What are Mini Bikes?

Mini bikes, also known as pocket bikes, are basically small versions of motorcycles. Because of this, some people think that these bikes are suitable for youngsters, but this is rarely the case. After all, these bikes can reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour despite their diminutive size and should only be ridden by experienced riders who have taken all necessary safety precautions.

This means that anyone who wants to drive one of these miniature motorcycles should put on the proper safety gear. One of the most important pieces of safety equipment a biker can wear is a helmet. Look for a helmet that fits well yet is comfortable, and bears DOT and Snell certification. DOT stands for Department of Transportation, of course, but you may not be familiar with Snell. The Snell foundation was designed (after the death of Mr. William Snell in the 1950's) to test and certify helmets so that riders get the best head protection possible. Not all helmets are Snell certified, but you can trust that the ones which are represent some of the safest choices on the market. A sturdy leather jacket, a good pair of boots and protective gloves are also good ideas.

You'll want to check into the legalities of these bikes as well before taking them on the road. In some cities and states, these bikes are illegal. Other localities require that these types of bikes only be ridden in approved areas. This is for the safety of both the rider as well as pedestrians and other vehicles. Because these bikes, which are sometimes called pocket rockets, are actually made for race tracks, that's probably the only place you should consider riding them.

If you are actually planning on purchasing a mini bike for racing purposes, there are a variety of places to find them. Cycle shops, dealerships, online stores and private owners are all potential places to purchase mini bikes. Some of these tiny motorcycles are gas powered, others use an electric motor. Before even thinking about buying one of these, make sure you think about the legal and safety issues involved. These bikes are not recommended for children or even teens. A better choice for a young bike enthusiast would be a motocross bike, ridden only after a formal training class is completed and all safety concerns have been fulfilled.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

BMW Motorcycles R1200RT


Motorcycle News:
Motorbikes killing baby boomers? Excuse me?
In yet another example of a tiny bit of information being a dangerous thing, an English policeman has denounced..


New head for BMW's motorcycle design studio - Clutch and Chrome

New head for BMW's motorcycle design studio
Clutch and Chrome
No stranger to the saddle, after completing his university degree in design, Edgar Heinrich started his career as a motorcycle designer with BMW back in 1986. Within the BMW Group's BMW Motorrad Design Studio he was Head of Vehicle Design Motorcycles .

..


The Spielberg of motorcycle moviemaking - Vancouver Sun

The Spielberg of motorcycle moviemaking
Vancouver Sun
He may appear unassuming when you meet him, but in the world of motorcycles and media, it is fair to say that Peter Starr is, well, a big star. Whether in music, radio, television, film and now the literary world, Starr has left his mark on every .

..


The Ultimate Electric Motorcycle, the Brutus 2.0 - Torque News

The Ultimate Electric Motorcycle, the Brutus 2.0
Torque News
By Nicolas Zart on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 12:27 The electric motorcycle Brutus 2.0 doesn't lightly use the word Brutus for marketing purposes. It is a brute when it comes to raw electric motorcycle performance. If Brammos and Zero Motorcycles are just not .

..


Harley-Davidson unveils Seventy-Two and Softail Slim
Cook's Corner, in Orange County, has long been a haven for area motorcyclists. But the legendary Trabuco Canyon roadhouse was more jammed than usual Wednesday. Scores of bikers had gathered to get a glimpse of two new..


How Kawasaki Motorcycles Is Using Social Media to Get Ahead [VIDEO]
Motorcycles may be sexy, but the industry is crowded with fierce competitors like Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM and Honda. How did Kawasaki, a relatively small brand, race to the front of the pack? Answer: Social media...


THAI POLICE DETAIN TWO MALAYSIANS OVER THEFT OF MOTORCYCLES
SADAO (Southern Thailand), Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Thai police have crippled aMalaysia-based syndicate which stole motorcycles for sale in the Thai market.Two Malaysians have been detained to facilitate investigations.The suspects, aged 17 and 26, were picked up on Dec 7, at their rented housein Ban Khlong Hai Kong here.Kedah police deputy chief Datuk Abdul Ghafar Abdul Rejab said the suspectswere ...


6 men arrested while selling 2 stolen
MANILA, PhilippinesEUR”Six men were caught in the act of selling two stolen..


Harley Davidson Motorcycles launches Softail Slim and Seventy Two (Video) - Rush Lane

Ultimate MotorCycling | News and Reviews

Harley Davidson Motorcycles launches Softail Slim and Seventy Two (Video)
Rush Lane
At a time when everybody in the auto industry is designing cars, motorcycles and even commercial vehicles for the future, Milwaukee based Harley Davidson Motorcycles, decides to take it easy and head in the opposite direction.
Harley-Davidson unveils Seventy-Two and Softail Slim motorcyclesLos Angeles Times
110 Years of Harley Motorcycles: EventsUltimate MotorCycling | News and Reviews
Harley-Davidson Introduces Two New Motorcycle ModelsSacramento Bee
Wall Street Journal (blog)
all 101 news articles »
..


POLICE BEAT
Police Regional Office-6 Director, Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol Jr., reminded residents of Western Visayas once again against men riding in tandem on..


Harley-Davidson unveils Seventy-Two and Softail Slim motorcycles
Harley-Davidson introduces two new motorcycle models, the Seventy-Two and Softail Slim, hoping to generate some excitement during a slow time of the year. Cook's Corner, in Orange County, has long been a haven for area motorcyclists...


Harley-Davidson to Celebrate 110 Years of Great Motorcycles and Epic Riding Experiences
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Harley-Davidson will celebrate 110 years of great motorcycles and epic riding experiences with an array of global events and activities in 2013. Among the events ...


Highway bill in current form would prohibit motorcycle checkpoints - Examiner.com

Highway bill in current form would prohibit motorcycle checkpoints
Examiner.com
Motorcycle-specific roadside checkpoints would be prohibited, according to wording included by Wisconsin Rep. James Sensenbrenner in the federal highways bill, in mark-up today in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
US House Committee To Vote On Bill To Fund Recreational Trails Program .RoadracingWorld.com

all 4 news articles »
..


Technorati Tags: , ,