Looking to build a large mini bike

T

Tommy2

Member
#1
#1
Looking to build something that can accommodate large tires such as the Bad Dog frames on eBay.. My only problem with them is the price is nearly $900 with shipping. Also - There are no shocks on it. Whatever I build I want rear shocks and preferable shocks/forks in the front. I remember the mini bikes from when I was a kid without shocks would kill my back :laugh:


I'd like to find a frame with forks that I could work with, but doesn't seem to be much out there. A parts 3 wheeler would probably make the best donor for the project.. No luck on Craigslist though.


The more I started thinking about it.. This shouldn't be that complicated. Maybe I can just weld up a frame? Even use square tubing? Without shocks or forks that should be real easy..

Engine would be from Harbor Freight.. I want to be able to fit a 13HP engine with battery - If I want to go that route. I may not go that big, but I want the option for it.

This is something I've dreamed of doing for several years now..but for one reason or another I couldn't get into it. I'm at a point now where this is something I may actually be able to see through.

If anyone has done something similar or has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking!
 
jeep4me

jeep4me

Active Member
#2
#2
Try surfing Facebook's Marketplace. Usually when someone posts something for sale on a specific group on Facebook, the ad also goes to the Marketplace. There are plenty of mini bike groups on Facebook and I'm certain you'll find something you can use for your build that would be somewhere near you.

Good luck and start a project log once you get started.
 
T

Tommy2

Member
#3
#3
Yea, I never use Facebook. Never got into the narcissistic social media lol - but might be necessary for something like this. Would love to find a show or swap meet in my area.
 
T

Tommy2

Member
#9
#9
creia said:
What type of riding (asphalt road, dirt road, trail riding, etc.) will you be primarily be doing?
Michael
Click to expand...

A bit of a mix. I have a few acres of hills and woods here. Also some pavement I could ride on (quiet roads in the country, shouldn't be an issue to ride on once in a while).

Also, I'm not a heavy person - So that's not the reason for wanting a big mini bike.. Just want something somewhat comfortable. I'm around 150lbs, 6ft.
 
danford1

danford1

#10
#10
You can also look into a Heathkit Hilltopper. Big frame, big tires front and rear shocks. They have room for big block engines too.

I use Facebook a lot for finding minibikes. There are Many minibike specific groups in it. They get A LOT of traffic and are full of projects, rollers and complete bikes from stock to modified. I live near Detroit and minibikes are plentiful up here. If you find something out of state, you can get it shipped to you easy enough. I used U-Ship a few times with good success.

Danford1
 
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T

Tommy2

Member
#11
#11
danford1 said:
You can also look into a Heathkit Hilltopper. Big frame, big tires front and rear shocks. They have room for big block engines too.

I use Facebook a lot for finding minibikes. There are Many minibike specific groups in it. They get A LOT of traffic and are full of projects, rollers and complete bikes from stock to modified. I live near Detroit and minibikes are plentiful up here. If you find something out of state, you can get it shipped to you easy enough. I used U-Ship a few times with good success.

Danford1
Click to expand...
Yea, I set up a facebook account and see a mini bike (Manco Thunderbird) I want to message someone about..However, I can't seem to do it with my account.. Ugh.. I wish people would just use Craigslist. But you are right, there are way more listed on Facebook than Craigslist.
 
danford1

danford1

#12
#12
You need to use the app called "Messenger" to message someone. You get the guys name selling the item on Facebook and contact him in Messenger to keep your conversations private. It is like using a PM here. If you respond to an ad in FB the whole world can see what you wrote. Keep that in mind...

Danford1
 
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danford1

danford1

#13
#13
Consider looking for one of these also. You would need to build up the engine or put a bigger one on it. Also install a bigger rear sprocket for more tq and acceleration.
Cars and Cameras on Youtube are building one up right now.
Danford1
TrailMaster MB200-2 Mini Bike
 
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T

Tommy2

Member
#14
#14
danford1 said:
Consider looking for one of these also. You would need to build up the engine or put a bigger one on it. Also install a bigger rear sprocket for more tq and acceleration.
Cars and Cameras on Youtube are building one up right now.
Danford1
TrailMaster MB200-2 Mini Bike
Click to expand...
Yes! I saw that on the other thread. I think that is a great deal for what you get. If I just wanted something to ride, that one is definitely the way to go. Part of the fun for me though is I'm looking to build/work on one. But I imagine I'd have that much money into it pretty easily.
 
T

Tommy2

Member
#15
#15
danford1 said:
You need to use the app called "Messenger" to message someone. You get the guys name selling the item on Facebook and contact him in Messenger to keep your conversations private. It is like using a PM here. If you respond to an ad in FB the whole world can see what you wrote. Keep that in mind...

Danford1
Click to expand...
Yesterday I couldn't even view the marketplace if I was logged in my account. Today I can view it, click to send a message, but the message will not go through. Tried a different web browser also. Guess I will download the App and try that..

This is the one I am interested in: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/125742404756888

Yea, now I can't even view that page if I'm logged in my account. Only when I log out does it work. Seems like a glitchy nightmare..
 
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creia

creia

#17
#17
Tommy2 said:
A bit of a mix. I have a few acres of hills and woods here. Also some pavement I could ride on (quiet roads in the country, shouldn't be an issue to ride on once in a while).
Also, I'm not a heavy person - So that's not the reason for wanting a big mini bike.. Just want something somewhat comfortable. I'm around 150lbs, 6ft.
Click to expand...
My son and I have a Super Bronc VT-8. While they are definitely off-road worthy, they are NOT good for narrow trails with lots of sharp twists and turns (These bikes steer like a bus), as manuvering them is a real chore and workout. In wide open areas of dirt, grass, sand or even dirt roads they are fine. If you get one with the typical off-road tires that they usually come with they feel kind of squirrely on asphalt.
Just my .02 cents
Michael
 
1

1971_MB1A

Well-Known Member
#18
#18
I have a pretty decent 8 hp mostly original Super Bronc I may consider letting go. (crating/shipping no problem) PM me to further discuss.
 
T

Tommy2

Member
#19
#19
Well - I'm thinking of just going new at this point after searching for the last week or 2.

I did have a chance to buy a Baja in nice shape for $300. Needed a little TLC - Again, no rear shocks though. Offered $250, but he wouldn't come down at all. I passed on it.

Thinking of going with this:

TrailMaster MB200-2 Mini Dirt Bike

Or maybe a Honda clone.. Always wanted one, but the originals are just crazy expensive..Although even these are expensive enough. Almost enough you can buy a decent used full size motorcycle instead

123cc Four Stroke Air Cooled Retro Motor Bike

Ice Bear CHAMPION 125cc (Honda Trail CT70 DAX Style) Minibike

I think those 2 are the same, but hard to tell. Branding gets a bit confusing on the clones.

Anyone know if these places do anything for black Friday?
 
MattG

MattG

New Member
#20
#20
If you buy the MB200 I would get it from gokartmasters.com. Better reviews and I’ve ordered two from them with no problems and super fast shipping. Use coupon code SAVE50 to save $50 at checkout.

There are some sketchy dealer reviews from family go karts IMO.
 
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