Hello.
Minibikes (or pocket bikes, like a “pocket motorcycle”) are closely related to karting, and the fun of riding such motorcycles is about the same: everything is very dynamic and fun. Yes, not seriously, you can’t go to the Iron Ass on this, but such motorcycles are bought only for the fun.
Since their introduction in the late 1950s, minibikes have gained popularity around the world. This wave has long reached Russia. In this regard, we will consider the main features of minibikes and give their classification.
Cross motorcycle, pit bike or enduro: choose wisely
Recently, motorsports and motorcycle tourism have become very popular all over the world.
Many parents are happy to send their children to sports schools and clubs. Indeed, motorsports promote the development of character, physical skills, coordination and responsibility. Athletes know how to plan their lives and achieve their goals. When should I send my child to the section? According to the recommendations of experts in our country, this can be done as early as 5 years (this is not a standard figure, but it is usually used by coaches when recruiting new groups). At least, according to the Rules of the sport “motorcycle sport” (approved by order of the Ministry of Sports of Russia dated 04/01/2019 N 281) (as amended on 06/05/2019), the minimum age category for participation in competitions is 6 years.
For comparison, in Italy, even children as young as 3 years old study. As practice shows, it is optimal to send a child to the motocross section from the age of 10. Previously, the child is not yet ready for serious training, both physically and psychologically.
In this article we will talk about off-road motorcycles, their design features and which motorcycle is best for adults and children to choose for sports or travel.
Minibikes and motorsports for children
The main direction of children's motorsports is motocross , that is, overcoming rough terrain.
Moreover, children sometimes show such miracles of driving that not every adult is capable of.
The first competitions in children's motocross were held in the 50s of the last century in Japan, but today they are held all over the globe.
Motorcycle trials competitions are also held among children. This is a type of competition in which participants overcome various obstacles.
Just some twenty years ago, these obstacles were exclusively natural and competitions took place in nature.
But with the growing popularity of children's motorsports, there is a need to attract more spectators, so competitions are now held on special indoor tracks .
They are called Indoor Trial. Participation in trial competitions requires a child to have a certain level of motorcycle driving and good skill.
There is no specific age for motorsports , since motorsports requires desire and health. If you have them, then go ahead!
Motorsports will also keep your child busy in his leisure time. In addition to your favorite hobby, motorsports will strengthen the physical fitness and endurance of the younger generation.
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Comments (2)
- Valery:
02/28/2015 at 00:28Motorsport is a rather expensive and traumatic sport. The cost of an hour of training will cost about 1,500 rubles. And this sport is not for everyone. A child’s head must fit a lot of information and each element must be worked out. Mistakes here are costly.
Answer
- sivetohka:
03/02/2015 at 01:42
The article, of course, is necessary and useful. But what doesn’t always turn out to be useful is that parents strive to give their children everything possible that they themselves did not have in childhood. Engaging in motorsports is undoubtedly good, as it gives impetus to a possible future serious passion for this sport. But the risk also increases! Therefore, you should read the article carefully so as not to make a mistake when choosing a motorcycle.
Answer
Pitbikes
These motorcycles are best suited for the youngest children. At their core, these are small mopeds. The pit bike is distinguished by a single-cylinder engine with a horizontal cylinder and air or air-oil cooling.
Historically, these bikes were intended to be used by technical personnel on motorcycle tracks. They are not distinguished by high speed characteristics, but are quite reliable and safe for young people.
In the 60s in America, these motorcycles began to appear in retail stores for the first time.
Today, the pit bike has become a sports motorcycle for small motorcycle tracks. The wheel diameter is usually from 10 to 17 inches, the gearbox can be manual, automatic or semi-automatic.
For beginners, the best option is an automatic transmission, as it is the easiest to use. However, with increasing experience, the athlete switches to manual shifting. If you plan to engage in sports for a long time, then it makes sense to think about a semi-automatic transmission, or maybe a manual one. The wheelbase of the pit bike is of a size that allows this small motorcycle to be controlled by an adult.
The pit bike is officially included in the regulations of motocross competitions by the American Motorcycle Association. In Russia, there is no official minimotocross discipline yet; competitions are held as part of the Russian Cup.
Preferences of professionals
Comparable mini crosses in price and quality are 4-stroke Chinese models. Quiet, reliable, do not smoke. Japanese similar options are three times more expensive.
Externally, 4t are radically different from 2t models:
- - the cylinder is directed forward,
- - powerful cross suspension,
- — effective hydraulic brakes, work effortlessly.
In terms of weight, 4-stroke children's bikes are twice as heavy as 2-stroke ones. The engine was “lubricated” by the Chinese with minimal changes from the Honda Super Cube, which has a reputation as an indestructible, reliable engine.
Cross motorcycles
SUVs are actively used for cross-country racing on closed tracks. Usually its length does not exceed 3 kilometers. It is necessary to understand that motocross motorcycles are quite a serious vehicle, which is intended for use by experienced athletes. Speeds increase significantly compared to pit bikes; these motorcycles are much larger and heavier.
This type of motorcycle does not have anything superfluous on board (there is no dashboard, direction indicators, headlight, brake light, rear-view mirrors). This is the most lightweight motorcycle designed exclusively for motocross. These motorcycles are not suitable for civilian riding in highway-city conditions.
The distinctive features of motocross motorcycles include:
- Extremely high engine power within racing standards
- Excellent maneuverability
- Smaller steering wheel. In the hands of a professional, it allows you to react faster to on-road (or rather, off-road) situations.
- Special rubber with off-road tread
- Increased front and rear suspension travel compared to other types of motorcycles
- Raised exhaust pipes
- Typically single cylinder engine
- The front of the seat is raised to make the pilot feel as comfortable as possible during jumps
On motocross motorcycles, two-stroke air-cooled engines are often used, this is due to the need to make the design as light as possible without losing power. But modern motorcycles can also be equipped with four-stroke liquid-cooled engines. To reduce the influence of unsprung masses on motorcycle control, the front suspension can be of an inverted type
A cross-country motorcycle is a sports equipment intended exclusively for motorsports and movement off public roads.
Mini bikes
Mini motorcycles are called differently. Pit bikes, mini bikes. They are small in size and low in power. And they are used not only for children. Adults also enjoy using go-karts for fun.
They appeared in the middle of the last century. Now it is difficult to determine who was the first to create such a machine, and they believe that the Japanese were the first. Motorcycle designers from Japan have always loved to surprise their customers with their new products. Many manufacturers liked the idea of creating minibikes, and today you can buy a small motorcycle from any manufacturer.
Types of mini bikes
Midi-moto
These are the largest motorcycles in this series. This is a kind of smaller copy of big bikes.
Pit bike
Full-fledged mini motocross motorcycles. They weigh up to eighty kilograms. Such motorcycles are equipped with engines with a volume of 100-150 cc.
Pocket-moto
A mini sportbike is also a small copy of a racing motorcycle. These motorcycles are very easy to operate and maintain. The motorcycle is small in size and can easily be placed in the trunk of a car. But its speed is quite high, up to seventy kilometers per hour. These motorcycles are the smallest. They have engines up to fifty cubic meters.
Mini choppers
A surprisingly small copy of choppers, just as comfortable and convenient for the driver. The speed of such motorcycles reaches one hundred kilometers.
But you shouldn’t think that riding minibikes is easy. They also require the same serious approach as big motorcycles. You also need appropriate motorcycle equipment to ride these motorcycles. The motorcycles are toy-sized, but they can accelerate to eighty or even more kilometers.
Today, many countries hold competitions where pilots compete on mini-motos. The design of such motorcycles differs little from their larger brothers. But there is one difference - they do not have shock absorbers, and their chassis is rigid. Therefore, it is best to ride mini motorcycles on a flat surface.
Mini-bike engines have a small volume, up to fifty cubic meters, and for good dynamic riding this can be quite enough. They also differ in price. Depending on the model of the motorcycle, the price varies from fifteen to one hundred and fifty thousand rubles.
Enduro
Structurally, these motorcycles are designed for use in rough terrain; these SUVs handle perfectly both on a flat road surface and in off-road conditions. Motorcycles are equipped with everything necessary to travel on public roads. Unlike cross-country motorcycles, “tailored” exclusively for sports, they are equipped with a headlight, turn indicators, dashboard, and passenger footrests. Additionally, trunks (luggage bags) can be installed
You can't imagine a better motorcycle for traveling!
Among the main technical characteristics of enduro it is worth highlighting the following:
- the frame is made of lightweight but extremely durable metal alloys
- the front wheel has a large diameter, at least 21 inches, to improve cross-country ability and control control;
- spoked front and rear wheels to reduce weight and improve shock absorption;
- the steering wheel is wide enough to easily control the car in motion;
- electrical wiring with reliable fastening of contacts;
- water or air-oil cooling to increase efficiency when driving at low speeds and in hot weather;
- brakes are implemented as simply as possible; disc structures are usually installed;
- powerful, torquey engine with smooth characteristics that works well in any speed range
conclusions
In our opinion:
- For children and novice bikers who are riding a motorized vehicle for the first time, a pit bike is better suited;
- For people who plan to seriously and for a long time immerse themselves in the world of motorsports, motocross motorcycles are suitable;
- travelers should pay attention to enduro
The choice of a motorcycle is directly related to its operating conditions and the tasks that its future owner sets for himself. But you definitely have to like the bike and you have to love it with all your heart, then it will reciprocate! Therefore, choosing a motorcycle is partly an intuitive and intimate process)
Attractive but unreliable
Now let's look at the smallest cross-country motorcycles for children - these are 2-stroke gasoline models.
Price from 17 tr. up to 50 tr. Their advantage is that they are light - weighing about 23 kg, but at the same time powerful and speed up to 50 km/h. They have bicycle disc brakes and full cross-country suspension. Therefore, they are suitable for rough roads.
China (LMDB-049H 50cc 2n R10, KXD 50cc 2t R10, etc.), Russia (MOTAX 50 cc) and Germany (NRG50, NITRO APOLLO 50cc) are the main manufacturers of inexpensive 2t mini bikes.
Motorcycles with a manual starter are often of poor quality - they start up quickly at first, but after a month they begin to break down, just like Chinese chainsaws - the longer they work, the more problems they have.
More disadvantages: very noisy, smoke - harmful according to environmental standards.
Our advantages:
- Reasonable prices. The company works directly with manufacturers without intermediaries. This allows you to set prices below the market average. In addition, marketing is based on increasing sales volumes with minimal trade margins. This approach is beneficial to all parties: both the seller and the buyer.
- Wide range of product items. Each person will be able to choose the best option for themselves.
- Experienced, qualified specialists will help you choose the right model. The consultants themselves are actively involved in motorsports. Their help will definitely not be superfluous.
- Favorable terms for order delivery. The company cooperates with proven logistics companies that offer truly convenient service.
- Quality guarantees.
We wish everyone good luck in choosing a motorcycle! We are sure that you will not go wrong, because choosing a motorcycle is a choice of the heart!
A couple of rules for choosing:
We've already covered some important points when choosing a motorcycle for beginners, but there's always something to add.
“The ideal motorcycle for a beginner - what is it?”
“Top 5 mistakes of a novice motorcyclist”
“Unsuccessful motorcycles for a beginner - what are they?”
In this selection, the main factors for choosing were weight and characteristics that will not disappoint first-season riders. There are new models here, yes, the price can bite, but this is not an aged bike from the secondary market, it doesn’t sprinkle sand from the pipes yet... and the amount of electronics in the new models turns training riding into pleasure.
A lightweight motorcycle is always convenient for novice riders. Only athletes tinker with motorcycles more than beginners. Beginners are not yet accustomed to the weight of the bike - it is inconvenient for them to park it, put it on and off the stand, they fall when they take the wrong trajectory for a turn or unexpectedly stall and do not have time to correct the situation. Therefore, you need to start, as they say, small.
Classic road workers
Most of the small-capacity motorcycles are for road users. The most popular of them can be safely called the Yamaha YBR-125, the favorite of all beginners, although Chinese companies have literally flooded the market with hundreds of cheap models in recent years. There are also completely different representatives of small-capacity road bikes, modern and technologically advanced - Yamaha MT-03, Suzuki GSR 250, Kawasaki Z300, Honda CB 300R and 300F, BMW G310R, KTM Duke 250... They cost 3-4 times more than the cheap “Chinese” ones, but they surpass them in all respects.
Cruisers
What are choppers, or rather cruisers? These are far from quiet motorcycles, sparkling with chrome and powerfully growling with a direct-flow exhaust. In theory, at least, because this description only partially applies to small-sized ones. Massive and heavy, these bikes are characterized by sluggish dynamics due to the engine being too weak for their high mass, and the general archaic design, characteristic of all representatives of the class, negatively affects handling and braking distance. So light cruisers with an engine capacity of up to 400cc have a right to life, but it is worth keeping in mind that they look much better than they drive. Both models from Japanese manufacturers (Yamaha XVS 250 Drag Star, Kawasaki VN250 Eliminator, Honda Magna 250, Suzuki Marauder 250) and Chinese (numerous options from Patron, Irbis, Johnny Pag, Regal Raptor, Keeway, Lifan and others) are available on the market ).
