Vintage minibikes

Nice little Cat 250x

 

Thank you sir! I've had so much interest in this thing, I'm thinking very seriously about doing them as a repro type deal. I am planning on stretching them an inch or so most directions though...

 

Just picked this up at a garage sale for $20. Don't know anything about it. Trying to get the oversized motor running. Don't think it's getting consistant spark. I'll take off the flywheel tomorrow and look at the points.

 

Here's mine. Have no idea how old it is........we call it Mini-Bob

 

Sounds like you need to just copy the 400x

Plenty of originals left though..

 

Late 60s/Early 70s Alexander-Reynolds (ARCO) out of New Jersey.

 

I'm thinking some kind of JC Penneys. Need better pics.

 

better picture

 

What is that above your clutch there?

 

About 10 years ago when I was road racing I had an off-the-shelf minibike that I used as a pit bike. It was great 'til someone ripped it off 2 years later. Money being really tight at the time, I scoured a junkyard in Topeka, KS while there for our National Championships and found a teensy tiny minibike frame. It was so small that I couldn't sit on the seat without my knees on the handlebars. I guess it was made for 5 year olds or something.

Anyone recognize it?


Well, I wanted a vintage style chopper so some friends and I got together and chopped, stretched, and raked the original frame into this monstrosity. I now consider it more of a rat rod chopper than vintage, though. It's much more weathered now (7 year old pic), but still runs great.


We even made a goofy website to document the build while making fun of Orange County Choppers, which was gaining popularity at the time. "Skully" was our first project.
http://sth2.com/wilco_choppers/

I used it for a pit bike 'til I quit racing a few years ago. It sat dormant in my shed 'til the '09 Round Up where I raced it. It had plenty of power/speed, but a chopper doesn't exactly take the corners well. One day I'll rebuild it as a bobber.

 

Why, I know that frame! It's a Cat 250, just like mine a couple of posts up.

 

Well, I'll be... Sure enough! Thanks for the info. How in the world do you fit on it? I'm only 6'1" and I didn't think there was any way I could ride it in stock form!

 

Here's one seen at a swap in FL

 

I have wanted a mini bike since I was a kid. Now I am 43 years old and I still want one. The wife however seems to be VERY against it for some reason. Have not figured that one out yet. As soon as I find a decent running vintage bike for a good price, it is coming home with me.

 

I built the seat so that it is a bit farther back than stock, and kept it real low so I didn't sit up too high. The tall 6"wheels and tires also help out for a little extra rise. That said, at 6'1" also, and mostly arms and legs - I do look pretty ridiculous riding this thing! It's all part of the fun of having what amounts to a child's toy! Best one was a friend of mine that's about 6'3" and has long hair and a beard riding it around. He looks like the classical paintings of Jesus... Jesus flying by on a to small mini bike in a full layed out salt flats tuck at speed has to be one of the funniest things I have ever seen!!!

 

Keep close man, I might be able to hook you up soon... Got a deal brewing for several.

 

Yes, riding Chips mini bike re-enforced how much I want one. Chip, you should NEVER have let me ride it. My wife is going to personally hold you responsible for any broken bones that come my way for doing something stupid if/when the time comes that I get one. Or, if I fall off of yours sometime.....

 

Oh s**t. Call me when you get them.

 

Oh man, that's classic! And I can relate. My buddy has a typical minibike, but he's 6'6" tall and also has long hair. The best part is his bike is metallic pink!

 

And so it starts.... P.S. I've gotten real good at NOT falling off mine lately! Just had to understand that wheelies are out!

 

Let me know if/when you get some Chip.

 

Here is my Heathkit Boonie Bike

Pretty original, even the 2 speed works.

 

How about a winter time mini?? Here's my Chrysler/OMC "Sno Runner" (AKA Sno Rabbit) 2cycle. Only built a couple of years. Can be quickly broke down and put in your trunk. Top tube of frame is the gas tank. Really unique. Picked it up from a buddy. Never have run it . No snow in FL. PM me if you have an interest.

 

Some sweet minis in here

 

Got it running. Points were black. Burnished them and cleaned up everything and it started right up. Runs good plenty of power. Might be the most fun I ever got out of $20.

 

watch for this at Bonneville with the "Flakester" V8 60 flat powered belly tank

 

Drug this thing home yesterday.

 

I know this is a "minibike" thread but just had to toss in a pic of the three-wheeler. The three-wheeler runs lawn tractor tires on the back ... bad choice ... heck of a rough ride.

 

First start up of my Taco 44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrXfbJwOTJg

 

Didn't read the whole post but if it hasn't been listed maybe this will help you find a bike or parts and maybe some needed info. www.oldminibikes.com