Best Money Saving Articles Online

What Are Pocket Bikes And Why Should You Care?

Sep 26, 2009 More Saving

It seems these days that people are spending their money on more and more ridiculous things. One of the latest crazes, originating from Japan, is that of pocket bikes. What are pocket bikes you might ask? Well they are actually just a little mini motorcycle that people use for recreation and/or racing. At first look, you might not think it, but they are actually fully functional motorcycles. Even though you may look ridiculous writing them they are actually quite fast. Depending on the size of the engine they can get over 60 mph. And what’s even better is that they are pretty cheap compared to full-size bikes. If you’d like learn more about these mini motorcycles keep on reading.

Pocket bikes come in several different engine sizes with most ranging around the 50cc area but they go as high as 110cc. The racing variety obviously is on the higher side of the scale. But you can use any of the sizes for recreation if you so wish. Most pocket bikes have adjustable rear swing-arm suspension which allows them to make tight turns so low to the ground.

You have to be careful with pocket bikes because the mini bikes are not exactly street legal in most states. But you can freely use them on dirt tracks or go kart racing courses and around your neighborhood. Most pocket bikes lack the safety features available in most full-size motorcycles. If you do decide to go racing then please make sure that you wear full safety gear including a full-size helmet. Pocket bikes may seem like toys but they most certainly are not. In fact they can be more dangerous than a full sized bike if you don’t know what you’re doing.

There’s also another variety of pocket bikes known as super pocket bikes which are just highly modified pocket bikes used for racing. A big trend in the pocket bike community is buying a regular pocket bike and modifying it with several improvements which increase the speed by quite a bit. But if you’re in the market for a super pocket bike straight out of the dealership be aware that the price difference is quite a bit more. Some are even over the $5,000 range.

You have two choices when it comes to buying pocket bikes really: buy online or buy in the store. Buying online is obviously the easier of the two but for those who like to look at all the different mini pocket bikes and their options beforehand, buying in store is generally a good choice. Also buying in a store is great for those who have questions. Most store owners will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have beforehand.

Just listen to all the advice above and you will be on your way to buying a great little mini pocket bike which will be fun for not only your children but also you as well.

Tags: automotive, Bikes, garage, hobbies, home, More Saving, Motorcycles, pocket bikes, racing, recreation, Sports

Pocket Bike Performance Parts

Jul 15, 2009 More Saving

Pocket bikes are mass produced on assembly lines and as a result seem to have lost a little bit of grit and personality from the days where they were only available to those with the heart to build one from scrap. For the enthusiasts today who want to personalize their pocket bikes there are numerous specialized shops that sell pocket bike parts specifically for the purpose of building or customizing a pocket bike.

The parts that are available can be categorized by their contribution and function to the entirety of the pocket bike. There are engine parts that are specific to the functions of the engine, frame parts that are specific to the exterior and body of the bike, and there are performance parts that are upgrades of parts that already exist. Together they can totally change the way a pocket bike looks and rides.

The pocket bike engine is very similar to a lawn mowing engine and differs only in the build. The common law mower and pocket bike engines are both usually four stroke and about the same size. However, you can’t build a pocket bike with a lawn mowing engine because the engine shaft is aligned in different directions.

The pocket bike engines available today have been improved quite a bit over the years and have become specialized for pocket bikes. The double stroke or two-stroke engine are available in the market today and provide strengths of about 44cc. You can get an 110cc engine in bigger bikes such as super pocket rockets.

The frame includes any part of the pocket bike that is visible when the entire bike is put together. This makes up the body of the bike and serves a double function. The pocket bike frame is what holds the bike together as well as supports the weight of the bike including the rider. It also gives the pocket bike its aesthetics.

What makes modifying a pocket bike so much fun are the performance parts. It is one thing to put in new lights and admire the aesthetics, it’s really another thing to put in a two piece high compression heat kit and feel the new power of the pocket bike. Performance parts are anything that improves the way the bike rides. This can be basic like a changing the air filter, or advanced like upgrading the reed cage. This is where amateurs can begin with simple mods and move up to more advanced modifications.

Then there are accessories to the bike that can enhance the riders experience but does not change the performance of the bike. It is the bells and whistles that make the neighborhood kid jealous. Things like an LCD screen for digital display, or upgraded seats for more comfort will fall into this category.

Whatever the case, pocket bike owners of all ranges can customize their bikes to improve their experience by changing just a few parts or all the parts. Some people would even prefer to buy the pieces and put it together as they please. There are also kits available for some of these hands-on people. The options are limited only by your creativity and imagination. Oh yeah, and funds.

Tags: automobiles, Bikes, cars, hobbies, More Saving, motorbikes, Motorcycles, motors, pocket bikes, racing, Sports

Popularity of Electric Pocket Bikes

Jun 29, 2009 More Saving

Electric pocket bikes are quickly becoming popular among pocket bike enthusiasts for the perks it offers over traditionally gas powered bikes. But the revolutionary trend is its move into the homes and hearts of more average consumers. The way it is changing the image of the industry has made it more inviting as potential toy for everyone.

Now widely popular around the world, it was originally developed in Japan and was popular for performing tricks and racing. Due to the added safety electric pocket bikes offer, it spread to Europe and the United States with much excitement. The reputation of being dangerous and loud is now countered by the electric engine.

The engine is quiet and provides a smooth ride on an electric motor that can hold up to 700 watts of power. The differentiation from traditional gas engines allows manufacturers to enter a market that has been basically untapped. It is environmentally friendly and doesn’t generate the level of noise pollution as the gas version.

And while safety was in the front of the minds of developers, they did not leave out the excitement and fun that many customers have come to expect from a pocket bike. It makes the pocket bike more available to younger customers whose parents’ primary concern was safety.

The knee and elbow pads as well as a helmet are typically included in the package. For improved suspension and braking safety, the front and rear disk brakes of almost every model are vented. It is also designed to allow for adjustments to help minimize damage to the brake pads.

The tires are designed with airtight seals inside to reduce the risk of flattening. When there is a flat, the tired can carry the weight of the bike with low tire pressure. If there ever is an accident that results from flatting, this design greatly reduces the severity.

To prevent theft, there is a small lock over the ignition keyhole. This just might prove enough deterrent to mitigate any petty criminal with nothing more than itchy hands. And expect the get attention with some models sporting a tinted windshield, instrument light, and flare that gives the bike a little edge in the looks department.

For some kids young and old, or really old, this is a dream toy. And for parents, it’s a relief to be able to give their child a high end toy that borders the real deal with less risk to safety. It is easy to see why electric pocket bikes are increasingly popular. The racers can start their practicing young and can upgrade to power pocket rockets as they get older and more experienced.

Tags: automobiles, Bikes, cars, hobbies, More Saving, motorbikes, Motorcycles, motors, pocket bikes, racing, Sports

Are Pocket Bikes Street Legal?

Jun 19, 2009 More Saving

For a pocket bike to be street legal, it will take a little bit of work. Straight out of the box, pocket bikes lack a few things to be allowed on the streets, although specific rules vary from state to state. It is also not uncommon for pocket bikes to disqualify simply because they are miniature in size.

Smaller models don’t really have much of a chance in becoming street legal simply because most bikes would be in a class with motorcycles. And according to the rules, the seat of a motorcycle must be at least 25 inches off the ground. A pocket bike obviously violates that simple test and raising the seat is not a viable mod for any bike.

Just being caught on the public streets on a pocket bike is considered reckless driving in most cases due to the obvious violation of safety regulations. In fact, if an officer does decide to write you up for the violations, there could easily be many and the fine could be as high as $2,000.

Just to name a few of the legal violations according to the most common regulations among various states, pocket bikes don’t come with rear indicator lights for night driving. Nor do they come with rear view mirrors, horns, signaling lights for turns.

All of these are essential requirements of vehicles to be street legal. Since they cannot be registered, the pocket bikes cannot have plates and unregistered vehicles cannot be operated on the public streets. Pocket bikes also cannot be insured, and with such small mufflers, there is a chance of violating noise pollution regulation in some areas.

There are some models of larger pocket bikes, or ’super’ pocket bikes as they are referred to in contrast to mini bikes, that come with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a speedometer and horn to meet nearly all the requirements.

Many of these larger bikes will miss a few key requirements from being eligible for registration. However, the modifications required are so small they can easily be overcome. Add a rear view mirror here and brackets for license plate there and all of the sudden the bike is registered as a motorcycle or home built vehicle.

Once on the public streets, the rider will usually be required to follow safety regulations imposed on motorcycle riders. The vehicle will need to be insured and the rider will need a valid state driver’s license and helmet. If the bike is classified as a motorcycle then a motorcycle license is required. If it is categorized with mopeds, then a regular driver’s license will suffice.

Tags: automobiles, Bikes, cars, hobbies, More Saving, Motorcycles, motors, pocket bikes, racing, Sports

Buying A Used Pocket Bike

Jun 11, 2009 More Saving

A way for someone to get into the sport of riding pocket bikes without forking over hundreds or even thousands upfront is to test the waters with a used bike. Buying used will definitely save you a lot of money.

The make sure you get the best deal possible, it requires meticulous shopping and research. You will learn as much as possible about what pocket bikes are about. Just as there are many benefits, although namely financial, there are risks involved as well.

In fact, the concept quite closely mirrors buying a used car which is something many more people are familiar with. Buying a used pocket bike is just on a smaller scale and a more restrictive market. But there are some things about buying a new bike that just lose out on when buying used.

One of the key considerations is warranty. If you buy a new bike that suddenly breaks down or stops working you can bring it in to the retailer or manufacturer for a refund, exchange, or repairs that are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Rarely will you find a pocket bike that is still within the warranty and is transferable from primary to secondary owners. In much more common cases, you will be buying the pocket bike as-is, and no refunds or exchanges.

Just like buying a used car, most people don’t take enough time to fully examine the used bike or doesn’t know what to look for and then gets sold a lemon. Savvy owners will sense a newbie that doesn’t know what they are looking at. This puts the buyer at the mercy of the seller who might just cover up a bike that is in poor condition.

The financial savings is still so huge, many people will take that risk. Besides, the risk really can be minimized with thorough research and inspection. Buying a used pocket bike can save as much as fifty to seventy-five percent compared to the cost of a brand new bike. A it makes sense because, like cars, depreciation begins right out of the box.

What really helps the financial situation is the fact that resellers can usually be worked for a better deal. It is pretty much expected to negotiate a little when buying a used car or in this case, a pocket bike. The asking price and agreed price usually will yield a deep discount for the buyer. This allows you to get a great pocket bike at a fraction of the cost for a new bike.

Tags: automobiles, Bikes, cars, More Saving, Motorcycles, motors, pocket bikes, racing, Sports

Proper Way To Break In A New Pocket Bike

Jun 8, 2009 More Saving

Once you bring home a new pocket bike, there are breaking in procedures that need to be done. It is easy to get excited and want to ride around at top speed but if you do not properly break in the bike you risk cutting the engine life by almost half. That means you will be pouring money to maintain the bike much earlier than you should. There are many techniques to properly break in your new bike but two of the most popular strategies stand out.

The first method of breaking in a new pocket bike is known as heat cycling. It begins by turning on the engine to idle or just above idle for about five or ten minutes. The engine will only be slightly warmed and still cooler than normal operating conditions. Let the engine cool down after the five or ten minutes of idling. Once the engine has cooled down, bring it back up by letting it idle for an additional ten minutes and then turn it off to cool down once more. Do this for a total of four cycles.

Now that the engine has cooled after the final warm up we need to break it in with a little riding. Ride the bike at a slow and easy pace until the tank is emptied. The important thing is to not stress the engine by revving the engine too hard or speeding up too fast. Once the entire tank of gas is done, the bike is ready for normal riding on its next tank.

The second method is less used but some people think it is more fun since you actually get to ride the bike. Begin warming up the engine by letting it idle for about five minutes. After the five minutes is up, slowly and gently bring up the throttle to where the clutch engages. This will keep the bike from lurching and throwing you off if you apply too much throttle while riding.

When you take the bike for the ride, slowly break in the tires by running a lap at a very slow speed. On the second lap, speed up the bike and try to focus on hitting as wide a range of RPMs as possible by accelerating and decelerating frequently.

It is important that after the first lap you check that the engine is warmed up enough before beginning. During the fifteen minutes of riding remember not to push the engine too hard or too slow. To keep the clutch from burning you have to keep it from engaging completely. You will know if the clutch is fully engaged by the bucking feel or the noise of the engine.

There are other methods of breaking in the pocket bikes but these two are the most common and standard. Once the bike is properly warmed up you are ready to hit the tracks, just remember to follow safety rules and wear proper safety gear when riding.

Tags: automobiles, Bikes, cars, More Saving, Motorcycles, motors, pocket bikes, racing, Sports