Copyright 2004 Gisbert OskamFor those who were too small or too young to grip handles of a motorcycle, minibikes were a worthy alternative. Minibikes were about 4 feet tall, weighed as little as 65 pounds, and had wheels about 10 inches in diameter. With a frame like that, they didn't go very fast - but no one seemed to care.
As minibikes progressed, they soon came available with engines, brakes, suspension and headlights. They became more popular for off-roading than to race. Minibikes managed well in rough terrain and were not damaged with a fall.
Because of small size of bikes and young age of drivers, minibikes were outlawed on main roads. Children began seriously injuring themselves by driving on streets where cars could not see them. By 1973, with law was much stricter with minibikes and with first generation of enthusiasts graduating to real motorcycles, minibikes purchases slowly started to fade.
Now however, there is a whole new generation that has discovered fun-factor of mini bike or pocket bike. The latest trend is to get a minibike and then totally customize it into a super pocket bike. All kinds of accessories are available to facilitate this. Think custom saddles, headlights, chrome -everything- and of course engine kits to increase power of mini motor bike.