Pocket Bikes

When we think of motorcycles, we usually think of the large cruising and touring motorcycles or big and fast sport bikes. Depending on what we’re riding, we may also think of dirt bikes. Many people, looking for more economical ways to get around are turning to small motorcycles, typically referred to as “pocket bikes.” These are small, lightweight and easy to operate motorcycles, perfect for a person to get around cities and suburbs.

The original pocket bikes were one-quarter size copies of regular motorcycles. They were originally meant for racing in Mini Moto races. Mini Moto started in Japan in the 1960’s. It eventually became a professional sport and spread to Europe. Several successful racers of full-sized motorcycles actually got their start racing pocket bikes. The pocket bikes built for racing are actually “pint sized” copies of full-sized motorcycles, with full suspension and similar power to weight ratios.

In the early 2000’s, some countries in Asia began exporting a low-cost pocket bike to North America. These little motorcycles did not have near the performance of their racing counterparts. They were very popular however, due to their low cost (as little as $200) and obvious fun factor. These early pocket bikes though, were unregulated and therefore, not street legal.

Before the original pocket bikes were minibikes. Many of you may have or have used a minibike. Minibikes were first built by hand in the 1950’s by putting a lawn mower engine in a cradle frame to resemble a small dirt bike with very fat wheels. Sales of factory made minibikes peaked in the early 1970’s and they can still be purchased from a variety of different places today. These small vehicles are also sometimes referred to as “pit bikes” because race crews use them to get around the pit areas of racetracks.

The popularity of minibikes led Honda to make a street legal version. Honda came out with the Z-Series in the early 1960’s. Because of their small size, the rider’s posture resembles that of a monkey, hence the nickname “Monkey Bike.” Although Honda discontinued the Z-Series in 2017, parts and Chinese copies are still available.

When we think of pocket bikes today, we think of the various models of small motorcycles, primarily from Honda and Kawasaki. These are small motorcycles of their own design. They operate and go almost as fast as a full-sized motorcycle. Kawasaki lists one model, while Honda lists five, one being the Monkey ABS and, possibly the most popular of the modern pocket bikes, the Grom. These are small, economical alternatives to a larger motorcycle. You can even take a motorcycle skills test with one of these. While not really a motorcycle, the Honda Ruckus is a popular, street legal scooter that looks just like a minibike.

When you are out looking for a motorcycle, you may want to look at a pocket bike. Of course, ABATE of Wisconsin wants to make sure that all bikers, even those on pocket bikes, can continue to enjoy the freedom of the road.

John