attrezzature antincendio, e per garantire un sempre maggiore ed efficace intervento in caso di necessità. Un’iniziativa simpatica e originale, che ha avuto un grande successo specialmente tra i più giovani.

nelle foto: la mini moto in palio con il vigile del fuoco volontario Stefano Sassu.

Chicago will become a two-wheel Mecca this weekend when two popular cycle events return to the city.

Eco-friendly brewers, New Belgium Brewery, are returning to Palmer Square in Chicago on July 11 to kick off their annual Tour de Fat, a celebration of all things bicycle, (with a few organic beers thrown in too.)

The tour features street theatre, a mini-bike dance troupe and live music. Visitors are also given the opportunity to join Team Wonderbike – a national group of cycle enthusiasts who have pledged to bike, rather than drive, whenever they can; and one visitor at each tour stop will be selected to trade in their car for a brand new bicycle.

This year the Chicago leg of the tour also coincides with Chicago’s L.A.T.E. ride – a 25 mile moonlit ride through downtown Chicago. Over 10,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the event, which will kick off at midnight with prizes for the best lit bicycle and best decorated helmet. The ride itself will begin at 1:30am.

Tour de Fat will continue on to 10 other western cities throughout the summer, including stops in Seattle, Austin, and New Belgium Brewery’s home town of Fort Collins in Colorado.

NATASHA MARTIN/ The Timaru Herald

GETAWAY ATTEMPT: Police examine the scene at Patiti Point where the chase for a youth on a mini motorcycle ended.

Mini gave way to might when a teenager crashed his motorcycle at Patiti Point after a police chase.

The budding biker was part of a team of two mini motorcyclists who were spotted by a police patrol at the skate park on Caroline Bay yesterday afternoon.

Police gave chase after the boys failed to stop.

Constable Marcus Dominey said police were initially concerned when they saw the boys riding motorcycles through the bay area. Four police cars were involved in the chase after the two riders hightailed it out of Caroline Bay, through the port and along South Beach.

One of the budding bikers was not so lucky and came off second best when his bike collided with a post at the car park on Patiti Point.

He was not hurt, but was checked out by ambulance staff at the scene.

The second biker was picked up soon after when police found him pushing his motorcycle home.

Sergeant Ian Howard said the incident highlighted the dangers of bored youths in the school holidays.

He reminded parents to “actively engage” with what their children were doing during school holidays.

A 15-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop, and the 16-year-old has been charged with failing to stop.

Both have been referred to Youth Aid.

If you’ve heard people talking about orion pit bikes, you may have wondered exactly what they are. Pit bikes have become extremely popular lately, and are enjoyed by many different kinds of people. Kids can benefit from owning a pit bike, and lots of adults are very passionate about this hobby.

The pit bike originated over 50 years ago. At that time, automobile racing was becoming more and more popular every day. People couldn’t get enough of the roar of the motors and the excitement of the crowds. What many people didn’t recognise was that along with the car and its driver, there was a whole group of auto mechanics and technicians in the background that kept the cars running smoothly. These crews worked in the pits during the races, and it was their responsibility to make sure that if anything went pear shaped during a race, that the vehicle was fixed as fast as possible so that it could get back on the tracks.

These crews became such an important part of racing that there was more and more pressure on them to perform better all the time. There was a lot of pressure during the heat of a race.The issue was that these pits were usually tremendously small, with not much room to move. As a result, it was hard for them to get were they had to get to in the time needed. They even used bicycles to travel around, but it wasn’t very long before some bright spark developed the idea of fixing up a mini bike to perform at the best of it’s ability so that they could zoom around as efficiently as possible. And thus, the pit bike was created.

Pit crews still use these bikes in the pits these days, although they have also become a popular hobby amongst others. The bikes that started off as ways to get around the racing track have since become racing vehicles themselves. Another benefit of the pit bike is for your child. If they are wanting to ride a motorbike, but you are concerned about their safety, a pit bike can be a great starter option for them.

Mark Hoffman

Tony “Mr.” Paige (left) greets Sam “Speedy” Escobar upon his arrival with Julio “Red Dog” Lopez (center) at Two Wheel Tuesday last week at Culver’s in Brookfield. Area motorcyclists flock to the parking lot behind the restaurant during the riding season.

By Mike Johnson of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: July 13, 2009

Gallery

Mark Hoffman

Miles Fox cobbled together this “choped” (rhymes with mo-ped) from a Key West scooter. Parts include a gas can as a fuel tank and an old Sunoco sign as a fairing. Fox rode the scooter from his home in the Riverwest neighborhood in Milwaukee.

Brookfield — Every week, they roar and rumble and sometimes quietly whir in by the hundreds on their two-wheelers to a hamburger and custard joint here to see and be seen.

It’s Two Wheel Tuesdays and anything on two wheels is welcome.

Owners of Harley-Davidsons, Ducatis, Moto Guzzis, BMWs, Kawasakis, Hondas and Nortons, among others, roll in to kick tires and tell lies, as they say in motorcycle parlance, about their riding exploits.

When mini-bike and scooters pull into the parking lot behind Culver’s at 3705 N. 124th St. there’s no scoffing at the riders. The low horse-powered cousins can hang with the pack, no problem.

A lot of veteran motorcycle riders say they caught the two-wheel bug when they first rode mopeds or scooters as kids.

Jennette Hill of West Allis was among the diverse group of riders – men, women, black, white, Asian, Latino – at Tuesday’s weekly gathering, which starts at 6 p.m.

She drove up on her white Harley Heritage Soft Tail and explained her love of motorcycles.

“My husband had a Harley before we were married. We got married in ‘82, and he sold it before we got married. I begged him for over 20 years to put a Harley in my garage. Finally at the Harley 100 parade, he got the bug and got his Ultra,” Hill said of her husband, Les.

That was six years ago. It didn’t take her long to get her own bike.

“Six months of looking at the back of his head, I said, get me my license and get me my own bike,” she said. “So I started on a Sportster and rode that for two years and moved up to my Heritage. This is my fourth year on the Heritage.”

Hill is a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association and isn’t afraid to wear her faith on her vest at motorcycle rallies and swap meets.

“We come here because it’s a nice bike gathering. But over time we develop relationships with people, just a friendship relationship. What happens is they learn to trust us. When something happens in their life, then they’ll pull us aside and say would you pray with us on this. We do bike blessings where people can come and get their bike blessed for the season,” Hill said.

A strange contraption

Among the 300 or so two-wheelers behind Culver’s was Miles Fox’s machine, a sort of a Frankenstein’s monster contraption cobbled together from whatever Fox could find.

Let Fox, of Milwaukee’s Riverwest, tell it: “It’s basically a Key West scooter that’s been chopped down to the frame. The rear end’s off a Suzuki that’s just shoved into the existing frame and welded on.

“The rest of the platform is a Sunoco food mart road sign that I found behind a gas station, like the interstate signs that tell you pull over here to get gas or whatever,” said Fox, goggles resting atop his head.

It gets better, if not a little stranger. Green ammo boxes that he picked up at a hardware store are the scooter’s saddlebags and a red plastic gas can with its pouring spout attached is the scooter’s fuel tank.

But hey, it gets him around town, at 60 miles per gallon to boot.

It’s likely that a comment posted on TWT’s Facebook page later Tuesday night was about Fox’s scooter. “Some unique bikes out tonight, including the most beautiful/ugly scooter ever,” the posting said.

Dennis Weinhold, of the Town of Lyndon in Sheboygan County, was sans motorcycle on Tuesday. Normally he uses any excuse he can to two-wheel to Brookfield on Tuesdays, but work on this day as a commercial real estate appraiser necessitated the use of a four-wheeled vehicle.

That didn’t stop him from taking in the sea of red, green, purple, black and blue bikes, and enjoying what he likes most about Two Wheel Tuesdays. “You meet people. You see different bikes, or you see one that you wished you had, one that looked that good or that customized,” Weinhold said.

He buys and sells bikes, specializing in restorations.

“I do the older Hondas, 250 and 305 twins from the ’60s, particularly what we call the Scrambler model. I have 15 bikes in my garage and shed that are either for parts or that someday will get restored,” Weinhold said.

Biker buddies

Ron Farina, of West Allis, and Tim St. Peter, of New Berlin, were there with their Harleys. Farina rode in on a chopper that he restored after it had been sitting idle for about 30 years. St. Peter was on a Soft Tail Deluxe, customized with lots of chrome.

“Me and him, grew up together,” St. Peter said. “We’ve known each other since we were 13, 14 years old. We used to ride bicycles and we always talked to each other, like we can’t wait ’til we grow up and we can ride motorcycles.”

Tony Paige of Milwaukee was showing off his blue Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14.

“That’s the fastest production bike made. It came out in ‘06. I had to have it,” said Paige, noting that the look of the bike lured him in.

“It’s the lights. Watch these lights. They look like a bug. I love the way they look,” Paige said. “The style of the bike caught my attention. Then the power of the bike caught my attention.”

He has been coming to Two Wheel Tuesdays for years.

“It’s the camaraderie. We get to see each other’s bikes. We get ideas about what we can do to our own bikes,” Paige said.

Police in Staffordshire are taking a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to riders of illegal off-road bikes this summer.

Officers have already seized a number of bikes after mounting operations across the county.

As the summer school holidays approach the number of reports of people using off-road bikes, motorised scooters and mini bikes illegally in public places is expected to increase.

Posters highlighting the actions police will be taking against riders will be displayed in ‘hot spot’ areas.

But if these warnings are ignored anyone caught riding a bike illegally will have it taken off them immediately.

Riders will then be forced to pay a £150 recovery cost, plus £20 per day in storage fees, to get their bike back.

Chief Inspector John Maddox said: “Residents are frustrated with the small group of people who continually use off-road bikes in an anti-social manner.

“This inconsiderate group of individuals will be targeted by officers, in conjunction with our partners, this summer and we will be seizing bikes.

“Such vehicles cause significant noise nuisance and can be a danger to people using the greenways and open spaces. This dedicated operation is the result of residents’ concerns. We are listening to what residents are saying and we are taking the appropriate action.

“If anyone has any information about the people riding these off-road bikes, where the bikes are being stored and when they are being used, please contact us. We will act.”

Councillor PhiI Maskery, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, added: “We want riders to be aware of the legislation as well as the nuisance they cause.”

Pocket bikes are mass produced on assembly lines and as a result seem to have lost a little bit of grit and personality from the days where they were only available to those with the heart to build one from scrap. For the enthusiasts today who want to personalize their pocket bikes there are numerous specialized shops that sell pocket bike parts specifically for the purpose of building or customizing a pocket bike.

Based on what function and where it is located on the pocket bike, the parts can be defined as engine parts, frame parts, and performance parts. Engine parts obviously pertain to what makes the bike go while the frame is anything exterior as well as interior that keeps the bike together. All the different parts play their role in determining how the bike rides, how the bike looks, and how the rider experiences the pocket bike.

Pocket bike engines are very similar to lawn mowing engines. Both are commonly four stroke engines and about the same size. The difference is the build and a pocket bike can’t be built around a lawn mowing engine because of the direction the engine shaft is built.

There are some much improved and specialized engines for pocket bikes available today. It is not uncommon to a double stroke or two-stroke engine and typically the strengths are around 49cc but can go much higher than that. In fact, the super pocket rockets, a higher class of pocket bikes, usually have a 110cc engine.

The frame parts makes up the body of the bike. It serves to hold the bike together by the skeleton inside. It is also what supports the weight of the bike and the rider. These parts range from the shell to the seating to the tires and give the bike its look.

The performance parts are some of the most fun because they will increase performance and makes the pocket bike faster, stronger, and more fun to ride. Also, the customizations that pocket bike owners can do range from small amateurish upgrades to full-blown professional modifications. This includes anything from changing an air filter to better tires or something more advanced like installing a two piece high compression heat kit to upgrading the reed cage.

Many other options are available that does not directly improve the performance of the bike but still enhances the riders experience. It tends to be more aesthetic and comfort as opposed to giving the bike power and handling. Things like built-in LCD screens or more comfortable seating would fall in this category.

With so many parts available, any hobbyist can buy a new pocket bike fresh off the mass production assembly line and do all sorts of customizations to personalize and improve the pocket bike. There are also kits available for anyone who wants to assemble their own bikes. This makes it even more possible to make the mods since the owner technically built his own bike. The sky is the limit to how far you can take the customization your pocket bike.

Maintenance is an important factor in keeping your bike running smoothly, whether it is a normal bike or a pocket bike. So frequently changing worn out parts with new parts is a way to re-power your pocket bike and to make sure that it continues to operate efficiently.

There are many different parts that constitute a pocket bike, and all the parts are offered under different categories and serial numbers. However, many parts are exchangeable. The vital body parts of a pocket bike are tires, wheels, axles, gas tanks, chains, engines, pistons, carburetors, throttle units, brake parts, and cylinders. High-velocity chrome stack and high-performance air filters are also essential ingredients to boost the power of pocket bikes. Chrome racing pipes, mufflers, and other accessories are available in the market; these accessories all add a custom touch your pocket bike.

Pocket bikes offer both convenience and fun. These bikes can be easily carried in your arms, and they are able to offer fast speeds. Gas-powered engines power up pocket bikes. Disc brakes in the front and rear, racing tires, fairings, light-weight aluminum alloy cast perimeter frames and swing arms, etc., are the features that can be added to a pocket bike. Different parts of a pocket bike have their own functions; for example, the gas tank stores gasoline and the carburetor pumps air in from the environment.

Each of the different pocket bike parts have an essential role to play in the proper functioning of the pocket bike and each part needs to be properly maintained in order to maximize the life and the power of your pocket bike.

I am blogging this post to all forum members as the owner of this pocket bike site. This blog post is help all members, new and old, to better understand the critical importance of forum conduct rules to the long term success of www.pocket-bike-racing.com.au.

The main cause of the failure of forums is a failure to manage the day to day conduct in and use of the forum. If the owner and his assistants (the appointed moderators) pay no attention to the conduct of members in the forum and let them run amok then they are setting up the site for failure. It will lose business because sincere and well behaved members and sponsors will lose faith and patience in this website as a quality website and sooner or later they will desert it and go somewhere else.

So, for the benefit of all, there must be a set of forum conduct rules and and they must be strictly observed and enforced.

Whose job is it to ensure that the forum rules are observed? Firstly, it is the job of all members to take action when they see another member breaking the rules. Don’t sit by idly and do nothing. Don’t be passive and let it go by. Speak up in the forum and POLITELY tell the member who is breaking a conduct rule what rule they are breaking and ask that member to immediately stop that conduct and get rid of the offending post or the offending words or the offending link back or whatever it might be. If you just turn a blind eye that will encourage that person to keep on breaking the rule. The best possible situation in a forum is for members to take personal responsibility for observance of the rules and do their level best to stick to the rules. The best possible situation is for members to be vigilant about others offending the rules and in a polite and courteous way point out the breach to the member in question and invite him or her to correct the breach voluntarily before one of the moderators has to take action.

What is the moderator’s role? The owner has appointed on or two responsible members to act as a moderator. The moderator’s job is to patrol the site and make sure that everything is working properly, help new members get the hang of the forum and assist them in anyway they can, and to look out for infringing conduct and to stop infringing conduct and to report serious breaches of forum conduct rules to the owner.

Participation on the site is by way of invitation by the owner. Everyone is welcome to come into the forum and participate in the forum as often as they like and for as long as the like PROVIDED THAT they stick to the forum rules.

Where are the Forum Rules? The forum rules are written up on the site in the Q&A page. You can find this on the menu bar and just click on it to go to that page.

We are also in the process of writing up a full set of the rules to publish on this blog and on the home page – in the announcements box with a link to the page – so that NO ONE can ever say that they are not aware of the forum rules.

If a moderator believes you have broke a rule the moderator will take action to correct the breach and will tell the offending member what rule or rules has been breached and what action has been taken or will be taken. In most cases the moderator will simply remove an offending post in the forum or an offending link back or whatever and then tell the offender why they have taken this action and refer them to the specific rule. The moderator may also issue warnings. Except in the worst cases a moderator will usually give a member 2 clear warnings and if they offend the same rule again then the moderator has authority to suspend or ban that member from using the forum. First ban will usually be for 3 weeks; then, if the member re-offends it could be extended to 6 months.

Last thing to say – if any member feels that they have been unjustly dealt with by a moderator they may go to CONTACT US and send an email to the administrator and explain why they feel they have been unfairly dealt with by the mod. The member may request a review of the decision If such a request is received by admin then we will try to review the situation and give a final decision within 7 days. That decision is then final.

This is as fair as we can make it. Best advice is STICK TO THE RULES AT ALL TIMES. It is no different to the rules in our general community. If you want to have a good time then play by the rules. It is as simple as that.

This is a public blog post about an important matter and of course you may choose to comment and respond to what has been said here. You are free to do so and CONSTRUCTIVE comments will be well received and allowed to be published on the blog. Any frivolous or malicious comments that are aimed only to cause trouble or controversy are unlikely to be published.

Pocket Bike Racing is a first class forum site and has received tons of praise and compliments from all over the world. We have plans to take it a lot further and you will be hearing about these plans very soon. We will be conducting a survey soon to find out more about what you want to see happen on the site to make it  better. I hope you will take the time to respond to that survey.

All the best and enjoy your time in the forum.

A new craze has caught on in the United States, and it all boils down to a much smaller version of the motorcycle knows as pocket bikes, mini bikes, minimotos or mini choppers, depending on who you ask and where they live. The first models were created in Japan, but their popularity quickly spread to countries like China, Europe, the UK, Australia, Canada and eventually the United States. These mini bikes were originally designed to be used by small children, but it didn’t take long for adults to get in on the fun. It only takes a few simple conversions (namely adding taller handlebars and improving the bikes suspension) to make a mini bike suitable for adults.

Pocket bikes, although not small enough to fit in anyone’s pocket, are still pretty tiny. Most models only measure in at about 47 inches long and 18 inches tall, making it easy for someone to carry around under their arms. But, don’t be deceived. Just because these babies are small, doesn’t mean they aren’t fast. Mini bikes can reach speeds from 34 to 45 miles per hour, and some have even broken 50 miles per hour. Believe it or not, these small bikes can reach speeds that exceed the weight of the vehicles themselves!

Lower prices and lower health risks have been probably the two main factors that have contributed to the popularity of pocket bikes. Engine sizes for a typical mini bike ranges from 49ccs to as much as 110 ccs. The latest fad in mini bike production has been the introduction of the mini-chopper. With so many avid fans watching shows like Orange County Choppers and American Choppers, it isn’t that hard to see why.

Mini Bike Models: Essentially, there are two main categories of mini bikes. The first is mini bikes designed specifically for children, and the second is mini bikes created with adult riders in mind. Of course, in addition to these models there has also been the introduction of the mini choppers we mentioned earlier which are designed for both children and adults.

Pocket Bike Pricing: Pocket bike prices are very inexpensive. A new model pocket bike can be purchased for as little as $300 or you could pay as much as $1,000. The mini chopper models are currently have a little bit higher of a price tag, but still very reasonable – $500 to $1500. If you decide to save more money by purchasing a used mini bike, be sure to do a little research. In the world of mini bikes, there have been some models that have been recalled for safety reasons. So, don’t neglect to do your homework, it might just save your life.

There isn’t a lot of brand name loyalty when it comes to mini bikes. The great majority of mini bikes models are made in Asia by companies that haven’t made it into the typical household name that many other manufacturers have achieved. However, some well known mini bike manufacturers include GRC, Honda and Polini.

Mini Bike Fun: Enthusiasts use mini bikes for any number of purposes, but they are typically restricted to off-road riding. While many riders simply use them for a little private outdoor fun, growing numbers of mini bike fans are entering the world of competitive pocket bike racing. While this trend has been prevalent in Europe and Asia for years, it has finally begun to take hold here in the United States. Mini bike races and competitions are often held at local Go-Kart tracks, but before you head out with your bike in hand, you’ll definitely want to check and make sure that mini bike riding is permitted. Others have broken into Pitbike racing, a cheaper and safer version of dirt bike races such as Motocross.

Mini Bikes as Motivators Recently, a new use has been found for mini bikes, and its purposes and success might very well surprise you. A YMCA in Washington State has recently come up with a motivation program that has caught on like wildfire, and parents and children both are reaping the rewards. Within this program, children and parents work together to create a contract that leads to certain behaviors. For instance, if Sally isn’t getting her homework done, her contract with her parents would probably be to complete all of her homework on time. If Jimmy’s bad about breaking his curfew, then this would probably be the contracts main focus. After the contracts are made, children who follow through on their contracts over a specified period of time are rewarded mini bike riding lessons and up to 2 hours per week of riding time. In addition to this, they also receive complete riding gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, boots, jerseys and durable pants. Kids who successfully fulfill their contract are rewarded by getting to keep their new gear.

The project has been provided in association with the National Youth Project Using Mini Bikes (NYPUM) and has met with great success. Before long, this new method may soon find itself playing out in YMCA’s all across the country.

LENNON, Michigan — Power sports enthusiasts have a new destination to race to — My Race Number, located at 11915 Lennon Road, a half-mile west of the M-13 intersection.

The store, which had a July 11 grand opening, caters to “power sports” enthusiasts.

“For those not familiar with the term, power sports are road bikes, snowmobiles, water craft, off road or ATV’s and motocross bikes,” said Jon R. Dreher, 34, of Lennon.

Dreher, a supply chain manager at Fullerton Tool in Saginaw, co-owns the store with Ken E. Bowers, 34, of Grand Blanc.

Dreher’s wife, Kelly J. Dreher, 25, helps run the Lennon store.

“I’ve been a motocross racer for 23 years, and my number has always been 834,” Jon Dreher said.

Wanting his number customized led him into helping other racers do their numbers, and it grew from there.

Now, customers with a creative bent can go on-line to the store’s Web site — www.myracenumber.com — and design their own number.

“We’ve got over 50 designs to choose from, which the customer can customize with their own number,” Dreher said.

They offer custom apparel for men, women, youth and yes, infants.

They offer brand names in the industry — including Answer, MSR and One Industrial.
The 2010 gear is now coming out and Dreher will be offering close-out specials on 2009 gear at up to 35 percent off, he said.

“If anybody buys a new set of complete gear we’ll personalize it with their name and number for free,” Dreher said. “There’s nobody in the industry that we know of that makes that offer.”

The operation is traditionally backwards. A business generally gets established in a store and then goes online. Dreher has had his online store open for a year, and this month opened the 2,000-square-foot store, which is the former Lennon Dollar Store.

Some of his online custom apparel business has come from as far away as Canada, Australia and Spain.

“We opened the store to handle a lot of used and consignment sales,” Dreher said.

“Most people offer new parts and accessories, and we handle both new and used.”

Right now they have handle bars, exhaust pipes, helmets and new and used jerseys and pants for motocross riders.

Current consignments include a Kawasaki KX250 motocross motorcycle, a Honda CRF250 moto-cross motorcycle, and was taking delivery of a Seadoo jet ski.

They also have a vintage Honda XR75 mini-bike, a Yamaha MX80 minibike and a Kawasaki KE100 minibike.

“We’re getting calls on some street bikes, which we may soon offer,” he said.

Prices are negotiable, depending on the seller.

Dreher is currently trying to organize a “Power Parts Swap Meet” on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16 in downtown Lennon.

“We’ve got permission from the village to close the streets if it gets big enough,” Dreher said.

“We’re looking for anything related to street bikes, snowmobiles, water crafts, motocross or off-road bikes,” he said.

Vendors looking to participate can call the store at (888) 722-3676 to sign up for vendor space.

“This is our first year in organizing the swap meet, so we don’t know what to expect,” Dreher said.

“We don’t have any entertainment lined up, but maybe someone will come along with an offer, or maybe we’ll look at it for next year,” he said.

Store hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.

They are looking to establish Sunday hours soon, Dreher said, but at present they are closed Sundays.

To contact the store, or for more information, call (888) 722-3676 or visit them on-line at www.myracenumber.com.

Club celebrates its second birthday

SOUTH-WEST Victoria is on target to produce two Australian mini moto champions.

Warrnambool rider Darren Hansford and Mailors Flat racer Stephen Koliopanos will take healthy aggregate leads to the last round of the national series in September.

Hansford leads the pro cag category after dominating the third round at Barossa with three wins and a second from four races, while Koliopanos seized the lead in pro Chinese water-cooled class by sweeping his four races.

He relegated Warrnambool entrant Brendan O’Donnell to second.

Hansford, the defending pro cag titleholder, started the round with a 20-point aggregate advantage.

Koliopanos and O’Donnell also raced in pro cag class, while Hansford and Koliopanos contested the elite water-cooled bracket.

Hansford said the final round of the series was at Archerfield, Queensland.

“Fingers crossed, we’ll have two national champions after that,” he said.

O’Donnell, Koliopanos and Hansford are members of South West Mini Moto Club.

A pocket bike is a two wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and that is not designated or manufactured for highway use.
Pocket bikes do not include an off-highway motorcycle as defined in section 436 of the Vehicle Code.
Is my “Pocket Bike” Allowed on Public Land? The short answer “No”. Recent legislation prohibits pocket bikes from being operated on public land. Section 21720 is added to the California Vehicle Code to read, “A pocket bike shall not be operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off-highway motor vehicle use.”
What will happen if I’m caught riding my “Pocket Bike” on Public Land? Recent legislation allows for peace officers to seize the bike and hold it for a maximum of 48 hours. The violator shall be responsible for all costs associated with the removal, seizure and storage.
Additionally, new legislation requires the manufacturer of the pocket bike to place a sticker on the bike that reads:
The pocket bike you have purchased or obtained is strictly prohibited from being operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off highway vehicle use. A violation of this regulation may result in prosecution and seizure of the device.
Pocketbikes are small motorcycles powered by 40-49cc gasoline engines or electric motors. They are being marketed and sold improperly as “motor scooters”. Pocket bikes meet the definition of a motorcycle as defined by California Vehicle Code 400(a):
CVC 400(a): A “motorcycle” is any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for use by the rider, designed to travel on not more then three wheels in contact with the ground, and weighing less then 1500 lbs. As the motors on pocket bikes are under 150cc, they are further defined as a “motor driven cycle” per CVC 405C
VC 405: A “motor driven cycle” is any motorcycle with a motor that displaces less then 150 cubic centimeters.
A motor driven cycle must be registered with the DMV for use on a public roadway or off-street public parking facility. The rider must be issued a valid driver license with M1 (motorcycle) endorsement per CVC12500 (b) and CVC12804.9 (a). The rider must wear an approved motorcycle helmet per CVC27803. The motor driven cycle must also be equipped with all required safety equipment.
The DMV is not currently registering “pocket bikes” due to a lack of required identifying numbers (Vehicle Identification Number and Engine Number). This means that “pocket bikes” may not be driven on any public roadway or off street parking facility.
If pocket bikes are properly registered (if the DMV permits registration at a future date), riders must follow all rules of the road and applicable equipment requirements as would any other motorcycle or vehicle and are subject to citations for violations observed by officers of this department.
Pocket bikes may still be used on private property (areas not open to public vehicular traffic) urges those riders to obtain training in the safe operation of these vehicles and wear appropriate safety equipment.
There are more agencies and organizations that are clamoring to define pocket bikes and issue calls for increase regulations. Here is one from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Whereas, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) is an association representing its U.S. and Canadian membership by working collaboratively to support and improve motor vehicle administration, safety, identification security and law enforcement; and whose activities include developing model programs in motor vehicle administration, police traffic services and highway safety, serving as an information clearinghouse for these same disciplines, and acting as the international spokesman for these interests; and
Whereas, in order to reduce traffic collisions and deaths and injuries resulting from traffic collisions, Congress has required the federal Department of Transportation to prescribe minimum safety standards for any motor vehicle manufactured primarily for use on public roads; has prohibited the manufacture, sale, import and distribution of motor vehicles that do not conform with those federal motor vehicle safety standards; and
Whereas, responding to Congress’ call, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has promulgated motor vehicle safety standards at 49 CFR 571, including safety standards for motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, and requires manufacturers to certify that vehicles manufactured for on-road use meet all applicable safety standards; and
Whereas, miniature motorcycles commonly referred to as ‘pocket bikes’ resemble traditional racing motorcycles in every respect except for their small size and pocket bikes do not meet the minimum height specification for headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps and turn signals for motorcycles or motor-driven cycles; and
Whereas, their low height makes pocket bikes exceedingly difficult for other motorists to see whenever they are operated on a road; and
Whereas, the laws of some states specifically recognize pocket bikes and prohibit their operation on public highways in that state, but many state’s laws do not specifically recognize pocket bikes, regarding them as ‘motorcycles’ that might be registered and operated on public roads by qualified riders; and
Whereas, lack of federal regulation, guidance or standards clearly applicable to pocket bikes has created confusion for law enforcement officials, motor vehicle administrators and state and local government officials; now, therefore, be it:
Resolved by the Board of Directors of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, that AAMVA finds that, because pocket bikes do not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
They are not “manufactured primarily for use on public highways” within the meaning of federal law; and be it further resolved that AAMVA shall endeavor to develop and strengthen relationships with other safety organizations and law enforcement agencies and national safety organizations to promote awareness of safety concerns and insure that state laws prohibit the operation of pocket bikes on public roads; and
Be it further resolved that jurisdictions should not title or register for on-road use pocket bikes, ‘mini-choppers’, or any other non-standard motorcycle that does not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for vehicles intended for use on public highways, and that lacks the manufacturer’s certification label stating that the vehicle meets all applicable safety standards in effect on the date of manufacture, unless state or federal law specifically exempts the vehicle from such standards and certification; and
Be it further resolved that AAMVA shall provide this resolution to CPSC, NHTSA, National Traffic Law Center, and National Conference of State Legislatures, Governors Highway Safety Association and other appropriate Federal and State agencies.
Where does this leave pocket bike owners? They can still be ridden but not on public highways, sidewalks or public land. However, they can be enjoyed on private property. The rider and their parents should understand the pocketbike is not a toy and therefore requires that they ride responsibly including full head protection as well as protective clothes.

When looking to buy a pocket bike (miniature motorcycle) be sure to do your research. You need to find reliable sales professionals, dealers, or Internet connections to make this purchase. There are many ‘knock-offs’ or imitations out there and to purchase them would be a waste of your money and time. The parts for these imitations are not typically found and in the rare event that you can find them they will be extremely costly and are typically not guaranteed.

To assist you in making the best buy, talk to others that have already have a pocket bike such as a trusted friend or co-worker, your local pocket bike league, local dealers, etc. You can use the Internet to assist in you in your research as well. This will allow you a more time efficient method of comparing prices as well as obtaining information for various bikes. You will be able to compare the price of the actual bike as well as any amenities offered, allowing you to see which has the best offer.

Also note that when you buy a pocket bike, the laws vary from state to state and country to country. Speak with your local law enforcement agencies and local pocket bike league so that you understand all local rules, regulations, and laws. You are making an investment and it would be a waste of money as well as your time to lose such an extraordinary machine because you failed to get all the correct information.

Once you have done your research and have decided to make your purchase, make sure of any safety equipment and/or gear you made need. You are making this purchase to have fun and fulfill some dreams, so your safety should be a priority so that you may continue to do so.

And now that you have done everything you need to make your purchase wisely and ensure your laws and safety, go out there and have fun. This is why you why you want to buy your pocket bike to begin with.

Quick safety checklist

• Wear an approved full face helmet. Do not neglect buckling the chin strap as the helmet doesn’t offer full protection otherwise.
• Wear gloves with knuckle and palm protection. Wear elbow pads and knee pads.
• Wear full length clothes to avoid scrapes if you fall. A leather suit is preferable.
• Always keep your pocket bike maintained. This includes adjusting the brake and throttle cables, oiling the chain, using the correct gasoline mixture.
• Check tire pressure, chain tension, screws and other adjustments before you ride.
• Most states require a person to be at least 12 years old before they can ride a pocket bike. If you let someone younger ride a pocket bike remember that you are responsible for their safety. Always monitor their riding and, if possible, let them ride in a closed off area with a soft surface, such as grass or dirt.

  Safety is not the only thing you need to think about when having fun with your pocket bike.
  When driving your pocket bike you need to make sure that you not only follow certain safety rules – but also the law.

  
  A pocket bike is a quick and maneuverable vehicle, so you should expect falls and scrapes and prepare accordingly. If you fall onto a hard surface or an edge you will take much less damage if you are wearing the proper safety equipment. Make sure your helmet is approved by the appropriate licensing body in your country. Wear a riding suit, gloves, kneepads and a pair of riding boots. Apart from your skull, your legs are most exposed to injury.

  Get used to how your bike sounds and handles and pay attention to if something changes. If it does it can be a sign of a imminent malfunction.

Well, let’s look at the various advantages that these electric powered scooters have to offer. Wondering why is an electric scooter the right choice of scooter for you?

These scooters are not renowned for producing a large amount of noise, they put off a humming noise unlike gas scooters that can be compared with a leaf blower. If you live in an area where noise is frowned upon, electric scooters are the way to go. And first and foremost, those amazing very cheap electric scooters are less costly than gas powered scooters making them the reasonable choice, and in today’s economy everyone knows cost is the most important factor in everything we purchase.

If you are one of the many people who are nervous about the surroundings, there’s no question about it that an these scooters is for you. There are no emissions produced by electric scooters, thus no harm is being done to the environment.

Always buy brand names, avoid off-the-wall brands. If you are thinking the price is amazing, it’s because it is, you’ll get what you pay for. Cheap free electric bikes have been a dream for most of us, but normally these gasless scooters prices are in the $200 to $1,000 range. Finding cheap electric scooters for sale of high quality is hard but possible. Pay attention to the scooter you are looking at to be sure it is compatible with weather conditions you typically experience where you live. Temperature affects the battery, hot or cold weather can limit the range that the electric scooter will go on a single charge. Water is not really limit the electric scooter motor so if it rains a lot where you live that could pose a problem.

Many people want to have fun to make that many motorcycles, but do not want to have one. When this happens, there are pocket bikes to take advantage. Many adults have found a lot of fun in the bike and find May to be easier to assemble.

Many adults have pocket bikes. This is for them to run on a regular basis around their local areas. They can enjoy them, because they are expensive and ultimately enable them to travel and have fun at the same time. There are gas and electric pocket bikes to choose from. You can decide what is best for you and what best fits your style. The bikes are small pockets in a way that does not take much space at all. You can store these pocket bikes in most hangars. It is recommended to keep these bikes stored to keep it protected from the weather. If we want to do in a garage or shelter, so you do not have to worry about ruining or even by bicycle stolen from the courtyard.

Many adults who use a pocket bike use in the race. This is a great way to enjoy the pocket bikes and allow adults to have a good clean fun. These courses are conducted in a secure and remote areas, so there is no risk of injury to drivers or other motorists. Pocket bikes should never be a horse, if it is dangerous or if there is an interference with traffic.

Children are also familiar with the pocket bike more and more these days. There are many children who want to have some form of bike racing, but their parents are not so sure that this is a good idea. A pocket bike is a great way to get a child started on a bike and not have to worry about how their security. With the safety instructions on the right, a child will have a lot of fun on their bike, and experience. A pocket bike is a great gift for every child. A child to enjoy this beautiful bike and learn the importance of taking care of something. It will be a valuable tool to mitigate the children to have. Parents should follow the child and make sure they use the bike properly and safely. With the right guidance and the right to know, anyone can have a good time on their bikes. They will have a fun and safe race. You should start slowly and learn the basics, and then from there, bigger and better fun.

Related posts:

1. Electric Pocket Bike
2. Safety Tips for using Super Pocket Bikes
3. What to Buy Pocket Bike
4. Safety Rules for Pocket Bikes
5. Enjoy Pocket Bikes, but also take responsibility

If you thought that you couldn’t keep that little darling son of yours occupied while he has fun at the very same time, you could be wrong. Thanks to the birth of the mini bikes your kid can start his ride of a life time even when he is still 10 years old. They look and feel just like the real deal with one minor difference, that is the size. These mini bikes are truly miniatures of their oversized cousins who win races all over the world guaranteed to give a good adrenalin rush.

These mini bikes not only come in all shapes and colors but they are also 100% safe to be given to your kids. The pocket bikes guarantee the rider’s utmost satisfaction of the highest class. Once you get one of these irresistible pocket bikes into your home, not only your kids but you will also find it really difficult to be separated from it once you get a taste of riding it. The comfort and class that these mini bikes give its prestige riders is indeed unquestionable. Mini bikes can surely make you and your kids’ time truly worth your while.

The mini bike world is truly one of a kind with pocket bikes in each and everyone’s taste and guarantees to take the prestigious riders to this world of its own. The pocket bikes come fully loaded with promises of rocking your world and guarantees of rides of a life time. The mini bikes only look like they are small, but once you take a ride on it you will see the power loaded in it when the pedal hits the metal. Speed is something that you will not miss once you are riding these mini bikes, so it is advisable to wear all sorts of safety gear while riding one of these mean machines.

When it comes to looks these mini bikes are exact replicas of their bigger brothers with no differences that can be seen by the naked eye. If you have always wanted to own one of those cool bikes that win the Grand Prix races, then the best solution to bringing that dream of yours to life is to get you and your kid a mini bike with the looks of a super bike. What is more is that these mini bikes won’t rob you of your savings once you leave the store with one of these cool mini bikes. Once you drive one of these mini bikes, you won’t be able to get off of it.

With the present mini bike mania ruling the world of kids and their dads, it is advisable to get yourselves one of these cool miniature motor bikes. As we know that the best way to rid ourselves of temptation is to yield to it, the best way to stop wanting a mini bike is to reach out and get you a mini bike with the cool looks of the hottest racing bikes out there on the race tracks. So get your helmet on and get ready to rumble with your mini bike on the highlands where you and your soul can soar freely.

With a top speed of 37 miles per hour , the P-Maxx Gas Powered Pocket Bike gives the rider an extreme feel of the road. The P-Maxx is fully equipped with a 47cc two stroke engine with a centrifugal clutch . It is a solidly-welded , powder-painted alloy-framed bike. The Pocket Bike comes with front and rear disc brakes . It is designed for adults and for children under parental supervision. Pocket Bike Features ? Brake: Front & Rear Disc Speed: 37 MPH Tire: 10? GP Racing Tires Motor: 47CC 2-Stroke Cooled Running Duration: 2-3 hours Sale: $399.95 A question that is always asked. “Is the 49cc really slower than your 47cc?” The 47cc incorporates a design to the engine that allows it to spin and cycle faster than the 49cc. That is the reason the 47cc run 2 times faster than the 49cc. Brand New?47cc Racing Pocket?Bike HP : 4.2hp 2 stroke engine Weight : 40 pound Max speed : up to 40 MPH depend on weight, weather & road condition Motorcycle style quality construction Brake: Dual front and rear Disc Brake 11? Racing style wheel with tubeless tires Load capacity 250 lbs. Start Engine : Pull Start Tank capacity : 1.0 Liter Oil type: Gas/2 Cycle 1:25 engine oil mixing Cooling system : Air cooled Chain drive Exhaust System: Single tail pipe muffler Body: High Quality Metallic Finish Fiberglass Fender “Racing Stickers are included” Most pocket bikes offer really low prices and do not offer high quality and dependable bodies. YES, they look the same but that is what competitors do best by making inferior copies. These are not cheaply made pocket bikes these are very high quality. Legal Disclaimer: Trend Times.com is not responsible for the use of the gas scooters we sell. Please use them safely as we will not be liable for any injuries that may occur as a result of the use of these products. Children should have adult supervision while riding motorized items. Motorized gas scooters are not toys and require care and maintenance