| Minimotos are now one of the fastest growing | | | | Minimoto performance |
| categories in motor sport, because of the low running | | | | Most common engine sizes for minimotos are 47cc to |
| costs involved and closeness of the racing. Whether | | | | 49cc, generally a two stroke air cooled motor requiring |
| its just a quick thrash around the local airfield (with | | | | unleaded fuel premixed with fully synthetic two stroke |
| permission of course) or a full on assault on the track | | | | oil. The higher performance minimotos are notably |
| the sense of excitement and fun you can get from | | | | water cooled. |
| minimotos is awe inspiring. | | | | Minimotos are available in two sizes: a mini with a 27" |
| Origin of the minimoto | | | | wheelbase and a midi with a 30" wheelbase. Engine |
| The first series of minimotos originated from Japan, | | | | horsepower choices are available from a 4.2 HP |
| with modest power outputs these were quickly | | | | model up to the 15+ HP race machines that can |
| superseded by the superior performance of the | | | | actually reach speeds of upto 75 miles an hour which |
| European models, particularly the Italian Polini engined | | | | feels more like 150 miles an hour when you are so low |
| variety which is one of the quickest accelerating | | | | to the ground Transporting your minimoto also |
| minimotos. The Chinese have now jumped on the | | | | represents very few problems due to there |
| bandwagon and have produced a series of easily | | | | compactness 1m - 1.3m long and weighing in at only |
| affordable minimotos priced below £200, with all | | | | 23kg., if you have a spare suitcase it will not be a |
| the features and capable of speeds upto 40 miles an | | | | problem |
| hour in standard trim. | | | | Minimotos are suitable for children aged 7 and |
| Minimotos or as the Chinese call them gas scooters | | | | upwards but only under the strict supervision of a |
| are scaled down versions of true GP racing | | | | responsible adult. Even though these machines are |
| motorcycles. The latest minimotos run cutting edge | | | | small miniature works of art most will carry a 250lb |
| technology with a floating disk brake at the front and a | | | | adult. |
| single disc at the rear, running on racing compound slick | | | | Most successful stars of today in World Superbike |
| tires. The bodywork is beautifully styled with both full | | | | and MotoGP started there racing in the minimoto |
| fairing versions and half fairing models. Not to be out | | | | category many moons ago. The best example is |
| done by their big brothers these miniature racing bikes | | | | Valentino Rossi. He was Italian pocketbike Champ |
| come with a hi-tech polished aluminium/magnesium | | | | twice before becoming 125, 250,500 and MotoGP |
| alloy cast frame with integral swinging arm. | | | | World Champion. So give it a go and who knows! |