Big balloon tire mini's

[Sprocket86]

Could someone post or list all of the "big balloon tire" mini bikes that were made in the USA or Canada?

What was the best handling and thought out model?

I really want another big tire mini bike again. Had a brief time with a Baja MB165 and really liked the big frame and tires as I'm 6 foot 5 lol.

 

[Sixpac440]

Heald VT-10

 

[capguncowboy]

I just picked up a Heathkit Hilltopper. I haven't ridden it yet, but I'm 6'5 as well, and that bike is more than big enough to accommodate my long legs

 

[gumpit]

The MB165 is to a Heald Super Bronc what a Tom Thumb is to a Bonanza.

 

[Sprocket86]

The MB165 is to a Heald Super Bronc what a Tom Thumb is to a Bonanza.

I'm not quite sure I follow lol. Sorry

 

[Sprocket86]

Heald VT-10

That's a very nice machine. 10hp with a Comet Tav would be a very nice combo. What am I expected to pay for one that's in good condition?

 

[Sprocket86]

I just picked up a Heathkit Hilltopper. I haven't ridden it yet, but I'm 6'5 as well, and that bike is more than big enough to accommodate my long legs

That's a sweet bike! Love the exhaust. Have you heard it run yet?

 

[gumpit]

Super Bronc Heald Super Bronc in the snow - YouTube

 

[gumpit]

Mb165

 

[gumpit]

Tom Thumb(ish)

 

[capguncowboy]

Pardon the mess, but here are three big-tire bikes side by side. Closest is a Super Bronc VT8, then Heathkit Hilltopper, then a Manco Custom (used to be a 3 wheeler).

They're all pretty big bikes and if you're a tall guy like me, you'll easily fit. All of them are projects too :laugh: if I ever get some time...

I haven't had the Hilltopper running yet. I just picked it up on Friday and I've been working overtime. Maybe this weekend? We'll see.

 

[Sprocket86]

Haha...I see what you mean now lol. I'm pretty sure I understood what you were trying say but wasn't quite sure.

Those Tom Thumbs are a tiny machine!

 

[Sprocket86]

Super Bronc Heald Super Bronc in the snow - YouTube

Snow...Birr lol. Cool vid and that makes me want one even more! Riding mini bikes in the snow is a riot

 

[Sprocket86]

Pardon the mess, but here are three big-tire bikes side by side. Closest is a Super Bronc VT8, then Heathkit Hilltopper, then a Manco Custom (used to be a 3 wheeler).

They're all pretty big bikes and if you're a tall guy like me, you'll easily fit. All of them are projects too :laugh: if I ever get some time...

I haven't had the Hilltopper running yet. I just picked it up on Friday and I've been working overtime. Maybe this weekend? We'll see.

Hey thanks for the comparison pics. I'm pretty sure I have my mind set on a Heald Inc product. How many different models did they have?

That'd be cool if you posted a vid of the Hilltopper running. The big mini's seem like they would be very fun to ride. I'm going to post a wanted ad asap!

 

[gumpit]

I pulled the video off YouTube. There are probably videos of each of them. The Healds are the big boys. I would rather a VT 7 with the big back tire but a smaller tire in the front. Better for turning. The big front tires take a little getting used to. Just don't use s stock VT7 front tire. They are pretty square. Replace it with one with a rounded edge.

 

[control4userguy]

^What he said. Even with a street tread/round profile, to quote someone else on this forum, the machine goes where it wants to go.

 

[capguncowboy]

My big tire Manco bike took a while to get used to. You really have to lean to get it to turn. It's definitely not a good rider for offroad use.

 

[thejoker]

Pardon the mess, but here are three big-tire bikes side by side. Closest is a Super Bronc VT8, then Heathkit Hilltopper, then a Manco Custom (used to be a 3 wheeler).

They're all pretty big bikes and if you're a tall guy like me, you'll easily fit. All of them are projects too :laugh: if I ever get some time...

I haven't had the Hilltopper running yet. I just picked it up on Friday and I've been working overtime. Maybe this weekend? We'll see.

You just wanted to show off my super bronc.

 

[Sprocket86]

I pulled the video off YouTube. There are probably videos of each of them. The Healds are the big boys. I would rather a VT 7 with the big back tire but a smaller tire in the front. Better for turning. The big front tires take a little getting used to. Just don't use s stock VT7 front tire. They are pretty square. Replace it with one with a rounded edge.

Thanks for the info and I'm kinda bummed that the big front tire Healds don't handle all that well. So I take it the big tire Super bronc's handle nothing like a MB165?

 

[Sprocket86]

My big tire Manco bike took a while to get used to. You really have to lean to get it to turn. It's definitely not a good rider for offroad use.

I keep forgetting about the big tire Manco machines and again, it's a letdown that these bikes don't dominate the beaten path.

What terrain do you find works best for these big brutes?