Mini Moto

Mini motos are basically a scaled down version of a real motorcycle, generally powered by a small capacity automatic, air cooled two stroke engine with a capacity of 39cc or higher. The original mini motos had chainsaw engines fitted but these days engines are built especially for the bikes and there are plenty of tuning goodies available to boost the speed and power of your machine. A basic model makes around 2.5hp and a race spec machine can put out as much as 15 horsepower and they’re capable of speeds in excess of 60mph. The latest top spec models come with liquid cooled engines, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes and there’s plenty of scope to spend your cash on even more go faster goodies.
 
Unless you’ve been in a coma for the last few years you’re sure to have at least seen a mini moto in action and quite possibly you’ve had a go on one as well. The pint sized fully functioning pocket rockets have been around for years and have been the starting block for many of our current bike racing stars. Even Valentino Rossi started out racing a mini moto; he made his mark on the sport before moving on to the Grand Prix class where so far he’s wrapped up the 125cc, 250cc and five Moto GP titles, if it’s good enough for him... Mini motos are an ideal tool for giving youngsters a head start in bike sport but no matter what your age, providing you can get your knees up around your ears you’ll love them. If you fancy yourself as a budding star of the future there are various racing championships to enter in the UK, or if you prefer to just have fun and race your mates there are quite a few karting tracks that will allow you to have a go, many of them even arrange special evenings where you can ride your own bike for a few quid.

Mini motos, if used correctly are a brilliant way for youngsters (and grown ups) to feel the thrill of riding a bike for the very first time. Providing the proper riding gear is worn, including a decent bike helmet, gloves, decent shoes or preferably boots, knee and elbow pads and they’re ridden somewhere safe, away from pedestrians and traffic (see our listings for a local track) then you shouldn’t go far wrong and you’re probably not going to suffer anything worse than a few bruises and a damaged ego when you have your inevitable first crash. Get hit by a car on Asda car park whilst wearing jeans and a hoodie though and it’s a whole different ball game!     

Sales of the bikes have soared in the past three years, due mainly to a flood of cheap imports which can often be picked up for less than the price of a crash helmet. You need to beware of the cheapo market stall varieties which are often sub standard and don’t conform to British standards. Important items like chain guards are missing for instance, it’s better to pay slightly more for a mini moto and be confident that it is capable of hurtling you around a race track inches from the floor without your leg getting caught in the chain, or the handlebars snapping as you brake into the hairpin.

In 2006 the mini bike menace reached epidemic proportions and the machines were branded ‘Spawn of the Devil’ by local Councils, Police forces and the general public who have been affected by the mini menace on a regular basis. Irresponsible riders have been using the bikes illegally on car parks, pavements, public parks and quite often they can be seen buzzing along the road with an anti social yobbo perched on the saddle. To try and ease the problem the government recently gave local authorities £200,000 to tackle the issue, so if you’re riding one irresponsibly there’s a good chance it will be confiscated and crushed by a sadistic Policeman, plus you could end up with a driving ban (even if you’re not old enough to get a licence yet it will still be enforced when you get older). You could also get yourself a criminal conviction so ride legally!

Do’s and don’ts

• Don’t ride on public land, it’s breaking the law and is also dangerous
• Don’t cause a nuisance by riding irresponsibly or early in the morning/late at night
• Don’t endanger the life of yourself or anybody else, learn safely
• Don’t even think of riding it on the road or pavement

• Do wear the correct gear and keep your helmet fastened properly
• Do find out where your nearest local track is by looking at our listings, if there’s not one close to you try writing to the local papers or MP to ask why not. Skateboarders and BMX’ers didn’t have tracks a few years ago but they kicked up a fuss and now many local parks have them
• Do learn to ride at your own pace, speed comes with practice
• Do keep your bike properly maintained, a well built bike is a safe bike
• Do enjoy yourself, mini motos are great fun and if used properly won’t cause harm or offence to anybody
• If you find somewhere you think is suitable make sure you get the permission of the land owner before ripping up his prized geraniums 
• If you’re under 16 get a responsible adult to supervise you whilst you’re riding
• Do let your Dad have a go if he’s waiting patiently!