Asian Pocket Bikes

One of the most common questions we get asked after a purchase of a Polini 911 replica is how to run it in!

Here’s a quick mini moto info guide to help you.

The Running in procedure

This bike has a very close tolerance high performance 2-stroke engine. Therefore, you must run the engine in extremely carefully to get the best from it. If you sense the engine is getting tight e.g. not idling properly, you must switch-off & let it cool down whilst carefully turning over on the pull start. Avoid this situation at all costs IT IS DAMAGING YOUR ENGINE. If it occurs, you are either being to aggressive with the break-in, or you have not got the cooling system functioning correctly e.g. air-lock.

How to avoid an air-lock?

As this is a liquid cooled bike. When you fill with pure coolant you must ensure the radiator and coolant system are free from all air locks. In order to do this pour in the coolant until it starts dribbling from the hole in the top of the radiator, remove bleed pipe whilst priming the cooling system by turning the back wheel. You may also need to pressurise the system to force out the air locks by blowing into filler or ‘de-gas’ bottle.

What is the ratio of petrol to oil?

Initially you need to use a break-in mixture of 25:1 then once its nicely run in you can make your mix 40:1. This will help reduce the amount of black smoke and make it a leaner mix.

Only use high quality synthetic 2 stroke oil which is available in most motorcycle and motocross shops.

Taking it easy!

Although the thing you’ve been waiting for is to get your bike up and running, get it into full throttle and just speed away, this is the one thing you should never do.

If it is necessary to have your bike running on its stand for prolonged periods, rev the engine occasionally & allow the back wheel to spin and drive the coolant pump. This will allow the coolant to circulate and prevent your bike overheating. The same is true if you are motionless for any length of time. Lift the rear wheel & rev the engine.

Getting ready to go.

For the 1st 2 full tanks of fuel, do not allow the engine into the power band. For the 3rd to 5th tank, only very brief periods of either full throttle (not max engine speed) or a few seconds in the power band. A full 5 tanks of fuel are recommended before using the bike in anger. You have been told!!

Most important about the Polini 911 Replica minimoto is that it is not a toy and the bike should not be used by children under the age of 14. Make sure you use safety equipment and have experience of mini motorbikes before you attempt to ride this.

Falkirk based rider, Tim Hastings will enter the 2010 season as the second of Kawasaki’s riders as part of their Team Green initiative in the Metzeler Junior Superstock Championship.

17 year old Hastings – or “Twister” as he known throughout the paddock – started his career like many in the modern era via mini-moto racing in his native Scotland gaining the Scottish Championship at the tender age of 12.

Moving on to success the very next year dominating the Melville Motor Club F125 the East Midlands Racing Association F125 championships, Hastings achieved sixth place in the 2007 Dorna Academy Cup following this with two successive British GP125 ACU Academy Cup Championships.

Making his 2009 debut on a Superstock bike for Kawasaki Motors UK’s official Supersport team, Gearlink Kawasaki, at the end of season Oulton Park round, Hastings impressed right away and finishing second qualifying in a magnificent 10th place. Unable to start the feature race, Hastings nevertheless impressed the team and created enough of an impression to be considered for one of the new Team Green Junior Superstock rides for the 2010 season.

Speaking about Hastings upcoming ride, Team Principle of Gearlink Kawasaki, Michael de Bidaph was optimistic about his chances saying:

“Tim has applied himself since day one; that much is evident. A wide vein of natural talent is matched by a willingness to learn that should see him achieve some strong results in the coming season.”

For Kawasaki Motors UK, Racing Coordinator, Ross Burridge was equally enthusiastic:

“The package that Tim and his team have available to them is considerable, with support from a vast array of technical sponsors and a brand new Ninja ZX-6R initially set up by Gearlink Kawasaki to race on, he will join a select band of Team Green Superstock riders on the grid. We wish him every success in 2010”.

Think drag racing is a total drag? Or that the Motocross could stand a little more innovation? A sports buff with a taste for the unconventional is sure to find pocket bikes a great new trend. From being a simple novelty, pocket bikes have become a passion for racing fans who are tired of the same old trends, and are ready to take a step toward a whole new way of looking at racing – from a view that’s much closer to the ground!

The idea of pocket bikes started many years ago in the tech-savvy nation of Japan. Among the things Japan is famous for is miniaturizing popular large merchandise, while keeping all the features intact. The earlier term for miniature bikes in that country is “minimoto,” an abbreviation for “mini motorcycle.” The trend spread into Europe, and soon famous bike manufacturers like Italy’s Pollini began catering to the minimoto crowd. The pocket bike craze was ready to take over the world!

It may come as a surprise to the curious to find that for such small things, pocket motorbikes are actually not cheap. Some really good racing models go upwards of $2000. Around $4000 buys a true enthusiast the equivalent of a Ducati – stylish and swift. The astronomical retail cost is mainly due to the amount of research spent on developing such a small but powerful machine. Parts for pocket motos may also cost a pretty penny, especially if some should happen to be high-performance and hard to find locally!

Italian and Japanese manufacturers are known to set the standard of quality for these vehicles. However, cheaper China-made knockoff pocket motorbikes are becoming increasingly available, and these are considered great bargains by new blood, who are just getting their feet wet in the pocket bike circuits. Some starter bikes could go as low as $200. For great bargains, one need not look any further than Ebay.com. Note however that “purists” do not regard buyers of knockoff import bikes very highly; such bikes are often ridden irresponsibly, and by doing this the buyers give the sport of minimoto racing a0000092D bad name.

Don’t underestimate the way pocket bikes are making waves in the sports world. Valentino Rossi, a Grand Prix Moto GP champion rider, first started off as a pocket bike racer. These mean machines may be small but their enthusiasts definitely are not. Pocket bike racing tournaments are being held on a regular basis in various parts of the world, and champions are held in high regard among the enthusiasts’ circles.

Pocket bikes, minibikes and pocket rockets; At About-minibikes.com we have the latest and greatest info on these cool little motorcycles, come take a look!

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 ***** 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.

The mini bikes for kids that we used to know are a thing of the past. When we said “mini bike” it described a small frame with go cart type tires and a lawn mower engine, usually 3. 5 hp. These mini bikes were very basic, had no gears and would travel at a maximum speed of 25 or 30 mph. The transmission in these was usually a basic centrifugal clutch.

The mini bikes for kids today come in a huge variety of shapes and styles with different types of power sources to move the little machine. We will take a look at some of the variety that you can get in a mini bike today.

The Super street bikes are just what they sound like. These are commonly a scaled down version of the “crotch rocket” type Japanese street bikes we see flying by us on the freeway everyday. These can be customized and made to go quite fast. This particular variety is very popular with the extreme mini bike enthusiast.

There are Chopper mini bikes that are (you guessed it) just scaled down models of the custom street cruiser bikes we see on the road every day. These are the fastest growing facet of the mini bike industry today. You can customize these bikes in many different ways, just like the full size bikes.

When we talk about mini dirt bikes, we are probably talking the closest to the old fashioned mini bike. There are versions of the old style mini bike, but with better qualities. Most of the mini dirt bikes are just scaled down versions of the dirt bikes we see at the motocross races. These mini bikes are designed to be ridden primarily in the dirt on rough terrain.

The competitive kids might want to go for a Super Pocket Rocket. These are fast! These bikes are again, fashioned after the Japanese “crotch rocket” and some will go just as fast, do not let the size fool you. These are considered to be the most dangerous of the mini bikes.

The electric motor is also used on some of these mini bikes for kids. You will find these to be much slower, quieter, and safer for the smaller kids.

Safety comes first, with the electric mini bikes or the Super pocket rockets. Always make sure your child is wearing the proper safety gear before they go for a ride.

Mini-motor bike or also know as Motor pocket bikes are a miniature motorcycle. This mini monsters were build for an individual that are young but eager to ride a big and for people that are small enough that could not handle a big bike.

These bikes were invented out of spare parts taken from the garage and use chain for their rear wheel and engines with four strokes.

Motor pocket bikes normally weigh sixty five pounds and have a height of four feet and ten inches for the diameter of the wheel. They have been built with horsepower ranging from two to eight hp. They could run from twenty six miles per hour to sixty miles per hour. Along today’s technology evolved many designs or styles.

Here are different styles of Motor pocket bikes today:

1. Minimoto – inspired by sport bikes and it is ideally made for racing. These bikes have a usual size of less than 50cm in height and 1 meter in length, packs a 39cc to 50cc two-stroke engine and has a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour.

2. Pit Bikes – we can usually see these bikes around pits or in areas where there is an event like bike racing. This looks similar to a scooter.

3. Mini bike – a combination of minimoto and a pit bike but it has a wheel size of 10 inches in front and rear with supermoto slick tires fitted. This type of mini bikes were perfectly made for competitions and racing, equipped with high-tech catch tanks to avoid possible fluid spillages.

4. Mini chopper – the mini or small version of chopper bikes.

5. Midi motos – these types of bikes has the same style as mini-moto bikes but they are a little bigger. They still are small compared to the real big bikes that they replicate. The other different thing about the midi motos compared to mini motos is the height of the seat and they started midi motos with 47cc two-stroke engine that can run around forty-eight to sixty-four miles per hour.

6. Quad bikes – miniature replica of a four wheeled off-road motorcycles or all terrain bike.

Always be cautious when riding motor pocket bikes because even they’re small then can still do some serious damages. There are couples of cities that banned mini bikes in their area, for the miniature bikes are getting popular most children ride it with no proper safety. For children that are below eighteen years old be sure to ride a motor pocket bikes with an adult supervision. Ride it with protective gears.

Pocket bikes are also called mini-motorcycles, and they are mainly manufactured for racing enthusiasts. Since they are low to the ground, the speed is really felt as you zip around the track on them. There are several styles of these little marvels and they come in a variety of prices, too, so there is certainly one that can fit your pocketbook. One of the most popular styles is the 110cc pocket bike.

Some of the four-cylinder machines can go up to 55 mph with a 250-pound person on them. This style of pocket bike is only 16 inches tall, while the super pocket bikes in this style are 26 inches tall, so they can easily be stored in a small corner of your garage, under a shelf. With a user-friendly electric starter and no clutch shifting, almost anyone 250 pounds or under should have no problems riding them.

The four-stroke air-cooled engine on these little beauties allows for a smooth, steady ride without the ‘putter’ sound of a two-stroke engine or the wasted fuel and black exhaust a two-stroke engine occasionally produces.

The hydraulic brakes on both front and rear wheels are constructed with durability in mind. Braided steel allows for extreme resistance to abrasion and impact.

You will have a choice of kick starting or using the electric starter to get this pocket bike turned on and ready to go.

This durable pocket bike has a sturdy steel body frame and a chrome exhaust. It comes in a selection of accent colors. The main color is shiny silver. The main choices of accent colors are blue, red, black, and yellow. If you desire another color, it can be special ordered. Because of their popularity, you should have no trouble getting 110cc pocket bike parts when the need arises.

The X-19-CR 110cc super pocket bike is a bike that will give you hours of fun driving down canyons and racing around racing tracks. This bike is also designed to be road-worthy, with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, horn; speed gauge that goes up to 70 mph, status lights and backlit digital gear that tells you what gear you are in. With a completely recalibrated suspension for maximum stability and grip of the road, it gives deep knee-to-ground cornering. It has been designed so that when you accelerate or brake sharply there is a minimum of ‘squatting’ and ‘nose diving’. The lower center of gravity gives this super pocket bike great ease of handling. The dual exhaust pipes are especially designed for racing with carefully regulated back flow and exhaust velocity. It has a hand clutch, although it is possible to power shift without using it.

The X18-R Nitro Super Bike is known as the mini pocket rocket. This bike, which is designed to go over 70 mph is well known on the racetracks! While it is top speed may or may not be the fastest of the super pocket bikes, its acceleration is possibly the best around, giving the racer an enviable edge over the competition. The carburetor is calibrated for racing. Its profile has been designed for a minimum of wind resistance with a maximum of stability, especially on those high-speed corners. With hydraulic brakes on both the front and rear wheel and racing calipers, this super pocket bike can stop in an amazingly short distance. Racing clutches coupled to a four speed sequential manual gearbox up shifts and downshifts with blinding speed for greater control. No matter what is necessary to make you comfortable in the driver’s seat, this pocket bike can handle it, with adjustable tire pressure, suspension, brakes, levers, and handlebars.

The pocket bike or the super pocket bike has many features for the racer or for the person who wants to tool around the neighborhood with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of fuel economy.

Last night we went mini moto racing at Raceway Karting in Pontefract. UK mini moto champion Josh Brown joined us too, which made make us look even more like amateurs. Anyhow we had a laugh! You can watch our antics in our video:

PED TV: PEDSTOP GOES MINI MOTO from ADRENALIN on Vimeo.

OFFICERS in the west of Cheshire are using the latest tool to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour…off-road.

Specially trained motorcycle police officers are using off-road bikes to catch those who use mini-motos illegally or in an anti-social way.

They will also be using the bikes to tackle other types of crime such as burglary and drug dealing, where offenders could use pathways and parks as an escape route away from the roads.

Police motorcyclist PC Andy Griffiths said: “By using these bikes, we can follow offenders where cars or road bikes cannot. Criminals who thought they were safe using alternative routes to commit crime will have to think again.

“We want to keep Cheshire’s western area a safe place and make sure residents have a safe and happy Christmas without becoming the victim of crime.”

Another issue for the motorcycle team is the anti-social and illegal use of mini-motos, mopeds, quad bikes and motorbikes.

Although the machines can be popular Christmas presents for youngsters, officers are warning parents about the dangers of buying them for their children this year.

Anyone riding any of these vehicles in public must be over 16, have insurance and a valid driving licence. The vehicle must also have a valid MOT certificate.

The bikes can be used on private land without the above, providing the landowner has given permission. Pavements, country lanes, parks, football fields, shopping centres and waste ground are not considered private land.

A rider using a bike on private land without permission or in open space such as parks will also face a charge of riding on land other than a road.

PC Glenn Sanders said: “Mini motorbikes are often bought by parents who do not realise the legal implications. They are however allowing their children to break the law by letting them use the bikes on roads and/or pavements.

“Their children run the risk of being prosecuted for motoring offences such as using a vehicle without insurance, a licence, Tax, MOT, using the correct protective equipment and dangerous driving. For an offender about to start their driving career, aged say 16-years, this can be devastating as they can find themselves banned from driving upon reaching the legal required age for getting behind the wheel.

“We also have the power to seize bikes being used illegally, so all that money on an expensive Christmas present would be wasted.

“There are safety issues to think about with these bikes as well.

“They can travel at speed and are very low down, making them almost invisible to many other road users. Many aren’t fitted with necessary safety features and all these factors are placing riders and other road users in danger, particularly in the dark or in poor weather conditions.”

Motor pocket bikes or mini motor bikes are small motorcycles. Usually, these are being used by young people but can also be used by big people who cannot ride on bigger bikes.

These bikes were invented out of spare parts taken from the garage and use chain for their rear wheel and engines with four strokes.

Motor pocket bikes only weigh around sixty-five pounds and four feet in height, has a ten inch wheel in diameter. Each pocket bikes has their own horsepower ranges from 2hp to 8hp but often it speeds from twenty-six up to sixty miles per hour. Mini motor bikes today have evolved into different specialized types and designs with the concept of mini motorcycle.

Here are different types of Motor pocket bikes:

1. Minimoto – inspired by sport bikes and it is ideally made for racing. These bikes have a usual size of less than 50cm in height and 1 meter in length, packs a 39cc to 50cc two-stroke engine and has a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour.

2. Pit bikes – were designed and made for moving around the pit areas of motor racing tracks and events, similar to small scooter.

3. Mini Bike – this is a bike were manufacturers combined the design if minimoto and pit bikes, the tires used front and rear measures ten inches and they are supermoto slick fitted. This is the usual bike used for competitions or racings because this is equipped with catch tanks that can avoid spillage of fuel and other fluids in the bike.

4. Mini chopper – this was designed from a chopper bike but a littler bit smaller.

5. Midi motos – this looks like mini moto however, they made this bike bigger than mini moto. The height is different from each other and the engine of this bike is two strokes that usually start at forty seven cc that can speed up from forty eight to sixty four mph.

6. Quad bikes – this bike is the ultimate replica of four wheeled off road bikes or also known as all terrain bike but it could be easily identified because this bike is smaller in size.

Children are the common riders of the motor pocket bikes but they need adult or expert supervision to avoid any damages or injuries and with the use of some protective gears too. No matter how small these bikes they are still capable of some damages. There are number of cities being banned for using these bikes because it had been common that some children use it with no safety precautions.

This is the 2008 Marone-Moto X15 SE electric super pocket bike that’s up for sale. This is the best frame around for its size, measuring nearly 60 inches in length with a 25 inch seat height. Front and rear hydraulic brakes and hydraulic suspension, high/low beam headlight, horn, and LCD display with gear indicator. This is the SE version, which includes a custom hand paintjob with cherry red bodyworks and silver metallic chassis an a custom upholstered premium vinyl seat with back support …

Pocket is a two-wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the driver and is not designed or constructed for purposes of highway.
Pocket bikes are not an off-highway motorcycle as defined in section 436 of the Code of the vehicle. Here are my “Pocket Bike” allowed on public lands? The short answer is “No”. Recent legislation bans pocket bikes on public land will be exhausted. Section 21,720 plus the California Vehicle Code, to read: “Do not have a pocket bike on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a road or enduro, bike path or trail, trail riding, the hiking or recreational way or operated on public lands open to off-road use of vehicles.
“What happens if I get caught riding my” Pocket Bike “on the public domain? Recent legislation allows peace officers to use bicycles and are subject to a maximum of 48 hours. The offender must for all costs associated with removal, seizure, and the burden of storage.
In addition, the new legislation should require the manufacturer of pocket bike on a sticker on the bike, which reads: Location
The pocket bike, purchased or received, is strictly forbidden to run on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a road or track cycling cyclo-lands on the track or trail, equestrian trail, hiking trail or pleasure or public meetings open to off-road use. A violation of this regulation may lead to prosecution and seizure of the aircraft.
Pocket bikes are small motorcycles, driven by 40-49cc gasoline or electric motors. Are marketed and sold wrongly as a scooter. Pocket bikes meet the definition of a motorcycle as defined in California Vehicle Code 400 (A):
CVC 400 (a): A motorcycle “means any motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the use by the driver, traveling at more than three wheels in conjunction with the ground and weighing less than 1500 kg. Since the engines of 150 cm below pocket bikes, are pushed further defined as “moto” CVC 405C
Powered VC 405: A course of “engine” means any motorcycle with an engine that moves less than 150 cubic centimeters.
An engine of a motorcycle with the DMV for use on public roads or off street parking is public record. The driver must be issued with a valid driver’s license with the M1 (motorcycle) for approval CVC12500 (b) and CVC12804.9 (a). The driver must wear a helmet approved by CVC27803. The motor cycle engine must be equipped with all necessary safety equipment.
The DMV is currently able to record “pocket bikes” because they lack the required identification numbers (vehicle identification number and the number of the engine). This means that the bike “pocket” may in highway structures or outside on the street parking will be gone.
When the pocket bikes are properly registered (if the DMV allows recording at a later date), all drivers need rules of the road and common facilities than any other motorcycle or vehicle, and are subject to summonses for violations by the authorities competent officials of the Ministry of observed follow.
Pocket bikes can be used on private property (areas that are not known to public traffic), training of drivers for the safe use of these vehicles use and wear appropriate safety equipment.
There are several agencies and organizations that define their bikes pocket voice and asked that the legislation to enlarge. Here is a director of the American Association of Motor Vehicle.
Whereas, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), an organization which includes Canada and the United States support for membership, through interdisciplinary collaboration and to improve the management of motor vehicles, safety d ‘identification security and law enforcement agencies and their activities, develop model programs in motor vehicle – the administration, traffic police and road safety, is a clearinghouse of information for the same disciplines, and as the international spokesman for these interests and
Given the transportation problems of collisions and deaths and injuries, reduce traffic accidents, the Congress of the Federal Department of Transport to impose minimum standards for the safety of any motor vehicle primarily be used on public roads has made the manufacture, sale, banned the importation and distribution of motor vehicles that are not in compliance with federal safety standards for motor vehicles and
Whereas the performance of the exposure of the Congress, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the safety standards for vehicles to 49 CFR 571, including safety standards for motorcycles and motorcycles, and requires manufacturers to certify that road vehicles are built to meet all safety standards and
Whereas the mini-moto commonly called “pocket bikes” are similar to the traditional racing cars in all respects except for their small size and pocket bikes do not meet the minimum specifications for headlights, taillights, brake lights and alert for motorcycles and cars – motorcycles, and
Viewed Thank you for considering their bikes pocket low altitude very difficult for other motorists when they are pushed into the street, and
Whereas the laws of some states to recognize explicitly that the bike in your pocket and to prohibit its use on public roads in this state, but the laws of many states not explicitly pocket bikes, out of them as “cycles, and can be registered on the public roads operated by qualified drivers and
In the absence of federal regulations, guidelines or standards for a pocket bike is clearly confusion among law enforcement, administrators of motor vehicles and state and local officials set up, so now it is:
Decided by the Board of Directors of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, AAMVA determines that, because pocket bikes do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
They are not primarily manufactured for use on public roads “under federal law, and it was also decided that AAMVA to develop and strengthen relationships with other organizations, security and law enforcement and national security, trying to promote awareness of security issues and ensure that the laws of the state in the operation of pocket bikes allowed on roads, and
Be fixed to other countries, however, not title or register to use in pocket mini choppers street bikes or other bikes that do not meet the standard Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards for vehicles used on public roads are designed, and that the certification mark of the manufacturer that the vehicle is equipped with all safety regulations in force at the date of manufacture, unless the federal or the law specifically exempted the vehicle standards and certification, and
It was also decided that AAMVA communicate this resolution to the CPSC, NHTSA, National Traffic Law Center and the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Governors Highway Safety Association and other federal and state authorities.
What the owners pocket bike? You can always be mounted, but not on public roads, sidewalks or public areas. However, they can be enjoyed on private property. The drivers and their parents should understand the mini-bike, which is not a toy, and therefore require that driving in a responsible manner, including head protection and protective clothing.

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is delighted to announce the winner of its special award that recognises road safety initiatives, in the field of motorcycling.

‘Grip Top’ has been selected as the winner of the Motor Cycle Industry Sponsored award. The creators of ‘Grip Top’ have developed a new service cover that offers levels of grip comparable to other road surroundings and which is also capable of durable performance under intense traffic over a decade.

Two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, scooters and bicycles are particularly vulnerable to loss of control. This typically arises from sudden changes of available grip, especially while cornering or braking, or insufficient grip in high demand situations such as sudden braking or swerving to avoid collision.

The adoption of ‘Grip-Top’ in high risk situations such as bends, roundabouts, traffic lights and other areas where bikers and cyclists typically lose control and become casualties would reduce risk in such danger zones, offsetting the relative disadvantage faced by two-wheelers who cannot access many vehicle-based safety systems available to users of larger vehicles.

The development team of this unique product comprises Saint-Gobain Pipelines for the ironwork, Stirling Lloyd for treatment surface technology and Bristol City Council for the road trials and assessments.

‘Grip Top’ was chosen for the MCI award as it has the potential to be used all over the UK and has benefits for all road users but particularly motorcycles.   The industry urges other councils to follow Bristol’s example and use Grip Top whenever possible. It is important that we generate good PR and product awareness to encourage others to use this product where it is needed to help reduce accidents and save lives.

Karen Cooke, MCI’s Director of Safety said, “This year we are delighted with the range and number of nominees for the coveted road-safety awards. There are an increasing number of inventive and pioneering schemes and products with the important goal of improving road safety for motorcyclists.

“The winner of this year’s PMRSA for motorcycling stands out because it can easily be adopted on a national basis and not only does it help motorcyclists but it is good for all road users, which is an impressive quality.”

Across the country, there have been other high quality safety initiatives that have received a Prince Michael award for their regional contribution to enhanced road safety for motorcyclists and scooter riders.

Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary’s Bikewise  programme covers all ages of riders from 6 years upwards . The scheme features a very active ACU approved mini-moto scheme for youngsters , an excellent post test training scheme for those aged 17 and over as well as a special ‘ladies’ course to help improve the confidence and skills of female riders.

Durham County Council use innovative engineering solutions to make roads as biker friendly as possible, using approved barriers and lighting columns as well as trialling new products such as Bike Mate which protects riders if they are unfortunate enough to collide with a lamp post for example.

Despite Durham Constabulary being a partner in this initiative, enforcement is seen as a last resort rather than the easiest option, and a long-term view has been taken, with Durham Police adopting an engage and educate approach.  This joint approach venture is now paying dividends and Durham can now boast a reduction in motorcycle killed and seriously injured (KSI) stats of 85% and have reduced complaints about anti social behaviour by motorcyclists by 60%.

Staffordshire County Council Road Safety Unit  (SCCRSU) – Motorcycle Casualty Reduction Scheme

Staffordshire has many different approaches to improve riders safety as they are aware that a one size fits all approach to riders will not work.  SCC RSU developed their own BikeSense post-test training scheme but also offer subsidies for those wishing to take IAM or ROSPA courses.

Last year over 500 BikeSafe assessments were carried out and 270 riders took up the Ride course as an alternative to endorsement. On top of this SCCRSU host awareness days around the county, where they and a wide range of partners engage with local riders offering advice and BikeSafe assessments.

SCCRSU have now extended their training to add CBT Extra for learner riders, to give them more help to avoid accidents this includes classroom and practical sessions, this is run in conjunction with local trainers.

SCCRSU doesn’t just do education. Their ‘Ride It Right’ scheme introduced signs, warning riders of the hazardous nature of the roads, backed up by leaflets and other promotional activity.  This scheme saw a 35% reduction in casualties on these signed roads in the first year and a further 5% the second year.  In 2008 on new higher priority routes a reduction on 53% was achieved.

SCCRSU also works with Killspills warning haulage and coach companies in the local area of the risks diesel poses for riders.  SSCC also have a road defect reporting hotline, which will shortly set to deal with farm debris on roads too.

Lothian and Borders Police – ‘Around the Corner is an innovative website offering loads of advice and information to riders in the area and those wishing to visit. Fold out maps support the website and way markers show dedicated biker routes. The local police are also keen participants offering help and advice to riders.

The PMRSA ceremony takes place on 8th December at The Park Lane Hotel, London.

END

Editor’s Notes

Photos of the winners will be available after the ceremony.

For more information contact the MCI Press Office: Sheila Rainger – 02476 408036, 07966 921615 or s.rainger@mcia.co.uk or Samantha Tyson – 07932 011 455 / press@mcia.co.uk

Pocket Bike Backflip Crash – Watch more Funny Videos

Vous faites de la moto ou du quad tout-terrain sur un véhicule non homologué ? Sachez que depuis le 6 juin 2009, vous avez “l’obligation de déclarer auprès du ministère de l’Intérieur les engins motorisés non autorisés à circuler sur la voie publique et dont la vitesse peut excéder, par construction, 25 km/h”.

Identification
Suite à cette déclaration vous sera délivré : un numéro d’identification unique qui devra être gravé sur une partie inamovible de l’engin et y figurer sur une plaque d’identification fixée. Cette plaque pourra être retirée temporairement dans le cadre d’une pratique sportive.

Pas un pass-droit
Attention, cette déclaration ne donne en aucun cas le droit de rouler sur la voie publique. Les machines soumises à cette déclaration sont : toutes les motos de cross, les quads ainsi que toutes les mini motos (pit bike, pocket bike, dirt bike) et mini quads.

Où faire la déclaration ?
Pour remplir cette déclaration ou la télécharger sur Internet, cliquez ici . Vous pouvez également vous rendre en préfecture afin de retirer le formulaire de déclaration. Vous devrez vous munir d’un justificatif d’identité et de domicile (pour une déclaration Internet, scannez ces documents). La déclaration devra être modififiée en cas de changement d’état civil ou d’adresse, ainsi qu’en cas de cession, vente, destruction ou vol du véhicule.

Cette déclaration est gratuite, mais depuis le 4 décembre 2009, si vous n’êtes pas en règle, vous serez passible d’une amende pouvant s’élever jusqu’à 750 euros ! Messieurs les présidents de clubs et pilotes, faites passer le mot…

Vous faites de la moto ou du quad tout-terrain sur un véhicule non homologué ? Sachez que depuis le 6 juin 2009, vous avez “l’obligation de déclarer auprès du ministère de l’Intérieur les engins motorisés non autorisés à circuler sur la voie publique et dont la vitesse peut excéder, par construction, 25 km/h”.

Identification
Suite à cette déclaration vous sera délivré : un numéro d’identification unique qui devra être gravé sur une partie inamovible de l’engin et y figurer sur une plaque d’identification fixée. Cette plaque pourra être retirée temporairement dans le cadre d’une pratique sportive.

Pas un pass-droit
Attention, cette déclaration ne donne en aucun cas le droit de rouler sur la voie publique. Les machines soumises à cette déclaration sont : toutes les motos de cross, les quads ainsi que toutes les mini motos (pit bike, pocket bike, dirt bike) et mini quads.

Où faire la déclaration ?
Pour remplir cette déclaration ou la télécharger sur Internet, cliquez ici . Vous pouvez également vous rendre en préfecture afin de retirer le formulaire de déclaration. Vous devrez vous munir d’un justificatif d’identité et de domicile (pour une déclaration Internet, scannez ces documents). La déclaration devra être modififiée en cas de changement d’état civil ou d’adresse, ainsi qu’en cas de cession, vente, destruction ou vol du véhicule.

Cette déclaration est gratuite, mais depuis le 4 décembre 2009, si vous n’êtes pas en règle, vous serez passible d’une amende pouvant s’élever jusqu’à 750 euros ! Messieurs les présidents de clubs et pilotes, faites passer le mot…

Police are trying to trace the owner of a mini motorbike seized in Eton a fortnight ago.

PC Steve Parker-James, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Old Windsor, Eton and Eton Wick, stopped two youths in Eton High Street in the early hours of November 24.

They were evasive about where the bike, which was a red, two-stroke, petrol-engine mini motorcycle,  had come from, claiming it belonged to a friend, but unable to give his address.

PC Parker-James said: “No-one reported the theft of a mini moto overnight, but I am aware that people may not have checked their sheds and realised that it is missing. Efforts to trace the owner have been unsuccessful.”

Police are trying to trace the owner of a mini motorbike seized in Eton a fortnight ago.

PC Steve Parker-James, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Old Windsor, Eton and Eton Wick, stopped two youths in Eton High Street in the early hours of November 24.

They were evasive about where the bike, which was a red, two-stroke, petrol-engine mini motorcycle,  had come from, claiming it belonged to a friend, but unable to give his address.

PC Parker-James said: “No-one reported the theft of a mini moto overnight, but I am aware that people may not have checked their sheds and realised that it is missing. Efforts to trace the owner have been unsuccessful.”