Racing pocket bikes, also called Mini GP racing, is a type of auto racing that is done with the use of miniature versions of full size motorcycles, called pocket bikes. This type of racing usually occurs on dirt tracks. It is a sport that is very popular in Europe and Japan, and is gaining in popularity in many other parts of the world, especially in the United States.
Typically a pocket bike is about a quarter a regular motorbikes size, with an engine of about 45cc producing somewhere between 3 and 15 horsepower, which varies with the particular model. The machines have no suspension, relying instead on the tires absorbing the bumps. Most weigh approximately fifty pounds. The entry-level models will usually output about three to four horsepower, however more expensive models can be much more powerful. The ideal racing pocket bikes have a good weight to power ratio. Speed and acceleration can be enhanced by special modifications. Even though they are tiny, both children and adults race pocket bikes at speeds of up to fifty five miles per hour under good conditions.
Because they are small pocket bikes are easy to transport, and the cost of the bikes is low which adds to their appeal to both children and adults. The lowest cost pocket bikes imported from China sell for around $250 for a no frills model, while prices can be as high as $5000 for a top pocket bike from Italy. Children from around six can learn the motorcycle racing and adults are able to feel all the thrills of bike racing without the danger and high cost involved in full-sized motorcycle racing.