Pocket Bike racing is also known as Minimoto or mini GP racing. It is where pocket bikes are raced around tracks designed for kart racing. The sport is gaining popularity around parts of the world but dominates in Japan and in Europe.
The pocket bikes are about a quarter of the size of a regular motorcycle and are powered by a two-stroke internal combustion engine. It runs on somewhere between 39cc to about 50cc and can produces about 15 horsepower. Because of its miniature size, the bikes have no suspension built in and rely completely on the tires to absorb bumps and handle cornering. The entry-level models produce as little as 2.4 to 4.2 horsepower and the higher end, more expensive models can produce as much as 11 to 17 horsepower. Weighing at around 40 pounds, the power to weight ratio is nicely favorable for racing. They are raced on kart tracks up to 78 mph in organized racing leagues.
Due to their small size, the bikes are conceivably easier to transport and are relatively affordable in the powered racing sport. For a basic model manufactured in China, they are priced from $200 and up. For a top Italian model they can run up to $7,000. The low cost of the pocket bikes makes it easy for children to learn about motorcycle racing without the high costs and risks associated with full-sized motorcycle racing.
