Minibike

Traditionally, minibikes have a four-stroke, horizontal crankshaft engine, single- or two-speed centrifugal clutch transmissions with chain final-drive, 4" or 6" wheels and a low frame/seat height with elevated handlebars.

One of these "Pit bikes" was received by brothers Ray, Larry and Regis Michrina in early 1959 from local car dealer and racer Troy Ruttman.

[2] The Michrina Brothers would create the first commercial minibikes by drawing inspiration from this Pit Bike, delivering 3 prototypes to Troy Ruttman to sell through his dealership.

The Michrina brothers are credited with creating the minibike but failed to patent the design or trademark the term when founding their Lil Indian brand in 1959.

[4] As the market for minibikes developed, a variety of cottage and major industries offered models, including Arctic Cat, Rupp, Taco, Heath, Gilson, and Fox.

Traditional motorcycle manufacturers also released models inspired by aspects of minibikes, most famously Honda with the Z50A,[5] though this style was nicknamed a Monkey Bike due to its monkey-like riding position.

[8][full citation needed] The wide availability of cheap, generic components manufactured in China has given rise to the popularity of home-assembled minibikes.