Liquid Cooled Pocket Bikes – How Fast Are They And Are They Affordable?
As the latest Minimoto Madness craze continues in the UK. The demand for pocket bikes means that the consumer is now looking for more, better quality products that are not only affordable for the average worker, but also produce great power and fast speeds.
Price range of liquid-cooled minibikes?
Just a few months ago it would have been almost impossible to get a quality liquid-cooled minibike for less than £600; however, thanks to reliable UK based companies who have started importing high quality liquid cooled mini bikes, you can now get a high quality liquid cooled mini bike. cooled minibike for as little as £250. (See below for the website of a minibike importer who sells all four of the liquid-cooled pocket minibikes discussed below)
There are many liquid-cooled minibikes available these days from big companies like GRC, Polini, Blata, etc. Since they are of the highest quality available, they will cost you thousands of pounds! However, UK based companies now importing direct from Asia can offer fast pocket bikes to the consumer for as little as £250.
What models are available for under £350?
Here we look at four of the most popular liquid-cooled mini bikes that are available for under £350! Images of all of these are provided in the link at the end of this article.
Polini style liquid cooled mini bike
For those who have just progressed from air-cooled minibikes, the next step up is the Polini 911-style liquid-cooled minibike. This is a reliable bike with a quality super-cast aluminum frame. This mini bike reaches approximately 55 – 60 mph. Similar in style to air-cooled minibikes and not a drastic increase in speed, it’s the right minibike for you to get that extra thrill without your hair standing on end.
It is also an ideal minibike for learning to mod and tune as parts availability is high for this model and many original minibike parts will fit right on. These mini bikes have fewer problems right out of the box and are easier to maintain.
Specification of a Polini style minibike
ENGINE: 39 cc, 2-stroke, water-cooled (6.2 hp)
BRAKES: Front double disc and single rear
FRAME: Aluminum
START: pull the rope
TIRES: Semi-licks
COOLING: Water cooled radiator with water pump
EXHAUST: performance exhaust with large expansion chamber
SPEED: Up to 60 mph (depending on weight, weather and road conditions)
Blata Origami Style liquid cooled mini bike
Next in line, and slightly faster, is the Origami-style minibike. This is a bit faster than the Polini-style bike and has what’s known as a mk 3 frame. It’s a boxier frame than the usual air-cooled minimoto frames. When the first batch of these originally came from China, they had a lot of problems, including overheating issues; however, they have since been updated and modifications have now been made to them meaning they no longer have these issues. If you want reliability as your next step then the Polini style minibike is better than the Origami style minibike, however if you want more speed and know a bit more about minibikes and are willing to fine tune these Origami style then this will do the trick! Fine and you won’t be disappointed!
Specification of an origami style mini bike:
ENGINE: 39cc 2-stroke water-cooled
BRAKES: Dual wave discs front and single rear
FILTER: Wide K&N Style Performance Cone Filter
START: pull the rope
TIRES: Street tires
COOLING: Water cooled radiator with water pump
EXHAUST: performance exhaust with large expansion chamber
SPEED: Up to 60 mph (depending on weight, weather and road conditions)
Blata Elite style liquid cooled mini bike
The Elite Rep has the same spec engine as the Origami Rep, however due to its lightweight frame and half fairing this bike is scary! Smaller and lighter than the other water-cooled bikes, you’ll have a hard time keeping the front wheel down due to its sheer power. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll leave everyone with a face full of exhaust fumes as you shoot yourself into the distance. This bike is not suitable for inexperienced and junior riders! Although the Elite Rep is fast, the downside is the frame, which needs to be strengthened with a bit more welding.
Elite Style Mini Bike Specifications:
ENGINE: 39cc 2-stroke Water-cooled
COOLING: Water cooled radiator with water pump
FILTER: Wide K&N Style Performance Cone Filter
EXHAUST: performance exhaust with large expansion chamber
SPEED: 60+ mph (depending on rider weight, weather and surface conditions)
BRAKES: Front and rear disc
MAXIMUM LOAD: 110kg
TIRES: slick tires
TANK CAPACITY: 1.5l
START: Pull cord
POWER: 8.5 BHP/15000rm (manufacturer claim – tested to be very, very fast)
Banshee Sho (RCMP style – liquid cooled minibike)
Last but not least is the newest water/liquid cooled mini bike to come out of China. There are many styling similarities between this BANSHEE SHO representative and the GRC minibike. This has to be the ultimate bike for thrill seekers. This bike gets the adrenaline pumping like no other. Very high quality mini bike with full aluminum frame. This mini bike oozes style and the paint on most of it is just fabulous! This mini bike puts out an amazing 11 bhp and has a 50cc 2-stroke engine compared to the others that have a 39cc engine.
This bike would only be suitable for those who feel very comfortable with minibikes. It is not suitable for inexperienced and minors! One caution comes with this bike as it is extremely fast! This minibike also has 3 power bands and you will get the most out of it on a circuit with long straights.
Banshee Style Mini Bike Specification:
ENGINE: 50cc 2-stroke water-cooled (11hp)
COOLING: liquid cooling
SPEED: 65+mph
BRAKES: Twin front disc brakes and single rear disc
START: Pull start
RADIATOR: Water cooled radiator with water pump and bleeder valve
TIRES: semislick tires
FRAME: aluminum
Depending on your preference, the above four pocket bikes will suit most riders looking to move on from air-cooled pocket bikes. The link provided below has images and more details on all of the liquid cooled mini bikes.