Topic: Coleman, Baja, Monster Moto, etc, style mini bikes

[Scott S]

My 9 year old granddaughter has expressed some interest in getting on two wheels. She recently had a chance to ride 4 wheelers with some of her friends and that's what started it.
Unfortunately, we don't have anywhere to ride 4 wheelers. BUT.... I offered to teach her how to ride on two wheels!
I know a PW80, Z50, etc, etc, are much better all around bikes. But we're limited to yard riding and keeping it in the neighborhood for now. Plus, the big wheels of the mini bikes seem to assure her a little more vs. a starter dirt bike.

I know there are different engine sizes, some with suspension, etc. Is there any real difference when it comes to these style mini bikes? I can find them very lightly used for around $300, give or take. If she really likes it and shows continued interest, I'll upgrade to a "real" motorcycle some day.

She's 48" tall and weighs 75 lbs.

[madmtnmotors]

I have a Coleman CT200U that I use for a pit bike. They are super simple and they even have an adjustable governor in the form of a stop screw limiting max throttle. Thoroughly check all bolts for tightness and check all adjustments. The steering head bolt was loose on mine when I bought it (lightly used) making for some wonky steering, but once properly adjusted it now steers fine. The rear sprocket bolts rattled out at the track one weekend so some blue locktite on those would be good. The little 40 chains are cheap and I buy it in 10 foot rolls to keep on hand along with extra master links. I've already broken one primary chain, the chain between the centrifugal clutch and the idler/intermediate gear, but of course I weigh 200 lbs! The rear drum brake squealed like a pig (yes, drum) until I couldn't take it anymore and pulled the rear wheel. A little high pressure silicone grease on all of the pivot/contact points quieted things down nicely.

The CT200U has the brake lever on the left handlebar with the kill switch on the right. This brake lever location was so unnatural for me that I had to move the kill switch to the left so I could mount the brake lever on the right handlebar (at the throttle) as God intended.

It is a blast to ride!